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Highlands Today

Big Canoe Challenge To Benefit Ridge Trails Association

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: October 10, 2008

SEBRING - Participants at the Big Canoe Challenge will get a chance to paddle a massive canoe and help a local charity.

These huge boats are the cruise ships of canoeists. Groups of up to 14 people will be able to navigate the 29-foot-long by four-foot-wide wooden boats.

The Saturday, Oct. 18, the 2nd annual Big Canoe Challenge will benefit Ridge Trails Association. The event starts at 8:45 a.m. at Lake June Park.

Ridge Trails President Merritt O'Brien warned that it might be wise to fill the canoes with fewer paddlers than is possible.

"It depends on the size of the people," said a smiling O'Brien. "Up to 14 people could bump elbows and be out of rhythm."

But no one should worry, according to several members of the event's steering committee, which met on Wednesday, at the Highlands County YMCA.

A certified YMCA lifeguard will be on duty, along with a police boat driver and a pair of wave rider pilots.

Wild Creek Adventures is running the competition and specializes in team building.

Sponsors may pick teams from co-workers, friends, relatives, or let steering committee members fill the boats.

Expect to witness YMCA staffers and the county sheriff's office race head to head.

A sand sculpture contest will run concurrently. Bring plastic tools only. Individuals only.

The contest runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Adults and children under 13 will compete in separate divisions for "big and mini-pig out baskets."

Sponsors promise a lunch of more than just burgers and hot dogs. Musician Steven Jones will entertain.

Becky Rousch, of South Florida Community College, hopes people will participate or come out and watch, while considering joining the non-profit corporation at the price of $20 per year.

Ridge Trails Association advocates the development of biking, hiking, equestrian and multi-use trails in the county, along with connections to interconnecting trails from other counties.

Last year's inaugural event attracted 11 teams. As of Wednesday, 16 boatloads were registered. Prospective teams have until Oct. 15 to sign up for this year's event.

For more information and to register, pick up an application at the YMCA on Hammock Road, or go to www.ridgetrails.org

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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