Elite 7-mile open water course: single out-and-back loop between Huddy Park and Island Heights, with the turnaround just west of Dillon Creek; open to the following categories: SUP, kayak, outrigger canoe, surfski, prone, and open water rowing. Age subdivisions available at signup per gender in the singles event. A minimum of three paddlers required in class for awards.

The Toms River Race is proud to be part of the SurfskiRacing Series, which means that surfski singles and tandem teams may be eligible for points.

Register through June 22 to guarantee getting a t-shirt. Due to supply chain issues, those who register AFTER June 22 will not be guaranteed a gift.

NEW in 2023: A meal will be provided to every racer who enters no later than June 30 (to ensure our caterer has time to plan). Included in the refreshments is one Rita’s Italian ice!

First-time Dry Land Clinic with Jesse approx 11:30am in Huddy Park.

FREE RAFFLE ENTRY in 2023, thanks to our sponsors Epic Kayaks, Goodboy Paddlesports, and Vaikobi.

All racers meet at 511 Irons Street in Toms River where the public boat ramp is located. Racers will have plenty of space to park. All parking is free in Toms River on Sundays.

Flat fee per person: $60.00

BEFORE RACE DAY: Mandatory Virtual Captains' Meeting. (Registrants will receive an email with a Zoom invite and details.)

Sunday, July 9

6:30AM-7:30am- Check-in. All racers verify that they have already signed the electronic waiver and pick up their t-shirt (for those registered on or before June 15) and gift bag. A few extra t-shirts will be available on a first-come/first-served basis.

Safety Inspection. (begins immediately after you check-in) Every paddler must show: a PFD of Type I, II, III, IV, or V, and in good repair (Mocke and Vaikobi PFDs are also acceptable); a pealess whistle; a leg leash if using a SUP; a paddle OR leg leash if using a surfski. Upon approval at inspection, the paddler will receive his/her number.

ALL RACERS MUST HAVE SUBMITTED TO, AND PASSED A SAFETY INSPECTION IN ORDER TO BE ADMITTED ON THE WATER:

8:30am: Boats called to the water and attendance taken.

9:00AM- Mass start or first wave (TBD).

11:15 -11:30am (approx) Huddy Park donations collected for Jesse’s clinic.

11:30am (approx). Jesse’s Clinic Begins in Huddy Park; Gara Racing Paddle Demos; Sales of Toms River Race limited edition items and Vaikobi products.

12:15PM (APPROX)- Raffle

12:30 PM (APPROX): Conclusion

REGISTRATION: No walk-ons! Registration will close either when we have reached a maximum (to be determined closer to the date of the race) or on Thursday, July 7 at 9:00am EST-- whichever comes first. This event will occur rain-or-shine, barring any storms. Registration is non-refundable, and a portion of the proceeds shall benefit Save Barnegat Bay and the Sea Scouts Ship no. 129 in Toms River. In the event of the director's decision to cancel the race, registrants will receive a credit towards next year's race and those who purchased a meal ticket may pick up their order at Chicken Town, 931 Fischer Blvd #19, Toms River, NJ 08753 at 11am on July 10.

Minimum age is 18 years. No junior subdivision.

Each boat class will have the following age subdivisions available: Open (ages 18-39) and 40+. 

A minimum of 3 paddlers in each subdivision for awards. 

Safety requirements will include, but will not be limited, to the following:

1) Participants must e-sign a digital waiver PRIOR to race day. When you register, you will see a link within paddle guru waiver text box that will bring you to a new site. Be sure NOT to quit the paddle guru site: your registration is not complete until you return to paddle guru to pay. So we recommend that you keep paddle guru open in another tab when you sign the electronic waiver.

2) A mandatory virtual Captains' Meeting will be held 24-48 hrs before the day of the race. Day/time TBD

3) Every paddler and craft must pass a safety inspection the day of the race. Anyone arriving later than the inspection time will NOT be timed.

4) A USCG approved personal flotation device must be worn or carried on every vessel for each padder at all times. Mocke and Vaikobi life vests also acceptable. 

5) Every paddler must carry a pealess whistle AND hydration.

6) ALL SUP and prone paddlers must wear a leg leash. All surfski paddlers must wear either a leg or paddle leash.

7) Participants are expected to know how to perform a self-rescue, especially in windy conditions or confused water created by boat wake. If you cannot depend on rescuing yourself, please do NOT register. 

8) Drafting is accepted within one's class. 

9) SUP paddlers may kneel in an effort to prevent a capsize.

Unsportmanlike behavior, including, but not limited to, overtaking a competitor or allowing one's boat to drift in front of the start line before the go command, will be grounds for automatic disqualification.

The race director reserves the right to deny entry to any competitor at any time and at her sole discretion.

Immediately following the open water race, Jesse Lishchuk will be giving a dry land clinic on a donation basis. Whether you’re looking to prepare for the Blackburn on July 15 or you are new to racing, Jesse will give you wisdom from his Olympic-training experience. Topics to be covered will depend on questions for Jesse but in general, Jesse will speak about kayak stroke technique, preparatory on-land exercises, training preparation, race strategies, and nutrition. You don’t have to be registered for the race to come! Arrive at Huddy Park at 11:15am (approx) and make your donation to Jesse directly in cash or via Venmo or Quick Pay with Zelle. You can also make your donation in advance of July 9 by emailing njpaddlesports@gmail.com.