Paddling events, documentary set for Saturday
Published 12:17 am Thursday, April 7, 2011
On Saturday, Washington’s waterfront will attract paddlers from all over eastern North Carolina for an afternoon on the water followed by evening entertainment.
Beginning with a waterfront paddle from Haven’s Gardens at 11 a.m., Trail and River Rovers of East Carolina, a Greenville-based outdoor group, will lead a 10-mile upriver trip for experienced kayakers. Pamlico-Tar River Foundation leaders will offer a shorter four-mile paddle along the Washington waterfront for less experienced kayakers. The afternoon paddle is free, just show up for the 11:30 a.m. launch at the Haven’s Gardens wildlife ramp with a boat and safety gear. Inner Banks Outfitters will offer a discount for boat rentals.
Later in the day at 7 p.m., the lobby at the Turnage Theater will be filled with new kayaks and gear from sponsors Inner Banks Outfitters, West Marine and Great Outdoor Provision Company. The theater will show the high-action, white-water documentary film “The Eddy Feeling” at 8 p.m. The film, which follows the history of kayaking in North Carolina’s Linville Gorge, is produced by champion kayaker Spencer Cooke.
Guy Blackwell, spokesman for the event and a local kayaker, expects to see more than 100 paddlers converge on the city for this first-time event. In addition to the movie, sponsors will offer door prizes and raffle tickets for two unique boats. Tickets for the film will be $10 each at the door, $7 each with student ID. There is no reserve seating. There will be no ticket sales in advance of the show. All proceeds from the film will benefit the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation and the Turnage Theater.
For more information, contact PTRF at 252-946-7211 or the Turnage box office at 252-975-1191.