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IOS Invitational History
Ten years ago, my niece and I went paddle boarding for our very first time. While paddling, I caught sight of the Isles of Shoals, and instantly set my mind on making a round trip paddle to the island chain before the end of summer.
Little did I know then that what I set out to do that summer would spark a passion in so many paddlers, and have such a positive impact on the lives of some truly amazing kids today.
The story of the Stand Up for Littles’ IOS Invitational paddle and Seacoast Paddleboard Club really begins in the winter of 2012.
That December, I lost my father to a stroke. He was a huge influence in my life, and by far my most important mentor. In the wake of his passing, my wife and I decided to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH (BBBSNH) as a couple’s match.
After being matched with a five-year old boy named Caden, I saw the challenge of paddling to the shoals as an opportunity to teach him the importance of setting goals, staying active and respecting the outdoors.
Over the next few weeks, my paddle gradually evolved into the Stand Up for Littles fundraising paddle for BBBSNH, and in my own head, served as a quiet tribute to my Dad.
After spending every Saturday paddling out or back from the shoals with a chase boat, my paddle day came on September 7, 2013. And, after five grueling hours, I returned to the cheers of family, friends and supporters at Odiorne Point boat ramp to complete my 16+ mile excursion.
After raising six thousand dollars for the organization, I thought my paddle with a purpose was over, but I was wrong.
The Rise of the Stand Up for Littles’ IOS Invitational
2014
As it turns out there were other paddlers out there, like me, who saw the shoals paddle as a bucket list item that needed to be checked. And one-by-one they reached out to me.
First was Neal, then Drew, then Marcel. Over time our crew grew, and word about the Stand Up for Littles paddle spread thanks to the help of our supporters like Jetty, SurfTech, Accent Paddles, Kittery Trading Post, and The Shack Surf Shop.
The following year, in an effort to complete the paddle before the Fall, three of us braved ridiculous odds, and set out in 5’ to 7’ seas and howling Northeast winds in a hard-fought attempt to reach the shoals. Battling waves on knee, we actually made landfall on Appledore before jumping in the safety boat and returning home.
Soaked and tired, we returned to Rye Harbor to find that we raised $10,000 for BBBSNH that year, and momentum for what we were doing continued to build.
2015
In the summer of 2015, Carrie, Bee, Leo, Corey, and Nikki joined the paddle, and with WMUR Chronicle covering our every stroke, we completed our paddle in near perfect conditions and raised more than $14K for BBBSNH.
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2016
By 2016 we were 20 strong who, together with the support of more than a dozen safety boats, set out and completed our fourth successful round-trip paddle to the Isles of Shoals. On our way to raising more than $21,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH, the planets aligned once more and we were treated to perfect paddle conditions.
Prior to the 2016 IOS Invitational, some core members of the New Hampshire paddle board community united to form the Seacoast Paddleboard Club. As the governing body of the IOS Invitational, the SPC is responsible for managing event logistics, and hosting training paddles.
2017
On Saturday, August 12, 2017 more than twenty paddlers set out before sunrise for the Isles of Shoals. Determined to make landfall at Star Island by the two hour and fifteen minute cut off, paddlers and safety boats were greeted by dark gray skies, pelting rain and bumpy seas. To complicate matters, a Northerly current combined with a steady S/SE wind to taunt paddlers for the entire fist half of the paddle.
After landing on Star Island, a break in the weather made it possible for a smooth return to Pirate’s Cove Beach in Rye. Upon completing the paddle, our crew once again raised more than $20,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH.
2018
No two paddles to the Isles of Shoals are ever the same. Over the years, we have seen our fair share of weather conditions including blinding fog. The 2018 paddle started out in a slight haze. Both the air and the water were dead calm, but fog started to roll in by the time we reached the 1A buoy off of Pirate’s Cove beach. Determined to press on, 20+ paddlers were escorted by our led safety boat’s GPS and radar to reach Gosport Harbor without incident (but with plenty of good stories).
Many expected the skies to clear, but conditions stayed extremely murky for the duration of the paddle. Upon the return to the beach, spectators on land witnessed the the ghost-like appearance of paddlers and safety boats emerging from the fog to complete the paddle.
2019
A helicopter, heavy rains, and hi-fives. That is how we would describe the 2019 IOS Invitational paddle. As our last go out before the “new normal” reared it’s ugly head, this event was definitely one of the more memorable paddles in recent years. The paddle crew were greeted by perfect conditions on the way out, but things took a drastic change on the return trip. Eventually all paddlers completed their journey safely.
This year’s event served as a good reminder that things can and will change quickly when your six miles off the coast. This is why we train and preach safety. Simply put, you can never be too prepared.
