Paddlers and kayakers of all ability levels are invited to join a Shore Paddle on the Navesink event this Sunday, sponsored by Clean Ocean Action and Surfers Environmental Alliance.
You can do it by stand-up paddling (or, SUP) — you can get down and paddle it “prone” — or you can paddle your way by kayak. Whichever way you choose (and no matter how expert you’ve become at it), you’re invited to spend time with friendly competitors atop the waters of the Navesink River this Sunday, July 13, as a pair of locally based nonprofits team up to present a Shore Paddle event that commences from Rumson’s Victory Park at Lafayette Street.
Hosted by Clean Ocean Action and Surfers’ Environmental Alliance, the event runs two concurrent happenings — an 8-mile race that starts at 9 am, and a 3-mile Fun Paddle shoving off at 9:30 — with prizes awarded to the race winners, plus free SUP and yoga demos, eco-friendly crafts, and other all-ages activities in the park. The event will conclude with a “Beach Sweep” where participants will learn the importance of clean coasts.
It’s all for the benefit of COA and SEA, and it’s kickstarted on Thursday evening with a pre-party at Molly Maguire’s Gastropub in Rumson; a 6 pm soiree (with 10 per cent of proceeds dedicated to the orgs’ efforts to create cleaner, safer beaches throughout the region) that features music, drink specials, raffles of a wake board, paddle gear and more.
Take it here to sign up for the fundraising recreational events — Fun Paddle registration is $75 in advance/ $85 event day, and registration for the 8 mile race is $85 in advance/ $100 event day. On-site registration begins 8 am at the park on Sunday — or just show up, cheer on the racers from the shore, and make a donation in honor of your favorite water lover.
