Conquer the Current will paddle on this year, but there are some changes!

• For 2020 we are partnering with our friends at Surfrider’s Connecticut Chapter ct.surfrider.org.
• In light of Covid-19, Surfrider CT made the tough decision to cancel their annual event, the Charles Island SUP CUP. CT River Museum is thrilled that Surfrider CT has decided to support our Conquer the Current paddle regatta! Our mutual love of paddling and protecting our beautiful waters makes it a perfect collaboration!
• To streamline our race and keep within the State of CT regulations, this year will solely feature the most popular 9 mile race!
• Registration closes on 8/7/2020. Register early to help us stage this event. THERE IS NO SAME DAY REGISTRATION.
• 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 seaworthy paddle craft including but not limited to: canoes, kayaks, stand up/ prone paddleboards, rowboats, surf skis, shells, currachs, OC’s…

The Connecticut River Museum’s FOURTH annual downriver paddle regatta to benefit the Museum’s education programs will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 8:00 – 3:00. The Regatta is open to all paddle craft: canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and rowboats!

This year will feature 1 race route only:
Eagle Landing Race: The 9 mile race starts at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam and finishes in front of the Connecticut River Museum in Essex.

Open to men and women age 16 and over, with classes for SUP (All), Kayak and Open/ Miscelaneous- 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.

Registration for the event will be through paddleguru.com    Questions?  Call 860-767-8269, ext 110 or ainsall@ctrivermuseum.org.

A detailed Race Sheet will be sent with the daily schedule close to the regatta date.

Date/ Times:

August 8, 2020 8:30AM to ~1:00PM

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

Registration Fees:

$60 per solo vessel, $80 per multi-person vessel

Depending on local/ governmental restrictions, the race may be followed by an awards ceremony, otherwise awards will be given to paddlers upon finishing.

While we will 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 paddleboarders must have a PFD and leash, no exceptions.

Social distancing and all appropriate controls will be strictly enforced; your assistance with the same is greatly appreciated! Masks are required while in registration lines. Check the site for updates as we get closer to paddle day!

Please find modes of transportation back to the cars in Haddam. Neither the race committee nor the Connecticut River Museum will provide transportation.  To assist with carpooling, cars can be left on the upper lawn of the CT River Museum starting Friday evening.  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 will not be able to assist with this critical part of the race (+pre/post) for you!

SIGN UP NOW!