Hello Fellow Stand Up Paddlers! 

Now that the weather here in Annapolis is warming up it's time to get back out on the water! I thought this would be a great time to let my fellow Kaholo paddlers know what is going on in the Annapolis SUP community.

Whether you are a recreational paddler or like to compete, there is something for everyone. Below are some highlighted events that are happening in our area this spring and summer. If you have any questions feel free to reach out!

~ Nicky

FIRST RACE OF THE SEASON

CLC's Big Little Boat Festival is hosting races on Saturday, May 22, at Camp Wabanna just south of Annapolis for the following distances: 1 mile, 3 mile, 8 mile, & 20 mile races for SUPs, kayaks, rowing, and sailing.

Prizes will be awarded for each class of vessel and gender. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced racer, this is a great event to kick off your season!

SUP INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION

Thinking about becoming a Stand Up Paddling Instructor? Do you want to learn more about the basics of SUP? Ches-SUP-peake is running a SUP Instructor Course in Flat Water Level 1 through the Professional Stand Up Paddling Association. This 2-day course is on May 15-16 at the Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena, MD. Click here for more information.

RACE LEAGUE

Want to learn more about SUP racing and get to know others in the SUP Community? Check out the Ches-SUP-peake Points Series. As a member of the Ches-SUP-peake points series you'll get in the know on local SUP races, meet other paddlers through their Wednesday Night Race League, and compete to be crowned top paddler in the DelMarVa Region. 

BAY PADDLE CHARITY EVENT

Last year, Chris Hopkinson made history with Bay Paddle -- and raised nearly $200,000 in support of the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Partnership -- by becoming the first person to paddle a stand-up paddleboard the length of the Chesapeake Bay, from Havre de Grace, Maryland, to the Atlantic Ocean off Norfolk, Virginia. Now Chris wants to make this charity event more accessible to other paddlers by offering an opportunity for individuals to paddle solo or join a relay team. I have decided to go the more difficult route and paddle the bay solo. CLC is going to supply me with a support boat and crew while I paddle my 14' Kaholo during the epic journey.

In addition to the challenge, I'm paddling to make a difference. My goal for this event is $25,000 and I need your help! All proceeds will benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Chesapeake Conservancy through to Bay Paddle, Inc., a 501(c)(3) and are tax-deductible. CLICK HERE TO DONATE. The bay continues to struggle; together we can make a difference.