Oars Up! Oar & Paddle Regatta Celebrates 25th Year
Dogs enjoy early morning paddles, too --and don't forget the lifejackets.
Dogs enjoy early morning paddles, too --and don't forget the lifejackets.
Dana Gaines talked about the history of the event before the race got underway.
Dana Gaines talked about the history of the event before the race got underway.
On your marks, get, set, paddle.
On your marks, get, set, paddle.
Competitiors of all ages competed in a variety of watercraft.
Competitiors of all ages competed in a variety of watercraft.
Two-mile race began at Little Bridge in Sengekontacket Pond.
Two-mile race began at Little Bridge in Sengekontacket Pond.
Regatta filled pond with a rainbow of colors.
Regatta filled pond with a rainbow of colors.
Proceeds from the race go to local non-profits involved with conservation of Island waters.
Proceeds from the race go to local non-profits involved with conservation of Island waters.
Just keep paddling.
Just keep paddling.
Seth Besse has his eye on the finish line.
Seth Besse has his eye on the finish line.
Competing in the "dog on board" category.
Competing in the "dog on board" category.
Ninty-four kayakers, 25 paddleboarders, two swimmers and seven dogs set out Sunday morning in Sengekontacket Pond for the 25th annual Oar & Paddle Regatta. When the event started 25 years ago, it was called Paddle from the Ponds, and while the name has changed the mission has not: to bring attention to the health of Island ponds.
There were several different divisions competing in the two-mile course, and all ages groups invited to participate. There was even a category for paddling with your dog.
Island Spirit Kayaks donated kayaks and other watercraft for the event, and everyone gathered afterward for a post-race picnic.
The Martha's Vineyard Oar & Paddle Association is an informal group of rowers and kayakers that gathers often for events on local waters, including a Fourth of July evening paddle, and the North Shore cruise from Menemsha to Tashmoo.
Results of the 25th Annual Oar & Paddle
Overal results
First: Dana Gaines, Surfski, 21:33
Second: Pam Browning and Conrad Nurthmann, first male/female double, 24:28
Third: Mark Baumhofer and Otto Pison, first male/male double
Fourth: conor Langille, ISK Team, paddling Randy Durbin's reconstructed Current Designs Caribou
Fifth: Tucker Cosgrove, IS Team, paddling handmade wooden kayak by Randy Durbin, first wooden kayak
Sixth: Dick Clark on a Surfski
Seventh: Mark Alexander
Eighth: John Moore
Ninth: Percy Burt, first plastic sea kayak
Tenth: John Robinson paddling handmade wooden kayak by Randy Durbin, 26:48
Women's Division
First: Caroline Keller, 33: 47
Second: Fran Loftus, 35:39
Third: Lenore Tsikitas, plastic single
Special Categories
First paddle boarder: Seth Besse
Second paddle boarder: Anthony Stamp
First female paddle boarder: Jacqueline Besse
First youth stand up paddle boarder: Nick Pecararo, 12
First stand up paddle board with a dog: Max Celeste and Kim Materese
First stand up paddle board with a three year old: Megan Sonia and Kian Stapleton, 3
First stand up paddle board with a five year old: Alley Estrella and Collin Stapleton, 5
Sit on top woman: Erin Brown
First row boat: Tony Higgins
Second row boat: Jay Schofield and JR Thomas
Over 80: Herb Foster, 43:44
Kayak with two dogs: Bridget Dunnigan and Roger Williams with Hogan and Mullet
Kayak with two kids: Nathaniel, Owen, and Oliver Price
Second place plastic sea kayak, over 70: Michael Jacobs