Our Events

We've got a summer full of great events planned for 2011. Come join the CCBC ohana and help the kids at Christopher's Haven while having a fun time doing it.

In 2010 the CCBC ohana raised $80,000 in support of the kids staying at Christopher's Haven while they underwent treatment for cancer. This year The stoke for the 2011 CCBC event series is off the charts. After a very successful 2010, our 1st year with multi events we're upping the bar.

Starting off June 11th with the Wellfleet SUPathalon and SUP Surf contest. -
This ones in the books. Drizzle, rain, cold wet onshore winds, 65 deg....great day for the beach? It was a great time. Underscores that the CCBC events are all about the people. Lots of laughs...wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't been there. Thanks to all that came out for making it so memorable.

July 16th....The Challenge on the Charles.. a 4+ mile circuit race around the historic basin of the Charles River in downtown Boston. Racing through the lagoons next to the Hatch Shell of Boston Pops fame and out into the basin amongst the sailboats from Community Boating, a venerable Boston landmark that has been teaching inner city kids to sail since 1936. We'll be making a presentation to the folks at Community Boating to kick off their SUP program. Six full sets of gear. Thanks to the folks at Naish and Kialoa for the support of this effort.
What to expect: last years race was a mix of choppy, windy conditions on the outer basin to calm windless glass in the lagoon. Paddlers were everything from hard core competitors to folks that just wanted to finish and then party. This year we are likely to adjust the course depending on conditions to give us as much downwind as possible. Hydration packs recommended, We'll have some Owater but you'll want to bring a full pack. We'll also have Powerbar gels and such for competitors. PFD's are required.
Followed with a big party on the docks at Community Boating. Music by the Smokin Jackets (bring your dancin shoes...these guys rock), the brews of Wachusett Brewing, Great food, Barefoot wines. A big raffle for all kinds of great swag. See the complete list below.
You can register for the paddle, the party, or both...friends and family are welcome to join the party.
Challenge on the Charles - July 16th
http://challengeonthecharles.eventbrite.com/

August 20th....the BIG Kahuna...The Cape Cod Bay Challenge...34 miles across Cape Cod Bay from Plymouth to Wellfleet. This is what it's all about, where we raise the the majority of the funds to help support Christopher's Haven. I can't explain the sense of cameradeie, friendship, and community that goes along with being a part of this. The sense of accomplishment both personally and for helping the kids. It has changed lives, i know it has mine. come join the family. This is our 1st year landing in Wellfleet and it promises to be one of the biggest and best events of the season. when you understand what it means to the kids and their families you'll know why we are working so hard to make this one of the best SUP events on the planet.
What to expect: The CCBC is not a race. We paddle as a group supporting each other as we support the kids. Training is mandatory. Mike said it best, you aren't just training for yourself, you're training for everyone. in order to make this crossing as quickly and safely as possible we need to work as a team. Please make sure you train effectively. we have a lot of folks getting ready, when you register you'll be part of an email list of paddlers. use the list or contact one of us to help arrange training hookups. You can also join at boardliving.com to track your waterlog, and soon arrange training runs. Conditions in previous years have been very mixed... glassy with heavy fog, hot and no wind, choppy from the north, fast with a following current and breeze, crazy quilts of boat wakes...in short, we have no idea what we'll get. it could even be possible that we'll have to adjust the launch point if conditions require it or even (knock on wood) postpone . Hydration packs are required (you should actually bring two to make changing out easy, We'll have some Owater but you'll want to bring a full pack. We'll also have Powerbar gels and such and some fruit on the boats. PFD's are required. A spare paddle is a good idea too. We're anticpating 10 hours on the water this year, sunscreen and a hat make sense as well.
We like to party....this years pre and post event parties will be ones to remember. We meet for an informal party and carb loading (12ozs of Wachusett at a time) at the Cabby Shack in Plymouth on the 19th. There will be raffles for gear at this one...tell friends and family. The landing party is special. It doesn't get much better than stepping ashore after 34 miles with the awesome feeling of support the CCBC family brings with it. That 1st cold brew is like nectar from the gods. There will be lots to do for family and friends while they await our arrival, Mayo is a very kid friendly beach and we'll have board demos, and vendor tents, good food, music and the all important Wachusett brews to help make a great day. All at a great family friendly spot under the big tent right across from the beach. There is also a playground, skate park, tennis courts and soccer field all right there. of course the landing party will have lots of gear, artwork and other great stuff for raffles and auctions, and we'll announce the winner of the 14' Naish Glide raffle. See the list below for all the raffle items.

Register for the paddle and have family and friends register for the party at:
CCBC 2011 - August 20th
http://ccbccrossing.eventbrite.com/

Accomodations: We've arranged group rates at two hotels in Plymouth for the Friday (August 19th) before the event. Make sure you ask for the Cape Cod Bay Challenge rate. You'll need to make reservations at least 30 days in advance. .

Plymouth Comfort Inn - $109.99/night - The Plymouth Comfort Inn is clean, comfortable and close to the highway for easy access and only about a 3-4 minute drive down to the launch point. Deluxe continental breakfast included. Ask for Suzanne. About a 5 minute drive to the launch point.

Pilgrim Sands Motel - You can paddle to the launch point, about 1/8 mile. Rates will be dependant on availability and when the reservations are made.

We finish off the season with a bit of craziness.
The Late Summa Paddle in Humarock on Sept 17th. This is a costume required crazy SUP cruise. This is an easy inclusive paddle on the North River estuary. Cruise at your own pace enjoying the scenery while laughing and joking with the somewhat crazy CCBC crew. This year should be interesting...costume planning is already underway. We finish with...you guessed it...a party. Again, music, good food, Wachusett brews and Barefoot Wines. Last year pirates and vampires danced with Hulk Hogan and Thurston Howell III to steel band reggae after a beautiful afternoon on the water. No special requirements other than a costume...just bring a smile.

Register for the paddle and have family and friends register for the party at:
Humarock Late Summa Paddle - Sept 17th
http://ccbclatesummapaddle.eventbrite.com/

All of the events will have great raffles and auctions for some awesome gear....a new Naish Glide 14 (winner to be announced at the CCBC after party), a custom Vec 12-6, lots of Maui Jims sunglasses, Kialoa paddles, Teva's, Cape Cod Beach Chairs, MTI PFD's, artwork from Tracy Dudley, Rick Romano, Jody Craven jewelry, and more.

Cape Cod Bay Challenge (34 mile crossing) Frequently asked questions

. Is the CCBC a race?  No, the CCBC is not a race. It is an endurance challenge to raise funds for a great cause...Christopher's Haven - a home for kids when cancer hits home.

2. How long does the event take to complete?  It's somewhat dependent on the conditions of the day but usually between 7 and 10 hours.

3. Is there an alternate date? No, If necessary, and if conditions require it, we may alter the course to a near shore route. There is a remote possibility that it could be cancelled.

4. What is the CCBC all about? In a few words...hope, inspiration, and overcoming obstacles. The CCBC is all about facing personal challenges and beating them. It's not a race but it is about crossing the finish line. Christopher's Haven is a place for kids to call home when cancer strikes them. The CCBC raises funds in support of the Haven's mission.

5. What happens if I can't keep up?   This is why training is so important. We basically have a 3 strikes rule. If you do fall behind, the support boat will pick you up and bring you to the front once you are ready to begin again. If you need assistance more than twice you will be asked to get in the boat for the remainder. We do have sufficient support boats for the number of paddlers but we can't allow the field to get too stretched out for safety reasons. .

6. What are the financial obligations?   We've kept the financial requirements low to make sure the event is within reach of anyone that wants to join in and is physically capable of doing it. The registration fee is $100 and goes towards the minimum donation requirement of $650. We are hoping that everyone raises well in excess of the minimum. Last year, the average per paddler was $1,550 and we would really love to beat that this year. Remember why we are doing this -- the kids and their families really need our support.

7. Is a personal flotation device required? Yes a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD is required to be either worn or attached to your board.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact us.