WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY
Upcoming Events
Sat, Mar 07Veterans Sportsmens AssociationWe will be meeting in the parking lot on 1335 Route 44, Pleasant Valley NY 12569 to conduct a creek clean up in preparation for the 2026 Wappingers Creek Water Derby.
Sat, Apr 04Veterans Sportsmens AssociationWe will be meeting in the parking lot on 1335 Route 44, Pleasant Valley NY 12569 to conduct a creek clean up in preparation for the 2026 Wappingers Creek Water Derby.
Sat, Apr 18Veterans Sportsmens AssociationWe will be meeting in the parking lot on 1335 Route 44, Pleasant Valley NY 12569 to conduct a creek clean up in preparation for the 2026 Wappingers Creek Water Derby.
Sat, Apr 25Pleasant ValleyOriginally started in 1970 by WWII Submariners, this annual race along the Wappingers Creek from Pleasant Valley to Poughkeepsie is returning for its 51st Run.
The 51st Running of the Wappingers Creek Water Derby
The Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) has once again teamed up with the Aquatic Explorers Scuba Club (AESC) to bring back the annual spring Wappingers Creek Water Derby for 2026. This canoe and kayak racing event is scheduled for Saturday, 25 April 2026 in Pleasant Valley NY. The Wappingers Creek Water Derby was originally started in 1970 by WWII Submariner Veterans and ran continuously until 2019. The 2026 event will be the 51st running of this race, and we invite the Veterans and Military Members in the Hudson Valley to join us as we return this highly popular event to the Hudson Valley. For more information, you can visit the following links:
2026 Wappingers Creek Water Derby Flyer
TEAM RIVER RUNNER - HUDSON VALLEY
New for 2026: The VSA has teamed up with Team River Runner to set up the Team River Runner Hudson Valley (TRR HV) Chapter. Team River Runner is the LARGEST adaptive and therapeutic paddling program across the nation for veterans, active duty and their families. The Wappingers Creek Water Derby will be out first TRR HV Event. We will be presenting awards in honor of the brave service members who served locally in the US Military that valiantly lost their lives fighting to safeguard our great nation.
HONORING VETERANS WHO SERVED THE HUDSON VALLEY
IN THE 2026 RACE WE WILL BE PRESENTING TROPHIES TO HONOR FALLEN VETERANS
Jerome Mark Patrick Dominguez
Officer Jerome Dominguez was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while attempting to rescue the victims trapped in the World Trade Center.
Officer Dominguez was a member of the New York Air National Guard who had served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years and was assigned to ESU Truck 3. He is survived by his fiancee, parents, and brother.
He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.
IN HONOR OF NYPD POLICE OFFICER JEROME DOMINGUEZ WE WILL PRESENT AN AWARD TO THE FASTEST KAYAKER WHO IS EITHER CURRENTLY OR RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT
Andrew Brunn
Andrew Christopher Brunn was born on April 27‚ 1973 and died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center on September 11‚ 2001 as a member of Ladder 5 in Greenwich Village. He served in the New York Air National Guard as a member of the 213 Engineering Installation Squadron for 10 years‚ reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. He began his service to New York City as an NYPD officer in August 1993‚ attaining the rank of Sergeant in January 2001. Wanting to do more for New York and its people‚ he joined the FDNY in May 2001. Even though he was still a ‘probie’ when he died‚ the officers and firefighters of his firehouse knew he would have been one of the ‘great ones.’ He was a natural leader. Andrew was very intelligent‚ honest‚ godly‚ and noble. He was extremely sensitive and caring. He would always help out‚ without ever being asked. His sense of humor‚ even in the worst of circumstances‚ was unflagging.
Andrew was a dedicated family man‚ devoted to his wife Sigalit‚ his father Andy‚ and his younger sister Christina. A loyal friend to old schoolmates and co-workers alike‚ all of whom miss him dearly. He was especially talented at computer science‚ a favorite hobby. He excelled at anything he tried and loved surfing‚ snowboarding‚ skateboarding‚ fishing and riding on roller coasters‚ the bigger the better!!!
IN HONOR OF FDNY FIRE FIGHTER ANDY BRUNN WE WILL PRESENT AN AWARD TO THE FASTEST KAYAKER WHO IS EITHER A VOLUNTEER, A CURRENTLY SERVING OR RETIRED FIRE FIGHTER
Todd J. Lobraico Jr.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico Jr. also known as "TJ" was killed in action in September 2013 while serving on active duty in Afghanistan with the United States Air Force. During a night foot patrol, TJ interrupted an enemy IED team and prevented an ambush that would have cost American service member lives. In the ensuing firefight between enemy forces, TJ was killed in action by small arms fire. He became the first killed-in-action casualty from Stewart Air Base since the Vietnam War.
Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico Jr. from the 105th Base Defense Squadron was a 2008 New Fairfield High School graduate, attended Western Connecticut State University as a JLA major and aspired to continue his public service as a police officer. As an airman, TJ followed the family legacy of military service that began with his grandparents and continued with his parents, Todd and Linda.
Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico Jr. also known as "TJ" was a sergeant with the 105th Base Defense Squadron, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh NY. After the loss of TJ, a foundation was created in his honor.
IN HONOR OF SECURITY FORCES SGT TJ LOBRAICO WE WILL PRESENT AN AWARD TO THE FASTEST KAYAKER WHO IS EITHER A CURRENTLY SERVING OR RETIRED MILITARY VETERAN THAT IS ATTENDING COLLEGE
Louis M. "BONES" Bonacasa
Staff Sergeant Louis M. Bonacasa was killed in the line of duty on December 21, 2015 while conducting outside-the-wire human intelligence operations near Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Bonacasa and Tech Sgt. Joseph Lemm heroically placed themselves between their team members and a terrorist’s explosive-laden motorcycle. Although they and four others lost their lives, their actions saved the lives of two of their fellow team members and an Afghan Defender.
Bonacasa, an East Patchogue, New York native, enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school in 2002. In 2010, he joined the 105th Airlift Wing and was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron, Stewart Air National Guard Base. He served four tours among Qatar, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is survived by his wife Deborah, who is a veteran, and their daughter Lilianna.
IN HONOR OF SECURITY FORCES SGT LOUIS BONACASA WE WILL PRESENT AN AWARD TO THE FASTEST PAIR OF FAMILY PADDLERS IN WHICH AT LEAST ONE PADDLER IS A VETERAN OR ACTIVE DUTY
Lilianna - "Lilly" has a charity in which she collects toys for children. Please visit her site here:
Joseph Lemm
Officer Joseph Lemm, also known as “Superman” to his family and friends, was a technical sergeant with the 105th Security Forces Squadron and a detective with the New York Police Department (15-year NYPD veteran).
He also worked tirelessly as a first responder during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Everyone knew him as “Superman,” not because of his size, but for how big his heart was. He never said “no” when someone asked him for help.
He was killed in the line of duty on December 21, 2015 while conducting outside-the-wire human intelligence operations near Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan
Tech Sgt. Lemm, along with Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa, heroically placed themselves between their team members and a terrorist’s explosive-laden motorcycle. Although they and four others lost their lives, their actions saved the lives of two of their fellow team members and an Afghan Defender.
He left behind his wife, Christine, and their two children, Brooke and Ryan.
IN HONOR OF NYPD POLICE OFFICER JOE LEMM WE WILL PRESENT THE "SUPERMAN" AWARD TO THE FASTEST KAYAKER WHO IS EITHER ACTIVE DUTY, NATIONAL GUARD, A RESERVIST, OR A MILITARY VETERAN
We are looking for Individual and Corporate Sponsors for this years Derby
Mon, Mar 24Veterans Sportsmens AssociationPlatinum Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $10,000 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2026.
Mon, Mar 24Veterans Sportsmens AssociationGold Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $5,000 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2026.
Mon, Mar 24Veterans Sportsmens AssociationBronze Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $500 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2026.
Mon, Feb 16Veterans Sportsmens AssociationSilver Sponsors are Businesses or Individuals that donate $5,000 to the Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) in 2026.
The VSA was formed in 2016 by local Veterans, active duty Military personnel and local Law Enforcement officers to to raise money and provide Firearms Training and Sporting Activities for Hudson Valley Veterans and their families. In 2020 we became a Federally registered 501c3 Veterans Nonprofit.
In 2021 we started an annual fundraising Whiskey, Bourbon and BBQ event. The money raised during our annual fundraiser includes donations from individuals, organizations, and businesses. In 2025 we restarted the Wappingers Creek Water Derby to raise money for local Veterans. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donating towards our yearly fundraising event please contact us. Thank you!
Wappingers Creek Water Derby History
The Hudson Valley Submarine Veterans - A WWII Veterans based organization began the Wappingers Creek Water Derby in 1970 and ran the derby until the 1990's. Originally founded by a Dutchess County sports legend Henry "Moose" Karn, who served on the USS Pomfret (SS-391) during the Second World War, Moose was also one of the founders of the Dutchess County Sports Museum. He founded many local Little Leagues as well as the Wappingers Creek Water Derby.
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The Aquatic Explorers Scuba Club (AESC) which is based out of American Legion Post 1302 in Poughkeepsie NY, gradually took over the Annual Wappingers Creek Water Derby from the Hudson Valley Submarine Veterans starting in the 1990's, and successfully ran the Wappingers Creek Water Derby until 2019.
VETERANS SPORTSMENS ASSOCIATION
The VETERANS SPORTSMENS ASSOCIATION (VSA) was formed in 2016 by Veterans and Sportsmen in the Hudson Valley region. In 2020 the VSA was incorporated and became a Federally Recognized Veterans 501c3 Nonprofit. In 2023 the VSA received a Microgrant from Dutchess County to start a Veterans Kayaking Program. In 2024 the VSA partnered up with the Aquatic Explorers Scuba Club (AESC) to bring the Wappingers Creek Water Derby back for 2025. After a Five year wait, the Derby is now returning for its 50th Race.
WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY 2025
WAPPINGERS CREEK WATER DERBY 2025
VENDORS
The Following Vendors Are Confirmed
SHREDVETS
ShredVets is a volunteer Veteran-run, Veteran-only Snow Sports peer group. No cost. All skill levels
TEAM RIVER RUNNER
Team River Runner's Mission
To provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports! Team River Runner is the LARGEST adaptive and therapeutic paddling program across the nation for veterans, active duty and their families.
BLUE STAR MOTHERS, HUDSON VALLEY
We support the efforts and sacrifices of our active military and veterans through activities, fundraising and, community projects.
MHA DUTCHESS VETERANS PROGRAMS
Vet2Vet is funded by the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans’ Peer Services Project. Services include support groups, social activities, assistance in finding housing and/or employment for homeless veterans, advocacy for benefits, and much more:
HUDSON VALLEY VETERANS ALLIANCE
The mission of The Alliance is to help provide assistance, information, and build support networks for Veterans, by Veterans, throughout the Hudson Valley .
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HUDSON VALLEY HONOR FLIGHT
Hudson Valley Honor Flight is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which “Honors American Veterans” for all their sacrifices. We transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them. We are a local hub of the National Honor Flight Network, which consists of over 100 independent non-profit “hubs” across America.
CLEAR PATH FOR VETERANS
Clear Path for Veterans is proud to be the leading provider of Dwyer Peer Support programs in New York State. We empower communities to give their veterans the exceptional care and outreach they deserve.
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GUARDIAN REVIVAL
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
HUDSON VALLEY SKI CLUB
Our name says Ski Club, but we are year-round activities and adult social club based in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York. Throughout our 85+ years, HVSC has offered ski trips to top resorts throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada, bike trips, scenic hikes, kayaking, sailing, cultural events, rafting, wine tasting parties and happy hours (which we have nicknamed “Race Training”).
WARRIOR BONFIRE PROGRAM
Warrior Bonfire Program provides opportunities that improve the lives of enemy combat-wounded veterans—Purple Heart recipients—on their long journey of recovery and healing
JD'S ARMS & MUNITIONS
At JD's Arms & Munitions, we're committed to offering quality products, unparalleled service, and the most competitive prices in town. JD's is a Veteran owned FFL in New Paltz NY
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HUDSON VALLEY VA
At VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System, our health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Find a health facility near you, and manage your health online.
The Mayfly Project is a 501(c)(3) on a mission is to support youth in foster care through fly fishing, helping them build confidence, find healing, and connect to their local waters.
MORE VENDORS COMING SOON!
Our Vendor List Is Being Updated
For those that are members of NECKRA, we're happy to announce that the Wappingers Creek Water Derby will be included in the race series this year. This provides NECKRA members another opportunity to earn points.
If interested, visit NECKRA.ORG for more information on their race series and how points work.
Wappingers Creek Water Derby Map Locations
