June Paddles- Summer Splashes Continue
From whitewater thrills to peaceful stretches of river, June was packed with adventure along Alabama’s scenic waterways. Whether paddling the iconic Coosa, exploring the Chattahoochee, rallying a race team at Montgomery Riverfront, or ducky-boat cruising at Montgomery Whitewater, each event brought paddlers together for fun, community, and connection with the outdoors. Here’s a look back at four standout events from the month.
June 5 – Bring-Your-Own-Float on the Chattahoochee River
On June 5, seven paddlers embraced the spirit of “Bring Your Own Float” (BYOF) with a day full of discovery on the Chattahoochee River. From Hardley Creek Park to Valley Lake Access, the crew paddled, portaged, fished, swam, and soaked in the wild beauty “way down yonder.” A special thanks goes to our Trail Angel Buddy (who knows this river like the back of his hand) for guiding the way and making it a trip to remember.
June 14– Montgomery Dragon Boat Race
The Montgomery Riverfront came alive as Blazing Paddles Part Deux returned to the Montgomery Dragon Boat Race with a fierce team of 24 paddlers from across the River Region. Spirits were high, fun was nonstop, and teamwork stole the show. Daisy the drummer earned a well-deserved Best Drummer title, and while we may not have taken home every trophy, in our hearts we claimed the Best Spirit Award. Huge thanks to the families, friends, and Montgomery Fire and Rescue for the support—and to every paddler who made it unforgettable.
BLAZING! PADDLES!
June 19- Summer Paddling Series with Coosa River Adventures
On June 19, roughly 27 paddlers—and one enthusiastic pup—took on a 7-mile stretch of the Coosa River, joined by three incredible trail angels who kept spirits high. The group spotted osprey and blue heron along the way and had a blast riding the rapids at Moccasin Gap. It was a picture-perfect day on the water, full of wildlife, laughter, and adventure.
June 27 – Sweet Caroline Friday at Montgomery Whitewater
On June 27, ten paddlers gathered at Montgomery Whitewater for Sweet Caroline Friday, a laid-back day of whitewater fun. With low-flow conditions and free ducky boats, it was the perfect intro to whitewater paddling, though a few brave paddlers couldn’t resist testing their skills on the competition channel. The event takes its name from “Sweet Caroline,” one of the channel’s iconic drops. Good vibes, new experiences, and summer fun all around!
Ready for More?
Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or brand new to the paddle life, we’d love to see you at our upcoming events. Stay tuned for more summer paddles, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
