Swim & Paddle The South River
Celebrate the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region while supporting local conservation efforts for the South River!
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Experience the Thrill of Nature’s Waterways
Join us for Swim & Paddle the South, an exhilarating outdoor adventure that highlights the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region while supporting the vital conservation efforts of the Arundel Rivers Federation.
This family-friendly event welcomes both swimmers and paddlers to enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, exploration, and celebration of our local waterways.
This event requires swimmers to be grouped in pods for both comraderie and safety. A swim pod is a group of 2 - 4 swimmers of similar speeds that stay together during the entirety of the course. Participants may select to be part of a Solo Pod completing all 5 miles without taking a turn paddling. OR, swimmers may enter as a Relay Pod exchanging turns on a paddle board supporting their pod. Organizers will place participants in appropriate pods if they are not registering with their own. All pods require a support boat. We will provide vessels to those unable to bring their own. Participants bringing their own boats and gear will receive a $30 credit towards a future program.
Choose your challenge with options ranging from a delightful ½-mile loop to an exciting 5-mile endurance swim or paddle — perfect for all skill levels and ages 12 and up.
Whether you’re aiming for an exhilarating endurance challenge or a leisurely float with friends, Swim & Paddle the South promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
Event Highlights
TIMELINE & LOGISTICS
An Annapolis Area Swim & Paddle Event
The Swim & Paddle The South event will take place on the morning of Sunday, October 5th 2025 at the Sylvan Shores Community in Riva, MD.
Check-in for the 5-milers will take place from 6:45 to 7:30 AM at the Sylvan Shores Clubhouse. A mandatory safety briefing is scheduled for 7:45 AM at The Beach, with the event set to start at 8:00 AM.
For half-milers, check-in is from 8:45 to 9:15 AM. Another safety briefing will be held at 9:25 AM at The Beach, followed by the start of the event at 9:30 AM.
Don't miss out on this exciting aquatic challenge!
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Check-In Time: 6:45 - 7:30 AM
Check-In Location: Sylvan Shores Clubhouse, 100 Orchard Rd, Riva, MD 21140
Safety Briefing: 7:45 AM
Safety Briefing Location: The Beach at 208 Park Rd, Riva, MD 21140
Event Start Time: 8:00 AM
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Check-In Time: 8:45 - 9:15 AM
Check-In Location: Sylvan Shores Clubhouse, 100 Orchard Rd, Riva, MD 21140
Safety Briefings: 9:25 AM
Location: The Beach at 208 Park Rd, Riva, MD 21140
Event Start Time: 9:30 AM
Location
Check-in is the Sylvan Shores Clubhouse at 100 Orchard Road, Riva MD 21140. The clubhouse provides bathroom access, but personal belongings should remain with participants or secured in vehicles. Get Directions
Parking
Limited parking is available at the clubhouse and the overflow ballfield lot. Please refrain from parking on the street as we must respect the community. If the clubhouse lot is full, park at 109 Meadow Road, Riva MD 21140. From there, walk back to the clubhouse for check-in. Carpooling is encouraged!
Weather Policy
The event will be canceled in cases of heavy rain or storms, and if heavy rain has occurred within the last 24 hours. Registered participants will receive a cancellation email, and updates will be posted on the Crossing Currents Aquatics Facebook page. Should the event be canceled due to weather, participants may roll their registration into the Spring Bridge2Bridge 2026 event.
For special assistance, please contact us. Your cooperation in minimizing community impact is greatly appreciated!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! This is a 5 mile swim event. If you have concerns about your capacity to complete the distance please register as a relay pod or join us for the ½ mile loop.
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Swim & Paddle the South is open to swimmers and paddlers aged 12 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
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Support paddlers accompanying a swimmer do not need to pay the registration fee.
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Participant safety is our top priority. ALL swimmers wear a waist belt visibility buoy. These may be purchased onsite for $30 or borrowed. Paddlers must wear a PFD during the event. Paddlers supporting swimmers need also have a whistle. There will be motorized boats with Red Cross Lifeguards and small craft safety/support crew throughout the courses.
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The event will be evaluated on the day of for safety. There is no rain date scheduled for this event. Should we experience heavy rains within 48 hours prior, we will cancel without refund; however, in either case your registration fee will contribute to the restoration of our waterways.
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Yes! If you cannot bring a paddler we can provide one for you at an additional cost of $60. If you are bringing a paddler, your paddler does not need to register. If your paddler brings their own boat you will receive a $30 credit on your account to use for any Crossing Currents future program.
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No problem. Reach out and we'd be happy to answer it!
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All pods are required to have a support boat with them. If you cannot bring your own boat we will provide one. Please select this option at registration. Participants bringing their own boat will earn a $30 credit to their account redeemable at any future Crossing Currents program.
OUR NONPROFIT PARTNER
Support A Good Cause
The proceeds from this event are donated to this wonderful organization.
Arundel Rivers Federation
ARF's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the South, West, and Rhode Rivers by working with local communities to achieve clean, fishable, and swimmable waterways for present and future generations. The Federation has installed over 90 projects since its founding in 2001. They range from multi-million dollar stream restoration projects, living shorelines, wetland creation, stormwater bioretention, and rain gardens. ARF monitors the health of these rivers at 45 stations to target restoration efforts, putting 80% of their resources into the most polluted creeks.
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DON’T MISS OUT
Dive into Adventure!
Join us in celebrating the beauty of our rivers while making lasting memories with family and friends. Register now and be part of this incredible experience!