2020 Virtual Great River Race

Paddlers will get on the water independently and record their times by sending a screenshot of their route and time to complete the course as recorded by a fitness tracking app.  This means that instead of one day when all paddlers come together to traverse the North River, you will:

• Choose a Date: After you register we will send you the dates with the tides that will work to do the paddle between August 1 and August 31. Once you register, you can do the race as many times as you’d like between these dates and submit your best time!
• Choose a Course: Select one of two-course options, both of which leave from the Marshfield Launch. The choices are:

Paddle Route 1: Finish line is Couch Beach in Marshfield (~ 2.5 miles). You can paddle up and back when the tide is right – we provide you the correct tides or have a friend pick you up there. This route is 5 miles round trip. Rock pile at Couch Beach is the finish line.

Paddle Route 2: Finish Line is just past the Washington Street Bridge (~7-mile course) and then take out 1 mile further upstream at the Hanover Canoe Launch.  This route requires staging a car at the Hanover Canoe Launch.

• Rowing (Sliding Seat Single)
• Rowing (Fixed Seat Double)
• Rowing (Fixed Seat Single)
• Stand Up Paddle Board (Men)
• Stand Up Paddle Board (Women)
• Racing Kayak
• Kayak Single (Men)
• Kayak Single (Women)
• Kayak Double (All)
• Canoe Double (Men)
• Canoe Double (Women)
• Canoe Double (Mixed M/F)
• Canoe Family (At least 1 child under age 16)
• Canoe Single
• Senior Division 65+
• Best Decorated Boat or Boater (Submit your photo)

Ready to make a bigger splash for clean waters and healthy rivers? Join our FundRacers!

Education is key to protecting nature. Your participation in this race will help get more kids outdoors and inspire them to become stewards of nature. As a FundRacer, YOU can create an even bigger splash for clean waters and healthy rivers!

The funds you raise as a FundRacer will directly support NSRWA’s environmental education programs. Here’s a sample of what you will help make possible:

• with $25, one child can participate in FISH School as a citizen scientist
• with $50 one child has an outdoor adventure with our environmental educator
• with $100 one child has the chance to become an Estuary Explorer

It’s easy to sign up as a FundRacer and registration is free when you raise at least $150 in donations among your friends, family and neighbors. Make a difference locally and get ready to enjoy the calming power of nature as you paddle to protect waters!

Sign up as a FundRacer today to make a difference locally right away!

We will give you everything you need to get your fund-raising started. If you need help, email Gabriela Silva for some fun and successful tips and ideas.

FundRacers MUST sign an online waiver before paddling the course. Click here to sign.

The top 10 FundRacers will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, and the #1 FundRacer will receive a gift certificate and a chartered pontoon boat tour on the North River.

• All skill levels, from novice to racer, are invited to paddle in the 30th Annual Virtual Great River Race and all ages are welcome. (Participants age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)
• Any type of non-motorized watercraft is eligible to enter the race – even stand-up paddle boards!
• There is also the “Best Decorated Boat or Boater” division for the less serious, but creative paddler.

The registration fee for the Virtual Great River Race is $50 per craft.

All participants (including minors under 18 years of age) must have a signed waiver to participate in the race. Waiver is in registration form.

Once you register, you will be sent the Tide Schedule and other pertinent information.

Start/Finish

• Register online to paddle between August 1st and August 31st – we will send you the tide chart with the right tides.
• Start at the Marshfield Launch
• Finish at one of two locations: Couch Beach in Marshfield (2 miles) or at the Washington Street Bridge in Hanover (7.5 miles). Take out is at the Hanover Canoe Launch in Hanover (another 1 mile).

Submitting your route and time on our Leaderboard

• Submit a screenshot of your completed route and time as recorded on your time/route tracking app (such as MapMyFitness or Strava). Send to GreatRiverRace@nsrwa.org.
• Share pictures of your paddle by tagging the North and South Rivers on Instagram and Facebook and use the hashtags #greatriverrace #exploresouthshore
• Track the times in your category and see other racer’s photos on our Leader Board

Rules

• Life jacketsand a whistles are required by the US Coast Guard and must be worn throughout the race
• Follow the Massachusetts COVID Safety Guidance for Recreational Boating
• All participants MUST have a signed waiver to participate in the race.

In addition to the above race requirements it is strongly recommended that each racer/participant watch the following paddling safety video and follow the applicable recommendations below:

• Check the weather before you go and assess when you arrive at the launch. Avoid times when thunderstorms are likely or the wind is strong;
• If you there is sudden thunderstorm get to shore immediately and seek shelter in a building if possible if not stay low to the ground – do not seek shelter under a tree;
• Bring a protected, charged cell phone (you need this to log your race time anyways!) or other communication device;
• Race with a paddle buddy (someone who can accompany you in their own kayak/vessel);
• Let someone know when you start and finish the race;
• Bring an extra paddle or paddle float, a bailer, and flotation for your kayak, if needed;
• Water, snacks, & extra clothes in a dry bag.

The awards celebration will take place via Zoom meeting. You will receive a link by email to the celebration.

Medals will be given to 1st and 2nd place winners for each division.

The top 10 FundRacers will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, and the #1 FundRacer will receive a gift certificate and a chartered pontoon boat tour on the North River.