Paddlers of all ages took to the Peconic River Saturday morning for Paddle Battle, the annual fundraiser to support the work of the nonprofit NY Marine Rescue Center to save endangered sea turtles in local waters.
The event, hosted by the Long Island Aquarium and NY Marine Rescue Center, drew dozens of paddlers and a crowd of supporters and fans to the downtown riverfront for competition and fun.
First launched in 2013, Paddle Battle features timed races for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes.
The New York Marine Rescue Center is a rescue and rehabilitation organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts including rescue, rehabilitation, education and research, according to its website. The nonprofit says it is the primary responder for sick or injured seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises and small toothed whales, and maintains the only marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation center in New York State.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Emil Breitenbach Jr.
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