Paddle players from near and far gathered on Saturday, Mar. 15, at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA and 18 area clubs for the 40th Annual Wilton Open, also known as “The Kraken.” A staple on the paddle circuit, this “Paddle with Purpose” event is the largest single-day mixed paddle fundraiser.
This year introduced a second women’s draw, bringing the total to five: Men’s Open/A, Men’s B, Men’s B2, Women’s Open/A, and Women’s B. Over its 40-year history, the Wilton Open has showcased 15 APTA national champions across men’s and women’s divisions.
Proceeds from the event directly support the Riverbrook Regional YMCA’s Annual Campaign, providing essential financial aid and scholarships to children and families in Norwalk, Wilton and Redding. These funds enable access to summer camp, free swim lessons and other vital programs for children who may otherwise not be able to participate.
Held annually near St. Patrick’s Day, the Wilton Open often welcomes participants who embrace the festive spirit of “St. Paddles Day” with green and shamrock-themed gear, energized by Irish and Caribbean music. The afternoon featured an Irish ceremony with a bagpiper, a live performance by the local band Hitch and the Giddyup, and a BBQ lunch for all attendees.
“We had a fabulous day of paddle benefiting a great cause,” tournament Co-Chairs Todd Parker and Russ Kohl said. “For 40 years, the paddle community has rallied to support the Riverbrook YMCA. As one of only two Ys in the country with a paddle facility, our Y has become a hub for play in the Tri-State area. The Wilton Open showcases the best our sport has to offer.”
Parker and Kohl expressed gratitude to volunteers and local sponsors /partners, including Athleta, Aventine Hill Importers, Kraken Rum/Proximo, Nod Hill Brewery, The Tennis Spot, Wilton Physical Therapy, Vital Stretch Wilton, Xenon Paddle, as well as all participating clubs. Special appreciation was extended to the Y staff, including Mike Kazlauskas, Shana Russnok, Rossvin Badilla and Liz Champagne, for their dedicated efforts over the past three months.
Serving on the event committee were Ann Duffy, Beth Kohl, Bill Fanning, Jeff Kong, Nick Hanna, Ron Gayda and Tom Viggiano. Event volunteers included Pete Taylor, Paul Calzone, Laura Caron-Parker, Ella Parker, Celia Kohl, Susan Larsen, Clay Larsen, Cindy Hojnacki, Lori Kelly, Marilyn Fulton, Chef Manny Mafilios, Joe Fucigna, Matty Edwards, John Stewart, Mike Smith, Armand Umeolele and Alan Lipset.
2025 Champions:
- Men’s Open/A: Tomas Christian and Rafael Coutinho
- Women’s Open/A: Ana Zubori and Kristin Treadway
- Men’s B: Brendan Paternoster and Ryan Carr
- Men’s B2: Rob Geary and Jeff Sussman
- Women’s B: Melissa Birns and Julie Fried
For more information, event photos and results, visit the Wilton Open website, and learn about how “The Kraken” got its name and explore ways to get involved in planning the 41st Wilton Open, scheduled for March 2026. Email Beth Kohl for tournament details.
