Island Spirit Kayak puts the “fun” in fundraising
This Sunday, August 26th marks the start of the 28th Annual Oar & Paddle Regatta. While technically a race, and a fundraiser for Friends of Sengekontacket this event is so much fun you might forget you’re there supporting a good cause and you definitely won’t care about coming in first!
You don’t have to be an avid boater to enter. Heck, it can be your first time on a boat. Last year, eleven dogs entered the regatta with their owners. Many youngsters ride with adults in the middle of a paddleboard or Kayak. It’s truly open to anyone and everyone. And here is the best part. If you don’t have a paddle craft, Island Spirit Kayak will provide you with one, free of charge! That’s how much they want everyone there to have a good time! Island Spirit will be dedicating its entire fleet to the Regatta for the whole day. All you have to do is call, register and reserve yours.
The classic event is a fun 2-mile competition that includes categories for paddlers, kayakers, paddle boarders, swimmers, rowboats, canoes, kids race and even paddling with your dog. Just head down to the first bridge on State beach on Sunday where the fun begins at 10 am. Same day registration will open at 8:30 am. 100% of the registration fee of $40 goes to support the Friends of Sengekontacket, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the pond and its barrier beaches. “The best part this year is that all of the expenses of the race have been covered by sponsors” says Island Spirit Kayak owner Chick Stapleton “so, all of the money raised through registration will go directly to the FOS”
The Friends of Sengekontacket organization is doing great things. This year they planted beach grass after the big storms in the spring and helped replenish all the over washed areas, restoring nesting habitats for Plovers, Oyster Catchers and other beach creatures that depend on a clean and managed environment. They also started a beach clean up initiative and hired people to clean up garbage and debris that washes ashore, is left behind or created by the bike path use. “I have noticed a significant change in the amount of trash left on the beach and in the water” states Stapleton “FOS hosted a free educational program for kids every Saturday on the pond teaching them about the wildlife and how are impact affects them”
Ok, so now you can feel good about supporting this great cause by attending the event. So let’s talk about what else you can expect at this years event. Included in your registration fee is a post-race picnic where there will be live entertainment and you also get an event T shirt. There is a pretty large crowd that attends this event and the after party is just as great as the regatta. Did someone say “beach party”?
“My favorite part of the race is seeing everyone I know at the end of the season, getting out any enjoying the pond.” Said Chick “The race gets people on the water that may not otherwise have time during the crazy hours of working and living here. It’s kind of a beautiful and fun day on the water that gets families out raising money for an amazing cause.”
This year’s event is plastic free. No plastic bags or cups. They are encouraging everyone to bring their own re-usable water bottles. Water will be provided free of charge, but no plastic or paper single use cups will be provided. “We hope this sends a message of intolerance to this wasteful practice and hope it encourages others to continue the tradition of bringing their own drinking receptacles” states Chick.
To register online, please visit www.islandspiritkayak.com or call (508) 693-9727.
Same day sign in starts at 8:30 a.m. The race begins at 10 a.m. at Little Bridge, Sengekontacket Pond, Oak Bluffs.
Parking available on the streets. For hassle free parking take Bus 13 from Edgartown, Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven.
The event is organized by the Martha’s Vineyard Oar & Paddle Association. Island Spirit Kayak is the event sponsor. All proceeds are donated to The Friends of Sengekontacket for cleaner waters.
MORE INFORMATION
28th Annual Oar & Paddle Regatta
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Sign in: 8:30 – 9:30am
Race begins: 10am
Oak Bluffs Beach
www.islandspiritkayak.com
