Conquer the Current 2024

August 10, 2024

8:00 am to ~12:00 pm 

RACE STARTS BY 8:30 SHARP!

Join us for the Connecticut River Museum’s Sixth annual downriver paddle regatta, which benefits the Museum’s education programs!

This is a One Way 9 Mile Race, Point A to Point B. Registrants must find their own rides to/from each location.

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…  

New this year:

Our partner, Surfrider Foundation Connecticut will also have the Surfrider CT SUP Sprints once the top racers finish conquering the current! This is a five race circuit with top prizes including top of the line one of a kind Quickblade Race Paddles.

Food will be available from Porky Pete’s BBQ and Deep River Ice!

More details to follow! 

Race Information:

Race begins at CT River Eagle Landing State Park Haddam and ends at Connecticut River Museum (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. Online registration will remain open until just before the race starts. Please help us and save time by registering before arriving at the event venue.  

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.  

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 have safety vessels, this race is strictly for paddlers of an intermediate to advanced level who 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, with 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 will not be able to assist with this critical part of the race (+pre/post) for you! 

Refunds/Rain Date:

This race is a fundraising charitable event run by volunteers with assistance from the Connecticut River Museum.  The race will go on with light/ moderate rain and be canceled 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 most graciously view registrations as a donation to the museum’s educational fund.  Please inquire with any questions.