A summer favorite among Newport County folks, the Aquidneck Island Paddle kicks and splashes into high gear Saturday, with nearly 80 entrants mostly divided up into relay teams to make the annual 38-mile journey around Aquidneck Island, the longest such paddle event in the U.S, according to organizers.
From daybreak into early evening, paddlers from Aquidneck Island and neighboring communities will navigate the winding coastline on surfboards, kayaks, and standing paddleboards, with some teams participating in a competitive relay division.
The annual end-of-day "Paddle Party" is scheduled for 5pm and is open to paddlers and the general public, with limited tickets available. The party will take place on the Norman Bird Sanctuary property located at Third Beach, said Harrison, with a family-style beach picnic catered by Blackstone Caterers, games, educational programs and a campfire for the kids.
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Now in its fourth year, the Aquidneck Island Paddle helps the three local non-profit organizations provide a wide range of non-profit services and programs that serve Aquidneck Island.
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