Over the next three years, the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club plans to paddle the entire North Carolina coastline for its We the Water initiative.
During the first leg Sept. 14-17, club members plan to paddle a six-person outrigger canoe 120 miles from Sunset Beach to Ocean, the site of the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s future Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration. The tentative paddle route is available online.
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The club teamed up with the Coastal Federation for the initiative that “aims to advocate for clean water, empower local communities, bring awareness of contamination and protect water — the most vital element of our lives,” organizers said.
The public can meet the paddlers at 6 p.m. Sept. 16 when they make a stop at N.Sea Oyster Bar, 674 Old Landing Road, Hampstead, for A Rave for the Waves.
Tickets are $60 for general admission, $20 for ages 10 and younger and free for those under 3. Each ticket includes admission to the party, taco bar from Shaka Taco, two oysters from N.Sea Oyster Co., beer from Waterman’s Brewing Co. and live music by The Swellians. Register online for this event.
The three-year journey will tell the story of the state’s coast, from threats and risks to solutions and triumphs, and how we can all make a difference in protecting and restoring the place we call home, organizers said.
“Outrigger canoeing is a connection to the water like no other,” said Kerri Allen, federation southeast regional office manager and club member, in a statement. “I cannot think of a better way to tell the story of our coast than from the bow of a canoe and how we can all make a difference in protecting and restoring the place we call home.”
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The club practices year-round and competes in races all across the country. The group plans to complete its paddle up the North Carolina coast with additional legs in 2023 and 2024.
“Our club is honored to be a part of this initiative to protect the ocean that we love and enjoy regularly,” said Gina Martin, club president. From the perspective of an outrigger canoe, we look forward to raising awareness of what we as a collective community can do to ensure clean water for all.”
Volunteers, donations and sponsorships are needed to support the We The Water initiative. Information on h
Proceeds will go the North Carolina Coastal Federation, which publishes Coastal Review.
