Storm the Shore & Kiptopeke Kayak Symposium

This weekend the Cape Charles area will play host to two major kayaking related sporting events. The Kiptopeke Kayak Symposium runs from September 23^rd – 25^th, and is headquartered at Kiptopeke State Park. The Storm the Shore Adventure Race starts at 9:00am on Saturday the 24^th and runs for 30 hours through mid-day on Sunday.

The Kiptopeke Kayak Symposium will offer a wide range of courses for paddlers of all different skill levels. The focal area for this event will be the seaside of the Eastern Shore, one of the most remote and scenic areas on the mid-Atlantic. Participants will be attending from at least 5 states and the District of Columbia. They will have access to a wide range of courses, with small classes that will be delivered by some of the area’s top coaches.

Paddlers will be able to choose from a wide selection of courses each day, including both skill development and touring options. Some courses will be offered in the calmer waters of the Chesapeake Bay, while others will take place in more challenging open ocean environments.

The Storm the Shore Adventure Race returns to the area after a two- year hiatus. This popular event is the highpoint of a challenging series of adventure races put on by Hampton Roads Advenutre (HRAdventure). Hampton Roads Adventure is a volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing affordable and accessible adventure racing to the Mid-Atlantic region.

Adventure Racing is a multi-discipline sport requiring teams to navigate their way through challenging terrain using nothing more than a map, a compass, and their wits. Adventure Race teams must travel together throughout the entire competition whether they are trekking, paddling, biking, and even while ascending the face of a mountain. Adventure Races are a true test of physical endurance, mental tenacity, heart, and teamwork regardless of whether it is a sprint race lasting 6 hours or an expedition race lasting several days. There is no other sport that delves as deeply into the human experience.

For more information on either of these events, or to find out how you can volunteer to assist with future events, please contact SouthEast Expeditions at (757)-331-2680, or visit their web page at www.SouthEastExpeditions.com.

While both events are primarily organized and put on by groups from off the Eastern Shore, the professional kayak guides and staff at SouthEast Expeditions are recognized as vital local partners with the unique knowledge base and experience to ensure that these events are safe, fun, and successful for everyone involved. As the Eastern Shore continues to gain recognition as a premier kayaking destination, more and more paddlers are discovering the allure of this land between the waters.

With over 100 paddlers and supporting staff coming to the Shore for these two events, as well as their friends and families, the estimated direct economic impact is expected to be close to $100,000.