Securing the Future of River Access in Palmer Rapids

For generations, The Lower Madawaska River has been a learning ground for paddlers to hone their moving water skills or experience a whitewater river trip for the first time. Since 1997 Paddler Co-op has been building a stronger paddling community by training and bringing together paddlers of all ages and abilities at Palmer Rapids as a not-for-profit cooperative. Paddler Co-op is spearheading a fundraiser to purchase its rental property to secure a river access point for paddlers and recreationalists for future generations. Learn about the vision of the first public access point for paddlers at Palmer Rapids and why this project is actually centered around the youngest paddlers we (don't yet) know.   

Ryan O'Connor is the executive director at Paddler Co-op and a passionate paddler and explorer. Since his first river trip on the Coulonge with his family as a young child, his love for whitewater and adventure in the outdoors has led him to pursue a career in the outdoor industry as a whitewater canoe and kayak instructor and wilderness guide. Ryan's journey has brought him to rivers all over Canada, the US, Mexico and Uganda in both canoe and kayak, and he now calls the Madawaska Valley home. Ryan holds certification as an advanced moving water canoe and kayak instructor and instructor trainer, a river rescue instructor, and head instructor at Paddler Co-op. He recently competed in the 2023 Freestyle Kayak nationals and won silver in the 2019 Open Canoe Whitewater Slalom North American Championships. 

Donation link

https://sweet-home-paddler-co-op.raisely.com/

Join via Zoom on Thursday April 4, 24 at 7 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83564789615

 Meeting ID: 835 6478 9615