What we’re about
The River Connection Paddler group is for kayakers looking for greater performance (and fun) from their time on the water.
Outings can be Instruction/Performance related or casual getaways. The tenor is dictated by the group dynamics.
The River Connection is equipped by our year round retail store The River Connection, Inc. carrying P&H, Valley, North Shore and Venture kayaks, paddles by Werner, Mitchell and Saltwood, gear and garb by Kokatat, Astral Designs, Stohlquist, Thule, Marco Kayak Saddles.
The River Connection programs are most often launched from our own private Boathouse/Harbor at 30 River Road, Hyde Park, NY at the Hyde Park Landing. This is where we house our Fleet of Demo/Instructional Kayaks and equipment. We also feature other programs elsewhere on the Hudson River as well as the Long Island Sound.
For more information on any of our doings please feel free to email;
marshall@the-river-connection.com
Call the Showroom;
845-229-0595
Visit the website;
www.the-river-connection.com
See what's up on the blog;
hudsonriverpaddler.org
See you on the water,
Marshall Seddon
The River Connection, Inc.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Charles Island SUP Cup RaceWalnut Beach, Milford, CT
This is a reposting of the Race details of something I am competing in. More space to join in.
Let me know if you need something faster than what you currently paddle.
Charles Island SUP Cup 2024
June 22nd, 2024
Walnut Beach, Milford, Connecticutpresented by Scoot & Paddle & Surfrider Foundation CT Chapter
5 Mile Long course (Charles Island Challenge)
- M/F
- 17 and under
- 18-49
- 50-59
- 60+
- Race Category boards 12.6-14,Prone
- OC1, OC2, OC6
- Kayaks
2.5 Mile Short course (Land Ho!)
- M/F
- 14-17
- 18-49
- 50-59
- 60+
- SUP Race Category (12.6-14 race boards)
- SUP Rec Category (non race boards)
- Kayaks
.5 Mile Youth race (Arrr Matey)
- SUP
- Kayak
Register at:
Charles Island SUP Cup - Blackburn Challenge - Cape Anne, MAGloucester High School, Gloucester, MA
This is a Promo not an event The River Connection is hosting but I invite you all to challenge yourself and compete!
### REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 2024
The details:
### Pre-Race Information
- Early Registration: The early registration fee for the 2024 Blackburn Challenge is likely to be $90 per challenger, with a $450/boat maximum. There is a 50% discount for traditional Banks dory competitors when registered early. In addition, registering early saves you money and guarantees you event entry, tasty foods, and sweet swag!
- Late Registration: The late registration fee for the 2024 Blackburn Challenge is likely to be $115 per challenger, with a $575/boat maximum. The late registration period begins on July 1st. Don’t delay! Event registration is capped at 300 boats, and it fills quickly. In addition, race shirts may not be available for late registrations due to supply chain inefficiencies,
- Post-Race Meal Tickets: Likely to be $15 per additional person — purchase via Participant Registration.
- Registration Closes: Wednesday, July 10th 2024. THERE IS NO EVENT-DAY REGISTRATION!!!
### Race Day Information
- Race Course: See the Blackburn Challenge Race Course page.
- Race Day Committee Hotline: TBD
- Gloucester High School Address: 32 Leslie O Johnson Rd., Gloucester, MA 01930
- Rest Rooms: Facilities are available inside/outside at Gloucester High School.
- Liability Waivers: Liability waivers are completed as part of the online registration process for both captains and all crew members.
- Safety Review: There will be a safety review required before you can complete the check-in process. Look for roaming safety officials wearing orange vests. One person per boat (captain or designated person) should obtain clearance and receive a stamp/sticker, which must be presented during challenger check-in.
- Challenger Check-In: Class-specific tables will be available for challenger check-in from 6:00 am to 7:00 am in the Gloucester High School cafeteria. Access to the cafeteria is located near the school tennis courts (follow the people).
- Race Numbers: Must be securely attached to both sides of your bow.
- Captains’ Meeting: Mandatory 7:00 am meeting covering additional logistical information and latest updates/changes to race course and class starting orders/times. All boat captains must attend.
- Safety Equipment: See the Blackburn Challenge Race Rules page.
- Boat Launch: LAUNCH LOGISTICS CAN DELAY YOU! Allow plenty of time to stage and launch your vessel. Smaller boats and kayaks can use the unpaved areas surrounding Gloucester High School for staging and launching. Trailered boats must utilize the shared public-access loading ramp.
- Starting Protocol: All challengers must position their vessels behind the starting line on the north side of the railroad bridge prior to class start. A roll-call will be conducted to confirm class participants. A one-minute warning will be issued by the race official, followed by the starting signal.
- Class Starting Order/Time (General):
- 7:30 - Stand-Up Paddleboards and Prone Boards - Start immediately after Captains Meeting
- 7:45 - Sliding-Seat Multi Rowing and Fixed-Seat Multi Rowing - Possible moving start.
- 7:50 - Workboats, Banks Dories, Single and Double Canoes, and Open Class
- 7:55 - Fixed-Seat Singles and Doubles
- 8:00 - World Rowing C1X Singles
- 8:05 - Sliding Seat Racing and Touring Doubles
- 8:10 - Sliding Seat Racing Singles
- 8:15 - Sliding Seat Touring Singles
- 8:20 - OC-1, OC-2, and OC-4 Outrigger Canoes
- 8:25 - Sea Kayak (SK) and Fast Sea Kayak (FSK) Singles
- 8:30 - Sea Kayak (SK), Fast Sea Kayak (FSK), High-Performance Kayak (HPK), and SS20 Doubles
- 8:35 - High-Performance Kayak (HPK) and SS20 Singles
- 8:45 - OC-6 Outrigger Canoes
- Time Limit: 6 Hours. Safety Boats and Timing Crew will finish after 6 hours. All still-active challengers must immediately head to shore and call the race committee hotline at TBD at the 6-hour mark.
Drop me a line if you want more info.
