Elite 9 Mile Bay

Crossing:

This is a 9 mile race for Elite paddlers with the

skill and fitness to complete this endurance challenge; racers should have significant

experience in diverse, challenging open water weather conditions and completing

long distance races.   

Paddlers can expect to see varying wave, tide and wind conditions which may increase as they proceed further from shore and cross the center of the bay.  This course is expected to take up to 2.5 hours and is open to racing class paddle craft suitable for the conditions (no recreational SUP or Kayaks, all kayakers must be able to perform a wet exit).  A US Coast Guard Approved Flotation Device and a Leash are required for all racers.

Based on Coast Guard requirements for crossing the shipping channel, there will be mandatory cut-off times for this course at 3 Miles (1 Hour) , 6 Miles (2 Hours) and 7.5 Miles (2.5 Hours).  Racers need to be able to complete the 9 miles course within 3 hours.

In

the event of excessively high winds or currents that result in unfit conditions

for a bay crossing, the course will be modified to keep the racers on the

Western shore near Sandy Point State Park; racers will complete a modified paddling course that will prove challenging but does not take them

into the deeper waters of the Bay.

5K Paddle:

The 5K course is for

intermediate to advanced paddlers that want to challenge themselves in bay

conditions.  Paddlers

can expect to see varying current, tide and wind conditions.  This course

is expected to take up to 75 minutes to complete, depending on conditions, your

paddle craft and level of experience.  A 

US Coast Guard Approved Flotation Device and a Leash are required for all

racers, and all kayakers must be able to perform a wet exit.





Racers will launch

from Sandy Point State Park East Beach and turn south toward the Bay Bridge.

 They will make a left side buoy turn to enter the bridge spans and

proceed west to east staying between the two bridge spans.  Racers will

make a left side buoy turn at the second buoy under the bridge to exit and then

paddle north to finish at East Beach.  The course layout may be modified depending on the weather

conditions the day of the race. 

Paddleboarders will have

a beach start and finish (paddlers must cross the finish line with paddle in

hand), kayaks will have a water start and finish line just off the beach area.

1.5K Paddle:

For less experienced paddlers or those that

want a more casual experience, the 1.5K course is a great way to experience the

race atmosphere without the pressure of a longer, more challenging

course.  A  US Coast Guard

Approved Flotation Device and a Leash are required for all racers, and all

kayakers must be able to perform a wet exit.

Racers will launch from Sandy Point State Park East Beach, make

a right shoulder turn to head south toward the Bay Bridge.  They will make

a left side turn at the second buoy and follow the course back to finish at

East Beach.  The course layout may be modified depending on the weather

conditions the day of the race. 

Paddleboarders will have

a beach start and finish (paddlers must cross the finish line with paddle in

hand), kayaks will have a water start and finish line just off the beach area.