Clean Ocean Access Sup, Surfski, Kayak 3/6 mile Race was held at the Newport Shipyard.  Timothy P. Dwyer and John Redos, Sam Duffield took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively in the 6-mile race. 98 participants that included 80+ Sups, then a mix of kayaks, surf skis, and Oc’s. Flat ocean conditions and cooler temps on a loop course that took us around many of the navigational buoys surrounding Rose Island and into Newport Harbor made for an enjoyable race. Tim is on the race committee so he hopes to have even more surf ski paddlers next year.  Included in today’s race were first-time racers, Kathy and Sarah that could not have picked a better race to enjoy the race experience.  Having not raced since the Sakonnet River Race, I was quickly disposed by the lead pack but enjoyed being on the water, keeping my heart rate high, and catching up with friends like Bob Wright.

Clean Ocean Access is an organization that unites like-minded individuals and groups around a shared love for our oceans. We work to educate and inspire people in coastal Rhode Island and beyond to care about the environmental concerns around our ocean’s access points. Water safety and clear access should be available to all. Our Access programs protect and preserve coastal communities. So far, these efforts include education on topics around the effects of sea level rise, erosion, and more. We currently monitor over 69 miles of coastal Rhode Island seashore, including 50 designated access areas around Aquidneck Island.
Rhode Island has 400 miles of ocean front.

Paddle for Clean Access Race Results

Race Summary by Tim Dwyer(copied from Facebook).

Fabulous race day event to benefit Clean Ocean Access— an organization dedicated to ocean health and public access to the shoreline. If you love our Narragansett Bay and want to make a difference—support them! Over 100 SUP, surfski, Kayaks, Prone paddle boards, and outrigger canoes joined in the race festivities. Bob Wright took the win in the men’s 3 miles Surfski and Kathy Toppa Landry, in her first surf ski race ever took third. She is still shocked and grinning. Sam Duffield pipped South African Nathan Honey for third, John Redos, hot on my tail, was a very close second, and I’m super stoked to take the win. Look for next year‘s event next August to be even bigger and better! Follow Clean Ocean Access on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on their many ocean health initiatives!