Paddle For The Border - April 30th

The annual "Paddle For The Border" event has been enlarged this year in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Paddle the historic waterway from Chesapeake, VA, to South Mills, NC, in the 2nd annual PADDLE FOR THE BORDER on April 30, 2005. Deadline to register for the event has been moved up to April 8th, so you need to act now if you would like to attend.

"Paddle For The Border" participants in last year's event

This event between two states will be hosted by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and Dismal Swamp State Natural Area, South Mills, NC; the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk, VA; and the City of Chesapeake Parks & Recreation Department, Chesapeake, VA;

Approximately 150 boats (canoes/kayaks) will participate on a first-come basis from the launch point at the Great Dismal Swamp boat launch in Chesapeake, VA, paddling 7.5 miles to the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center in South Mills, NC. Lunch for all participants will be provided at the Welcome Center by the Great Dismal Swamp Coalition following conclusion of the event.

Legislators and media representatives from both states have been invited to ride this beautiful waterway aboard the pilot boats.

All boats must be pre-registered. A Registration Fee of $30.00 per person (add $5 after deadline) will cover all costs, including an event T-shirt and hat, lunch and shuttle service. The Registration Package download will be available at the following websites: dismalswamp.com and cityofchesapeake.net. You may also contact the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center at (252) 771-8333 or the City of Chesapeake, Parks and Recreation Department (757) 382-6411.