Stream Teams United, formerly known as the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition, is hosting its inaugural Paddle MO event Sept. 24-28 on the Missouri River. The five-day, 100-mile float trip will begin in Hermann and end where the Missouri River meets the Mississippi River north of St. Louis.
Paddle MO will offer participants an opportunity to enjoy the wild beauty of North America's longest river, visit historic river towns, savor locally produced food and camp each night in picturesque surroundings, according to a news release. Participants will also be able to visit with historical and scientific experts on the river, enjoy camaraderie with fellow paddlers, and explore, enjoy and relax, as this is not a race.
Participants can bring their own boats, or Stream Teams United can help them find one. Paddlers do not need to be experts to participate but should have a little experience. If you are new to paddling, you should take a basic canoeing or kayaking instruction class before the event.
The pace and distance of each day's journey and the difficulty of the river is generally suitable for novice paddlers. Safety boaters will be among the Paddle MO crew, and everyone will receive safety instructions before the journey begins.
Inexperienced paddlers have the option of joining the Big Muddy Adventures crew for a place on a multiple-seat canoe with a guide.
Check-in and shuttling for Paddle MO will be Sept. 23. The registration fee covers five days and includes all meals, camping with facilities, daily transportation, detailed river maps and journal, T-shirt, boat decal, entertainment, educational activities, opportunity to visit with scientific and historical experts, insurance and swag from event sponsors. Paddlers may also participate for a single day. Daily registration includes shuttle, lunch and a T-shirt.
All funds raised from Paddle MO will support Missouri waterways. For more information and to register online, visit paddlemo.org.