THANK YOU & 2024 racers please read below

Just WOW!!!

A total course change with 12 hours notice

Chesapeake Bay/Choptank River full on stank wind

111 registered paddlers

14 NO Shows (and some great next day emails from folks who couldn't make it!)

Full on energy, grit, determination and laughter in the face of a challenge

YOU MADE THIS THING HAPPEN AND IT WAS SOLID!

google PHOTO ALBUM LINK-https://photos.app.goo.gl/A2CwvyoheJy3ffEt6

Over $2000 donated to Phillips Wharf Environmental Center!!!

Unfinished business AS OF 8/7

-Some times still need to be adjusted -apologies for delay

-Second and Third place winners - If you left without your award - Coffee and a 5/7 lighthouse print please reach out to us at easternshoresup@gmail.com no later than August 16th.  If we hear from you prior to that we will do our best to get this mailed to you!

OC teams-stickers coming your way - I did a second order to make sure that you all get one .

-Next year all course changes must be made prior to race start if you want your finish stats to be included. A course change decision made after the start will be considered a DNF for your original course of registration.

THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR MAKING THIS YEAR AN ADVENTURE WORTH HAVING.

WE HOPE TO SEE ALL OF YOU FOR THE 2025 RACE

WHO KNOWS, MAYBE NEXT YEAR WE'LL GET TO GO ALL THE WAY AROUND!!!

Welcome and Welcome back if you paddled with us in 2023. We can't wait to welcome you to the Island in 2024!

This paddle event is open to Stand Up Paddle Boards 12'6" +, Surfski and ocean kayaks, and all Outrigger Canoe configurations.  Stand Up Paddleboards 10'6" + and recreational kayaks may enter the  5 mile event**. 

We’re super stoked to have the privilege of hosting this event for its second year - and that's all down to the amazing turnout and excellent feedback that came from every participant last year.  We learned so much and you can expect this year's event to reflect that learning curve. 

We're stoked to have Tilghman on Chesapeake Marina and Yacht Club and Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island as our host location and OC6 launch location partners again this year.

All Paddlers will be launching on The Choptank River side of Tilghman Island.  As requested by the 2023  paddlers, the 5-mile course will be a direct 2.5-mile out and back without the shoreline hug of the 2023 course.  The Direction of 9-mile and 15-mile courses will be condition-specific and should be determined by the night before the event. THE 15 MILE COURSE is a circumnavigation of the island with a 3+ mile extension off the south end, out into the Bay, around historic Sharps Island Lighthouse and then back to the island to complete the circuit.  This year we will restrict this course to Surfski and Outrigger vessels. 

No matter our course direction all 9-mile and 15-mile paddlers will pass through  Knapps Narrows, a highly traveled thruway from The Chesapeake to The Choptank River & home to one of the most frequently opened drawbridges in the United States.

We encourage all competent paddlers to join this event regardless of their desire to 'race'.  We've been enjoying this challenge for several years and it's a beautiful paddle no matter your speed.  Our starting direction will be determined within 24 hours of the event to take the best advantage of the wind direction. Should the wind offer a challenge we will opt to have the most difficult portion of the course be tackled in the first leg.

 A special mention to our Non Profit Organization partner -Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)-who will receive all proceeds of our registration fees to apply to their awesome Chesapeake Bay education offerings.

We invite all paddlers to hang out until the 1pm awards and recognition ceremoney- for social, paddler recognition and to support Blue Mokey Tacos, our Food Truck this year

Changes you can expect from the 2023 Race-

-staggered start with a specific time for each group for improved racer timing.

-Better finish line timing/recording with timing staff training,  improved bib visibility, grease marker, and racer bib call-outs crossing the finish.

-More efficient awards presentation with a lot more FAN FARE 

-More thoughtful awards with a lean towards locally crafted consumables

-Cups at the water station LOL! 

-Music (we got so excited that we forgot to turn it on !)

-A group photo of ALL participants and volunteers - this will be taken at the Safety briefing

Things that you can still expect in 2024

-A physical challenge no matter your course selection

-Incredible company and Camaraderie

-Local Hotel discounts

-Some great post-event food and Drink options

-An excellent safety team.

Special mention to ALL OC MULTI PADDLER BOATS- OC-2 and OC-6 vessels should register under one paddler and pay one registration fee.  We ask that additional paddlers donate at least $20 directly to our NPO beneficiary- Phillips Wharf Environmental Center.  Feel free to make these donations on race day during the awards ceremony for photo ops!  Mahalo

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