Paddle Georgia Canoe-a-thon

Three hundred and fifty Paddle Georgia enthusiasts ended their week-long, 106-mile canoe/kayak adventure on the Middle Oconee and Oconee Rivers from Athens to Dublin with a River's End Feast celebration on Friday June 24.

Paddlers were proud to complete their adventure and although many were hot, sunburned, dead tired, and stiff, they had big praise for the great experience organized by the Georgia River Network (GRN).

Participants ranged from children aged 3 and 5 canoeing with their parents to the oldest participant at 81 years, who paddled her solo kayak all 106 miles.

With their last bit of energy, paddlers enjoyed the Rivers End celebration at Buckeye Park in East Dublin with "Redneck Games" a fish fry, live music, awards ceremony, and slide show.

Much appreciation goes to the talented GRN staff, Coosa Riverkeeper Joe Cook, Chris Manganiello, ARK’s Oconee Project Director Ben Emanuel and the many volunteers and participants who made Paddle Georgia a great success.

The Canoe-a-thon participants raised about $20,000 for river protection! Funds will be used by Georgia River Network, Upper Oconee Watershed Network, Lake Oconee Water Watch and the Oconee River Project of the Altamaha Riverkeeper to protect the Oconee and promote development of water trails on Georgia Rivers.

Next year’s paddle will be on the Altamaha. 

Learn exciting details of the adventure on the blog at http://garivernetwork.wordpress.com/

River Celebration Planned for June 24th in East Dublin, GA