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Paddle-a-thon is set for July 23

Daily Staff Report

VAIL – Join fellow kayakers, rafters and tubers and try to log as many miles as possible on the Upper Colorado River to raise money and awareness for young adults battling cancer during the annual First Descents Paddle-A-Thon July 23. First Descents is a Vail kayak camp for young adults with cancer founded by Nike and Dagger athlete and local professional kayaker Brad Ludden. The Paddle-A-Thon is open to water enthusiasts of all levels and abilities.”The Paddle-A-Thon events are just another example of how generous the kayak community is. I’m looking forward to getting on the river with all of my fellow boaters, whether in a kayak, sit-on-top or inflatable alligator and racking up as many miles as we can,” said Ludden.Paddle-A-Thon participants will paddle or float the five miles from Rancho del Rio to State Bridge on the Upper Colorado River near Vail as many times as possible. Participants are asked to solicit pledges for each mile paddled or solicit a flat fee donation. Mileage will be tabulated and all proceeds will go to First Descents to help additional young adults battling cancer participate in the camps. The event is not limited to kayakers. Whitewater enthusiasts of all sorts are encouraged to participate. A free shuttle back to the put-in will be provided.Boat rentals including kayaks, sit-on-top boats and duckies will be available for a nominal fee from the Colorado River Center at Rancho del Rio. Call 970-653-0263 to reserve a boat. After spending the day on the river, all paddlers and floaters can head to nearby State Bridge Lodge for music and entertainment. Registration will be located at Rancho del Rio starting at 10 a.m. on July 23. To request pledge forms in advance or for more information, please contact Christine Cohne at (970) 328-1806 or info@firstdescents.org.Vail, Colorado


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