Great Peconic Race
September 14 @ Shelter Island, NY, United States
GENERAL INFO
Great Peconic Race is an expedition paddle race circumnavigating Shelter Island, NY, located between the North and South Forks of Long Island. The race honors Ted Baldwin’s love for the bays and proceeds will be donated in support of the Rogue Wave Foundation's work to help East End children build confidence and self esteem. (see Race History for more information).
This is an advanced recreational and elite race open to all seaworthy craft powered by oar or paddle. Participants can expect open bay conditions, including at times strong currents and any host of wind/wave conditions. Half course and relay options are also available. There is no rain date; alternate courses are in place should there be rough or foggy conditions.
Safety First
While we will have power boat escorts, EMT’s and ground truck support, there will be extended periods of time that you are on your own and must be prepared to be independent and self sufficient. Basic safety gear and day provisions are required of all participants.
A Paddle for Ted
My brother Ted grew up in North Sea on Little Peconic Bay where he lived for the water. Ted loved to test the limits of his abilities, imagination and Mother Nature's patience and he always dared us to have as much fun as possible!
Ted was a true waterman, there wasn’t a sport, activity or an element of nature that he had not tried or loved to do. From designing a slalom course in Scallop Pond, our favorite ski hang out, to water ski jumps, hobbie catting around Robin’s Island, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, wake boarding and, John Anderson’s (the Bay Constable at the time) favorite, “The human catapult.” Someone had to feed the fish.
Ted built bonfires on the beach most nights and often enjoyed the waters at night during full moon cruises in our boat or paddling in the back channels of North Sea. Ted would dig for clams or cherry stones or crab for blue claws in Davis creek in from of our house, and at night my pop would take us for lantern walks to Town Point telling us ghost stories. Ted even got a few good rounds in at National Golf Links on Great Peconic Bay with his dad.
Ted had very little fear when it came to his abilities or whatever Mother Nature could through at him. This confidence was put to the greatest test as he battled a disease that eventually physically took Ted away from us.
This race is to honor Ted’s love for these waters he had so many adventures and fun on, the distance to honor his endurance, and to support the Rogue Wave Foundation and the same passion they hope to inspire in our youth.