These are the Stories of Good People, of 29 Years of Friendly Competition, and of the Triumph of the Island Spirit in Defense of our Natural Resources
by Maddie Henson
Every year on Martha’s Vineyard paddlers of all kinds come together to race in support of cleaner island waters. Over one hundred participants take on the 2.4-mile loop from Little Bridge to Jaws Bridge and back, some racing to win and some for family fun, but all for a good cause. Among these 100 faces are a few paddlers with very important and inspiring stories, who make the regatta so special for us all.
When Colin Stapleton started racing in the Oar and Paddle Regatta he was just 3 years old. He sat in the middle of double kayaks, balanced on paddle boards with Island Spirit Kayak guides, and helped his mom pass out awards during the ceremony. It only made sense when Colin became the youngest paddler ever to finish the race solo in 2018. Surround by larger and stronger paddlers, Colin paddled his way under bridges for 2.4 miles to victory.
When Herb Foster crosses the finish line each year, he’s breaking regatta records. Herb, now 91, has raced in the regatta every single year, having only missed the first one. When Herb started racing 29 years ago he was the oldest paddler to finish solo, and he has maintained that status every year since. He is busy prepping for his 29th race as the oldest paddler this year; you can cheer him on from State Beach as he crosses the finish line!
When Dana Gaines takes first prize each year, it comes as no shock to his competitors. Dana has been racing in the regatta since year one and – like Herb- has only missed one year. His fastest time to date was 21 minutes in a row-ing shell. Since then, Dana races his own beautiful Stellar kayaks and crosses around 27 minutes, but Dana’s time might be running out. Many have set their mind to beating Dana this year, like Island Spirit Kayak guide Brian Beasley, whose taken second place 2 years in a row.
This year we expect our top 10 finishers to come in fast and strong. All will likely be paddling a variety of kayaks, with at least 3 wooden kayaks make by local boat builder Randy Durbin and many Stellar kayaks from Kayak MV. Following close behind will be Island Spirit Kayak’s fleet of sit on top kayaks filled with families, dogs, beginners, and pros. They donate their entire fleet of kayaks and paddleboards for the regatta, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own.
Island Spirit Kayak wants it to be clear that this race is not just for professionals or experienced kayakers. They love seeing young kids come across the finish line with their families. Some of the Island Spirit Kayak guides will be paddling with kids and dogs. “We love to give them this special experience and have them be a part of it, it makes it more fun for us too” says Liam Cosgrove, Island Spirit guide. He also talks about the importance of passing on the environmental message of the regatta to the kids. “Getting them involved in raising money for the pond will hopefully teach them to take good care of it in the future”.
These are just a few of the special stories that make the annual Oar and Paddle Regatta what it is today. Head out to State Beach on August 25th to join in on this awesome event and help to raise money for Friends Of Sengekontacket! Register online at www.islandspiritkayak.com/oar-and-paddle-regatta. Check-in starts at 8:30 am and the race starts at 10 am.
MORE INFO
Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 8:30am
Joseph Sylvia State Beach, Little Bridge
