Famous Paddlers To Make A Splash On The East End During Benefit SUP Race

Renowned board shaper and paddlers, Joe Bark and Jack Bark, will be making a splash at the 5th annual Paddle Race for the Baykeeper on Saturday, May 9th. Kicking off at Havens Beach in Sag Harbor, the event is the East Coast’s premier early season paddle race and the debut race of the 2015 Hamptons SUP Race series.

Paddle Race for the Baykeeper, a WPA Sanctioned Race, will take attendees through a beautiful Northwest Harbor course, overlooking historic Sag Harbor. Participants can choose between a Stand Up Paddle Division 3-Mile Recreational Course or 6-Mile Elite Course, or a Surf Ski, Outrigger Canoe and Kayak Seated Craft Division 3-Mile Recreational Course or 6-Mile Elite Course. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race starts at 9 a.m.

Joe Bark, of Bark Paddleboards, is famed for his shaping skills and is renown for creating some of the industry’s fastest boards. His son, Jack, has been following in his footsteps – most recently winning the 2014 Molokai to Oahu race, one of paddleboard history’s most grueling races.

The pair will share their passion for and knowledge of SUP at the East End event with pre-race clinics and post-race happenings, which will include the screening of an exclusive movie showcasing the Bark’s famous undertakings.

Pre-Race registration is $75 and registration on the day of is $90. A Nature Tour with the Baykeeper will follow race ceremonies. All proceeds from Paddle Race for the Baykeeper will benefit Peconic Baykeeper’s clean water programs.

Havens Beach is located at Havens Beach Road in Sag Harbor. For more information, visit www.peconicbaykeeper.org.