We’re thrilled to announce the locations of our 7th Annual SPLASH Event Series, presented nationally by Toyota!
The 2017 season of SPLASH events will take place on waterways across the United States. The series supports 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.
“Engaging people with their local waterways is a crucial part of securing drinkable, fishable, swimmable water,” said Marc Yaggi, executive director of Waterkeeper Alliance. “We are grateful for Toyota’s commitment to the environment and clean water – exemplified by the Toyota Mirai – and thank them for another great year of supporting the health of communities and their waterways through the SPLASH Event Series.”
“Beyond our own water conservation and watershed protection activities, through this partnership we aim to drive awareness in the community about the importance of protecting our water resources,” said Kevin Butt, general manager of environmental sustainability, Toyota Motor North America. “The SPLASH series provides a fun way to contribute to water conservation projects and make a difference.”
See below for the full lineup, and get ready to make a SPLASH with us this summer!
Earth Fest Overpeck Recycled Regatta
May 20, 2017 | Bergen County, NJ | To benefit Hackensack Riverkeeper
Join Bergen County Parks and Hackensack Riverkeeper as we celebrate the beauty of our Earth, the importance of clean water, and a healthy environment at the 4th Annual Bergen County Parks EarthFest Overpeck. A festival with Food Trucks, Environmental Children’s Activities, Rain Barrel Workshop, Birds, Bats and Bees, Face Painting, Recycled Regatta, Green Vendors, Live Music and more await you.
Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival
May 20, 2017 | Roswell, GA | To benefit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Paddlers of all ages and skill levels will take to the water on Saturday, May 20, for the 15th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival. Organized and presented by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) in partnership with the National Park Service and the City of Roswell, the event is organized to celebrate the Chattahoochee and foster a sense of community around the river that serves 3.5 million Georgians and 70% of metro Atlantans. The Festival, held at Roswell’s Riverside Park, is FREE and family-friendly. Racers and others will enjoy LIVE music plus an array of exhibits that include local artisans and farmers market vendors. For more information, visit chattahoochee.org/back-to-the-chattahoochee-river-race-festival
Publix Grandman Triathlon
June 3, 2017 | Fairhope, AL | To benefit Mobile Baykeeper
The Publix Grandman Triathlon begins with the racers jumping off the Fairhope pier into Mobile Bay and swimming 1/3-mile to the shore. After the swim, racers immediately bike 18 miles throughout the city of Fairhope up a grueling hill and through miles of the scenic countryside before finishing the race with a 5K run alongside Mobile Bay. The Publix Grandman Triathlon benefits Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities in the Mobile Bay Watershed.
River Palooza
June 3 – September 24, 2017 | D.C., VA, MD and WVA | To benefit Potomac Riverkeeper Network
RiverPalooza is a season-long annual event providing a wide range of on-the-water and paddling events with our Riverkeepers and in partnership with the region’s best outfitters. RiverPalooza 2017 kicks off on June 3rd with our Make a SPLASH for Clean Water Day at Harpers Ferry — including paddling, rafting, tubing and a big party with BBQ and a bluegrass band. In addition, several outfitters support this event and our work year-round: Downriver Canoe Company, Front Royal Canoe, Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, River & Trail Outfitters and River Riders. Several of the paddle trips go along the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. We will wrap it all up with a Stand Up for Clean Water Celebration on September 24th, to recognize World Rivers Day and the 45th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act.
Buzzards Bay Swim
June 24, 2017 | Buzzards Bay, MA | To benefit Buzzards Baykeeper
Discover the beauty and spirit of Buzzards Bay at the 24th annual Buzzards Bay Swim in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Saturday, June 24! Just 50 miles south of Boston, the Buzzards Bay Swim features a scenic 1.2-mile point-to-point course across outer New Bedford Harbor passing by iconic Butler Flats Lighthouse. At the thrilling finish, swimmers are welcomed with a beach party featuring a live steel drum band, pancakes, gourmet coffee, local beer, and awards and prizes! The Swim benefits the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit that works to protect clean water in the region. Sign up or learn more: www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim
James River Rundown
June 24 – 25, 2017 | Lynchburg to Richmond, VA | To benefit Upper and Lower James Riverkeeper
The James River Rundown is a series of canoe, kayak, and SUP races running through the heart of Virginia on the scenic James River. Competitors will race through weather, natural features, and fatigue to reach the finish line at Goochland County’s Tucker Park. The James River Association is organizing a two-day 120-mile race, 50-mile race, 25-mile race, and 5-mile fun float for this year’s event. A post-race celebration featuring food, beverage, live music from Sturgeon City, and programming offered by L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools will be held at Tucker Park on Sunday, June 25th. Proceeds from the James River Rundown support the Upper and Lower James Riverkeepers®.
Tred Avon PaddleJam
June 24, 2017 | Easton, MD | To benefit Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy
On Saturday, June 24, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals are partnering to bring this fun event to the community. Paddlers will launch kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from Easton Point Marina to enjoy a six-mile paddle on the Tred Avon River. Paddlers will end back at Easton Point Marina, where there will be live music, food trucks, beverages, and great prizes. Along the paddle route, paddlers can pick up poker cards. Winning hands receive prizes.
San Francisco Baykeeper Bay Parade
July 9, 2017 | San Francisco, CA | To benefit San Francisco Baykeeper
The Bay Parade is our on-the- water recreation festival celebrating a clean and healthy San Francisco Bay. Swimmers and boaters parade from the Golden Gate along San Francisco’s iconic waterfront. Paddleboarders and kayakers join from Pier 40. Everyone comes together in McCovey Cove for the parade finale, broadcast on the San Francisco Giants Jumbotron at the start of the baseball game. The fastest swimmers and biggest fundraisers compete for the Golden Rivet trophy. Then we celebrate at a Bay Parade after-party hosted by Anchor Brewing at the Yard. All proceeds go to stopping pollution in San Francisco Bay. For more information, visit baykeeper.org/bayparade.
Sunrise Sunset Susquehanna Paddle and Play Event
July 22, 2017 | Williamsport, PA | To benefit Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
Show your love for your ‘Hanna on Saturday, July 22, at the Second Annual Sunrise Sunset Susquehanna Paddle & Play at Susquehanna State Park in Williamsport. Adventurous river rats will start their day with an 11-mile paddle on the West Branch with their Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, launching near Lock Haven and landing at the state park, to be treated to an afternoon of riverside music, storytelling, interactive environmental education, regional foods, and family-friendly activities. End your day with a cruise aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat as we travel on the Mighty Susquehanna to engage in bird watching and river reflecting. For more information, visit middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org.
Paddles Up
July 29, 2017 | Grand Island, NY | To benefit Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper
Paddles Up Niagara is a celebration of the world-class opportunities for paddling and public access found in the Niagara River watershed and is hosted by the Niagara River Greenway Commission, the Town of Grand Island, New York State Parks, and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. The day-long event includes two eco-paddle tours, a vendor fair, paddle safety demonstrations, and the highlight of the day, a 2.5-mile mass group paddle, followed by a dry-land celebration with a beer tent and local food trucks. The event is free and open to the public!
Summer Sail and Paddle Fest
August 3, 2017 | Seattle, WA | To benefit Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
Come celebrate Puget Sound and your commitment to clean water! Join Puget Soundkeeper at the first-annual Summer Sail and Paddle Fest in Seattle’s Magnuson’s Park on August 3, 2017 at 4:00pm. Experience a near-full moon over Lake Washington from the deck of a sailboat, sailing dinghy, paddle board or kayak, followed by a community clean water celebration. Guests will enjoy boat rides, dinner, beer and other beverages, live music and a Puget Soundkeeper membership. All-inclusive tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets here.
Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
August 12, 2017 | Traverse City, MI | To benefit Grand Traverse Baykeeper
Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with a 2-mile point-to-point open water swim event on Saturday, August 12, 2017, to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a non-profit that protects the Bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed. The second annual swim begins at Greilickville Harbor Park in Elmwood Township and ends at Volleyball Beach in downtown Traverse City. The Swim for Grand Traverse Bay, a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event presented nationally by Toyota, aims to strengthen our community’s connection to Grand Traverse Bay and its watershed. For more information, visit swimforgtbay.com.
Elkspedition Picnic & Paddle
September 4, 2017 | Charleston, WV | To benefit West Virginia Headwaters Waterkeeper
Join West Virginia Rivers Coalition and the West Virginia Headwaters Waterkeeper at Coonskin Park in Charleston, WV for a celebration of the Elk River on Labor Day, September 4, 2017, during our 2nd Annual Elkspedition Picnic & Paddle! Join a flotilla of kayaks, canoes, rafts or anything else that floats for a celebratory 3.5-mile paddle on the Elk River! After the paddle, you’ll be treated to a good old-fashioned BBQ picnic. Rather stay on land? We’ll be hosting a free family-friendly Elk River festival featuring games, music, giveaways, a silent auction and booths from local organizations and businesses that support clean water in West Virginia.
New York Harbor Regatta & Bash
September 15, 2017 | New York, NY | To benefit Waterkeeper Alliance
On Friday, September 15th, New York Harbor Foundation will host the 7th annual New York Harbor Regatta Bash on Governors Island—an annual favorite among New Yorkers, closing the summer season. The bash takes place immediately following the regatta—a sailing competition in the New York Harbor. Sailors and supporters from a number of NYC-based companies and organizations will be competing in the J24, Colgate 26, J80, and Melges classes for the opportunity to win the NY Harbor Cup.
Aquathon
September 30, 2017 | Santa Barbara, CA | To benefit Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
The Santa Barbara AQUATHON is a family-friendly, multi-sport, on-the-water event that brings the Santa Barbara community together to raise awareness and funds to protect and restore our beloved ocean. This event is for recreational swimmers, serious swimmers looking for a timed open water event, SUPers who want to meet a personal goal or just have a salty good time. Kids 14 and under are invited to participate in our just-for-fun surf challenge too! The AQUATHON is perfect for colleagues and clubs wanting to build team spirit, and anyone who wants to dive in and raise funds to protect our beautiful beaches, coastline and community.
Tour de Ashley
October 22, 2017 | Charleston, SC | To benefit Charleston Waterkeeper
Charleston Waterkeeper’s Tour de Ashley is a unique event celebrating the Ashley River’s heritage and community. The one-day event offers locals and visitors alike the chance to connect with the river in a personal way, learn about its history and environment, and celebrate its future and its community. Join us for a great day given over to our Ashley River!
Bay Day
December 16, 2017 | Miami, FL | To benefit Miami Waterkeeper
Bring your sunscreen, swimsuit, and smile and join Miami Waterkeeper at Shake-a-leg Miami for a Bay Day on December 16th, 2017! This family-friendly day of fun will feature sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing lessons, boat tours, and more! We will be enjoying beautiful Biscayne Bay, learning about marine ecosystems, and having fun making new friends! Play in the water and join us for a BBQ on an island in the Bay. All proceeds benefit our efforts to provide swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all in South Florida. For a full schedule of events and to buy your tickets online, visit miamiwaterkeeper.org/events.