2021 PADDLE FOR ACCESS 

Thank you for signing up for the 4th annual Paddle for Access! We are geared up and ready, but unfortunately mother nature has adjusted our priorities and now with an impending direct hit of a Hurricane, we are going to cancel the event to allow the community to activate their storm preparation activities. (It has been 30 years since we had a direct hit of a hurricane in Newport).

After the storm passes, with 50 rights of way on Aquidneck Island and hundreds of foot paths to the shoreline, we will be put into action a post-storm effort to quickly monitor for erosion and marine debris removal, so that we maintain the opportunity for people to get into the water to enjoy all ocean activities, a new but necessary twist of how to activate our efforts for protecting and preserving shoreline access. Next week or so, we will explore rescheduling the event in partnership with the City of Newport (permit) and Newport Shipyard Safe Harbors marina (venue) to see if it is logistically possible. If that is not possible, we will start planning now for the event for 2022. With this change of events, we are able to offer refunds for registration as needed, please feel free to reach out.

I want to personally thank you all for registering and for your interest and commitment to our efforts to protect and preserve shoreline access. Today is my last day at Clean Ocean Access for the summer because I just started my second year of law school at Roger Williams University School of Law, so if you have any further questions you can direct them to executive director Dave at dave.mclaughlin@cleanoceanaccess.org.

Feel free to reach out if there are any questions

Thank you,

Karen Slattery

Thank you for joining us for the 4th annual Paddle for Access hosted by Clean Ocean Access where our mission is to inspire and educate the community to take action through environmentally responsible behaviors.

Since 2006, Clean Ocean Access has worked to eliminate marine debris, improve water quality, and preserve and protect public shoreline access. As a part of our Access Program, we monitor 50 designated rights-of-way to the shore  all year-round across the 69 miles of coastline on Aquidneck Island. 

In celebration of our ongoing work to protect and preserve shoreline access, we will host the 4th Annual Paddle for Access event in person this year at the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, Located at 1 Washington St. Newport, RI ! 

Interested in sponsoring the event, a participant, or a team?

We welcome businesses or individuals to support this amazing organization and incredible racing event that brings participants and visitors from all over New England! 

Please view our sponsorship packet and contact our program assistant at karen.slattery@cleanoceanaccess.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

EVENT & RACE DETAILS 

• Timed 3-mile race 
• Timed 6-mile race 

Race Divisions

• 12’6 And Under SUP
• 14′ And Over SUP
• Prone All Sizes
• Sea Kayak - All Sizes
• Solo Canoe - All Sizes

Individual Fundraising 

Our Paddle for Access race has historically been a major fundraiser that allows us to continue our work. To further support our mission, we encourage everyone on water or land to help raise funds and awareness for COA by joining our GoFundMe campaign. We encourage all participants to set a fundraising goal of $500!

Fundraising Awards

• If you raise $250 you will receive a COA branded t-shirt, stainless steel cup, and COA bag.
• If you raise $500 you will receive a COA branded sweatshirt, t-shirt, stainless steel cup, and COA bag.
• If you raise greater than $1,000 they will receive a COA branded beach towel, sweatshirt, t-shirt, stainless steel cup, and COA bag. 

What Comes with My Registration?

In addition to supporting a great organization with a mission to keep our oceans healthy, your registration comes with a free gift, a complimentary breakfast, and an adult beverage sponsored by an amazing beer company. 

Your participation also includes an online fundraising page where you can help raise funds to support our work. The link to your fundraising page will be sent in a separate email. Please join us and help support our work to protect and preserve shoreline access throughout Rhode Island! 

Can't make the race? 

You can still help support our work to protect and preserve shoreline access throughout Rhode Island by donating here: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/paddle-for-access-2021.

A Word on Safety

All participants are required to wear a personal flotation device and leash on the water. For further information regarding safe paddling, please see here: https://paddling.com/learn/paddle-safety/

Want to know more about public access on Aquidneck Island or across Rhode Island? 

Two great resources to learn more about public access is our Access page or the Coastal Resources Management Councils page on Public Access in RI.