Important notification
After 35 years of the Mist to Mews Race we have always been Rain or Shine but it seems that Mother Nature had different plans for our last paddle, and your safety for this epic event needs to come first...
Due to the upcoming Nor'easter, the Mist to Mews Race will be POSTPONED until Sunday, October 4th @ 11am. Bib pick-up will remain this Saturday from noon - 2pm at the upstairs bar of the Mews Tavern (shirt/bib pick-up details below).
Our hope is that every participant will be able to join us on the following week, but we understand that may not be possible. We have never had to deal with a postponed or cancelled race but we have lined up some options for those who cannot attend:
Donate your registration fee to the Wounded Warrior Project
Defer your registration fee to the Mews 5k Road Race on November 22nd
Request a gift card for the amount of registration fee
Please use the link below if you would like to use any of the above option: DEFERRAL DECISIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH TO BE HONORED - This is a sold out race, and would like to give new participants the option to register if spots become available!
https://www.mewstavern.com/race-deferral-options
If you cannot attend but would like to transfer your registration to another individual please reach out to the race director.
Don't forget, you are welcome to pick up your shirt/party bracelet and just attend the after party at the Mews which includes free food, beer and a huge raffle!
Once your shirt/bracelet is picked up, you are considered a participant of the race regardless of if you show up or not - no deferral options will be honored.
SHIRT/BIB PICK-UP INFORMATION
Shirt/Bib pick-up will be held in the upstairs bar at the Mews Tavern on Saturday, September 26th | Noon–2pm
*GET A FREE PINT OF BEER WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR BIB ON SATURDAY (must show valid ID/1 token per person)
If you are unable to make it this Saturday, you can pick up your bib, shirt & party bracelet before the race in the lot across from the Ocean Mist starting @ 9:30am
If you have made an error during online registration and need to change your vessel-type, please contact shelby@mewstavern.com
THERE IS NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION FOR THIS RACE!
Start time is approximate & based on the tide – 11am is our current start time but could vary day-of race
RACE DAY DETAILS
THIS YEAR’S RACE IS "PIRATES OF THE CANOE-IBBEAN" THEMED - DRESS TO IMPRESS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE BEST DRESSED/THEMED BOAT AWARD!
Please be aware that the Mist to Mews Race STARTS at the Ocean Mist and ENDS at the Mews Tavern so plan parking/rides accordingly!
Don't forget, you are responsible for getting your vessel to the water! The race starts with a 200 yard “foot race” beginning in front of the Ocean Mist to where you put in at Water Street.
We do not provide boats for the race! If you still need a vessel, you can try reaching out to Narrow River Kayaks or Breachway Bait & Tackle.
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PARKING INFO - SAME FORMAT AS 2025
Parking near the Ocean Mist is LIMITED! Whenever possible, we recommend getting dropped off at the Mist in lieu of parking there.
Once again this year, we will be stowing all vessels in the Mary Carpenter's lot across from the Ocean Mist! Upon arrival, first drop your vessel off in the parking lot and park either at the Deep Hole parking area at the end of Matunuck Beach Road or the Town Beach Parking lot located approx. .3mi before the Ocean Mist. This is to keep the roadway clear for local traffic until the race begins, and the overall safety of participants & guests.
There is no transportation back to the Ocean Mist from the Mews post-race! We recommend getting dropped off with your vessel at the Mist and either leaving a vehicle at/near the Mews or planning for a ride back to the Ocean Mist from friends/family/UBER after the party ends.
If you choose to park near the Mews, there are parking lots at the end of High Street on the corner and behind OrthoRI, at the elementary school, and at the public downtown lot. You can also try to park directly on Main Street if spots are available. Parking at the Mews will be tough due to the number of participants/boats we have to make room for at the finish line.
Event Locations:
Ocean Mist - 895 Matunuck Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879 (start)
Mews Tavern - 456 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 (finish)
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NOTE REGARDING OUR RACE TIMER:
We would like to be fully transparent about race expectations associated with a last minute change to the race - our timer can no longer attend our race due to prior obligations. While we will look for alternate solutions, we may not be able to track race scores digitally through the chipped bibs. This means specific category prizes may not be available, but feel this race has always been about the experience not the times.
We strive to put on a FUN, SAFE race in support of the Wounded Warrior Foundation. So DRESS UP, have fun out on the water, but please be respectful to our neighbors who live on/near the shore. Paddle at a pace that makes you feel comfortable but note we expect all participants be back to the Mews in under 3.5 hours from starting time.
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IMPORTANT INFO FROM THE HARBOR MASTER:
RI boating safety regulations for the 2026 boating season:
Mandatory PFD Wear for all paddlecraft:
All operators & passengers of canoes, kayaks, sailboards, kiteboards, paddleboards, and any other paddlecraft shall wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD at all times while underway regardless of age
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PARTY INFORMATION
Post-race party held in the parking lot of the Mews Tavern!
Participation in the race grants you access to the food buffet and FREE beer & cider from our sponsors! (Don't forget your ID!)
There is also a raffle benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project - raffle tickets can be purchased Saturday @ bib-pick up or at the after party.
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