BETTERTON — Two row clubs showed up in Betterton on Saturday to test their canoeing skills: Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club and New Hope Canoe Club Ministry Atlantic.
They had their vessels in the water despite dark clouds threatening. Two members from Philadelphia also joined the Kent Island team.
When the sun peeked out, pastor of New Hope, David Schofield blessed the maiden voyage of Kent Island’s newest canoe.
President of the Kent Island team, Michelle Reid said, “This is a great opportunity for the two clubs to come together, kick off our season, have some fun and experience the nice exercise here, and just get out there and do some paddling.”
All of the canoes are named a Hawaiian name, and carrying on that tradition, all affiliates formed a big circle around the new canoe and prayed over it, blessing its first time going out.
“The idea here is love and light. We can all agree that’s a good thing,” Schofield said.
The name they gave it was Hula Papa’i, meaning Dancing Crab.
Once the Dancing Crab was christened, all canoes were in the water.
They traveled six miles along the Sassafras River Trail to Lloyd’s Creek and back as part of their Hawaiian voyage paddle.
Member of the Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club Doug Klepfer found it peaceful, enjoying nature, “spotting beautiful eagles and blue herons along the way.”
The water was calm, he said, and after the rain, they had the whole river to themselves, no boat traffic.
The first journey of the Hula Papa’i (Dancing Crab) sliced through the water with great stability, quietness and speed, he said.
They returned to Betterton around 1:30 p.m., enjoying their team building exercise.
This is one of many events planned, Klepfer said. “We look forward to the Chesapeake Bay Paddle race around Kent Island on Saturday, July 20, offering a 35, 10, and three-mile paddle with a post paddle festival to help protect the bay.”
Thw event takes place at the Kent Island Yacht Club and everyone at all levels are welcome to register, Klepfer said. For more information visit baypaddle.org
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