Sign Up for the East of Maui - EWE Spirit Chesapeake Standup Challenge June 27
The race formerly known as the East of Maui - Eastport Yacht Club Chesapeake Standup Challenge will now be known as the East of Maui - EWE Spirit Chesapeake Standup Challenge. This popular standup paddle (SUP) race will take place out of Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), as always, June 27.
Never done a standup paddleboard (SUP) race but are intrigued by the idea? This SpinSheet-approved SUP race is the one to start with! There are race classes for all levels: a one-mile fun race, a three-mile challenge, and a seven-mile challenge for more competitive, experienced racers. This race starts in Annapolis Harbor, and the longest of the three courses goes to Tolly Point on the Chesapeake Bay. The shorter courses run one or three miles out and back from EYC.
The first race starts off the docks at EYC at 8:30 a.m. The racers and safety boats will cross the mouth of Back Creek in a large group shortly after that, before continuing along the shoreline past the entrance to Chesapeake Harbor and Lake Ogleton toward the tip of Bay Ridge, returning to finish off EYC by 10 a.m. SUP Racers on the long course paddle out to Tolly Point on the Chesapeake Bay and back to EYC.
The Chesapeake Standup Challenge has become a tradition, and thanks to organizers, it’s well-organized and welcoming to newcomers! Upon your arrival at EYC before the pre-race meeting at 8:10 a.m., you may drop off your board and re-park your car on the street in the neighborhood. After the pre-race meeting, racers enter the water in a surprisingly organized fashion and get lined up at the start for each class. It’s a friendly crowd, so don’t be intimidated! (Our slow-paddling editor loved it.)
This year’s race will be dedicated to Geoff Ewenson. A portion of your entry fee will be donated to the EWE Spirit Foundation. New this year is the addition of the EWE Spirit Kids Race for eight- to 13-year-olds. The Kids Race is free, and boards will be provided for it by Capital SUP. The Kids Race will start after all the other racers have finished. Register on paddleguru.com.
