Paddling

Although I do not paddle competitively...yet (except for that one triathlon)...I enjoy playing in lakes and rivers with my kayak. I hop around the water in 14.5' Perception Carolina. Surprisingly, Iowa actually has a lot of nice rivers and lakes to explore. Running through some of the corn fields are meandering and picturesque waterways. As long as you stay away from the canoe rental places and fishing hot spots, there is plenty of room to explore nature's beauty. I am a member of Sticks in the Water Paddling Group (centered around the Cedar Rapids area), and try to get out with them when my schedule allows.

I also enjoy participating in river cleanups, removing trash from the valuable rivers and creating a more pleasant paddling environment. By far the biggest and most fun cleanup in which I have participated in is is Project AWARE , a weeklong expedition sponsored by the Iowa DNR. My Project AWARE trip reports recounts my experiences throughout the years.