By working with organizations like Oyster Recovery Partnership to plant more oysters, WaterKeepers Chesapeake to help keep the waters and rivers of the Bay healthy, as well as the Chesapeake Conservancy to support their efforts in designating the Bay as a National Park, Bay Paddle aims to raise awareness while having some wholesome, competitive fun.

"I became the first person to stand-up paddle board the entire length of the Chesapeake Bay. I did it over nine days in order to raise money for Oyster Recovery Partnership," writes Chris Hopkinson, Bay Paddle founder. "It was an unforgettable experience... in some of the most spectacular and remote parts of the Bay, areas most boats can’t get to because of depth. I felt like an explorer navigating uncharted territory."

On the first day, July 22, paddlers will depart Haven Harbour South in Rock Hall Harbor on either a 24- or 12-mile-long course. For the Bay Paddle 24, participants will venture towards and past Kent Island's Love Point before reaching the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and returning to Rock Hall. The Bay Paddle 12 course leaves Haven Harbour South for Eastern Neck Island, turning around just off the Refuge's Ingleside Recreational Area.

"More people should experience this journey, and more needs to be done to protect our national treasure. That’s the mission of the Bay Paddle."

The festivities continue Sunday, July 23, with a leisurely, 5-mile guided Eco-Adventure Paddle as well as a 5K run through the town of Rock Hall.

This year's effort has garnished support from various event and team sponsors, including national companies such as Ttito's Handmade Vodka, REI Co-op, Yeti and TowBoatUS.

Learn more about the Bay Paddle organization, this year's events, how to help and where to donate at baypaddle.org.

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