Photos: Kayakers, Paddle Boarders Splash into Manhasset Bay

Images via Community Chest of Port Washington

Sixty-six kayakers and four paddle boarders splashed into Manhasset Bay to enjoy the eleventh annual Port Washington – Manhasset Bay Kayak Run last week.

Participants of all ages completed the 5+ mile loop.

After the event was rescheduled due to inclement weather, it was a gorgeous morning on Saturday, July 25.

“The Kayak Run is not a race; it is a great way for novices and experienced kayakers alike to get out on Manhasset Bay,” said Dr. Joel Ziev, Community Chest board member and Kayak Run co-director.

“Beginners can feel safe kayaking longer distances knowing that assistance is always nearby. The Town’s bay constable patrol boats and Port’s fire boat were terrific, keeping a watchful eye as participants completed the course,” he said. “We also had wonderful volunteers who provided encouragement from land as the kayakers passed each checkpoint.”

Grand prize winners were Mark and Amy Frankel from Great Neck, who won a brand new kayak. They were thrilled by the event and their prize.

Other raffle prizes included fishing tackle and other boating gear donated by John Thompson of Atlantic Outfitters.

The proceeds from the Port Washington - Manhasset Bay Kayak Run benefit the Community Chest’s 26 grantee organizations serving solely Port Washington residents.

The event was co-sponsored by the Community Chest of Port Washington and the Town of North Hempstead.

Photo Captions:

• Photo 1: …and they’re off. Some of the 58 boats heading toward checkpoint #1 after the cannon blast start.
• Photo 2: (l-r) Priscilla Von Roeschlaub; Jim Avena, Peter and Jeri Dejana Family Foundation; Dr. Joel Ziev, Community Chest board member and Kayak Run co-chair; Julie Meer Harnick, Community Chest Executive Director; Richard Maxted, Community Chest board member and Kayak Run logistics chair; Dina DeGiorgio, Town of North Hempstead Councilperson & Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County Legislator.
• Photo 3: Port Washington residents Juliane and Marc Littman after their 5+ mile paddle
• Photo 4: Rising juniors at Schreiber HS, Justin Harnick and Mitchell Levine in their Cobra Tandem from Atlantic Outfitters.
• Photo 5: Vera Allen (Center), at 85, our senior paddler posing with Edna Turner, founder of North Shore Kayak Club, and Joel Ziev, Co-chair of Kayak Run and Community Chest board member, in front of the first place prize—a brand new kayak.