Paddle For The Planet

06 Jun Paddle For The Planet

Digger does his part for Paddle For The Planet

This past Sunday (June 5th, 2011), thousands of paddlers in over 50 countries around the world participated in a global environmental awareness campaign for our oceans and waterways. Originating in Dubai, the idea was to bring paddlers together in a relay style world wide paddle – all over the planet – called “Paddle For The Planet“.

When Dez, from Blast Paddlers, brought this great cause to our attention on Facebook (just days before it was all scheduled to take place), and asked us to host an event for Paddle For The Planet, we were very keen to participate. After all, one of the main reasons we offer a Badger Paddle Sock with every paddle* is to omit the use of plastic in our shipping process by replacing plastic bags with our re-usable fabric socks. So, with just days left before the big day arrived, we invited anyone who wished to join us at Buck Lake Beach to help raise awareness for the plight of our oceans and to Paddle For The Planet.

By the time Fiona remembered to get out the camera, we were all on our way!

The day turned out to be beautiful in Muskoka. We (Mike, Fiona and Makobe) arrived at the beach early so pimped up our canoe with our Paddle For The Planet signs and put on our Team Fat Paddler T-shirts while we waited. As it turns out, not too many people were able to attend as they had already made other plans but all were interested in the idea when we spoke to them, some neighbours stopping in on their way to what ever business they had in town and beyond. Not to paddle, but to to show their support.  However there were a few more paddlers on the beach bringing an array of watercraft. By the time the excitement had died down, (unfortunately I had forgotten to get the camera out), Mike and Makobe were ready to get out on the water and do some paddling

We paddled around the lake until stopping at an island for Makobe to swim (or do the “dog paddle” for the planet). While Makobe was busy enjoying the cool waters of Buck Lake, Mike and I took some time to enjoy the beauty of it all. The strong breeze kept the bugs at bay and the sun, while strong, gave us a good amount of relief by hiding behind the clouds just before it became unbearable.

Wait… yep… there’s a paddler! Once on the island, Fiona remembered to finally dig the camera out and get some photos!

A few hours later we were back home, but not before we raised awareness with a few fisherman and some lucky paddlers and supporters got to take home some free Badger SWAG and coupon books from Algonquin Outfitters (with over $900 in savings!). All in all, considering it was very last minute, Paddle For The Planet was a success in our little part of the world! Next year will be even better, though!!!

*51 inches in length and above.