Racing the Narrows

Paddle enthusiasts from across the tri-state area launched their kayaks and paddleboards and set off from the Violet Cove Marina in Mastic Beach for the 2nd annual Race the Narrows event on July 20.

The Mastic Beach Conservancy, a non-profit organization that works to preserve Mastic’s six-mile waterfront, hosted the event where racers and recreational paddlers tested their abilities in an at-times choppy course.

39 participants hit the water in different heats throughout the morning, with 5-mile stand-up paddleboarders (SUPs) kicking off the event. Other divisions included 5-mile kayakers, 2.5-mile casual paddlers, 2.5-mile SUPs, and 2.5-mile kayakers.

Volunteers and racers alike were excited to take advantage of the waterfront, and Mastic Beach Conservancy President Maura Spery hopes the event will spur further community activities around the bay.

“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.”

The races started and ended at the Violet Cove Marina, with paddlers traversing 1.25 miles east through Narrows Bay before turning around just past Jefferson Drive Beach. Volunteers from the Mastic Beach Conservancy and Mastic Beach Fire Department also provided boats to guide participants around the course.

Time-recording company Elitefeats captured pictures and times as paddlers crossed the finish line, capping off a tightly organized event that invigorated participants like Alyssa Weigert, who raced with her father Christopher.

“It was wonderful to be out on the water! It was a little choppy, but everybody did a good job keeping us safe,” said Weigert.

Following the event, organizers and participants gathered at the Mastic Beach Snack Bar for a special lunch to celebrate a successful race and give out awards to the top male and female racers in each category.

David Faverio of Smithtown sped to first for 5-mile Kayakers with a finishing time of 47 minutes, 49 seconds, while Julia Maresca of Mastic Beach placed first for women in the same category with a time of 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Alexandra Koskosidis of New York placed first for the women’s 5-mile SUP with a time of 1 hour, 1 minute, and Tucker Drimal of Connecticut was the top male in the same category with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes.

Race the Narrows has become more than a race for members of the Mastic Beach Conservancy, and now serves to connect those who care about Mastic’s waterways from near and far.

“This is a great way to spread our message to towns outside ours,” said Mastic Beach Conservancy Board Member Jessamyn Go. “No matter where you live, the island is the island, and you should want everywhere to improve right?”

The Conservancy also organizes community clean-ups and seeks to construct walking, biking, and boating trails to connect Mastic residents with the environment and downtown. With Race the Narrows over, the Conservancy is looking ahead to planning its annual gala in October and will release more details about the fundraising event in the future.