Veterans Find Relief in the River

The Potomac River is helping heal wounded veterans.

That's thanks to Team River Runner , a non-profit co-founded in 2004 by Joe Mornini and Mike McCormick in Washington, D.C. The organization has now grown to nearly 40 chapters in 22 states.

The program provides adaptive kayaking equipment manufactured by an organization in Minnesota and specialized instruction to wounded veterans who have suffered loss of limbs, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Sessions are offered multiple times per week on the Potomac River. 

When they’re not paddling on the Potomac, the D.C. chapter offers pool sessions at David Taylor Model Basin, one of the largest naval military research centers in the world, and holds an annual biathlon in the fall as well as ongoing leadership clinics, where new instructors are trained.

All instructors are volunteers and many are past participants of the program, so former soldiers can learn from other veterans and share their experiences. No registration required ; just a few waiver forms to sign.  

Source: Patch.com

Kayaking in Texas: From Coastal Trails to Gentle Rivers, Texas ...

With 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline, 15 paddle-worthy rivers, and thousands of streams, Texas is a kayaker's paradise. Try out an official paddling trail, hire an outfitter as a guide or just to provide drop off and pick-up, or strike out on your own. Here are a few of the best paddles in the Lone Star state.

Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trails

The first Texas Paddling Trail, the Lighthouse Lakes series of loops, ranging from 1.25 to 6.8 miles, explores a black mangrove estuary, sloughs, seagrass flats, and black lakes on the mid-coast near Aransas Pass. One trail takes paddlers near the photo-worthy 1857 Lydia Ann Lighthouse on North Harbor Island. A kayak offers a great way to get close to great blue herons, egrets, pelicans and other resident birds, or to fish for flounder, red drum, and spotted sea trout. Launch at the park on Highway 361 approximately 5 miles from the HEB in Aransas Pass, which has free parking and covered picnic tables. Or rent kayaks at the Crabman Marina, about one mile before the park. The Marina also sells bait and supplies, and has restrooms for customers.

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News

Snowpack ideal for summer river trips

Island Park News - Jan 01, 1970

"We're excited about it, and our customers are excited about it," said Greg McFadden of Canyons, a Middle Fork and main Salmon outfitter that specializes in whitewater kayak instruction as part of weeklong river trips. "The kayak surfing should be

Bitterroot couple seek help to fulfill kayak journey

KAJ18 Kalispell Montana News - Jan 01, 1970

Charlie says the adventure will take them kayaking on a winding 1100 mile journey from the Bitterroot River in Stevensville to the Pacific Ocean. "Our vision of the project is that we will travel to the communities that are linked by the river,

Town looks at kayak rentals

Delmarva Daily Times - Jan 01, 1970

PRINCESS ANNE -- Town residents and visitors could soon be able to rent kayaks and bicycles in Manokin River Park once officials sign a deal with a business owner who hopes to provide those services. Town Commissioners this week agreed to let Ben Alder

Kayakers rescued from river are Albany dentist and son

Albany Democrat Herald - Jan 01, 1970

The two kayakers rescued Saturday evening from the Willamette River north of Bowman Park were from Albany, said Division Chief Mike Trabue of the Albany Fire Department. One of them, Chad Berg, 15, is in critical condition at the Oregon Health and

River kayaker tells tale

Lancaster Newspapers - Jan 01, 1970

By CINDY STAUFFER The Susquehanna River was like a sheet of glass Saturday night as Archie McConnell and Nick Herr drifted in their kayaks toward an island where they planned to go winter camping. The childhood buddies, both 24, grew up in in the