Bay Bridge Paddle

Saturday, June 1, 2019

Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD

Water enthusiasts of all ages and expertise are invited to join us at the Bay Bridge Paddle, open to Stand Up Paddleboards, Kayaks and other paddle craft.

Paddling any part of the Chesapeake Bay waters is a thrilling experience and launching from Sandy Point State Park is no different. With a beautiful sandy beach on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, you are provided with expansive views overlooking the Bay Bridge. This race will bring together all levels of paddlers to share in a day of camaraderie and fellowship. Each race will present a different experience and challenge, the bay’s shifting conditions add to the fun as racers can experience anything from flat water glides to gusty winds and unpredictable swell and tides from the wind and current.

The Elite Crossing will challenge racers with a high level of fitness and paddling experience; racers with less experience or conditioning can enjoy the Intermediate Paddle or the Recreational course closer to shore. In addition to these races, there will be other memorable events to entertain everyone, and with the generous backing of our sponsors, there will be prizes and cash awarded!

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in the elite race with ten (10) or more participants in a class.  14′  and under Men’s paddleboard and 14′ and under Women’s paddleboard classes will receive the highest payout of prize money.  Additional awards will be given for intermediate classes as well.  This year, we will also be handing out awards for age classes of 17 and under and 50+ for classes that have 5 or more participants.

All race participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and a carb-loaded breakfast to help get you energized for the race. When you return from the race and are ready to refuel, you will also receive a complimentary delicious, fresh, healthy lunch package.  There will be other breakfast and lunch food items for sale for all attendees during the event.

CLINICS!
We are offering 3 clinics this year on Friday, May 31st at Sandy Point State Park

Clinic 1 – 2pm – Capital SUP Clinic – This clinic will focus on what it takes to have the perfect race day from pre-race prep, equipment selection/sizing, fin selection, beach and water starts, pacing, drafting, finishing as well as tips and tricks that pro’s use prior to the start horn. Coach Chris “Goose” Norman will cover the basic paddling techniques and different race strokes as well as analyze each person stroke technique. From there, he will dive into how to improve power and efficiency. He will also teach different styles of buoy turns, the choke down stroke, the bow draw, and how to generate more power by using the legs.

Clinic 2 – 3pm – Mantra Fit Clinic – This clinic will teach you how to optimize your mind and body to perform at your highest level every day. Carleen is a health and movement coach with Mantra Fit, who will discuss sports nutrition, race day mental strategies and breathing techniques that will turn you into a top performer on the race course and in life. Students will paddle during a portion of this clinic. Paddleboards will be supplied at the clinic at no extra cost or students can BYO their board, kayak, etc. Beginner to elite paddlers will all benefit from this clinic

Clinic 3 – 2pm – Sunrise SUP Clinic – Join Race Director and local SUP trainers Shendan and Kate Grove for “insider” tips on the Bay Bridge Paddle. This is a fun opportunity to get a preview of the race location while discussing the unique elements of the Chesapeake waterways that converge at the Bay Bridge and strategies to navigate them. This clinic will provide you with the fundamentals of what to expect race day, strategies for the Bay conditions and overall paddling technique including beach starts, buoy turns, drafting and race finish. All levels welcome!

The Bay Bridge Paddle proudly supports the Foundation for Community Betterment.

Check out our video of the 2018 Bay Bridge Paddle!