Tomorrow "Paddle for the Bays" at Dowses Beach

There probably isn't a better way to learn about why our bays need to be protected than to get into their water and paddle around.  

On Wednesday from 8 am to 12 pm, Three Bays Preservation and Stand Up & Paddle invites residents, Cape-goers and the public to hop in a kayak, canoe or to be adventurous and try a stand up paddle-board as part of its "Paddle for the Bays" event at Dowses Beach in Osterville.

Participants can learn how to paddle, kayak or canoe while raising money and to "expand awareness of its [Three Bays Preservation's] mission to preserve, maintain, protect and enhance the estuaries of Barnstable and to engage the community in its roster of projects and programs to protect the bays of our town," a press release said.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the waters around the East Bays, Centerville River and beyond.

According to a press release, Lindsey Counsell, Executive Director of Three Bays Preservation described the “Paddle for the Bays” event as “an intent to get residents and summer visitors more engaged with the local waters and the issues that threaten their condition.”

Amy Hotchkiss, proprietor of Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod said in a release, “Offering the public increased opportunities to learn and enjoy the aquatic sports of paddle- boarding, kayaking and canoeing in a spirited way is the objective of this summer event. We have partnered with Three Bays Preservation in the hope that it will build greater awareness and an appreciation for all of us to take part in preserving these aquatic resources we love to enjoy. All proceeds will benefit Three Bays’ programs of maintenance and protection of the bays within the watershed.”

All paying event participants will receive a “Paddle for the Bays” tee-shirt and a gift bag donated by local businesses.

Participants may use equipment available at the event site, or bring their own. Admission to “Paddle for the Bays” is $15 for adults and $8 for children (from 8 to 12) and those less than 8 years of age are admitted free with all proceeds to benefit the programs of Three Bays Preservation, Inc. Tickets are available through the office of Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod at telephone 508.331.0798 or by email at info@StandUpAndPaddleCapeCod.com. Tickets and secure credit card registration are also avail- able online at www.3bays.org.