Cape Cod Bay to Bay Challenge
On August 20th, I paddled 36 miles across the Cape Cod Bay to raise money for Christopher’s Haven, a place where families can live while their children are being treated for cancer at the Boston Children’s hospital. This was the most meaningful paddle I have ever done with a special group of people who truly believed in the cause and supporting it.
We departed Plymouth harbor at 5am sharp and 75 paddlers lit up the harbor with glow sticks around their necks. Everyone cheered as we began our journey and we were off!
I was glad I was on my Starboard 14’ carbon fiber ACE, it was perfect for the long distance and the glassy conditions. I got excited for every food stop because my friend Tom packed a huge bag of Cape Cod lobster claws…my favorite seafood to eat when I am home!
It blew my mind to see how much the sport had grown in one year. Last August when I was teaching SUP Yoga clinics I don’t think I saw one race board, now about 90% of the paddlers in the crossing had a 12’6 or 14’ board, and they all had the paddle stoke!
As we neared Wellfleet we could see everyone’s family and friends eagerly waiting on the beach. We all got a huge cheer and round of applause as we paddled to shore. It was really special for me to have my dad there too! The after party was awesome with a live band and great food, but what topped the night was when they announced that we had raised over $120,000! Awesome paddle, great people, and supported a good cause.