F.A.Q.

Is SEAPaddle NYC a race?

No, SEAPaddle NYC is an endurance charity event.

Is there a race this year?

Yes, in addition to the paddle there will be a Elite race for serious competitors. Race will be 26.5 miles in length.

Is there an alternate date for the paddle in case of foul weather?

Due to the scale of the logistical planning associated with SEAPaddleNYC, unless dangerous conditions such as lightning or hurricane hit the morning of the event, it will occur as planned. Check this site or our facebook feed for last minute details.

Do I need to wear a leash?

All participants will be required to use a leash. We ONLY recommend the FCS Adjustable Racing Leash. This leash will not drag behind your board, it will not slow you down and it will not get caught on any hazardous submerged object. Do not use a regular surf style leash.

Can I do the paddle as a team relay?

Any number of participants may combine to form a team. Individual registration and fundraising goals remain the same. All teams must have their own support boat and must notify the safety director of the type and size of the boat. Our infrastructure will not have the ability to support teams.

What is SEAPaddle NYC?

SEAPaddle NYC is a charity event focused on raising money and awareness for Surfers' Environmental Alliance and various Autism non-profits. The 26.5 mile paddle around NYC has garnered international participants and media attention.

Where do I stay if I'm from out of the area?

There are numerous hotels near the start and finish areas and we will provide some names and potential discounts through our Facebook feed.

How do I get into NYC and to the event?

Participants can use any mode of transportation that works to get their boards in. Cars and public transportation work equally well. We suggest dropping your board off the night before at the start.

Who do I contact for more information?

Seapaddle and Race = Andrew Mencinsky (SEA Executive Director) 732.804.4096 • andrewsurf7@gmail.com
White Water Evening = Rob Hazel (SEA Paddle Director) 646.342.5367 • rob.h.hazel@gmail.com
Auction or Donations: Amanda Winchester (Auction Chair) or Julianna Brouwer (Auction Chair) at seapaddleauction@gmail.com

Who do I contact if I want to donate to the silent or live auction?

If you’d like to donate to the Auction please contact Amanda Winchester (Auction Chair) or Julianna Brouwer (Auction Chair) at seapaddleauction@gmail.com

How can I get involved if I don't want to paddle?

There are several ways to get involved:

Make a monetary donation via our website
Attend the WWE to benefit SEA and other Autism NPs
Become a sponsor for the event
Make a donation to our Auction. In the past these donations have included weekly use of vacation homes, surf memorabilia, artwork and much more.
If you have a boat, kayak, canoe, or a boating license, you can volunteer to captain a support boat. For more information, please contact Andrew Mencinsky <mailto:andrewsurf7@gmail.com>

What is the fundraising minimum of each paddler?

A minimum of $1,000 must be raised by each paddler in order to participate.

How can I paddle for free?

Every participant in the paddle and race is obligated to raise a minimum of $1,000 with a goal of $1,500. Participants who raise $3,000 or more by August 1st will get two nights complimentary at a NYC hotel of our choosing.

Paddlers who raise $5,000 will have their $400 fee refunded.

Paddlers who do not raise the $1,000 minimum may be subject to a charge to make up the difference.

We expect everyone to try to hit or exceed the minimum. If you need to drop out of the event SEA will refund your entire entry fee up until August 1st.

NO refunds will be made to your donors if you drop out unless they specifically email us directly by August 1st.

What do you do with the money that is donated?

100% of all donations are evenly directed to the beneficiaries listed on our website.

How much of my donation is tax deductible?

$50 (which is a portion of the White Water Evening ticket) is tax deductible for all paddlers, racers and white water attendees.