Kayak Challenge and Fun Float

Tue, 07/06/2021 - 9:15am — Don Lindsey

Morgantown Trail Town and the City of Morgantown sponsored this event last Saturday; kayakers could unload at the Woodbury boat ramp and take their vehicles to the Morgantown boat ramp next to the old fairgrounds. The City's MOGO Bus was waiting take them back to Woodbury.

The Challenge and Fun Float was a free event, and most people signed up online beforehand. Morgantown Trail Town was created for the purpose of promoting our area to entice people to visit and see our beautiful scenery.

Scout Leader, Kyle Coleman from Troop 208, brought a few Scouts to help unload boats, supplies, and when the race was over helped load everything up; a lot of tired paddlers were very grateful.

Judge Tim Flener had the honor of starting the race for the ten competitors. A few minutes later, the others began slowly paddling down the peaceful Green River. There was a total of fifty kayaks, canoes, and even a giant pink flamingo in the float.

In only fifty-nine minutes, Scott Cummins from Louisville, glided across the green finish line that volunteer Kendall Embry had furnished for the official end of the race.

Scott covered the eight miles in his kevlar racer that only weighs twenty-two pounds.

Cody Duvall finished second with a time of sixty-four minutes, Cody has only been racing for three years.

Hardin County man, Randy Ray, was just a few minutes behind Cody and has also been racing for three years.

Cody, Scott, and Randy are members of the United States Canoe Association, which has its Nationals in Warren, Pennsylvania, starting August twelfth. The association's goal is to promote paddlesports and protect our rivers, lakes, and streams. The three of them graciously declined the cash prize, so they don't discourage future contestants.