You are invited to the Black Lives Matter Paddle Out Kentucky tribute in honor of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, launching from the beach at Fort Boonesborough State Park in Boonesborough, Kentucky on 6.20.2020.
“Paddle outs” are a Hawaiian tradition, usually to honor the life of a fallen surfer, but surf communities have adopted the custom for larger memorials and movements; people come together on the water, to pause, share memories, and honor those who have been lost.
Our “BLM Paddle Out Kentucky” will honor those who have lost their lives AND make a statement against systemic racism, disenfranchisement, and intimidation. All of these issues have been, and still are, contributing factors in limiting black and other POC’s participation in outdoor sports and recreation. Our “BLM Paddle Out Kentucky” message will honor and reinforce the fact that the waters, trails, parks and open lands of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, are for ALL people. Outdoor recreation is not just for the few, but rather the many. Our hope is that this event will be the catalyst for discussing these issues and working together to take actions that will create lasting change so that all folks can enjoy the positive benefits of outdoor recreation.
This is an all-community event, and welcomes ALL folks: every race, creed, orientation, background, and ability. We encourage you to bring a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, rowboat, innertube, etc. Water safety is paramount, thus pfds (personal flotation devices) are mandatory (must be worn, not attached to your vessel). We will “paddle out” a short distance from the beach to gather as a united group on the water and observe a period of silence (8 minutes and 47 seconds). For those not able to be on the water, we warmly welcome you to the beach and invite you to participate there for the period of silence. That being said, everyone is welcome - with or without gear.
The “BLM Paddle Out Kentucky” event is sponsored by The Explore Kentucky Initiative & The Waterman Series in collaboration with members of the Kentucky paddling community. Additionally, we encourage attendees to donate to the following organizations: TBA
We hope that this idea can move beyond central Kentucky. If you want to host a paddle out on your local waterway, please share your event info with us (date, location, images, etc), so we can show both the impact and opportunity for all to enjoy outdoor recreation.
Agenda
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Introduction + Speakers
9:40 AM - 9:48 AM - Silent Paddle
9:50 AM - Community Paddle
Rules + FAQs
Social distance protocols are in place.
PFD (personal flotation device) mandatory.
Face masks are mandatory on land.
BYOB (Bring your own boat).
No shuttle is provided.
For more information contact us here.