A collection of travel and adventure stories

Eel River-Paddle to the Headwaters 2004

Description and Directions >>

Description:
Paddle to the Headwaters is an annual canoe-kayak marathon event open to both the serious racer and the recreational canoeist. Participants paddle 10 miles (Family Paddle) or 30 miles (full marathon) on the Class I Eel River located in Northern California. For more information about this event, please visit their website at http://www.paddletotheheadwaters.com.

Activities:
kayaking

Directions:
The starting point for this marathon was located south of Fortuna, CA. To reach the launch, take the Honeydew/Dyerville/Avenue of the Giants Exit off Highway 101 north or southbound. Follow signs directly east to the Dyerville Overlook. A dirt road immediately after the overlook leads you down to the river access.

Story Date 8/10/2003
Publish Date 4/6/2004

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala : My first thought when Phil asked if I wanted to take part in a 30 mile kayak marathon was "no way!" The longest that we had kayaked in one day was about 10 miles. I was also concerned about the "racing" aspect of a marathon. My idea of kayaking is a leisurely paddle, taking in the scenery. However, once I read more about the event on their website, I was more comfortable about trying it...although still a little anxious.

At the starting point, we noticed a lot of sleek looking racing kayaks, which was to be expected. However, there were also other ocean kayaks, and a few canoes. We were just hoping we wouldn't be the last to finish! As soon as the starting gun was fired, everyone headed into the water. I noticed that more and more paddlers were passing us by. I kept looking back to make sure there were other people behind us. Although there were fewer as time went by, there was always someone behind us.

I just kept paddling, trying to look at what we were passing by. It was cloudy that day, so everything was a little gloomy. There were, however, a few very nice spots that we paddled by. I just wish we could have been able to stop along the way to enjoy some of the spots.

At about the 20 mile mark, I was definitely looking forward to the end. With about 5 miles left to go, the paddling was much harder...the wind had picked up a lot, I was freezing, and my arms were very sore. When I saw the finish line, I was focused only on getting out of the water. When they pulled the boat out, I was thankful that it was finally over. Would I do it again? Maybe. I like the fact that I was able to finish something that was somewhat difficult. The one good thing to come out of this...we decided to purchase faster kayaks (although not racing kayaks).

According to Pilipo : April 4, 2004. 30-mile kayak marathon down the Eel River from Dyerville Bar to Fortuna. Wow! That was a long day!
Safety briefing at 0745. Start at 0800. All sleek touring kayaks out of sight at 0810 :)
Being in Ocean Kayak Capers (not made for speed,) we had a leisurely paddle for 6 hours 26 minutes. Averaged 4.4 MPH. Some places on the river got us up to 10 MPH!