A 22 Mile Marathon Paddle Across Cape Cod Bay to Promote Ocean Conservancy and Coastal Cleanup

Download the press release

August 9, 2008 is the 1^st Annual Cape Cod Bay Challenge Event.  A small group of stand-up paddle surfers will attempt a grueling 22 mile marathon paddle across Cape Cod Bay from Plymouth to Provincetown to raise awareness and money to help stop the ever growing problem of pollution in our oceans and along our shores.  Trash in the ocean kills more than one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles each year through ingestion and entanglement.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems.  Part of the proceeds of this event will go towards the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Clean Up on September 20, 2008.  The International Coastal Clean Up is a year-round volunteer effort to keep our oceans and waterways free of trash – and healthier for humans and marine life. 

The 2007 International Coast Clean Up Data Findings report was released April 17^th.  The report provides a global snapshot of the problem of trash in the ocean.  It details the Top 10 debris items collected worldwide, as well as the Top 10 Most Dangerous Items and many other compelling statistics.  The report is available online at www.oceanconservancy.org/icc. 

Stand-up Paddle Surfing is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Originally the sport of Hawaiian royalty, and then popular with the Waikiki beach boys of the 50's, it has recently enjoyed a resurgence world-wide.  The beauty, purity and the challenge of this sport make it a wonderful platform to raise awareness about the extremely serious issue of ocean pollution.  Our goal is to make this an annual event that will serve as an on-going fundraiser for, and reminder of, our need to be responsible stewards of the ocean.  

We are seeking additional sponsors, donations and a limited number of experienced paddle surfers for this inaugural Cape Cod Bay Challenge.
For more information please contact either Bob Babcock or Mike Brown. (sorry for the non-clickable links but the mailbots are always lurking and we would hate to get a bunch of spam)

You'll find the printable donations form on the donations page . All donors will be provided with a copy of the high resolution PDF file of the poster of the event. It will be posted on the site in low res sometime before July 4th.

We are still looking for some sponsors too. Sponsors to help pay expenses are always good but equipment and assistance in other ways works too. We will need some nourishment and a chance to unwind post paddle so any establishments that could help there it would be greatly appreciated.

We also ask that you take the time to look at our sponsors page. They have donated money and or provided equipment and support for the event. We are fortunate to have their help and ask for you to check out what they have to offer.

There is still room for a few more paddlers. Paddlers will be required to raise $300 for the cause with a $50 commitment deposit due at sign up. We also ask that you sign a training commitment. For more information on the requirements and benefits of paddling see the paddlers page.

Beach Cleanups
One of the easiest ways to get involved personally  is to join a beach cleanup.
You can sign up here for the Ocean Conservancy's  International Coastal Cleanup. Scheduled for Sept 20th.

I've just signed up to lead a beach cleanup. I'll be organizing one for one of Plymouth's beaches. Let me know if you'ls like to help