Save the Sound’s Paddle for the Sound returns for its eleventh year from July 31 through August 9, inviting paddlers of all experience levels to kayak, stand up paddleboard, or canoe while raising funds to protect and restore Long Island Sound.
Paddle for the Sound allows participants to paddle from any location throughout the 10-day challenge and log their miles at their own pace. Each paddler is encouraged to raise a minimum of $150 through an individual or team fundraising page. Every dollar supports Save the Sound’s work to improve water quality, restore critical habitats, build climate resilience, and protect the rivers, wetlands, and open spaces that surround Long Island Sound.
Fundraising is even more rewarding as a team. Groups of five or more participants will each receive an exclusive Save the Sound bucket hat, making it easy for friends, families, coworkers, and community organizations to rally around a shared goal while supporting cleaner water.
Long Island Sound is one of the region’s most valuable natural resources. It provides habitat for more than 100 plant species, 1,200 invertebrates, and 170 fish species while supporting recreation, local communities, and the regional economy. But pollution, habitat loss, and climate change continue to threaten its health. Funds raised through Paddle for the Sound help drive solutions that protect and strengthen the resilience of the Sound for future generations.
Prize packages valued at more than $1,000 are up for grabs, thanks to the support of Outdoor Sports Center, Osprey, Bishop’s Orchards, Just Salad, Darn Tough Socks, East Rock Brewery, and more. Awards will recognize the event’s top individual fundraiser as well as the first-, second-, and third-place finishers in the Total Distance Paddled category. Throughout the challenge, participants are encouraged to share their adventures on Instagram using @cfe.savethesound and #PaddlefortheSound.
“Paddle for the Sound is about more than just miles paddled. It’s about protecting the waters we love, the wildlife that depend on them, and the people who call this region home,” says Anne Urkawich, member engagement manager at Save the Sound. “Whether you participate on your own or as part of a team, every paddle stroke and every dollar raised helps create a healthier, more resilient Long Island Sound.”
What: Paddle for the Sound fundraiser to benefit Save the Sound
Where: Any launch point of your choice. Visit Sound Health Explorer to see over 100 launches surrounding Long Island Sound.
When: Friday, July 31, 2026 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
Categories: Kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard, Canoe
Registration link: www.savethesound.org/paddle