Race the Narrows

Mastic Beach Conservancy is excited to bring you Race the Narrows, a paddle race that will take place on Saturday, July 20. This event will bring together paddle craft enthusiasts of all levels to support conservation efforts in the Mastic Beach community. All proceeds will go toward Mastic Beach Conservancy’s mission of preserving the more than six miles of publicly accessible waterfront parkland around the Mastic Beach Peninsula and protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.

Race the Narrows will begin and end in Violet Cove, which is home to a Suffolk County kayak launch and Mastic Beach’s first kelp drying racks. In its second year, Race the Narrows has expanded to include both a 2.5- and 5-mile course and has multiple craft entry divisions. The race is open to paddlers age 14 and up, and all paddle craft, including kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, are eligible. Racers between the ages of 14 to 19 can race for free. Prizes will be awarded for fastest male/female in each race division at the after-party at the Mastic Beach Snack Bar.

This year, the race will be timed by local timekeeper, Elitefeats. Racers will enjoy free water courtesy of sponsor, Open Water, and an after-race beer sponsored by Blue Point Brewery.

“We are so excited to be working with Suffolk County to host the Race the Narrows at Violet Cove Marina. This event will highlight the beautiful location, which MBC has been working with the county to develop as an educational/arts/community nature center,” said Maura Spery, president of the Mastic Beach Conservancy. “What better way than a regatta of self-propelled watercraft to showcase the amazing waterways we have right here in Mastic Beach? We look forward to hosting many other events and activities at this location and continuing to educate people about our organization.”

“We encourage paddle enthusiasts of every age and ability to join us for Race the Narrows. With nine different divisions, there should be a category for anyone.  If paddling isn’t your thing, there are three great locations to take in the view and cheer on your community racers at Cranberry Pier, Jefferson Beach, or at Riviera and Dahlia Drive, which is the turnaround point. It offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to our conservation efforts while supporting competitive and community spirit,” said Alex de Toth, one of the event coordinators. 
 

RACE THE NARROWS

July 20, rain or shine (extreme rain date on the 21) from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Start and end at Violet Cove (2 Violet Road, Mastic Beach). Turnaround at Riviera and Dahlia Drive with 2.5- and 5-mile course options. Multiple divisions for craft including a casual paddle.

REGISTRATION

Race the Narrows registration fee: $50-70. Members receive $5 off race fee. For an additional $25 fee, participants can receive a discounted membership to Mastic Beach Conservancy. To secure your place in the race, visit events.elitefeats.com/24narrows