Darien Paddlers: Paddle for a Purpose at the 2025 SoundWaters Flotilla

STAMFORD, CT/June 4, 2025 – If you live in Darien and love to be out on Long Island Sound, your best day on the water is coming! On Saturday, July 12, hundreds of kayakers and paddle boarders—including many from Darien—will take to Long Island Sound for the SoundWaters Flotilla, a four-mile community paddle supporting SoundWaters’ environmental education programs and the protection of Long Island Sound.

Paddlers can join the Flotilla, which launches from Cove Island Park in Stamford and Weed Beach in Darien. Designed to be achievable for all ages and experience levels, the four-mile route will end at Boccuzzi Park in Stamford, where participants can enjoy a celebratory lunch and music on the beach. For most paddlers, the course should take two hours or less. 

“When people experience the beauty of Long Island Sound together, they begin to understand just how vital it is to protect it,” said Leigh Schmitz, President of SoundWaters. “The funds raised help us to provide hands-on science education using our million-acre classroom to thousands of students every year.”

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the route will be supported by kayak guides, support boats and a floating rest stop. After the event, a shuttle service will return paddlers and their gear to their original launch sites. Participants may bring their own kayaks or paddle boards or rent equipment through SoundWaters during registration.

The 2025 Flotilla is made possible thanks to the generous support from Franklin Templeton, along with Kaster Moving Company, Hey Stamford!, 95.9 The Fox, and WEBE 108. Register now at SoundWaters Flotilla '25 and paddle for a cleaner, healthier Long Island Sound.

About SoundWaters

SoundWaters prepares the next generation for their future. With our climate in crisis, we teach tomorrow’s leaders the science they will need. With Long Island Sound as our classroom, we create love and respect for the natural world. As a matter of justice, we open the water to all. As a matter of urgency, we work to protect our common home. For more information, visit soundwaters.org.

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