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Sea Paddle NYC - Stand Up Paddle Around Manhattan - A First Hand Account |
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By: Mark Colino
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Thursday, 27 August 2009 |
They say most great ideas are born in the bathroom or on a barstool. Well, the paddle around Manhattan to raise money and awareness for autism and Surfers Environmental Alliance was birthed in the latter. Legend has it Darrick Doerner and Andrew Mckinsky thought it would be a good idea to see New York City from the water. So, after circling Manhattan via personal watercraft, they thought it a good idea to “challenge” the local watermen (and women) to stand up paddle the 28 miles around the island in an effort to raise awareness and money for two very worthy causes.
It certainly garners an unbelievable amount of attention in the media and financial capital of the world as 120 paddlers make their way through the East River, the Harlem River and finish on the Hudson River. All the while dodging barges, cruise ships water taxi’s and dealing with strong currents, wind, wakes and chop. Some in your favor and and some not.
Over the past 3 year’s famous surfers, musicians, and actors have attended, but everyone is equal on the water as the rivers show no favoritism.
It is NOT a race! And that leads to a great camaraderie amongst the participants and support boats. My wife Cheryl (1 of only 6 women) and I met paddlers from as far away as South Africa, Hawaii, California, Colorado and from up and down the east coast. Some have pictures and names of Autistic family members on their boards and some are there to give something back for all they have been blessed with through water sports. All were encouraging each other when things got tough and shared a few cold ones afterwards.
Paddling under some of the most famous bridges in the world, past skyscrapers, and Yankee stadium and seeing the statue of liberty off in the distance, was very surreal to say the least! It was so foreign to me after spending forty six years being in the ocean that at the start I was wobbly, as it felt almost like something I had never done.
Andrew mckinsky needs to be applauded for such a huge undertaking as trying to co-ordenate New Jersey & New York police, water patrol, harbor masters, coast guards, media, sponsors, donations etc….
I would highly recommend industry type people be there and be involved with athletes, product and donations as more people live between Washington, DC and Boston, Massachuschettes than anywhere else in the USA.
I think it safe to say most of us spend a majority of our time paddling in oceans, bays, rivers and lakes. As a paddler, this is a unique opportunity to see one of the greatest cities in the world from angle few get a chance to see. Even if you are not a “city” person, you owe it to yourself to aspire to participate in an event that is quickly becoming a “classic” and benefits charitable causes.
Please check out www.seapaddlenyc.org to get more info, see pictures and find out how you can participate or help in the battle with autism and preserving the environment!
A hui hou! (Until we meet again.)
~Mark Colino - no flat earth surf shop & stand strong paddle fitness
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September 06, 2009
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