Bay Bridge Paddle
May 14 @ Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD, United States
SCHEDULE
7:15am – 8:30am Registration/check-in
7:30am – 8:00am Rental
Board Pickup
8:00am – 8:20am Racer
briefing
8:30am 9M course - Kayaks and Surfski start
8:35am 9M course - SUPs start
8:45am 5k
course - Kayaks and Kayak Double start
8:50am 5k
course - SUPs start
9:00am 1.5k
course – Kayaks start
9:05am 1.5k course – SUPs start
12:00pm Awards
Ceremony
1:00pm Live
music by Michael Kocher
2:00pm Event
Ends
We have been busy planning Saturday's event. To ensure a safe
and fun event for all, please review the below information before
joining us on Saturday at Sandy Point State Park.
Park Address
- 1100 East College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD. Please arrive no later than
45 minutes before your start time, to allow for parking, check-in, and
racer briefing.
Parking - Click here for your Parking Pass.
Each participant is entitled to ONE parking pass. Place this pass on
your windshield prior to the main gate of the park. Follow signs to
EAST BEACH for the paddle event. Cars without parking passes will be
charged $5 per person by the park.
Unloading
- Once you are at East Beach, you will be directed where to unload your
SUP/Kayak in our unloading zone. Please do so quickly, then follow our
parking attendants as they direct you where to park.
Weather
- As you know, we can not control the weather. We will make a decision
on the race Friday evening, based on forecast and predicted
conditions. We will send out an email Friday night and also post on FB
if there is a change to the schedule below. The event is rain or shine.
Schedule -
7:15am - check-in begins
7:30am - rental pickup for those reserved ahead of time (no rentals day of)
8:00am - racer briefing
Waivers
- Please be sure to have your signed waiver. Participants will not be
allowed to participate without a printed copy of the signed waiver.
This is an ACA requirement. Waivers can be downloaded here (download here for Under 18 waivers).
Water Conditions and Temperature -
conditions can be calm, racers must be prepared for open water
conditions, especially those participating in the longer courses; as you
progress further from shore you may encounter increasing wind, current
and wave size. Current water temperatures are in the upper 50's to
lower 60's degree range. On Saturday, May 14, forecasts predict
sunrise at 5:53 AM, Low tide at 6:39 AM, slack tide at 9:31 AM and High
Tide at 12:33 PM. As always, please check the weather as you get closer
to the event.
All competitors should know their capabilities and make an informed
decision to paddle based on the conditions and their skill level. Make
sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and bring enough hydration and
food to complete the race. All paddlers using a paddleboard or a surfski must wear a leash; this is mandatory.
All kayakers must be able to complete a wet exit, right and re-enter
their kayak and drain the vessel. All kayaks should have securely
fastened, adequate buoyancy to float the kayak horizontally if filled
with water (sufficient to support a 25 pound weight in a boat full of
water).
sufficient length (suggested 14' or more) and performance to meet the
timing cut-offs and the conditions and sit-in kayaks require a spray
skirt. Ensure you have an appropriate bailing device for your style of
kayak. Kayaks may be subject to a visual inspection and approval on
race day, and any vessel that does not meet the safety requirements may
be prohibited from use in the race.
racers will start and finish in the same area of the East Beach at
Sandy Point State Park. Kayaks and surfski will start approximately 5
minutes before the paddleboarders in each race, lining up in the water
parallel to the finish buoy. Paddleboarders will line up on the beach
holding their paddles and boards. Please give your neighbor enough room
to safely start the race.
assemble for race start, a warning prior to the start and then a horn or
siren to start the race.
finish between the shore and the finisher buoy with the shore on their
left side. Paddleboarders will finish on shore by running through the
finisher chute with paddle in hand. There will be volunteers present to
catch boards and move them to shore as paddlers come into the finish.
If you can remember your number and shout it when crossing the finish
line, please do so, the timers will appreciate it. Finish times are
recorded for Kayaks and surfski when their bow crosses the buoy line and
for paddleboarders when they cross the finish line on the beach. Once
you cross the finish line, please clear it quickly to allow the other
competitors to finish unobstructed and the timers to see finisher
numbers.
shore in shallower waters; paddlers will launch from East Beach and head
south toward the Bay Bridge. They will turn at the second buoy and
follow the course back to finish at East Beach.
will launch from East Beach and head south along the shoreline toward
the Bay Bridge. Paddlers will stay parallel to the shore line and enter
the bridge closer to shore than the 9 mile race. They will
proceed west to east under the bridge and make a left side buoy turn to
exit the bridge and go north to finish at East Beach.
head south toward the Bay Bridge, entering the bridge spans further
from shore than the 5K course. They will paddle west to east between the
bridge spans across the bay, making a single left side buoy turn at the
far end of bridge and returning east to west between the bridge spans.
Paddlers will exit the bridge at the same span they entered it, making a
right side turn to exit the bridge and go north to finish at East
Beach.
mile 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 and all race traffic must be clear of the bridge by 12:00. All
courses and start times are subject to change based on weather
conditions. See Paddleguru for maps of the course.
will be safety boats all around the perimeter of the race zone. The
Coast Guard has granted a permit that will restrict commercial and
recreational boating activity from entering the racing area, including
the Bay Bridge Span. There will be several different watercraft present
around the race area to assist paddlers as needed. If any paddler is in
distress, they should indicate so by waving their paddle above their
heads. Paddlers who see a distressed paddler should assist in the rescue
of this paddler as needed and help to gain the attention of the closest
safety personnel. Paddlers in distress will receive immediate assistance from the nearest support vessel.
may be removed from the course due to safety issues or if they fail to
meet the timed cut-offs for the race. Depending on the circumstance,
including weather conditions and paddler's location, racers may be
turned back to Sandy Point State Park or removed from the water. All
racers that are withdrawn from the race will be listed as DNF in race
results even if the racer continues to the finish line after receiving
assistance. Racers MUST sign out at the race tent on the beach once they are on shore.
paddler may interfere with another paddler. All racers must stay within
the course, may not enter or exit the Bay Bridge spans outside the race
course or round a buoy in the wrong direction in order to gain an
advantage.
obstructions including the rock jetties on both sides of East Beach.
Stay far enough from shore to avoid any fishing lines in the water.
When paddling between the bridge spans, stay clear of the pilings, the
current can accelerate you toward them and causes varying unstable
water around their base. Racers must not climb onto any part of the
bridge structure; this will result in immediate disqualification as well
as subject you to potential trespass laws.
and lunch is included for each racer. In addition, bagels, donuts, and
coffee are available for purchase prior to the race. Lunch items are
also available for purchase after the race. Beer, wine, and liquor will
also be available for purchase. All food/beverage purchases are cash
only.
On the Beach - We have a TON of great
raffle prizes, including SUP boards and kayaks. Raffle tickets will be 3
tickets for $5 or 15 tickets for $20. Proceeds from the raffle and the
event go to The Foundation for Community Betterment.
Please check out our FAQ's below.
Can we register the morning of the event?
No, admission to the event is by pre-registration only. Day of Registration is not available.
Are Paddleboard and Kayak rentals available?
Are you sponsoring any clinics?
Yes! We are sponsoring 2 clinics. Both clinics will be held at East Beach at Sandy Point State Park on Friday, May 13th.
There will be an Introductory Clinic (for New to Intermediate paddlers) offered from 4pm - 6pm by Sunrise SUP and OC SUP and Fitness. for those starting out in Stand Up Paddleboarding, this clinic will provide you with the fundamentals of Chesapeake bay paddling and useful tips and techniques to help you succeed in your race, including a preview of the race course and conditions at Sandy Point State Park. Topics include what to expect on race day, Sandy Point course and conditions review presented by the Race Director, strategies for the Bay conditions, and overall paddling and racing fundamentals. The clinic will be led by Dawn Ehman Marohl (Sponsored SUP Racer, SUP Yoga Instructor, Surf Swap Challenge Race Director), Kate Grove (PaddleFit Level 2 Instructor, Lululemon SUP Yoga Ambassador, SUP Yoga Instructor) and Shendan Grove (Bay Bridge Race Director, PaddleFit Level 2 Instructor, MASRA SUP Racer).
There will be an Intermediate Clinic from 5pm - 7pm, brought to you by Capital SUP, led by Jeramie Vaine, professional SUP athlete (CorePower Yoga 200-hour Power Yoga certified instructor, SUP Yoga Instructor and WPA Level 2 SUP Instructor). When we head out on the water, whether it is for a training session, race, or paddle with friends, having the proper technique only adds to the enjoyment of being on the water. If our bodies hurt or are working harder than they should be, our time on the water may be cut short. Let this two hour, all ability level SUP technique clinic, help you add more time on the water by increasing your paddling efficiency. Jeramie Vaine will lead you through paddle technique drills as well as dive into the anatomy of paddling to help increase your knowledge of SUP.
Do you offer any discounts on Stand Up Paddle board purchases?
As a premier stand up paddle board sponsor for our very first Bay Bridge Paddle, Lahui Kai is offering a one time only $200 discount on all SUP boards when you visit www.lahuikai.com and use code BAYBRIDGELK in the promo code box. Free Shipping! Pick up your board at Lahui Kai's local authorized distributor, Capital SUP in Annapolis.
In addition, East of Maui has partnered with Naish SUP to offer a one time only
discount on Naish Stand Up Paddle boards. From now until May 22nd, save
$150-$200 off any Naish SUP. Just mention the Bay Bridge Paddle to
receive the this very special offer. In addition, East of Maui has
special pricing available all stand up accessories, and paddles until
May 14th. Stop by the shop or visit us at the our booth at the race
venue on race day. East of Maui will be hosting a recreational
social paddle Sunday morning from the Eastport section of Annapolis.
This will be a great way to stretch out those muscles after Saturday's
race, and for our out of town visitors to see beautiful downtown
Annapolis from the water.
I am no longer able to participate. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are allowed more than 10 days from the event. We are not able to process refunds less than 10 days from the event.
Are spectators allowed at the paddle?
Spectators will be allowed in the spectator area. There will be food/drinks available for
purchase for spectators
What does my entry fee cover?
Entry fee covers cost of the race. In addition, each racer will receive a racing
tshirt, breakfast (provided by Naval Bagels) and lunch (provided by Fresh
Market).
Does it cost to park at Sandy Point State Park?
Yes, Parking is $5 per person for Maryland residents, and $7
per person for out of state residents.
Can anyone do the Elite Race?
The elite race is an 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.
Are only Stand Up Paddle boards allowed?
No. We have many
classes for paddling, including SUP, Prone, Surfski, and Sea Kayak, depending on the particular course.
How much does it cost to paddle?
Bay Bridge Cost |
| ||
Paddlers | Current | St. Patrick's Day | Mother's Day |
Elite | $75.00 | $85.00 | $100.00 |
Intermediate | $55.00 | $65.00 | $75.00 |
Novice/Beginners | $35.00 | $45.00 | $50.00 |
What are the times of the races?
The race will take place in the morning with start times between 8:00 and 11:00 (weather dependent). We will update these times as we finalize the schedule.
I now have a scheduling conflict. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are allowed more than 10 days from the race. Within 10 days, there will be no refunds. Please contact us to process your refund.
Is there transportation back from the eastern shore to Sandy
Point?
The elite race is out to the eastern shore, around a bouy,
and back to Sandy Point State park. No
transportation is necessary.
Is food available for purchase?
Yes. Naval bagels will be selling bagels and cream cheese. Krispy Kreme will be selling donuts and coffee. Fresh Market will be selling lunch items, menu TBD.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed at Sandy Point State Park.
Does everyone have to race or can we also join to just
paddle and be a part of the fundraising event?
We will have lots of fun land and water activities the day
of the event. We do have a novice course that anyone can paddle, it is a
less stressful fun paddling experience. We may have other board demos at
the event as well, so we hope you will come out and join us!
Where can
people get paddle gear like PFDs and Hydration packs?
We
are currently working with sponsors and should have more information shortly.
Where can
people buy groceries?
Breakfast
and lunch items will be available for purchase on-site for spectators
(Breakfast and lunch is included in event price for racers). Groceries can be purchased off-site from our
sponsor, Fresh Market.
Where can
people stay? Do you have a hotel you can recommend and contact info?
We recommend Country Inn & Suites in Annapolis. They can be contacted at 410-571-6700. They have a few rooms reserved for the Bay Bridge paddle participants at a discount rate of $159/per night for 2 nights. Reservations must be made by May 4 and tell them that you are a Bay Bridge Paddle Participant. www.countryinns.com/annapolismd_west.
What great
local restaurants can you recommend?
We
recommend Naval Bagels and Stan and Joes as sponsors of ours. However, there are many wonderful restaurants
in the Greater Annapolis Area.
Where is the
best coffee in town?
There are
numerous coffee establishments around town.
Are there
vendor spots available?
There are a
limited number of vendor positions available.
Please contact us if you are interested.
Does your
event benefit a charity and if so, can you tell us about them?
The
Bay Bridge Paddle will benefit the Foundation for Community Betterment and the
MD Special Olympics. http://www.communitybetterment.org/, http://www.somd.org/
Who are your sponsors?
We
are being sponsored by: Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Comcast Spotlight, What’s
up Media, Naval Bagels, Fresh Market, Champion, Ink Generation, Krispy Kreme, Capital SUP, Sunrise SUP, Mantra Fit, Auntie Anne’s, East of Maui, Country Inn & Suites
SPONSORS
