YEAR 3 HERE WE COME!

THANK YOU 2024 Racers!

THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR MAKING THE 2024 RACE AN ADVENTURE WORTH HAVING.

2024 Race -Over $2000 raised for Phillips Wharf Environmental Center!!!

google PHOTO ALBUM LINK-https://photos.app.goo.gl/A2CwvyoheJy3ffEt6

2025 Registration Fee Schedule 

EARLY BIRD JAN 10 -MARCH 31- $45

GET IT DONE DISCOUNT APRIL 1-JUNE 15 - $50

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - JUNE 16-JULY 20- $55

Welcome and Welcome back if you paddled with us in '23 or '24.  We can't wait to welcome you to the Island in 2025!

This paddle event is open to Stand Up Paddle Boards 14+ +, Surfski and ocean kayaks, and all Outrigger Canoe configurations. ( smaller recreational SUPS + and recreational kayaks may enter the  5 mile event**. )

We’re super stoked to have the privilege of hosting this event for its Third year—our learning curve continues. We will plan for the full circumnavigation and hope that mother nature honors us with safe conditions to make that magic happen!  Outreach to vendors and event partners will begin in early January to solidify the details of the 2025 event. We hope our launch location and food truck partners will stay on board! This page will be updated regularly.

AS THERE ARE MANY MOVING PARTS we ask that all paddlers read through the paddlers guide when it is sent out in early July.  There may be changes in launch location depending on which 'boat' you are paddling. 

All Paddlers will be launching on The Choptank River side of Tilghman Island.  

The Direction of 9-mile and 15-mile courses will be condition-specific and should be determined by the night before the event. 

THE 15-MILLE COURSE is restricted to Surfski and Outrigger vessels in 2025. The Course is a circumnavigation of the island with a 3+ mile extension off the south end, out into the Bay, around historic Sharps Island Lighthouse and then back to the island to complete the circuit.  

No matter our course direction all 9-mile and 15-mile paddlers will pass through  Knapps Narrows, a highly traveled thruway from The Chesapeake to The Choptank River & home to one of the most frequently opened drawbridges in the United States.

In 2024 High Winds placed us in the position of having to make a safety call on the course layout.  It was a difficult choice to make and we did take a fair amount of flack AND we felt that we made the smartest choice for safety if not for creativity when it came to the course.  We will be sharing the alternate course in advance this year- as a 'just in case' courtesy to allow all registrants the time to become familiar with the landscape. It is our sincere hope that mother nature will allow us to use the full circumnavigation route!  

We encourage all competent paddlers to join this event regardless of their desire to 'race'.  We've been enjoying this challenge for several years and it's a beautiful paddle no matter your speed.  Our starting direction will be determined within 24 hours of the event to take the best advantage of the wind direction. Should the wind offer a challenge we will opt to have the most difficult portion of the course be tackled in the first leg.

 A special mention to our Non Profit Organization partner -Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)-who will receive all proceeds of our registration fees to apply to their awesome Chesapeake Bay education offerings.

We invite all paddlers to hang out until the 1pm awards and recognition ceremoney- for social, paddler recognition and to support Blue Mokey Tacos, our Food Truck this year

Changes you can expect from the 2023 Race-

-More Shaded areas for post-race gathering

-Improved Safety Briefing -Better coverage/briefing for the satellite OC launch at Wylder.  more information on the 'feel' of the course i.e. areas that may prove more challenging to paddle, landmark references to keep all racers on course.

-Continued Improvement of finish line timing/recording with timing staff training,  improved bib visibility, grease marker, and racer bib call-outs crossing the finish.

-Continued improvement on Awards presentation and timing. 

-We keep trying for this!  A group photo of ALL participants and volunteers - this will be taken at the Safety briefing

Things that you can still expect in 2024

-A physical challenge no matter your course selection

-staggered start with a specific time for each group for improved racer timing.

-Thoughtful awards with a lean towards locally crafted consumables

-Incredible company and Camaraderie

-Local Hotel discounts

-Some great post-event food and Drink options

-An excellent safety team.

Special mention to ALL OC MULTI PADDLER BOATS- OC-2 and OC-6 vessels should register under one paddler and pay one registration fee.  We ask that additional paddlers donate at least $20 directly to our NPO beneficiary- Phillips Wharf Environmental Center.  Feel free to make these donations on race day during the awards ceremony for photo ops!  Mahalo

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