Third Annual Paddle Battle LI Raises Over $25,000

The Third Annual Paddle Battle LI event took place last month on the Peconic River in Riverhead.

The event was another huge success with almost 200 participants, including nine, four person teams assembled for the first Paddle Battle Corporate Challenge.

The event raised more than $25,000 for the United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild Program, the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, and the East End Tourism Alliance.

Riverhead Building Supply’s team consisting of Christopher Bagshaw, Teddy Barry, Danielle McCabe and Sally Nemschick, won first place, earning the best over-all time for their 2.5-mile Stand-Up Paddle Board and Recreational Class Kayak race with a time of 2:14:40.

They took home the championship trophy along with the bragging rights of winning the first ever Paddle Battle Corporate Challenge.

The day’s events included a 2.5-mile amateur race, a 5-mile competitive race, and a 12-mile elite class race.

There were also pairs of two-person canoe and kayaks races.

First Place medals were given to winners in each category, for each class and distance.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s race and look forward to getting more individual racers and Long Island corporate team sponsors in next year’s race,” Bryan DeLuca, event organizer said.