East Coast Hosts Turkey Trot 2/K 5/K Standup Paddleboard Race

NARRAGANSETT, Rhode Island - Due to the increasing popularity of stand-up paddleboard racing and surfing, the Easterm Surfing Association and the Town of Narragansett Recreation Department have teamed up to run the first ever Turkey Trot 2/K 5/K Standup Paddleboard Race at the Narragansett Town Beach on Thanksgiving morning. This will be the first time that the ESA has run any type of activity on a holiday. Early indications are that if the weather is good, the turnout could be great.

There will be two races with no restriction on equipment. One race will be close to two miles, with racers taking off near the seawall and paddling along Ocean Road to Monahan’s Dock and back to the beach. The second race, which will run simultaneously with the 2-mile race, will continue around a buoy and do a second lap to Monahan’s Dock. This race will be close to 4.5 miles.

There are prizes and trophies in all divisions for both races, with six categories in each race. In the female events, there are trophies for Women-29 years and under, Women-30-49 years, and Senior Women-50 years and over. In the male ranks, there are trophies for Men-29 years and under, Masters-30-54 years, and Senior Men-55 years and over. Trophies will be awarded to competitors in both the 2-mile and 4.5 mile races separately. There will also be a free raffle for all competitors, for a complete stand-up paddleboard wetsuit top and bottom (male and female) sponsored by Supreme Wetsuits.

Sign-ups on Thanksgiving morning will take place in the South Pavilion parking lot from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The race will start at 10 AM, with awards given out immediately after the last paddler comes in. In case of bad weather, the race will run on Saturday, November 30th. Entry fee is $35.00 per racer. Cash, credit cards, or checks are welcome.

For those athletes who want to race but do not have equipment, race sponsors Bic Sport USA and Narragansett Surf and Skate are offering a complete wetsuit, board, and paddle rental for $25.00. Equipment will be delivered and picked up at the beach. Interested racers must pay in advance. Contact the Narragansett Surf Shop in advance to make arrangements.

In the event of big surf, the race will be moved to Captain Wheeler State Beach. Race conditions and any changes will be updated on the ESA hotline phone: 401-789-1954. Racers can also check the Narragansett Surf and Skate or the South New England ESA Facebook pages for changes and updates. For further information, contact the ESA at 401-575-0003 or by email at bicsurf@hotmail.com.