Saturday, May 14th, 2016 marked the 1st annual Bay Bridge Paddle and it went off without a hitch. 400 paddlers including Elite Racer and 1st place overall Tommy Buday – perfect weather and a fantastic setting at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD on Chesapeake Bay, made for a perfect day! The event was very spectator friendly with beautiful views of the Bay Bridge.
The 9-mile crossing took the elite racers along the beach and under the spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, one of the longest open water structures. At one point the line of paddle boarders formed a line along the length of the entire beach. The Coast Guard was on hand and had to shut down the shipping channel while the race was happening. Thank you Coast Guard!
There was also a 5K paddle for racers who wanted a little less. The consensus was, that this was a first of many races here to come!
Photos & Words: Deb Stipa
Check out more great pictures from the event by clicking on the picture below
