Women Enjoy Wahine Paddle In Amagansett On Sunday

Female paddlers enjoyed quiet waters and perfect weather conditions at the Wahine Women and Girls Paddle hosted by Paddlers for Humanity at Big Albert’s Beach on Gardiner’s Bay in Amagansett on Sunday morning. Wahine is the Hawaiian word for “woman,” and the event was strictly for females. Event coordinator Evelyn O’Doherty said there were about 20 paddlers, which was a good turnout for a usually busy weekend in August, who completed a mile-and-a-half triangular course twice. Paddlers ranged from 16 to 55 years old.The Wahine paddle did not happen last year for various reasons, but has been going on for about six years. It was the final paddle in the Paddlers for Humanity Summer Series.“It was great. It was such an incredible day,” O’Doherty said. “It was one of those stellar mornings in late August.“It’s a nice alternative to what we usually do,” she added. “It’s nice to have women on the water in a non-competitive event. It brings a whole different aspect.”O’Doherty said one of the best moments came when an older woman was on the beach, not knowing the paddle was about to take place. She seemed interested enough to get out on the water, so Lars Svanberg, the owner of Main Beach Surf Shop in Wainscott, helped her get on a board. Participants were expected to raise or contribute a minimum of $300, or $125 for those under 18 years old. According to O’Doherty, nearly $4,000 was raised Sunday, and the funds will go to a charity that Paddlers for Humanity deems most appropriate. Paddlers for Humanity donates to projects and programs that are dedicated to children and youth.