Paddling Away In The Hamptons For A Good Cause

The Paddlers For Humanity (P4H) of East Hampton are excited to be hosting multiple Hamptons fundraisers again with exciting and refreshing physical races throughout the summer to raise funds for local projects and programs dedicated to children and youth.

The events benefit several different causes dedicated to helping children and youth locally in the Hamptons as well as through out the United States, and the world. This year P4H will have their annual Block Island Challenge and adding a new adventure to the itinerary.

Kicking their season off on Sunday June 16 at 9 a.m. with the Main Beach Surf+Sport SUP Race for humanity, benefiting the Paddlers for Humanity. It is a 6 mile surf zone then follows a downwind course. There will be Surf (11-2), Stock (12′-6″), Elite (14′) classes. This is a World Paddle Association Sanctioned Race, following WPA rules. The race is limited to 50 participants and will be $50 to participate.

Saturday, July 13 will be the Swim-Paddle-Run Fun Race fundraiser. The course is a half-mile swim, a one-mile standup paddle, and a one and a half mile run. Participants can choose to do all three, or have a team of three with each individual competing in a leg of the race. The race will kick off at Maidstone Park in East Hampton at 9 a.m. running till 11 a.m. Entry fee for each three-person team is $300.

The Annual Block Island Challenge will be on Saturday August 3 this year at 6:30 a.m. Participants will paddle from the north side of Montauk Lighthouse and ending at Champlin’s Marina on Block Island, Rhode Island. They will then enjoy a catered lunch from 1 to 5 p.m. and a return ferry ride to Montauk courtesy of the Montauk-Block Island Ferry. An 18 Mile Open Ocean Race, with Stock (12′-6″), Elite (14′) classes. This is a World Paddle Association Sanctioned Race which follows WPA rules. This is an elite competitive race. Participants must raise or contribute a minimum of $1500 to participate. Weather dates are Sunday, August 4th and Monday, August 5th.

On Sunday, August 25, the P4H will be having the Wahine Women and Girl’s Paddle at Big Alberts Beach at Gardner’s Bay in East Hampton. This girls only paddle will start at 9 a.m. and last till about 11 a.m. Participants must raise or contribute a minimum of $300 to participate. Paddlers under the age of 18 must raise or contribute a minimum of $125 to participate.

The Paddlers for Humanity, founded in 2008, is an all volunteer local non-profit that raises funds and awareness for worthy non-profit organizations who’s focus is on helping children and youth. Grants are awarded based on needs from the funds raised at events such The Annual Block Island Challenge. Causes that they contribute to include BuildOn, East Hampton Day Care Learning Center, Long Island Communities of Practice, The P4H East End Catastrophic Fund, Montauk Playhouse Community Center, and PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program, as well as The Retreat, a domestic violence help center for women and children.

For more information visit their website at www.p4h.org.