About PADDLEPOWER

PADDLEPOWER is a 2-day river adventure, where paddlers in canoes and kayaks journey along 25 miles of the beautiful Connecticut River. Anyone can participate as a volunteer, an individual paddler, or as a member of a team. 

Paddlers must bring their own canoe or kayak, camping gear, personal flotation device, sunscreen, paddling gloves, and dedication to the important cause of suicide prevention and awareness. At designated rest stops with the help of volunteers, we supply food, water, drinks, first aid, entertainment, support and fun. Our safety staff and volunteers are always ready to assist anyone who needs a hand; if you get fatigued, if you develop aches and pains or blisters, if you need water or a snack, we are there to help.

Teams may contain any number of paddlers this year, and each paddler is asked to raise a minimum of $150. Paddlers must be at least 13 years of age to participate in PADDLEPOWER 2013. Participants raise money for PADDLEPOWER by collect sponsorships from individuals, businesses, or organizations, and by encouraging their supporters to make a donation to their Team Page. These donations are not connected to how many miles are paddled.

Suicide is a major public health problem

Though not often discussed, suicide consistently ranks eighth among the top 10 leading causes of death in our country. For people under age 35, it is the third leading cause of death. In the United States, it is estimated that one person dies by suicide every 14.2 minutes; about 37,000 people die this way each year. According to national statistics, about 2,500 people attempt suicide every day, including one out of every 13 high school students.

Closer to home, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in New Hampshire and Vermont. This year alone, in the Twin States, more than 200 people will die by suicide (about 80 percent of these are men), and more than 2,000 people will attempt suicide.

Your Help Matters

Proceeds from PADDLEPOWER support the emergency mental health services West Central Behavioral Health provides to the community. Operated by a staff of highly trained and dedicated mental health clinicians, our 24-hour crisis hotline is available to anyone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our experienced counselors are always on call to offer information and support to people in need. They respond to about 3,000 emergency calls every year.

 West Central behavioral Health is a nonprofit mental health agency based in Lebanon, N.H., with outpatient clinics in Lebanon, Newport, and Claremont, N.H. WCBH provides a full continuum of mental health support services to about 4,000 clients of all ages each year, and is a leader in implementing the latest evidence-based mental health interventions.

Every donation to PADDLEPOWER stays right in our area – the Upper Valley, southern Grafton County and Sullivan County, New Hampshire.

Camping details

View/Download the River Map for 2013

Campground rules exist to ensure the safety and pleasure of all guests. Participants in PADDLEPOWER must adhere to campground regulations:

• The speed for all roads within the recreation area is 10 mph.
• No Pets Allowed - please see registration form for more information.
• Quiet must be observed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Guests are responsible for knowing the general rules and regulations of the campground.

 Call West Central Behavioral Health at (603) 448-0126 to reserve your campsite for PADDLEPOWER 2013.

For more information about the campground, click or visit Storrs Pond Recreation Area.

Safety Information

While the section of the Connecticut River between the launch site in Orford, N.H., and the finishing point in Wilder, Vt., is considered a slow-moving river, water sports require special attention to safety. To help assure that everyone has a problem-free experience, we have experienced safety personnel on the river at all times. We ask all participants to follow some easy safety rules, and we'll be ready to assist anyone experiencing difficulty. A copy of our full safety plan is available upon request and is on file with the New Hampshire Division of Marine Safety. For more detailed information, please review the registration form, located in pdf form on the Registration Info page or the Online Registration page.