The spring open-water rowing season for all middle and high school rowing teams ends with this seasonal championship race at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum! Over 100 youth rowers from around Vermont and New England will participate in races. All are welcome to join us and cheer on these rowers from the Museum’s harbor.

Each season after the Spring Wave, Nick Patch, the Museum’s Director of Maritime programs, presents the Bradley Cunningham Award to a graduating senior rower nominated by coaches. The award is named in honor of Brad Cunningham, who was a participant and then junior leader in our Champlain Discovery summer kayak program for five years. He rowed and raced in our first pilot gig Spirit of Otter Creek, launched in 1999. Brad was passionate about on-water programs, knew how to lead by example, and was a bright light of positivity for all who knew him. He tragically died in a ski accident in January 2001. We offer this award annually to a graduating senior rower who stood out as a positive role model and leader for our youth rowing community.

Youth rowers must register to participate in this race through their rowing team or as part of their rowing season registration. Please check with your rowing coach if you are not sure whether you are registered. The public is always welcome to attend races for free and cheer on participating crews!