OCEAN CITY – Veteran paddle boarders and those who are still newbies to the sport will compete at this year’s Battle on the Bay, Sunday, Aug. 19, at Fager’s Island on 60th Street and the bay. 

The public is invited to attend the day’s action, which begins at 10 a.m. with a six-mile elite SUP race and a three-mile recreational SUP race.

“We’re hoping to make this the biggest race to date on the Eastern Shore,” said Dawn Ehman, the event organizer and owner of OC SUP & Fitness.

Once everyone completes the race, approximately 11:30 a.m., a Dash for Cash and Kids’ SUP race will follow. Each race is based on individual time.

“The sport of SUP racing has definitely grown and I’m hoping to get even more people involved by hosting a sprint race and a kids’ race,” Ehman said.

Entry fees cost $50 for the six-miler, $40 for the three-miler and $10 for the kids’ race and Dash for Cash, a short sprint to be determined the day of the race. The race fees include a swag bag and a ticket for food and drink. Cash prizes will be awarded to the elite racers.

An Answer Board by Willey Surfboards will be awarded to the winner of the kids’ race. Children who compete must be accompanied by an adult.

Vendors will be on site and raffles for great prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon.  Raffle tickets are available now to win a standup paddle board, valued at $950. Tickets cost $10 each, $40 for five tickets. They are currently available at World Gym Ocean City at 67th Street bayside, but will be available the day of the race. The winner need not be present to win. Make checks payable to OC SUP & Fitness.

Spectators are welcome to purchase food and drinks throughout the afternoon.

To register for the event, go to eventbrite.com and search Battle on the Bay. Early registration is suggested.

Proceeds for the family friendly event will benefit Carol Kerstetter, a local paddle board enthusiast who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the P.J. Aldridge Foundation.

Sponsors for the event include OC SUP & Fitness, Fager’s Island, Willey Surfboards, Atlantic Shoals, WPA, Coastal Surf Supplies, Walk on Water, K-Coast, Flamingo Hotel, Ruark Golf and Chauncey’s.

For more information, call Ehman at 443-865-3109 or email dawnehman@yahoo.com