About Paddle for the Sound
We’re back for another year of Paddle for the Sound! Bringing together athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and activists, join us for a virtual kayak, SUP, and canoe competition. Participants will track distance paddled and raise funds to protect the Sound and its rivers, restore local ecosystems, fight climate change, and save endangered lands.
Test your skills on the open waters this summer. Participate in a friendly, virtual competition to see who can cover the most distance and raise the most funds to protect our regional environment. Paddle for the Sound celebrates the rivers, lakes, ocean, and all greenspaces that make the Long Island Sound region truly spectacular.
Support the great outdoors—in your own backyard! Your support keeps your Long Island Soundkeeper on the water tracking down pollution at its source; prevents trash from making its way into our waterways; protects our native and migratory fish species; and so much more. And you make it happen just by getting outside on the water this summer!
A Paddle-From-Anywhere Competition
Take to the water with your favorite activity tracker turned on. Participants will start their virtual races from self-selected launch points, tracking their miles with each excursion. Take screenshots of your distance and send it to the Paddle for the Sound team who will compile the results. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded for total distance paddled and total funds raised to take action for our environment!
What: Paddle for the Sound fundraiser to benefit Save the Sound
When: 2024 dates will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Where: Your favorite paddle launch point
Categories: Kayak, SUP, Canoe
Prize Categories
- First Place Total Distance Paddled with a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe over the duration of the event.
- Second Place Total Distance Paddled with a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe over the duration of the event.
- Third Place Total Distance Paddled with a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe over the duration of the event.
- First Place for Most Funds Raised (Adult)
- First Place for Most Funds Raised (Youth)
Create Your Crowdfunding Page
Paddle for the Sound 2024 participants are strongly encouraged to raise $200 by creating a peer-to-peer fundraising page or an Instagram fundraiser (visit our Instagram profile on your phone and click “support”), which helps raise funds and awareness for Save the Sound.
We encourage you to share your progress with your supporters as you paddle! If you fundraise $200 or more, you’ll receive a special Save the Sound Splash Bag.
If you can’t participate in the event, you can still support our work by creating a fundraising page or donating here.
5 fundraising tips to help you track your progress and achieve fundraising goals:
1. Sign up and create your fundraising page: Click here to set up your personal fundraising page. Customize it with photos and share your personal story of why you paddle to protect the Sound. Or, create an Instagram fundraiser: visit our Instagram profile on your phone and click “support.”
2. Set a fundraising goal & spread the word: Participants are asked to fundraise $200 or more, which will earn you a special Save the Sound splash bag! However, we encourage you to customize and set your own fundraising target. Make sure to share your goal and regular updates with friends, family, and social networks.
3. Track your miles: Share your accomplishments and the distance you’ve covered with your supporters. It will not only showcase your dedication but also remind them of the impact they can make by supporting you.
4. Engage with your donors: Show your gratitude by sending personalized thank-you messages to your donors. Keep them updated on the impact of their contributions and how it is making a difference in safeguarding the Sound, restoring ecosystems, fighting climate change, and preserving open spaces.
5. Incentivize donations: Offer incentives to motivate people to donate. For example, you could pledge to paddle a certain distance or set a personal record if you reach a certain fundraising milestone. Make it fun and interactive!
Remember, all funds raised will go directly toward restoring habitats for native and migratory species, keeping our waters plastic and pollution free, and preserving our open spaces for current and future generations. Let’s paddle together and create a better future for the Sound and its inhabitants!
Paddle FAQ
How do I track my paddle distances?
We suggest using one of the following apps while you paddle:
- Strava
- Go Paddling
- Polaris GPS
- KayakLog
- Relive
Remember, screenshot your distance through your selected app on EACH excursion you take and submit it to Amanda at ajames@savethesound.org with your name, category, and date to be eligible for prizes. All excursions can be included in one email but they must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the virtual competition for eligibility.
Where should I paddle?
Since this is a virtual event, you are welcome to use your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, at any of your favorite launch points. If you need ideas, visit our Sound Health Explorer and select “Kayak Launches” on the left-hand side to see over 100 launches surrounding Long Island Sound.
If I am unable to paddle, how can I still participate?
Even if you can’t get out on the water, you can still join this event and make a big difference! We encourage you to create a fundraising page (instructions below) and share your fundraising goal with friends and family. Spreading awareness goes a long way for the protection and preservation of Long Island Sound.
How do I create my fundraising page?
It’s easy to set-up and customize your personal fundraising page. Click here and tap the orange “Start Fundraising” button to get started. We recommend personalizing your page with your own story—what the Sound means to you or a favorite memory related to the Sound. We encourage all participants to raise a minimum of $200. When you do, you will automatically be eligible to receive a Save the Sound Splash Bag. Who knows, you could even win 1st Place for Most Funds Raised!
Promote your fundraiser with friends and family or through social media. Don’t forget to let your donors see your progress! Periodically update them by adding your distance or amount of time spent doing your selected activity. Don’t forget to share photos and videos on social media!