Waterman Eco-Challenge Coming to Narragansett

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

GoLocalProv Features Team

Baywatch has nothing on Narragansett this summer.

Not that it ever did, but July 16 will be the day of supreme lifeguard challenges on Rhode Island's Narragansett Town Beach, when the first Waterman Eco-Challenge hits the sand (and surf).

Created to raise awareness of ocean and sun safety, the day will include some intense ocean competition, including a three-mile open-ocean paddle, plus a stand-up paddle board clinic, interactive ocean and sun safety tents, and a professional rescue clinic for Narragansett Surf Rescue.

Celebrity surfer

To add some surf glamour to the day, Extreme Surfing World Champion Garrett McNamara and Hawaiian Lifesavers will host the professional rescue clinic, plus meet fans at Warm Winds Surf Shop at 5pm. "The ocean is my church and my playground," said McNamara, who has indeed surfed cathedral sized waves around the world.

Brian Guadagno, founder of Raw Elements Sunscreen, is the man behind the Waterman. Growing up on the beaches of Narragansett, Guadagno became an ocean lifeguard at 16, and now serves as the Senior Lifeguard Captain at Narragansett Surf Rescue.

The Waterman Eco-Challenge ties in with Environmental Awareness Day at Narragansett Town Beach. Events kick off at 11am. For more information, and to register for the Open Ocean Paddle Race, go here.