May
21
Paddle Pink Adventure Begins
iled Under (Uncategorized) by ruthgordon on 21-05-2009

I started a program this year called Paddle Pink, a way for me to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness. During the next few weeks I’ll meet with paddling communities across North America; we’ll have some fun on the water, I’ll impart some of my kayaking knowledge and in turn participants will be asked to make donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You’ll now see me on the river paddling a pink boat and wearing a very bright pink helmet.

 

First stop, Moab.

I landed in Moab in time to get in a bike ride. Opting for something comfortable (I left my full suspension at home) I set out on Klondike Bluffs. It was rainy and windy when I left but soon I was sweating in the sun and happy to have donned sun block. At the top I got in a few photos and back down I raced.

I met up with Don and Denise from Canyon Voyages (www.canyonvoyages.com). They are an adventure hot spot; hiking, kayaking, rafting etc. At five local paddlers descended on the front step and we arranged a shuttle to run a short section of the Colorado River.

As I slid into the eddy at the put-in I had no idea what I was in for. Five women and a lone man joined me to talk about playboating basics. But these paddlers already knew how to playboat. They were bow stalling and cartwheeling the whole way down the river. It was awesome to see such strong female paddlers in such a small whitewater community. Basically these ladies ripped! (That’s right Sheri, I said you RIPPED!).

It was my pleasure to spend the afternoon on the water with this group. If you’re ever driving through Colorado don’t miss the playing opportunities that await you in Moab.

 

Join me this weekend at CKS Paddlefest in Buena Vista (http://ckspaddlefest.com/?page_id=441), and May 26th at Backdoor Sports in Steamboat. 

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
Read More    (5) Comments


Comments:
5 Comments posted on "Paddle Pink Adventure Begins"
Tonya on May 23rd, 2009 at 6:22 am #

Hi Ruth.
I’ve always been a big fan, but now I’m an even bigger one. It was so great that you came to Moab. It’s not on the radar of most kayakers, and we understand you could have chosen to spend your Tuesday at some well known kayaking spot and paddled with some well known kayakers. After such an inspirational afternoon with you, we’re all really for the competitive circuit. Is there a league for us geezers? Thanks again, say Hi to your grandmother, and keep on rippin’ it up!

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.


Kim Schappert on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:34 am #

Hi Ruth,
We had such a great time with you. It was wonderful to see another girl out there ripping it up on our little river. We love to paddle and we love to show off our canyon so thanks for hanging out with us and showing us some tricks. You are the best, come back soon!

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.


Sheri on May 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm #

Just wanted to clear up Tonya’s misspelling. What Tonya really meant to say was that we are all READY for the competitive circuit. Actually, I just want to get sponsored! See you on the water Ruth!

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.


Bree on May 28th, 2009 at 7:10 pm #

I was so impressed by Ruth at paddle fest 09! Ruth has an ability to teach and perform–I would like to be a part of her clinic (if she is offering one) in Lyons, CO this June…

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.


Bree on May 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm #

Being a nursing student and a beginning kayaker, I am on-board with Paddle Pink. I think this is an excellent way to raise funds for such a global cause. I think it is our duty as female kayakers to draw attention to the sport as it enters a new frontier and gains momentum; it is our duty as parents and as family members of breast cancer victims and survivors to help raise money for the cause. That said, I am an avid supporter. One obstacle–I live in CO and would support Ruth’s paddle pink cause, but I have limited resources to know where to put my efforts and money. Ruth is scheduled to be at Confluence Kayaks in Denver and at the Outdoor festival in Lyons, CO, yet Confluence and the Lyons Outdoor Games have little to no details on their websites…that said, as a kayaking community we need to provide timely support when a necessary and nobel cause is being promoted…we simply need to get the word out and network accordingly…Confluence? Lyons?

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.


Post a comment

Powered by WP Hashcash

Name: 
Email: 
URL: 
Comments: