The “Paddle For the Bay,” which will start at 8 a.m. Aug. 20, will aim to break the world record for the most kayaks and canoes in a continuous, mile-long parade.
Currently, the city of Bydgoszcz in Poland holds the world record with 329 vessels.
Sandy Rinderer, 70, of the Bayville section of Berkeley, said she came up with the idea after noticing jellyfish in the Toms River and considering the toxic groundwater plume from the long-closed Ciba-Geigy Corp. chemical plant upstream.
“Just growing up, we used to have to wear sneakers all the time because there was such an abundance of crabs, you would always get snipped if you were barefoot,” said Rinderer, who grew up in the Money Island area of Toms River. “That’s kind of been reduced.”
Other signs of poor water quality ‒ high bacteria counts, an overabundance of fertilizer runoff and sewage leaks ― are some of the reasons scientists say this waterbody needs special consideration and protection.
Proceeds from parade donations will benefit the environmental organization Save Barnegat Bay, which works to improve water quality in the bay’s watershed and preserve the surrounding environment.
The kayak and canoe parade will start at the Avon Road beach in Pine Beach, head east past the Pine Beach Yacht Club, turn around at a marker, and return in order to complete a full mile and be counted toward the Guinness World Record, Rinderer said.
Paddlers launching from other areas are welcome to join, but should start the parade route at the Avon Road beach launch area. Other launch and parking areas are:
- Launch at Monument Avenue, Pine Beach, with parking at Pine Beach Elementary.
- Launch and parking at Beachwood Beach.
- Launch at Huddy Park, Toms River, with paid parking in the Water Street deck.
Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 8 a.m. and will end before noon. Paddlers may begin after the official start to prevent crowding.
To comply with its “green” mission, no T-shirts, water bottles, medals or food will be distributed.
According to www.app.com. Source of photo: internet
