SEA Paddle to benefit autism awareness

Paddlers make their way along the 28-mile course during last year’s SEA Paddle, which benefits the Surfers Environmental Alliance and several autism awareness groups. SEA BRIGHT — Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA) is sponsoring the fourth annual SEA Paddle NYC and White Water Evening celebration in Manhattan on Aug. 13.

SEA Paddle NYC 2010 benefits SEA and several autism awareness organizations.

This year’s SEA Paddle NYC will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, at Pier 40 in Manhattan and finish 28 miles later at the South Street Seaport. Since its inception in 2007, the paddle has grown in scope. This year’s event has a fundraising goal of $300,000 in donations and corporate sponsorships and the number of paddlers is expected to double from more than 100 in 2009 to more than 250 anticipated paddlers in 2010.

According to a press release from SEA, at least 20 of the 200 paddlers expected to participate hail from Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The surfers’ alliance announced that New Jersey stand-up paddlers and partygoers will celebrate the finale of SEA’s 28-mile charity paddle around New York City with multiple venues to choose from in the famed South Street Seaport. The Ultimate Beach Party will begin at 3 p.m. at the Water Taxi Beach, and the White Water Evening will be held on the third-floor viewing decks of the South Street Seaport starting at 6 p.m.

The White Water Evening will be catered by Harbour Lights restaurant and will include a cocktail hour, charity poker, silent auction, award ceremony and more. Asked to wear all white, partygoers will celebrate SEA’s fourthannual fundraiser for autism and coastal preservation with the Brooklyn Bridge and East River as the backdrop.

Guests attending the White Water Evening are invited to arrive early to see the race and paddle finish between 3 and 5 p.m. Tickets to the Ultimate Beach Party are $40 and tickets to the White Water Evening start at $175.

In addition, Seastreak Ferry, Atlantic Highlands, is offering free transportation to and from Manhattan for SEA Paddle NYC paddlers and supporters. Seastreak will transport guests directly to Pier 11 one block from the Seaport charity event. Three of SEA’s charity beneficiaries, Autism Family Services of New Jersey, Autism New Jersey and Parents of Autistic Children, offer services and support to New Jersey families affected by autism.

According to a press release from the surfers’ alliance, with New Jersey having the highest autism rate in the nation, SEA recognizes the importance of not only supporting these organizations, but also promoting the therapeutic effects surfing has on children affected by autism.

To learn more, visit www.seapaddlenyc. org.