BUXTON — A team of dedicated outrigger canoe paddlers from the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club is preparing to embark on the final 110-mile stretch of its journey along the entire North Carolina coast.
Over the past two years, these paddlers have been working to raise awareness about the crucial need for clean water.
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Their initiative, called We the Water, not only aims to shed light on the importance of clean water but also serves as a fundraiser for the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s vital work in enhancing coastal water quality.
“This journey has been a true labor of love,” said Coastal Federation Coastal Management Program Director Kerri Allen, who is also a WBOCC paddler, regarding the significance of this effort. “Clean water is not just a need, it’s a right, and using outrigger paddling to tell the story of our coast and shed light on these issues has been extraordinary.”
The nonprofit Coastal Federation publishes Coastal Review.
The team will begin Friday, setting off from Buxton to paddle toward the North Carolina-Virginia border, with an anticipated arrival by Saturday. During their journey, the paddlers plan to make several stops, and the public is encouraged to join in and show their support. For more information on their schedule, please visit, here. A traditional Hawaiian blessing of the canoe will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Swell Motel. The community is encouraged to attend.
Upon the completion of this 110-mile trek, the group will return to Historic Corolla Park, to mark the official conclusion of their three-year, 325-mile paddling initiative. To learn more about the We the Water paddling initiative, extend your support for their fundraising efforts, or participate in a silent auction, please visit the Coastal Federation’s website at nccoast.org/paddle.
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The paddling initiative has also been supported by a gracious number of sponsors, including Airlie Pointe Yacht Charters, BeUnlimited Yoga, Slice of Life, Stellar Blu Construction, The Aladon Network, Family Dental Care of Wilmington, and The Beatty Pittman Team.
