Bay Bridge Paddle
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD
We are excited to announce the Bay Bridge Paddle will occur on September 26, 2021.
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 (The Span) will challenge racers with a high level of fitness and paddling experience; racers with less experience or conditioning can enjoy the Intermediate Paddle (The Steamer) or the Recreational Course (The Soft Shell) closer to shore.
All race participants receive a commemorative gift and a carb-loaded breakfast to help get you energized for the race.
The Bay Bridge Paddle proudly supports the Foundation for Community Betterment.
Check out our video of the 2018 Bay Bridge Paddle!
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Register
Bay Bridge Paddle Cost Schedule
| Paddlers | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Span (Elite) | $85 | $95 | $110 |
| The Steamer (Intermediate) | $65 | $75 | $85 |
| The Soft Shell (Recreational) | $45 | $55 | $65 |
*Be sure to carefully review Race Information and sign appropriate waivers. In order to participate, you must sign waivers online or bring printed, signed waivers to the paddle event.
2021 Race Schedule
Friday, September 24th
Packet Pick – Sandy Point State Park East Beach
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Pick up your racing packet and drink ticket, official Bay Bridge Paddle swag, and check out the race location before Sunday’s race.
2021 Schedule
7:15am – 8:00am – Packet Pick-up/check-in
7:30am – 8:00am – Rental board pick-up
8:00am – 8:20am – Racer briefing
8:30 – The Span (9 mile course) – OC-6 start
8:35 – The Span (9 mile course) – Kayak, Surfski, OC-1, OC-2 start
8:40 – The Span (9 mile course) – Stand Up Paddle and Prone paddle start
8:50am – The Steamer (5k course) – Kayaks and Kayak Double start
8:55am – The Steamer (5k course) – Stand Up Paddle start
9:05am – The Soft Shell (1 mile) – Kayaks start
9:10am – The Soft Shell (1 mile) – SUPs start
12:00pm – Awards at the main stage
1:00pm – Stay and enjoy the Maryland Seafood Festival
Course Maps
*Course(s) subject to change.
*Course(s) subject to change.
*Course(s) subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, admission to the event is by pre-registration only. Day of Registration is not available. Registration ends at 8pm on Thursday, September 23rd.
If you are interested in renting, we have partnered with Capital SUP for your rental needs. Please clink on this link, Bay Bridge Paddle rentals from Capital SUP, to reserve your craft.
There are many hotel options in the Annapolis area. We do recommend you find hotel well in advance as September can be a very busy month in Annapolis.
Yes! We are sponsoring numerous clinics on Saturday, September 25th at Sandy Point State Park East Beach. Information on clinics can be found on Paddleguru at https://paddleguru.com/races/BayBridgePaddle2021/schedule.
We are working with our sponsors on discounts and will pass any along that we receive. Please stay tuned.
Refunds are not allowed, however you can transfer your bib.
Spectators will be allowed in the spectator area. There will be food/drinks available for purchase for spectators as well.
Entry fee covers cost of the race. In addition, each racer will receive a racing swag, breakfast and Post-Race Refreshments (Beer & Soft Drink Tickets) and entry to the Maryland Seafood Festival.
Yes, Parking is $20 per car as charged by Sandy Point State Park. Each participant will be sent a parking pass for one car only that can be used for that racer.
The Span is an 9+ mile race for Elite paddlers with the skill and fitness to complete this endurance challenge; racers should have significant experience in diverse, challenging open water weather conditions and completing long distance races.
No. We have many classes for paddling, including SUP, Prone, Surfski, Sea Kayak and OCs, depending on the particular course.
| Paddlers | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite (The Span) | $85 | $95 | $110 |
| Intermediate (The Steamer) | $65 | $75 | $85 |
| Recreational (The Soft Shell) | $45 | $55 | $60 |
The race will take place in the morning with start times between 8:00 and 11:00 (weather dependent). Please see the race schedule above for specific times and make sure to attend the 8:00am racer briefing for any updates.
The Elite Race is out to the eastern shore, around a bouy, and back to Sandy Point State Park. No transportation is necessary.
Yes. Food will be available for purchase through the Maryland Seafood Festival, going on concurrently with the Bay Bridge Paddle.
Pets are not allowed at Sandy Point State Park.
We will have lots of fun land and water activities the day of the event. We do have a recreational course that anyone can paddle. It is a less stressful and fun paddling experience. We may have other board demos at the event as well, so we hope you will come out and join us!
We are currently working with sponsors and should have more information shortly.
Breakfast and lunch items will be available for purchase on-site for spectators (Breakfast is included in event price for racers). Groceries can be purchased off-site around Annapolis and Arnold.
We recommend Stan and Joe’s Saloon as a sponsor of ours. However, there are many wonderful restaurants in the Greater Annapolis Area.
There are a limited number of vendor positions available. Please contact us if you are interested.
Yes, our paddle benefits the Annapolis Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment. The Foundation for Community Betterment is a national organization dedicated to engaging individuals of all ages in community enhancement by creating an immediate, positive impact on the lives of individuals or organizations that share our philanthropic vision, but who currently lack the means to succeed.
Get Involved
Sponsors and in-kind donations
