Staten Island’s Kayak Race Paddles in Midland Beach

Midland Beach splashed last night with Staten Island’s Kayak Race, stroking NYC’s spring by the shore. Racer Mia Chen cut waves as 200 cheered, a $10 ticket clash of oars. It’s borough tides—pure SI vibe, hulls hot. A kid tipped a boat; a pro hit a buoy. ‘Staten rows—this is it,’ Chen says, hauling paddles. The surf turned course.

The race’s fresh—March 25’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing docks by 3 p.m. Chen’s a St. George rower; last night’s crowd hit max—spray flew. A latecomer nabbed a kayak; gulls cried—NYC grit glowed. Laps hit five—water ruled. #SIKayakRace trended; Bronx wants a splash.

Some griped—’Too wet,’ sniped a newbie, dodging waves. Tide tugged—oars gripped; speed held. A rival’s pitching a Tottenville row, splitting boats. Still, 300 stayed—waves reigned. Midland’s never paddled so bold.

Chen’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a dusk race if spring bites. ‘NYC’s coast—this rides it,’ she says, packing gear. The race’s a Staten win—grit meets glide. It’s a kayak rush; join the next. Bring a paddle—tides call.