Date: September 13th, 2026
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD – East Beach
The Bay Bridge Paddle proudly supports the local non-profits that support the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Check out our video of the 2018 Bay Bridge Paddle!
Bay Bridge Paddle
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2025 Registration Information
Bay Bridge Paddle 2025 Cost Schedule
| Paddlers | Through April 30 | May 1 – June 30 | July 1 through race day |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Span (Elite) | $90 | $100 | $115 |
| The Steamer (Intermediate) | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| The Soft Shell (Recreational) | $50 | $60 | $70 |
2026 Schedule
2026 Schedule
7:15am – 8:00am – Packet Pick-up/check-in
7:30am – 8:00am – Rental board pick-up
8:00am – 8:20am – Racer briefing for ALL classes
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
10:45am – Awards and Pictures (award presentations will commence as events finish)
11:15 – Group Photo of Winners
2026 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 10th.
Entry fee covers cost of the race. In addition, each racer will receive racing swag, breakfast and Post-Race Refreshments (Beer & Soft Drink Tickets) and admission to the Maryland Seafood Festival after the event.
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.
We are not able to offer any clinics this year.
Spectators will be allowed in the spectator area. However, pets are not allowed in the Park. There will be food/drinks available for purchase for spectators as well.
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.
Pets are not allowed at Sandy Point State Park.
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 | Through April 20 | May-June | July – race |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite (The Span) | $90 | $100 | $115 |
| Intermediate (The Steamer) | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| Recreational (The Soft Shell) | $50 | $60 | $70 |
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. There will be some food available for purchase.
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.
We are working with our sponsors on discounts and will pass any along that we receive. Please stay tuned.
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.
There are many wonderful restaurants in the Greater Annapolis Area.
Yes! There are discount rooms available for our customers at Crown Plaza Annapolis. Click here to be directed to the site with the discount. Dates can be adjusted for your length of stay.
There are a limited number of vendor positions available. Please contact us if you are interested.
Refunds are not allowed, however you can transfer your bib.
Yes, our paddle benefits charities that support a healthy Chesapeake Bay
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Sponsors and in-kind donations
