Hundreds of paddlers of all ages – including many from Greenwich – are expected to come together this year for the SoundWaters Flotilla on Saturday, July 20.
Kayakers and paddleboarders of all skill levels can join this floating fundraiser and support SoundWaters Long Island Sound education programs.
Individuals and teams can register to participate (and fundraise) at www.SoundWaters.org/flotilla.
Greenwich paddler Randy Bourne has been participating in Flotilla for several years and is looking forward to the event on July 20th. Contributed photo
Paddlers can join the Flotilla, which launches from Cove Island Park in Stamford and Weed Beach in Darien.
Designed to be achievable for all ages and experience levels, the four-mile route will end at Boccuzzi Park in Stamford, where participants can enjoy a celebratory lunch and music on the beach.
For most paddlers, the course should take two hours or less.
Participants can bring their own equipment or rent a kayak or paddle board from SoundWaters, while inventory lasts, as part of the registration process.
Kayak guides and support boats will accompany the Flotilla to ensure a safe and positive experience for all. When the event concludes, SoundWaters will provide shuttle transportation for paddlers and their equipment back to their starting points.
“The Flotilla is all about coming together to protect the Sound. I’d like to think that by connecting people to this beautiful natural resource in such a fun and memorable way, people will realize it’s all our responsibility to protect it,” said Leigh Shemitz, SoundWaters president.
The annual Flotilla has raised $260,000 since its 2017 debut.
The event’s presenting sponsor is Franklin Templeton, with generous support from Kaster Moving Company, Hey Stamford!, and radio stations 95.9 The Fox and WEBE 108.
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. For more information, visit soundwaters.org.