Paddlers For Humanity Holding Annual Block Island Challenge

Paddlers for Humanity will host its annual Block Island Challenge on Saturday August 3, 2013. The Hamptons area Challenge is Paddlers for Humanity’s biggest and longest running event, first taking place in 2004 and raising around $620,000 over the years.

The Challenge is an 18-mile open ocean paddle from the Montauk Lighthouse to Block Island. Participating paddlers must contribute a minimum of $1,500 as an individual donation or by asking supporters to sponsor their involvement in the Challenge. The donation minimum is $750 for paddlers under the age of 18. Participants can make use of kayaks, outrigger canoes, or paddleboards to complete the course. A strong emphasis will be placed on safety, with life preservers mandatory for kayakers and canoers, leashes required for paddleboarders, and at least four support boats and three lifeguard-manned jet skis patrolling the waters.

The event will be followed by a catered lunch and ceremony from 1 to 5 p.m., with a complimentary return ferry ride to Montauk departing Block Island at 5 p.m. All proceeds raised will benefit Paddlers for Humanity, which supports various projects and programs dedicated to children and youth. These organizations include after school programs, day care centers, scholarship funds, and community centers.

Interested parties can register at BlockChallenge2013 before Thursday August 1. More information about Paddlers for Humanity and the Block Island Challenge can be found at www.p4h.org.