Asbury resident again wins SEA Paddle Manhattan race
Ryan Matthews is top finisher four years in a row
For the fourth year in a row, Asbury resident Ryan Matthews, 32, came in first in the SEA Paddle NYC race around Manhattan on Sunday.
The course length is 25 miles, and each paddler is asked to raise at least $1000 through sponsors. The event benefits the Surfers Environmental Alliance and several autism-related charities.
Ryan Matthews celebrates four years in a row with wife Kelly and son Rheid
The race featured about 100 paddlers. Matthews raised over $4,000 this year, which puts him over $10,000 raised in the four years, according to his wife Kelly Matthews.
Matthews was determined to break four hours this year, but missed the goal by five minutes, with an unofficial time of 4 hours and five minutes.
Aside from his love of stand up paddling, Matthews is motivated by the charities that benefit from the event. He is a well-known surfer and lifeguard in the area, and he has a younger cousin who is autistic.
Matthews said this was the most challenging year yet, as the heat and sun were so intense, according ot his wife Kelly. He ran out of water with 6 miles to go, which dehydrated him. Ryan says this might be his last competitive distance race for a while, and he’s happy to have had this race be the one to end on, she said.
Matthews could not be reached for comment today, as he is on the beach in Asbury Park tending to his lifeguard duties.
