Sponsored by the Salem League (a weekly summer race series that just concluded its 18th season), the inaugural Salem Sound Spectacular surfski race will be held on October 1, starting from West Beach in Beverly, Massachusetts.  There's an 8 mile long course for experienced paddlers that ventures out amongst the rocky islands of the Sound and a 6 mile short course for everyone else that sticks close to shore, with multiple sandy take-outs.  If there were still a New England Surfski race series, long course paddlers would likely be awarded points in that.

There is no charge for the race, but we ask that you pre-register so that we have an idea of how many people to expect.  Choose the course (long or short) you think you're likely to run.  But don't worry - you can switch on race day based on conditions.  There will be no boat numbers, timing chips, food, awards, T-shirts, etc.  About the best you can hope for is a sighting of Bill Kuklinski.  This is a casual race - we'll all start together, but you'll keep your own time and report it to the race director immediately afterwards.

Registration will be from 8:30am to 9:30am.  Captains meeting at 9:30am.  Race start at 10:00am.

There is no guarantee that the seasonal bathrooms will be open.  So plan accordingly.

This is a common adventure model gathering.  You're responsible for your own safety.