Fourth annual paddling race

Mastic Beach Conservancy hosted their fourth annual paddling race, “Race the Narrows,” early morning on Saturday, July 11, in Mastic Beach surrounding the Mastic Peninsula.

This year, the Conservancy also added a guided nature paddle, in which paddlers could experience local wetlands throughout Pattersquash Creek and around Cranberry Dock without the racing aspect.

Along with the race and nature paddle, an afterparty was held in which food, drinks, and merchandise were for sale. The afterparty and awards ceremony were sponsored by Open Water, Noah, WHB Brewing Co., Flourbud Bakery, and Tend Coffee.

The proceeds for this event went towards the conservancy’s mission of preserving one of the last public waterfront parklands on Long Island.

Many were in attendance for both the race and the guided nature paddle, including many newcomers and returners. Alexandra de Toth, MBC events director and board member, organized the nature paddle as a leisurely way for people to enjoy the water without the pressure of a race.

“We had a really great turnout for the nature paddle this year, which was a new category to get more community members to participate in case they didn’t want to race, but they just wanted to be out on the water,” de Toth said.

Chris and Alyssa Weigret, a father-daughter duo who has participated in the two-and-a-half-mile race since the first in 2022, opted for a different change of pace this year, participating in the guided nature paddle instead.

“It was really a great tour. We really enjoyed it,” Chris said. “This was a nice change of pace for us.”

The nature paddle was guided by three tour guides who shared the history and details of the water, seashore, marine life and more. 

“Our guides were wonderful. They gave us some information about the area, about Pattersquash Creek, and the history,” Alyssa said.

Greg Stare and board member Andrea Purcigliotti were among the few nature paddle guides.

“Basically, you just got to appreciate the area and Pattersquash Creek, in particular, from the water,” Stare said, “where you can see birds, some fish and plants, and when you get inside the creek, it’s nice and calm.” 

MBC president Maura Spery said this event is just one step into preserving and rebuilding the six-and-a-half-mile waterfront parkland into a place where people can enjoy, experience, and learn about nature and the water.

“Nowhere else do we have six and a half miles of pristine, undeveloped land like here,” Spery said. “We’re trying to develop the high line to make this incredible trail, and our other initiative is educational.”

Suffolk County Legis. Jim Mazzarella was also in attendance, as he has played a big role in the process of developing this waterfront park.

“Suffolk County and the Department of Economic Development have been working for a few years now on developing this site to create an educational destination,” Mazzarella said, “where they’ll have access to the water, musical concerts, educational programming, in a place where they can bring their families to enjoy the beautiful waterfront here in Mastic Beach.”Many paddlers took part in the races on Saturday using kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards. A five-mile and two-and-a-half-mile race took place, and a thorough schedule was used to distribute the racing groups at appropriate times.

Paddleboarder Tom Day of Remsenburg, N.Y., took part in the two-and-a-half-mile race and appreciates the mission this organization and race stand for.

“It’s for a fantastic cause for the Mastic Conservancy,” Day said. “I think it’s a great way to preserve this area and really know what’s down here.”

Spery knows there is a lot more to come in this restoration process, but is hopeful for what this is going to do for the Mastic Beach community.

“We’re trying to really reach out to the community because it’s healing to be in nature, and nature is right here, in a community that really needs it.”