Over 100 paddlers participated in the Clean Ocean Access (COA*) “2022 Paddle For Access” event. Racers could participate in a 3-mile or 6 – mile loop, departing from the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard around Rose Island and Goat Island, ultimately a challenging course, to say the least.

“It was a great day to be on the water. It was amazing coming together as a team (FT) and as a community to support clean ocean access on our shorelines along with having a great fun time!” – Marlen Oliva 

The Paddle for Access Event is to help COA achieve its goal to preserve and protect public shoreline access. Clean water and healthy oceans are critical to fun ocean events, which is why the Fitzpatrick Team believes in a clean, healthy ocean that is accessible to all. Paddle for Access celebrates the work of COA and sheds light on many other issues that impact public access to the shoreline, including erosion, sea-level rise, invasive species, and long-term shoreline planning.

photography by Patrick Murphy | The Kings Lens