SoundWaters is inviting people of all ages to help celebrate and protect Long Island Sound by taking part in the 10th annual SoundWaters Flotilla on Saturday, July 11.
The milestone event will bring together hundreds of participants for a four-mile paddle along the Sound’s shoreline while raising funds to support SoundWaters’ environmental education programs.
Over the past decade, the Flotilla has become a summer tradition, bringing together local residents who share a love for Long Island Sound and a commitment to protecting it. Funds raised through the event help SoundWaters provide hands-on science education and on-the-water learning experiences to thousands of students each year.
“When we launched the Flotilla 10 years ago, we hoped it would become a special way for people to connect with Long Island Sound,” said SoundWaters Vice President of Development Bob Mazzone. “Seeing paddlers come back year after year, and welcoming new ones into the tradition, is incredibly rewarding. The Flotilla has grown into more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of this place and the community that cares about protecting it.”
Paddlers will launch from Cove Island Park in Stamford and the beaches in Darien, journeying around Shippan Point to the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center at Boccuzzi Park, where a beach party awaits with music, lunch and camaraderie.
The route is designed to be achievable for a wide range of ages and skill levels, with kayak guides and support boats on the water to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
For most paddlers, the course should take two hours or less. Participants can bring their own kayak or paddleboard or rent equipment through SoundWaters during registration.
Click here for more information and to register.
SoundWaters prepares the next generation for their future. With our climate in crisis, we teach tomorrow’s leaders the science they will need. With Long Island Sound as our classroom, we create love and respect for the natural world. As a matter of justice, we open the water to all. As a matter of urgency, we work to protect our common home.