Go Paddle Event Profile: 7th Annual Newport SUP Cup, Newport, Rhode Island
DATE
August 27, 2016
LOCATION
Newport Shipyard in Newport, Rhode Island
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT RACES AND COURSES?
There are two distances: short-3 miles (rec) and long- 6 miles (elite). The courses are one or two laps around Goat Island, departing from and returning to the historic Newport Shipyard. The course goes through the Newport Harbor in the shadow of the Newport Bridge, passing by the Newport Harbor Light. It’s a gorgeous setting among world cup yachts and sailboats.
WHAT KIND OF PADDLING SETTINGS AND CONDITIONS WILL RACERS FACE?
Because it is open water, there can be current and wind to contend with. Conditions depend highly upon the weather, but there is usually some surface chop to navigate, at a minimum. There is boat traffic around the harbor.
WHAT MAKES YOUR EVENT GREAT? WHAT WILL PADDLERS LOVE ABOUT COMING TO YOUR EVENT?
The Newport SUP Cup is a trademark Coastal Urge race, which means the focus is on the experience of the paddlers having a wonderful time. The setting, at the Newport Shipyard, is amazing. There are World Cup yachts and sailboats from around the world. Racers can wander around before and after the race and get a peek at these magnificent watercraft. The course is one of the most picturesque in New England, so it is fun to paddle. The Shipyard is an excellent host, with an onsite restaurant–Belle’s Cafe–that serves amazing food. There’s also a cool gift shop, too!
As with all Coastal Urge races, every racer gets an awesome prize from Coastal Urge retail partners such as Mountain Hardwear, Kaenon, L*Space, Patagonia, Southern Tide, Olukai, The North Face, and more. Whether you finish first or one hundred and first, you’ll still leave with swag.
WILL THERE BE ANY CLINICS AND WHAT ARE THE DETAILS?
No clinics
WHERE CAN PEOPLE GET PADDLE GEAR LIKE PFDS AND HYDRATION PACKS?
Jamestown Outdoors just across the bridge has paddle gear.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE BUY GROCERIES?
Health food: A Market http://myamarket.com/our-stores
Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center
181 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401.846.8137
Stop & Shop is more traditional and across the street.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE STAY? DO YOU HAVE A HOTEL YOU CAN RECOMMEND AND CONTACT INFO?
Newport and surrounding towns, including Jamestown, have many historic inns, hotels, and VRBO options. We recommend just seeing what fits your taste and budget and enjoying the New England charm!
WHAT GREAT LOCAL RESTAURANTS CAN YOU RECOMMEND?
Lunch from Belle’s Cafe at our host, the historic Newport Shipyard is included with the event. Their food is fantastic! In addition to delicious lunch, they also serve made-to-order breakfast.
WHERE IS THE BEST COFFEE IN TOWN?
Belle’s Cafe at our host, the historic Newport Shipyard.
DOES YOUR EVENT BENEFIT A CHARITY AND IF SO, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THEM?
The 2016 7th Annual Newport SUP CUP is in memory of race co-founder Jeoffrey Nathan’s father and it benefits Save the Bay, a charity that works to protect a natural resource near and dear to his heart. The mission of Save the Bay is:
“To protect and improve Narragansett Bay. Our vision is a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to all and globally recognized as the natural treasure it is.
At Save The Bay, it takes a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and leadership to continue our mission. Through an ecosystem-based approach to environmental action:
-Our Narragansett Baykeeper and South County Coastkeeper act as watchdogs to ensure the Bay and its watershed is protected.
-Our educators work tirelessly to keep the public aware of the importance of our waters and to teach good stewardship.
-Our policy team works closely with state and local governments to pass laws that protect the Bay and keep lines of communication open with lawmakers on the importance of environmental action.
-Our habitat restoration team restores and improves the ecological health of important coastal habitats and watershed areas.
-We defend the right of the public to use and enjoy the Bay and its surrounding waters.
-We foster an ethic of environmental stewardship among people who live in or visit the Narragansett Bay region.
When you live in an area that offers 400 miles of coastline and endless recreational options, you’re bound to want to explore. Narragansett Bay gives Rhode Islanders a sense of place, and Save The Bay provides the chance to better understand its marvelous ecosystem.
Website:
Race Website
www.newportsupcup.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CoastalUrge1
Instagram
instagram.com/coastalurge
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