Two Iconic River Brands Release Sandal Collaboration To Benefit A Noble Mission

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June 15, 2023

Nothing says river trip like a pair of Chaco sandals and a couple of NRS straps. Now, the two iconic brands have come together on a collaboration that celebrates their classics recognized by every paddler while benefitting an emerging advocate within the paddling community.

Person removing gear bin from raft. — Feature Image: Ben Kitching / Courtesy Chaco Footwear

Chaco x NRS Sandal—A Fitting Pair

On June 8, the two companies released a limited edition Chaco x NRS collaboration of the Z/1 and Z/2 sandals, featuring the unmistakable blue straps of NRS. Better still, $10 of each sale benefits Diversify Whitewater, a nonprofit organization charging ahead with the mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in paddle sports through free community paddling events.

This isn’t the first time Chaco and NRS have joined forces on a river shoe collab that goes together like a riverside peanut butter and granola wrap. The previous limited release hit shelves five years ago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Fans of both brands have been cheering for a reunion ever since.

“We first launched a collection with NRS in 2018 and our loyal Chaco lovers have wanted a relaunch of the iconic collaboration. We’re excited to give the ChacoNation what they’ve been asking for,” said Lauren Poole, Sr. Director of Marketing at Chaco, in a recent press release. “We’re thrilled to partner again with NRS, another iconic river brand, and support Diversify Whitewater to encourage more people to try paddle sports for the first time.”

A Noble Mission To Diversify Paddle Sports

Diversify Whitewater’s goal is direct—to get more people paddling. Their website shares that two significant barriers to the sport are cultural and material. The nonprofit organization is directly breaking down those walls by hosting free community events throughout the U.S., including river float trips and skills learning days, and providing all gear for the outings with help from sponsors.

“We are so excited to collaborate with Chaco and NRS on their limited-edition sandals, and we would like to thank both companies for their continued support of our organization,” Lily Durkee, Founder and President of Diversify Whitewater, shared in a statement.

In 2020, Durkee co-founded Diversify Whitewater with philanthropist and writer Antoinette Lee Toscano. During the Black Lives Matter movement, the duo wanted to find a way to make a meaningful impact within the outdoor community. Durkee, for one, has been a whitewater kayaker since the age of nine. While, following an intensive seven-month research project, Toscano, who left the organization in 2021, gathered conclusive evidence of the need for more diversity within the sport. Together, Diversify Whitewater set forth in the direction the organization’s name so concisely defines.

three Black men and women kayaking on calm water

River Heroes: 4 Organizations Opening Doors For Black & Indigenous Paddlers

In the first year, Diversify Whitewater hosted two events in Colorado attended by 100 participants. The following year saw nine events and nearly 400 participants. Diversify Whitewater has held two of 12 events so far in 2023, hosting over 200 participants with the support of several outdoor brands, including the two river stalwarts of Chaco and NRS.

“Both organizations share our commitment to improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and are key supporters of our mission to reduce barriers to entry to paddlesports for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC),” Durkee goes on to say. “Creating a safe, inclusive, and fun experience on the water starts with having the best gear, and Chaco and NRS are both world-class.”

More on the Chaco x NRS Sandal

The Chaco x NRS sandals feature everything paddlers expect in the Z/1 and Z/2, including fully adjustable straps and a podiatrist-certified footbed. The webbing straps are made of recycled REPREVE material, and the sandals are fully repairable through Chaco’s ReChaco facility.

[ Find timeless apparel for your river trip in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

The limited edition Chaco x NRS sandals are available now, and you can learn more at their online stores: Chaco and NRS.

First Packraft Descent Of Little White Salmon (Video)

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Paddling Magazine Staff

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June 13, 2023

When Alpacka Raft launched their newest whitewater boat, the Valkryie, it instantly pulled eyes in its direction. The Valkyrie’s lines resemble more of a modern river-running hardshell than the shape of today’s inflatables. Kayaker Tyler Bradt showcased the capability of the Valkryie recently when he completed the first packraft descent of the Little White Salmon River, including Spirit Falls.

[ Watch the story of Alpacka Rafts ]

Bradt holds countless accolades in whitewater, most prominently the highest waterfall ever run in a kayak, 189-foot Palouse Falls. Bradt completed the descent in 2009, and the mark has held for nearly 15 years since.

[ Find packrafts fits for any adventure in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

In the Pacific Northwest, the Little White Salmon is a revered proving ground for serious class-V paddling. The run culminates to 30-foot Spirit Falls, arguably the most photographed waterfall in whitewater. The Little White Salmon is run by local paddlers on the daily but continues to demand full respect. Bradt’s complete descent of the Little White Salmon in the Alpacka Valkryie packraft is as much a testament of paddler’s comfort on his backyard classic as it is to the capabilities of Alpacka’s latest whitewater craft.

Nikwax, the Global Leader in PFAS-Free Aftercare, has Developed a Factory-Applied DWR for Synthetic Outdoor Fabrics

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Nikwax Press Release

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June 8, 2023

Seattle, WA, June 1, 2023— Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has developed a high performance, PFAS-free factory-applied Durable Water Repellent (DWR) for synthetic outdoor fabrics. Outdoor Research, Nikwax’s global launch partner, will unveil Direct.Dry on its series for Fall 2024.

“Nikwax Direct.Dry enables us to offer our customers a genuine alternative to conventional DWR treatments, providing them with a high-performing solution that aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible products,” says Alex Lauver, Senior Director of Materials Innovations and Sustainability at Outdoor Research. “Innovation fuels Outdoor Research’s product development, and our collaboration with Nikwax marks an industry breakthrough for PFAS-free outerwear and apparel.”

“Nikwax Direct.Dry enables us to offer our customers a genuine alternative to conventional DWR treatments, providing them with a high-performing solution that aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible products.”

With key states like California and New York mandating the elimination of PFAS in consumer goods by 2025, many brands are looking for a factory applied industrial DWR that can withstand the demands of outdoor consumers while eliminating persistent PFAS. Direct.Dry achieves 100, the highest possible rating on the AATCC 22 Spray Rating Test. With a high wash durability, Direct.Dry’s rating stays at 100 after five washes, 80 after 20 washes, and will return to 100 after being treated with Nikwax technical washes and waterproofers.

[ Find the toughest technical apparel in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

“We have been perfecting PFAS-free waterproofing solutions for over four decades,” said Brian Davidson, President of Nikwax North America. “We are very pleased to be able to apply that expertise to an industrial DWR to help our partners make the transition away from PFAS in their manufacturing process.”

“We have been perfecting PFAS-free waterproofing solutions for over four decades.”

Sustainability and circularity are top-of-mind for many outdoor consumers and brands as recent legislation has accelerated the industry’s quest for PFAS-free solutions. In addition to seeking alternatives to harmful PFAS chemicals, brands are simultaneously looking for ways to maintain high performance while helping the gear last longer. For 46 years, Nikwax has offered brands and consumers a full range of aftercare solutions that are easy to use, PFAS-free, and durable. Now, Nikwax is offering a factory applied DWR that is complimented by a well-known consumer brand. Brands interested in exploring how they too can utilize Direct.Dry to comply with upcoming regulations can contact Brian Davidson at Brian.Davidson@nikwax.com.

About Nikwax

For over 45 years, Nikwax has been the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. Since 1977, the brand has been committed to clean chemistry, never using PFAS or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and caps are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 45+ years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

Bear Attempts Hairy Ferry (Video)

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Paddling Magazine Staff

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June 5, 2023

black bear swimming across rapid in California — Washington, California Fire Department / Facebook

California had one snowy winter in the 2022-2023 season. In fact it was one of the wettest on record, with a statewide average snowpack that reached 237%. All the water frozen in the mountains leads to juicy river flows this time of year. For whitewater kayakers, the river levels open up a long season and rarely runnable stretches. It also means high water to be cautious of.

[ Watch: California Kayaker Turns Snow-Buried Home Into Seal Launch ]

Paddlers aren’t the only river dwellers having to bring their A-game. In a video flooding the internet, a black bear takes its shot at swimming a hairy ferry on the South Fork of the Yuba River.

A Bear Of A Swim On The South Yuba

The South Yuba is home to some classic California runs, including the class-V stretch known as Yuba Gap. The video of the black bear swimming across the river was taken in the town of Washington by volunteer fire chief Mike Stewart. In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, Stewart says the bear made it out of the river safely. The fire chief though was skeptical if a person could have successfully made the swim through the swirling whirlpools and pumping flow.

Stewart has reason to provide the cautionary tale as a first responder in the remote area. According to American Whitewater, the class-IV section of the South Yuba beginning in Washington reaches the high end of recommended flows at 2,500 CFS on the Jones Bar gauge. This spring, that gauge has read as high as 5,630 CFS.

Kayaking on the water with mountains in the background

The Golden State: Guide To Kayaking In California

The bear may not have had a better choice at the time, or maybe his comfort level in whitewater far exceeds our human capability. No matter the case, the video of a 300-pound animal getting thrashed in the runout is a humbling reminder. When rivers are running high, sometimes the safest choice is to save the hairy ferry for another day.

The Canadian Canoe Museum Launches The Final Portage Campaign

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Canadian Canoe Museum Press Release

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June 1, 2023

PETERBOROUGH, Thursday, June 1, 2023 – The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM), home to the world’s largest and most significant collection of paddled watercraft, is embarking on an extraordinary journey as it prepares to relocate its entire collection from its current landlocked location to a new waterfront campus across the city.

To build excitement for its reopening and invite public support for this historic move, the CCM has launched a new fundraising campaign, Move the Collection: The Final Portage. The campaign is led by avid paddling enthusiasts and local community leaders Mike Judson and Neil Morton. As a symbolic gesture of the forthcoming move of the entire collection, the two will portage a symbolic canoe throughout Peterborough, from the current museum to its new 65,000-square-foot home, for the campaign’s duration, which will release videos at different milestones.

One man portaging a red canoe and another holding two paddles. — Neil Morton and Mike Judson portaging on Hunter Street. | Photo: Courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum

It is rare for a museum to build a new facility and move its entire collection to a new location, for it is a significant undertaking. Declared a cultural asset of national significance by the Senate in 2013, the CCM’s collection consists of more than 600 canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft (ranging up to 53 feet long and weighing up to 1,500 pounds), hundreds of small artifacts, and a library and archive—making the move of this national asset a truly historical and remarkable accomplishment. McWilliams Moving and Storage has partnered with the CCM as its Official Mover of the collection.

The CCM has spent more than two years carefully preparing the collection for its upcoming relocation, diligently cleaning and packing each artifact to ensure the utmost care during the move. The Museum has been temporarily closed since September 2022 to allow staff to remove artifacts on exhibit for the past two decades. When the new museum opens, it will also feature new exhibits, promising an enhanced and immersive visitor experience, including canoes and kayaks that have never been on public display.

Collection prepared to move. | Photo: Courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum

Cleaning a canoe. | Photo: Courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum

“Moving a collection of this size and scale in the span of months is no small feat for our team and supporters,” explains Carolyn Hyslop, executive director of the CCM. “This move represents a pivotal moment in our museum’s history. By relocating to the waterfront, we will not only enhance the accessibility and visibility of this extraordinary collection but also create a transformative experience for our visitors. We are inviting donors and sponsors to be a part of this monumental move and help us bring the legacy of paddled watercraft to a wider audience.”

As part of The Final Portage campaign, the CCM is releasing a series of videos and behind-the-scenes content this summer and fall featuring Mike Judson and Neil Morton portaging an iconic red canvas canoe past recognizable landmarks in Peterborough. This will allow the public to follow the fundraising campaign’s progress while building excitement for the Museum’s reopening, anticipated this fall. To view the first video, visit canoemuseum.ca/final-portage.

“Canoeing is one of my great passions in life, and seeing this national treasure move to the water’s edge in this community I adore is a dream,” says Neil Morton, one of the campaign’s lead portagers. “It’s fantastic to be a part of The Final Portage campaign and this historic moment with my fellow lead portager Mike Judson as we help carry this to the finish line.”

Two men standing beside a yellow canoe on a stand. — Neil Morton and Mike Judson next to the canoe featured in Gordon Lightfoot’s song. | Photo: Courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum

Surrounded by public parks, the Museum’s new home is located on a five-acre site at 2077 Ashburnham Drive that provides stunning west-facing views of Little Lake and a connection to the Trans Canada Trail along the water’s edge in Peterborough. The purpose-built facility on the water, with an array of indoor and outdoor spaces, will allow the Museum to deliver on its mission in inspiring new ways. It will become a vibrant community space for outdoor activities, including the Museum’s canoeing and outdoor programs and events.

“Supporting initiatives like the Museum’s historic move is an investment in preserving our shared heritage and cultural legacy. By contributing to this endeavor, we actively steward invaluable artifacts and ensure their accessibility to future generations,” shares Hyslop. “Institutions like ours serve as gateways to knowledge, inspiration, and understanding, and it is through your support that we enable the continued celebration and exploration of our collective history. Together, we can make a lasting impact and shape a vibrant cultural landscape for years to come.”

McWilliams Moving and Storage has joined The Final Portage campaign as the lead sponsor and Official Mover of the collection to ensure each piece is moved safely and with care. Their extensive experience and commitment to excellence make them the ideal partner for this significant endeavor.

Man portaging a red canoe — Portaging through downtown Peterborough | Photo: Courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum

“McWilliams Moving and Storage has been part of the CCM family since its inception with the first portage of museum artifacts from Dorset, Ontario to Peterborough over two decades ago. We are honored to continue this tradition as the Official Movers of the CCM and complete the final portage to a new architectural and cultural landmark in the city of Peterborough,” says Dan McWilliams, president of McWilliams Moving & Storage. “Having the opportunity to pack and transport these pieces of Canadian heritage allows us to be part of the journey and story of this national icon in our great city.”

The CCM invites donors and sponsors to join them in preserving history and shaping the future by supporting the Move the Collection campaign. Contributions will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and successful relocation of the world’s largest and most significant collection of paddled watercraft. Those joining as donors or sponsors of moving an artifact have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on our nation’s cultural heritage.

“The McWilliams team’s dedication to preserving the integrity of each artifact aligns perfectly with our mission to steward and showcase the rich history of paddled watercraft. We are incredibly grateful for their support and expertise throughout this process,” notes Hyslop. “We are excited to see other sponsors and donors support the move similarly.”

Join the CCM in inspiring Canada by canoe, and support the collection in making its final portage to its new home at the water’s edge! To donate, visit canoemuseum.ca/final-portage. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Rose Terry, philanthropy associate, at rose.terry@canoemuseum.ca.

Wyoming River Adventures Just A Click Away In Nation’s Top River Map

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Press Release: River Management Society

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June 1, 2023

TAKOMA PARK, MD, May 25 — With a click or a swipe, paddlers and anglers can now “shop” the rivers in Wyoming when planning outdoor excursions. The National Rivers Project (NRP) website now features 850 river miles and nearly 120 access points with the recent addition of rivers managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Wyoming.

“The National Rivers Project allows recreationists to explore new parts of Wyoming, whether they’re looking to float, fish, camp or just hang out along public rivers,” said Katy Kuhnel, BLM outdoor recreation planner. “This way, we introduce new users to public lands and waters while protecting important resources like riparian ecosystems and clean water.”

Newly added rivers include the North Platte River, recognized among the top five fisheries in the state as a Blue Ribbon Stream, and the Bighorn River Blueway Trail, which is set to gain recreational facilities through a partnership with the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative and local communities. Both are popular for floating, fishing, observing wildlife, picnicking and camping.

The River Management Society launched the NRP in 2015 to increase visibility for water trails, whitewater rivers and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Site visitors can search for rivers by location, difficulty, managing agency and related activities. Nearly 60 federal, state and local watershed partners have provided the data, making it the most comprehensive and reliable river map on the web. For this project, RMS gives special thanks to BLM Wyoming and its outdoor recreation planners for their partnership.

“It is wonderful to have river access information in one easy-to-use database.”

“It is wonderful to have river access information in one easy-to-use database,” said Lochen Wood, fellow BLM outdoor recreation planner. “It’s all about access.”

The River Management Society is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports professionals who study, protect and manage North America’s rivers by providing resources, training and networking opportunities to its members. One such resource is the National Rivers Project. Powered by authoritative river data in the National River Recreation Database, this online map and search engine enables tens of thousands of recreationists to discover new river sections nationwide each year.

For more information, contact Bekah Price, bekah@river-management.org, 423-943-2000.

Level Six Hires Three New US Sales Representatives

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Level Six Press Release

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June 1, 2023

Ethan Ebersold & Dan Arbuckle | Photo Courtesy of Level Six

Ottawa, Canada | May 26, 2023 – Level Six announced today that they have hired three new sales representatives in two key U.S. territories.

Ethan Ebersold and Dan Arbuckle have joined the team as Western U.S. sales representatives. Ethan and Dan will work in conjunction to manage sales and dealer support in the following states:

Washington (WA)
Oregon (OR)
California (CA)
Idaho (ID)
Nevada (NV)
Montana (MT)
Wyoming (WY)
Utah (UT)
Arizona (AZ)

Two men take selfie in sea kayaks. — Ethan Ebersold & Dan Arbuckle | Photo: Courtesy of Level Six

“Dan and I are thrilled to join forces with Level Six to support dealers and paddlers in the Western U.S.,” said Ethan Ebersold.

“We’ve admired and used their gear for years and are especially excited to be part of their commitment to more sustainable materials and resource protection,” added Dan Arbuckle. “This territory’s waters and weather can range from drysuit conditions to swimwear and everywhere in between and Level Six has it all.”

In addition to Ethan and Dan in the west, Level Six is pleased to welcome Bahen Privett as Southeast U.S. sales representative. Bahen brings an intimate knowledge of the Southeast retail and paddling landscape. He’ll also manage sales and dealer support in the following key states:

West Virginia (WV)
Virginia (VA)
Kentucky (KY)
Tennessee (TN)
North Carolina (NC)
South Carolina (SC)
Mississippi (MS)
Alabama (AL)Georgia (GA)
Florida (FL)

Man takes selfie from canoe. — Bahen Privett. | Photo: Courtesy of Level Six

“I am excited to work with a company that is passionate about making the paddling experience as amazing as possible for everyone,” said Bahen. “Level Six is not only creating some of the best gear out there to paddle in, but they’re doing it in a sustainable way and working to introduce more people to the magic that being on the water provides.”

“As Level Six continues to grow in the U.S., we are fortunate to have Ethan, Dan and Bahen on board to guide our sales and brand awareness in key markets,” VP of sales, Patrick Quinney, said. “We are very excited to have these passionate individuals on our team. The experience and pedigree they bring to our team is going to be integral to our long-term growth and brand presence in the Western and Southeast United States.”

For Level Six, this is a continuation of its commitment to be present and engaged in the communities that it sells in. Stay tuned as more exciting news is coming down the pipeline this year.

Paddlers Ready Themselves For Third Annual Ohio River Challenge

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Ohio River Challenge Press Release

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May 31, 2023

CINCINNATI, Ohio (May 29, 2023) – On June 2, a team of intrepid paddlers is set to embark on the Ohio River Challenge, a 250-mile, 10-day expedition from Portsmouth, Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky. Retracing the route of past explorers, their expedition has a modern day mission: forge partnerships showcasing the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Along the way, the team of adventurers will moor their 30-foot-long voyageur canoes in river towns large and small. At each stop, these ambassadors of the Ohio River Way will connect with community leaders and residents while getting a taste for the local culture. At the end of each day, they’ll continue these conversations at a local eatery before making camp for the night.

The expedition’s lead organizer is Dr. David Wicks, chair of Louisville’s River City Paddle Sports and vice-chair of the Ohio River Way. When asked about the purpose of the paddle, Wicks explained, “As we float down this majestic river, we’re shining a light on the tapestry of vibrant culture, untold stories and ecological wonders that weave the fabric of the Ohio River Way. If you’re looking for an adventure, you don’t have to look far from home. The Ohio is right here.”

“This expedition encapsulates the very essence of the Ohio River Way,” said Brewster Rhoads, chair of the Ohio River Way. “We’re eager to immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty and rich history of the river, while promoting outdoor recreation and connecting the communities that are a part of its legacy. Together, we can celebrate the Ohio River Way of Life and cultivate sustainable economic growth throughout our region.”

Launching in Portsmouth, the expedition will pitch their tents in 10 communities before arriving in Louisville:

June 2: Depart Portsmouth, Ohio
June 2: Vanceburg, Kentucky
June 3: Maysville, Kentucky
June 4, Augusta, Kentucky
June 5, Thomas More Biological Research Station
June 6: Cincinnati, Ohio
June 7: Rising Sun, Indiana
June 8: Vevay, Indiana
June 9: Madison, Indiana
June 10: Westport, Kentucky
June 11: Arrive in Louisville, Kentucky

The Ohio River Challenge is organized by River City Paddle Sports in partnership with the Ohio River Way, both 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. The mission of River City Paddle Sports is to expand community access to paddle sports through education, outreach and competition. The Ohio River Way is a region-wide organization that works to promote outdoor adventure, attract sustainable tourism and enhance the overall quality of life in the river towns.

Cyril Derreumaux Announces Intention To Kayak Across The Atlantic In 2024

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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May 30, 2023

Cyril Derreumaux became just the second known person to complete a solo, unsupported crossing between California and Hawaii by kayak in September of 2022. Now, the 46-year-old adventurer seeks to follow up on the 2,400-mile achievement. On May 22, 2023, Derreumaux announced his intention to kayak across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Barbados—a voyage of 2,800 nautical miles.

News: Cyril Derreumaux Completes Pacific Crossing To Hawaii

“Following my 91-day expedition from California to Hawaii last year, I’m happy to announce my intentions to cross the Atlantic east to west in 2024, once again in a solo, unsupported and 100-percent human-powered Kayak,” Derreumaux shared in the announcement on social media.

“This will be another exploration and demonstration of the human potential, pushing against my physical and mental limits, and sharing my thoughts and learnings along the way.”

Cyril Derreumaux’s Plan To Kayak Across The Atlantic

Derreumaux plans to depart the Canary Islands in December of 2024 for Barbados. The French-born adventurer expects the expedition to take between 80 to 90 days. He will be using the same 23-foot kayak that safely carried him to Hawaii. The kayak features a fully sealable and self-righting survival pod used as a sleeping cabin.

In the recent social media post, Derreumaux goes on to say he will only be able to pull off the crossing with the help of partners and sponsors to assist in supporting the effort.

The solo Atlantic crossing has been completed by more paddlers than the journey from California to Hawaii. However, the attempt would put Derreumaux among an intrepid collection of expedition athletes, notably: the three successful crossings made by Aleksander Doba; the first standup paddleboard journey completed by Chris Bertish; and, most recently, the South Africa to Brazil voyage of Richard Kohler.

2024 is just around the corner when it comes to an expedition of this magnitude, and we look forward to following Derreumaux’s voyage as it develops. Learn more about Cyril Derreumaux’s upcoming expedition at: https://www.solokayaktheatlantic.com/.

Feature photo: Tom Gomes

Team Sets New Mississippi Speed Record

By

Canice Leung

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May 29, 2023

A team of four paddlers has unofficially set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time to “row the length” of the Mississippi River, voyaging some 2,350 miles from source to sea in 16 days, 20 hours and 16 minutes.

Setting A New Mississippi Speed Record

Team Mississippi Speed Record (MSR) captain Scott Miller said the effort was dramatic to the end. Miller described coursing down the river in the pitch black toward the buoy that marks the finish, feeling a tunnel vision and a palpable roar of energy propelling them to the finish.

“We’re going down the river, and it was like some demonic influence took over, and my teammates were pumping so hard to get to the end,” Miller recounted on Saturday after a few hours sleep at a hotel in Louisiana. “Of course, I’m worried we’re going to slam into the mile marker zero buoy and ruin everything because they were going too fast.”

Team preparing for 2023 Mississippi Speed Record

Team Set To Embark On Mississippi Speed Record Attempt

Sore, blistered, chafed and sleep-deprived at the finish, Miller and his teammates Paul Cox, Judson Steinback and Wally Werderich climbed the buoy at the Heads of Passes, pumping their fists, hugging and taking selfies while dozens of family, friends and support crew members cheered from nearby vessels.

“I had three incredible paddling teammates. They supported me. I learned a ton from them because they’re really the expert paddlers,” Miller said, referring to their resumes in endurance events like the Great Alabama 650 and Missouri River 340.

The new fastest known time, which still needs to be verified by Guinness World Records, is 23 hours and 30 minutes faster than the previous record set by team Mile Marker Zero in 2021.

Willing A Record Run

The MSR team set off from the headwaters in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, on May 10, and arrived at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana just after 2 a.m. on May 27.

“Such amazing things happened literally every day: the ice, the fog, the rain, the big, huge lakes, the rapids,” said Miller. “It takes my breath away to think of the epic quality.”

Mother Nature put on a show — and threw in a few favors. “To set this record, you’ve got to be really good and you’ve got to be really lucky,” said Miller, noting the good weather, low wind and short wait times at locks and dams.

Their first days in Minnesota were a good omen. Their May 7 launch was delayed to wait for ice-out on Lake Winnibigoshish, but after three days, they couldn’t wait any longer. Setting off from Lake Itasca, they hoped to paddle through or around the disintegrating ice by the time they got to Winnibigoshish some 33 hours later.

“It was a gamble. We were running out of time,” said Miller. “We think there’s a pretty good chance that we get through this… but we just have to go. And miracle of miracles, by the time we got there, the ice was entirely gone.”

Blister on man's hand from long-distance paddling. — The spoils of victory. Image: Wilderness Mindset / courtesy Mississippi Speed Record

Avoiding The Brink Of Disaster

The team built up a lead on the 2021 record-holder’s time splits early on, but they never allowed themselves to think they had it in the bag.

“We tried not to ever say it internally to ourselves, even in our own minds … If you had that mindset, you’re just asking for it. It’s dangerous until the last second,” said Miller, recounting how a boat wave bobbled their canoe in the final minutes near the finish. “Had that wave been a little bigger or we hadn’t been paying attention, we could have flipped the boat right there with 15 minutes to go.”

The team’s scariest moment came while waiting for a tugboat to pass at a lock and dam in Iowa. A strong current pulled them toward a dam downstream. The team called in support boat Falcon and grabbed on to be towed back upstream — the Guinness rules only forbid help with forward progress — before passing safely through the lock. Shaken up, they stopped ashore for several hours to recuperate.

Paddler Paul Cox exhausted and celebrating new Mississippi speed record — MSR team member Paul Cox showing the exhausting thrill of the record run. Image: Wilderness Mindset / courtesy Mississippi Speed Record

The Village It Took

Such efforts from hundreds of people brought them to the finish, said Miller. Volunteers worked 12-hour shifts to set up roving base camps, refuel vehicles and support boats, cook food and shuttle to and from rendezvous points. Local pilots joined support boats on the crowded, expansive southern portion of the river to navigate and communicate with massive barges.

“It’s the kind of world record that depends on athletic ability, but that’s only one small piece of what you need to set this record,” said Miller. “It’s all these other places where you can make up the difference: teamwork, planning, organizing, getting help, organizing a crew.”

And then there’s the hundreds of supporters who drove out to bridges, locks and dams to cheer the passing canoe even in the middle of the night.

“You’d get on the shore and you could see somebody showed up just to see us, just to be a part of it,” remarked Werderich in a video posted to social media.

Steinback added: “I felt like we were hometown heroes. It was wild!”

“You just keep asking, and people want to be a part of the big adventure. This energy builds, and you’re able to do something you’d never, ever be able to do with a smaller group,” said Miller. “If it hadn’t happened organically, it would be totally overwhelming.”

Redemption For Miller And A Journey Reason Enough

The victory was satisfying for Miller, who also made an attempt in 2021 but capsized in bad weather in Louisiana. Even if they hadn’t succeeded on his second try, the journey was reason enough.

“I wouldn’t have done it again if I didn’t have fun last time,” he said. “Really, the record is the excuse to organize a big fun project to get out on the water.”

“If you take your boat out on a river, you’re guaranteed to have an adventure, even if it’s just for a couple of hours — or sixteen days.”