It’s been another summer of great Ladies Southeast Paddling Series and Green River Takeover events! Both the Series and the Takeover are community building events that also raise money for the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund. This year, part of the money raised will be donated from the fund to Our Voice’s initiative to combat human trafficking in WNC. The other part will go to American Canoe Association‘s fund set up to support elite US female slalom athletes.

I runs the LSPS on 5 different rivers (Tuckaseegee, Nantahala, Pigeon, Ocoee and Lower Gauley) offering an opportunity for women of all skill levels to find their river tribe, have fun and give back. Laura Farrell runs the Green River Takeover, the biggest single women’s whitewater paddling event in the world!

So far this year the LSPS has raised over $1700 for the SCMF and the Takeover, which just happened last Saturday, raised $3100! The last event in the Series will be on the Lower Gauley on September 15th, the Friday of Gauley Fest. All funds raised in that event will go to American Whitewater since it has been going on for over a decade and Gauley Fest is an AW fundraiser!

I’ve been really impressed with the Southeast female boating community and the support that they’ve shown each other as well as the support they’ve shown the fund. The community is strong, thriving and holding ourselves able as leaders and paddlers.

If you haven’t had a chance to join one of these events, and you have the skill level, consider joining us on the Lower Gauley in September! If you have any questions about the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund or the events don’t hesitate to email! And if you miss this year then make sure to mark your calendars when we release dates for 2018. Here are a few more photos for you.