Bay State Games Paddling Competition Returns to Quincy Harbor Sunday, June 26

Paddlers and supporters are invited to a social gathering at the Squantum Yacht Club in Quincy after the event. Photo/NEB with AI assistance.

Ocean paddlers from across New England will converge on Wollaston Beach this summer as the Bay State Games Paddling Competition returns to Quincy on Sunday, July 26.

Hosted as part of the Bay State Summer Games, the event will carry added significance in 2026 as the official host of the USA Canoe Ocean Racing (COR) Massachusetts State Championships, bringing some of the region’s top surfski, outrigger canoe, and stand-up paddleboard athletes to the waters of Quincy Bay.

Set against the backdrop of the Boston Harbor Islands, the competition offers both experienced racers and developing paddlers the opportunity to test their skills on an ocean-based course designed specifically for surfskis, outrigger canoes, and SUPs. Organizers expect participants to spend approximately one hour on the water, with a 10-kilometer course for surfski and outrigger competitors and a shorter course for stand-up paddleboard racers. Final course layouts will be determined based on race-day conditions.

Competition begins with athlete check-in at 9 a.m., followed by a race briefing at 9:30 a.m. and a 10 a.m. start. Racing is scheduled to conclude by noon. Organizers note that category-based starting heats may be used depending on participation levels.

The event is open to residents and students from Massachusetts and neighboring New England states, as well as New York. Divisions include men’s, women’s, and mixed categories across surfski, outrigger canoe, and stand-up paddle disciplines.

Beyond the competition itself, the Bay State Games race has become a gathering point for the region’s paddling community. Following the event, competitors and supporters are invited to a waterfront social gathering at Squantum Yacht Club, providing an opportunity to celebrate the day’s racing and connect with fellow paddlers.

As ocean paddling continues to grow throughout New England, events like the Bay State Games showcase the sport’s blend of endurance, seamanship, and coastal adventure. With Quincy Bay and the Boston Harbor Islands serving as the venue, participants can expect a challenging race in one of Massachusetts’ most scenic waterfront settings.