Challenging Conditions for Mews Canoe and Kayak Race

The 21^st annual Mews Tavern Canoe and Kayak Race took place on Sunday in a trifecta of challenging conditions. More than 100 boats paddled upriver, into a brisk wind, as the tide rushed out against them.

For those that made it to the finish line, a cold beer and a steaming hot plate of food awaited them. The race course, which begins with a 300 yard dash along Matunuck Beach Road from in front of the Ocean Mist to the water access at the end of Water Street, boat in hand, travels seven miles through Potter and Point Judith Pond and up the river to the back parking lot at the Mews Tavern.

Despite the watery race course, spectators enjoyed the show, watching from the starting line at the Ocean Mist, the finish line, and from the bridge on Succotash Road, where Potter Pond connects to Point Judith Pond. They cheered, jeered, and passed beers to the paddlers as they went by.

While the competition was fierce, the costumes livened up the race - there were teams dressed as pirates, boy scouts, prison inmates, and everything in between, as well as a well-appointed pirate ship.

The event benefited the Southern Rhode Island Animal Rescue League, which was on hand at the finish line to help contestants get their boats out of the water as well as sell t-shirts and cards.

Top 10 Finishers