Register Here!
Conquer the Current 2023
The Connecticut River Museum’s Sixth annual downriver paddle regatta benefits the Museum’s education programs.
This is a One Way Race, Point A to Point B. Registrants must find their own rides to/from each location. Uber is available in our area.
This fun race/ regatta is open to all non-motorized, safe, and seaworthy paddle craft including but not limited to: canoes, kayaks, stand up/ prone paddleboards, rowboats, surf skis, shells, currachs, OC’s…
Our partner, Surfrider Foundation Connecticut will also have the Surfrider CT SUP Sprints following our race! This is a five race circuit with top prizes including top of the line one of a kind Quickblade Race Paddles-
Date/ Times:
August 5, 2023 8:30AM to ~12:30
Starts at Eagle Landing State Park Haddam and ends at Connecticut River Museum Essex (not a loop race)
Start– Eagle Landing State Park (Gazebo), 14 Little Meadow Rd, Haddam, CT 06438
Finish– In front of the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
Race Day Schedule:
8:30- 9:00 Course check in, all must be preregistered before on paddleguru. No same day registration.
9:15 (or earlier if all checked in) Eagle Landing 9 Mile Race (Haddam) course safety meeting for all participants
9:30 (or earlier if safety meeting announced) Eagle Landing Race (Haddam) Course Start for All Vessels
12:00 Off the water cutoff for all racers.
After the race, enjoy authentic southern Bar-B- Que from Porky Pete’s on the Museum’s lawn.
Registration Fees:
$60 per solo vessel, $80 per multi-person vessel
Open to men and women age 16 and over, with classes for SUP (All), Kayak and Open/ Miscellaneous- note the classes may change based on registration numbers. The race is staffed with support and safety boats. Youth ages 12-15 are welcome to participate with a registered participating adult, or as pre-approved by the race committee based on proven paddling/ water safety prowess.
The race may be followed by an awards ceremony, otherwise awards will be given to paddlers upon finishing.
While we have safety vessels, this race is strictly for paddlers of an intermediate to advanced level that are comfortable to safely paddle potentially against wind and potentially intense boat/wind chop for 9 miles. All paddlers must be wearing a USCG approved personal flotation device. All standup paddle boarders must have a PFD and leash, no exceptions.
Participants must plan to arrange for transportation back to their cars. The race committee/ Connecticut River Museum is not able to provide transportation!
Please bring your own hydration and nutrition as unfortunately we are not able to assist with this critical part of the race (+pre/post) for you!
Refunds/ Rain Date- This race is a fund raising charitable event run by volunteers with assistance from the Connecticut River Museum. The race will go on with light/ moderate rain and cancelled in the event of any dangerous conditions including lightning, heavy winds, poor visibility etc. Unfortunately, with the tremendous amount of effort needed to set this race up, we would not be able to reschedule within the same year, and view registrations as a donation to the museum’s educational fund. Please inquire with any questions.
Gift cards provided by DICK’S Sporting Goods for race winners.
