We’re thrilled to announce the locations of our 6th Annual SPLASH Event Series, presented nationally by Toyota!
SPLASH events will take place on waterways across the United States to support local Waterkeeper organizations by engaging community members and outdoor enthusiasts in events comprised of water-based recreational activities like swimming, paddling, kayaking, fishing and much more.
A record 13 events will be held this season, including eight new-to-the-series events and five alumni class events. See below for the full lineup, and get ready to make a SPLASH with us this summer!
Stand Up for Clean Water
April 16, 2016 | To benefit Los Angeles Waterkeeper
Join clean water supporters and outdoors enthusiasts at Los Angeles Waterkeeper’s 5th annual Stand Up for Clean Water Paddleboard Race, presented nationally by Toyota and locally by Whole Foods Market. On Saturday, April 16, environmental leaders, community members, and over 300 paddle boarders will gather in Paradise Cove in Malibu to celebrate California’s pristine coastline with live music, a raffle and silent auction, and local food and drinks. For more information, visit: http://www.sup4cleanwater.org/.
Water Fest
April 30, 2016 | To benefit Miami Waterkeeper
After a highly successful Big Float Event in September, Biscayne Nature Center and Miami Waterkeeper are again teaming up to celebrate clean water and beautiful beaches. Water Fest will offer paddleboarding and kayaking, food and drinks, volleyball, arts and crafts, and educational opportunities. Water Fest will bring together the community by hosting an eco-village with local environmental groups. We look forward to rallying Miami’s community around the beaches and waterways! Save $5 by purchasing your tickets online. All ticket sales include a Miami Waterkeeper Starfish Membership (a $25 value) and a Biscayne Nature Center Membership (a $25 value)!
Great Russian River Race
June 4, 2016 | To benefit Russian Riverkeeper
Come out, kick off the summer, and support a great cause while you’re at it. The Russian River Race party is from 12pm – 4pm at Johnson’s Beach. There will be food trucks & beer, live music by Cahoots and the Bad Apple String Band, vendor booths and a costume contest amongst the racers. We invite everyone to come down to the River, bring chairs and blankets and watch the racers cross the Finish Line (from 12pm – 2pm). It’s a great way to kick off the summer season while supporting a good cause, protecting the great Russian River! For more information, visit http://www.greatrussianriverrace.com/.
Grandman Triathlon
June 4, 2016| To benefit Mobile Baykeeper
The Grandman Triathlon (“The Grandman”) has become a major attraction on the Gulf Coast, each year growing in entrants, spectators and enthusiasts. Beginning at the Fairhope Pier and traveling the beautiful streets of Fairhope and Mobile Bay, the Grandman promotes a healthy lifestyle and showcases Waterkeeper Alliance’s mission. For more information, visit: http://www.thegrandman.com/home.
Paddle Potomac! Paddle Shenandoah!
June 9 – 19, 2016 | To benefit Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Paddle Potomac! Paddle Shenandoah! is our second annual ten-day community outreach event that provides novice to advanced paddlers opportunities to spend a few days or just a few hours on the river, a rare opportunity to enjoy three National “water trails” that wind through a spellbinding corridor linked by land, water and history. Paddle Potomac! Paddle Shenandoah! is partnering with the National Park Service celebrating our Nation’s River, the 100-year anniversary of the National Parks System and promote the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and their connection to our National Park System in positive ways that promote their economic value to our region.
We are teaming up with local outfitters to provide boats, equipment and shuttle service for daily and overnight paddle trips over the course of 10 consecutive days, starting June 8th during National Fishing and Boating Week, ending on June 19th at the Georgetown Waterfront, in Washington, DC. For more information, visit: http://www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/paddle-potomac-2016/.
James River Rundown
June 11, 2016 | To benefit James River Association
Pick your distance and let’s go! The James River Rundown is a series of 140-mile, 100-mile, and 20-mile canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard races running through the heart of Virginia on the historic James River. The James River Rundown is one of the longest races of its kind in the United States. Competitors will fight through wind, natural obstacles and fatigue to claim victory. All three races finish at an after party at American Legion Post 354 featuring food, beverage, and live music. All proceeds from the event benefit the James River Association. For more information, visit: http://www.jamesriverrundown.org/.
Buzzards Bay Swim
June 25, 2016 | To benefit Buzzards Bay Coalition
The Buzzards Bay Swim is a fun community event that supports a great cause: clean water in Buzzards Bay. Swimmers complete a 1.2-mile open water course across outer New Bedford Harbor, beginning in the South End of New Bedford and ending at Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation in Fairhaven. Now in its 23rd year, the Swim annually draws nearly 300 swimmers from across the region and the country. Awards and prizes are given for fastest swimmers and top fundraisers. All funds raised support the Coalition’s work to restore and protect clean water in the community. Register and learn more: www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.
Mayfly Festival
June 25, 2016 |To benefit Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper
Celebrate the Susquehanna at the Susquehanna Mayfly Festival, 10 am to 3 pm on June 25. The return of the mayflies represents our renewed commitment to having fishable, swimmable and drinkable water for all residents and visitors to our incredible river and surrounding lands. Enjoy the many displays by talented artists and makers, paddling and games for kids, locally-sourced food, and locally-sourced music! Come early and join in the 6th Annual Susquehanna Biathlon, a running and paddling event that let’s you experience why we love our river so much. Proceeds go to protecting and improving the ecological health, historical sites, and aesthetics of the Susquehanna Valley. For more information, visit susquehannamayflyfestival.com.
Sunrise. Sunset. Susquehanna.
July 2, 2016 | To benefit Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper
Show your love for the Susquehanna River on Saturday, July 2, by joining Middle Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER® for its inaugural Sunrise. Sunset. Susquehanna. paddle-a-thon! Celebrate Pennsylvania’s 2016 River of the Year – the North Branch of the Susquehanna River – by splashing into its meandering blue waters and embarking on a full-day paddling adventure. From Sunrise at Berwick to Sunset at Danville, navigate 22 miles of this natural treasure and experience first hand what Middle Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER® works to protect, improve, and preserve. A special treat awaits those who make it to the very end! Reserve your spot today and make a SPLASH. For more information, visit http://sunrise-sunset-susquehanna.org/.
Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
August 13, 2016 | To benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with one of the region’s only point-to-point open water swim events on Saturday, August 13, 2016. The 2-mile bay swim begins at Greilickville Harbor Park in Elmwood Township and ends on the shore of Volleyball Beach, in beautiful downtown Traverse City. Whether you’re a serious swimmer looking for a timed event, a triathlete wanting to practice in open water, a recreational swimmer setting a personal goal for your swimming or someone who is passionate about water quality and making a difference locally, the Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is an exciting, challenging and fun celebration of clean and healthy water in our region. For more information, visit: http://www.swimforgtbay.com/.
New York Harbor Regatta
September 16, 2016 | To benefit New York Harbor Foundation
On September 16, 2016, New York Harbor Foundation will host the 6th annual New York Harbor Regatta at Governors Island. Hundreds of sailors and supporters from New York City’s media, finance, education, maritime and business communities will convene for a terrific day on the water. While the sailors compete in the J105 and J24/Colgate 26 classes—fans take in the action from the spectator boat and enjoy an afternoon of cocktails, light bites and networking on the water! Directly following the racing, sailors, spectators and supporters head to Governors Island Beach Club for Dark ‘n Stormies, Fishers Island Oysters, live reggae and specialties from top NYC restaurants at the Regatta Bash on the beach—the ideal way to capture the last bit of summer. For more information, visit https://www.nyharborregatta.com/.
Santa Barbara Aquathon
September 17, 2016 | To benefit Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
Channelkeeper’s newest outdoor on-water recreational event is taking place September 17th, 2016 at Leadbetter Beach. This family-friendly, multi-sport event brings together our local community to raise awareness and vital funds needed to protect and restore our beloved Santa Barbara. We invite you to participate, help spread the word, bring your family, bring your friends, and most importantly have fun out on the water!
SURFATHON – It’s not about style-it’s about how many waves you can catch! (kids 14 years and under)
SWIMATHON – Register to for the 500m or 1K!
SWEEPATHON – Stand Up Paddle board race from Leadbetter Beach to Hendry’s Beach! (all ages)
Whether you are a serious athlete looking to train, looking to have a salty good time, or a family with a little of both, AQUATHON is the place to be Saturday, September 17. Friends, family and passers-by will be in abundance so c’mon… rally your group, get registered, send some vendors and sponsors Channelkeeper’s way and lets show how truly committed Santa Barbarians raise funds to protect our beautiful beaches, coastline, and community.
Pirates of the Hackensack RiverFest
September 24, 2016 | To benefit Hackensack Riverkeeper
Hackensack Riverkeeper hosts Pirates of the Hackensack RiverFest – a fishing derby on the Hackensack River taking place on the Laurel Hill County Park Promenade in Secaucus, New Jersey on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The event will focus on the fishing opportunities in the estuary and educate the public on the various fish species that reside in their local waterway. Prizes will be awarded for both children and adults. We will be partnering with the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association to help teach participants the basics of fishing. Live music and refreshments will be served, and participants are encouraged to dress like a pirate! Prize for best costume! For more information, visit PiratesoftheHackensack.com.