Hatters invited to join the Great Big Paddle

“This river, at this time of year, is usually pretty calm,” says Bradley. “There’s not a lot of danger out there.”

Bradley says all boats are welcome at the leisurely paddle, including paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and floaty boats. She says the event should take between two and a half and three and a half hours.

“People will get together and chat and visit, and then they’ll go off and visit with someone else,” Bradley says. “Everyone goes at their own speed.”

Paddlers need to sign a waiver before going out on the water, and then check in with organizers at the end, so the paddling club can make sure no one has been left behind.

Members of the Medicine Hat Paddling Club will have blue buffs on their wrists, heads, or paddles so they are easily identified. Those people are able to help paddlers if they need assistance on the water.

This is the seventh year the Paddle Club and Tourism Medicine Hat have hosted the Great Big Paddle, although a few years have had to be cancelled due to weather. Bradley says the best turnout was roughly 125 people and she hopes that number will be topped this year.

“I hope everybody comes out and has a great time,” says Bradley.

Saturday’s forecast calls for sunshine and a high of 28 C.

by Meghan Cobb

Hatters invited to join the Great Big Paddle

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