Seacoast Paddleboard Club will host the first annual “Conquer the Seacoast” charity paddle on Sunday, August 18, 2024. As part of this inaugural fundraising event, paddle boarders from New England and beyond will gather at one of two launch points to complete a trek up New Hampshire’s scenic coastline to raise support for two separate environmental nonprofits.

Our club’s mission is to “get out on the water, have fun, and give back,” explained Chris Carragher, Founder and Event Director for the Seacoast Paddleboard Club. “The inaugural Conquer the Seacoast paddle is not a race, but rather an opportunity for paddlers of every skill level to come together and support causes that are near and dear to our hearts,” Carragher added.

The first-ever Conquer the Seacoast event is focused on raising support for the Jetty Rock Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation New Hampshire Chapter. Both organizations are known for their dedication to preserving marine ecosystems, advocating for clean water, and promoting coastal sustainability initiatives.

Jeremy DeFilippis, Member and Treasurer at the Jetty Rock Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “We’re excited for this first-time event and that Chris and his team chose the JRF as a beneficiary. He’s been great to work with as a Jetty ambassador and adds so much value by being a leader in his community. Tying in the support for coastal waterways fits with our mission and really completes the circularity from brand to cause.”

Participants of all skill levels are invited to join the paddle. Experienced paddlers can participate in “The Seabrook Run,” a twelve-mile endurance paddle, while beginner to intermediate paddlers can sign up for “The Jenness Run,” a four-mile recreational paddle. Using a staggered start time, participants from both groups will intersect at Jenness Beach and continue as a group to complete the paddle at Pirate’s Cove Beach.

Chris Grippo, Chair of Surfrider Foundation New Hampshire Chapter, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts like these. “Seacoast Paddleboard Club has been a longtime supporter of our work, and we’re grateful for their commitment to ocean conservation. Collaborations like the ‘Conquer the Seacoast’ charity paddle are vital for us to continue our good work here in New Hampshire. Together, we can make a real difference in protecting our coastlines and marine ecosystems.”

Funds raised through sponsorship and peer-to-peer donations will directly support the Jetty Rock Foundation’s efforts to enhance recreational opportunities along the coast and Surfrider Foundation New Hampshire Chapter’s initiatives to combat plastic pollution, preserve coastal ecosystems, and advocate for ocean-friendly policies.

Registration for the “Conquer the Seacoast” charity paddle is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this memorable event. To learn more about registration, sponsorship opportunities, or how to get involved, please visit Seacoast Paddleboard Club’s website at www.seacoastpaddleboardclub.com/conquer-the-seacoast.

About Seacoast Paddleboard Club

Established in 2015 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, by a group of everyday adventurists, the Seacoast Paddleboard Club is a social club dedicated to hosting year-round paddle activities that motivate its members to “get out on the water, have fun, and give back.” Since its inception, the group has raised more than $180,000 for various local nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire, New Hampshire SPCA, Portsmouth Halloween Parade, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To learn more, please visit www.SeacoastPaddleboardClub.com.

About Jetty Rock Foundation

The Jetty Rock Foundation is an approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the nonprofit arm of the Jetty brand. The mission of the Jetty Rock Foundation is to protect our oceans and waterways, and support those who build their lives around them. To learn more, please visit www.jettyrockfoundation.org. 

About Surfrider Foundation New Hampshire Chapter

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists, and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S. and more than 800 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at https://nh.surfrider.org.