About this Event
P.A.D.L. (Pack A Dam Lock) 2023
July 29 at 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CST
(This is approximately a 3-5 hour paddle on the Ohio River)
LOCATION: Perry Marine Sales & Serice, 7400 IN-66 Cannelton, IN 47520
Now is your chance to be a part of the Third Annual ‘Pack- A- Dam Lock’ by Paddle Perry, where we will pack 100 paddle-crafts in the Cannelton (Indiana) Lock and Dam.
You can choose between a 6 or 9 nautical mile paddle from Rocky Point, through the Cannelton Lock, to the Cannelton or Tell City boat ramp take out locations.
PRE-REGISTRATION: You MUST be pre-registered to participate in this event. If you are not registered and don’t have the official Paddle Perry logo decal on your paddle-craft you will not be allowed to lock-thru with the Paddle Perry group.
REGISTRATION FEE includes one shirt, the official decal for your craft, shuttle service and insurance. Registration deadline: July 15, 2023. (Tickets bought after 7/15/23 are not guaranteed a shirt or sticker.)
$20 Paddle Perry Member - or - $40 Non-Member
Learn more about Paddle Perry memberships on our website at www.paddleperry.com or purchase your membership online at www.tinyurl.com/PaddlePerryMembership
CRAFT REQUIREMENTS: You may paddle a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board. Inflatables are welcome, but must pass inspection before launch. . It is highly advised that your kayak be at least 10 feet in length. This is for your safety and efficiency. Inspect your equipment before loading. If your boat has a leak or your life jacket is not appropriately sized or in working condition you will not be permitted to paddle during this event. We will be inspecting your gear before launch.
You MUST have a US Coast Guard approved PFD (life-jacket).
WAIVER: You MUST sign the waiver before launching. You can sign online ahead of time by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/PADL23
Once you've signed it you'll need to check your email and confirm before it will show up on our end. If you're an ACA member already and have signed your annual waiver, please go ahead and sign this waiver as an "ACA member".
RENTING KAYAKS:
Paddle Perry offers kayak, canoe and tandem paddle crafts on a first come, first serve basis. Limited available.
$20/craft for Non-Members
FREE to Paddle Perry Members
(Learn more about Paddle Perry memberships on our website at www.paddleperry.com or purchase your membership online at www.tinyurl.com/PaddlePerryMembership )
Each rental comes with a paddle and life jacket. However, it is highly encouraged that you bring your own personal well-fitted life jacket.
If you're in need of additional life jackets, Paddle Perry has a Life Jacket Loaner Program that you may utilize.
Contact: [email protected] or 812-608-0626
CLAUSTROPHOBIC? This paddle may not be for you. While in the locks, you will be surrounded by 4 walls and dropping 20’ with some very ominous noises due to the floating locking pins dropping with the water level.
NOT FOR BEGINNERS! This trip is not designed for beginner or first time paddlers. If you’ve never paddled before, the Ohio River is a large body of water not like a lake or pond. We've had some first timers that barely made it out of the creek before deciding the trip wasn’t for them. Keep this in mind when purchasing tickets for yourself or friends.
WHAT TO BRING:
☐ US Coast Guard approved PFD (life-jacket)
☐ Kayak, Canoe or SUP at least 10' in length and paddle
☐ Dry-bag or box (don't forget your keys and wallet!)
☐ Cash for food & drink at Check In & Take Out Locations
☐ Snacks & drinks if needed (approx. 3 hour or less paddle)
☐ Sunscreen and bug spray
☐ Water shoes (not flip flops)
☐ Hat and Sun Protective Clothing
☐ Towel(s) and extra change of clothes
☐ most importantly, a sense of adventure!
Make plans NOW to PACK A DAM LOCK with PADDLE PERRY!
* Stay awhile and make your overnight accommodations. There are several motel options OR enjoy one of many campgrounds or cabins in Perry County: https://www.pickperry.com/things-to-do/lodging-cabins/
You may check airbnb, hipcamp, and the dyrt for additional options.
ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION: July 29, 2023
There will be food and drink available for purchase at check in. There will also be a chance to purchase raffle tickets for chance to win a hand-made wooden kayak paddle. $10/chance or 5/$20. Proceeds go to Paddle Perry, Inc. Please bring cash.
Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. CST at Rocky Point, IN
GPS: 7400 Indiana 66, Cannelton, IN, 47520
Proceed to the Registration Tent: Check In, Get your t-shirt and sticker, Sign Waiver
You will be required to wear your event shirt between Deer Creek and as we lock thru the Dam. This is to help us keep track of our paid attendees.
Unload you and/or your group’s gear. You will want to be unloaded by 9:00 a.m. in order to catch the last shuttle back to Rocky Point from Cannelton at 9:30 or Tell City at 9:15 a.m.
The driver (AND ONLY THE DRIVER) will drive to the public boat ramp you chose for your take out. If you're parking at Cannelton, please park at the boat ramp via the Taylor Street entrance or legally along a nearby street. If you're parking at Tell City, please park along 7th Street in front of the Depot. Use 333 7th Street, Tell City, IN for directions.
The driver will then be shuttled via bus back to Rocky Point to rejoin their party/gear. The last shuttle pickup from Cannelton will be 9:30 a.m. and from Tell City at 9:15 a.m. CST. PLEASE BE ON TIME. There will not be any other shuttle available if you miss the bus.
We will be offering an optional technique and safety tips review before launching from the Rocky Point boat ramp for anyone interested look for the sign near the ramp. Due to the number of participants, arrival times and limited space we will go over these things as much as possible before launching. If you know you want to take advantage of this please arrive 30 minutes earlier than you may have originally planned.
Anytime during this event, questions or concerns can be addressed by the Indiana Conservation Officers, Perry County EMA, Paddle Perry volunteers for assistance, Paddle Perry Volunteers in high visibility shirts. Their kayaks will be marked with red flags and are equipped with marine two way radios. They will be patrolling the route and in the lock with paddlers to make sure all safety precautions are being taken and in full contact with all law enforcement agencies and the Cannelton Lock and Dam.
LAUNCHING:
You can launch your watercraft at the Rocky Point boat ramp on the Big Deer Creek Ramp anytime between 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. CST. where you can enjoy music on the water while waiting for the OFFICIAL START at 10:00 a.m. CST. Wearing your PFD at all times is encouraged!!
Please stay near the launch site so you’re close to the starting point. The starting point is located at the bridge before entering the Ohio River. DO NOT ENTER the Ohio River until the start time. The river will be closed from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. CST to ensure our safety locking thru the dam.
We are on a very strict time schedule to lock thru the dam so please be on time. The locks will be open starting at 10:45 a.m. and will close at 11:30 a.m. BE ON TIME.
ALL participants MUST wear a PFD while in the locks! If you are not wearing your PFD properly (zipped up or snapped) you will not be permitted in the locks and will be transported back to Rocky Point at the launch site by the local authorities. NO EXCEPTIONS!! This is a federal requirement enforced by the US Coast Guard (and smart common sense).
APPROACHING THE LOCKS/SAFETY TIPS:
• As you approach the locks stay close to the Indiana shore and DO NOT gravitate left of the long wall of the dam. This is a very dangerous place to be!!!
• Stay at least 200 yards out in front of the locks.
• Stay clear and avoid any barge traffic that may be entering or exiting the locks.
• Barges put off a very large wake and you will take on water if you do not maintain distance between kayak and barge.
• Approach all barge wake at a 45 degree angle. Do not let the barge waves hit you broadside ( parallel ) - you will take on water!!!
• If you encounter a barge moored on a mooring cell or the shoreline leave a minimum distance of 75 yards between you and the barge, the current can be very strong around these barges.
ENTERING LOCKS:
When you enter the locks you will notice 10 floating anchor pins on the walls at water level with a 30 foot rope attached to each pin. We need 10 paddlers holding on to EACH ROPE to begin the locking procedure. Find a rope and 10 friends as we start the decent in the lock. Enjoy the ride!
YOU MUST BE HOLDING ON TO THE ROPE TIED TO THE FLOATING PIN OR ANOTHER PADDLER WHO IS HOLDING THE ROPE AS THE WATER DROPS. THIS IS A COAST GUARD REQUIREMENT!!!
AFTER LOCKING THRU:
Proceed to the ramp that you parked at on the Indiana shoreline. At no point will you need to cross the river.
When you exit at the Cannelton public ramp you will find a porta-potty at the ramp, food on site for purchase courtesy of Renew Cannelton, and be welcomed music by Cannelcade.
When you exit at the Tell City public ramp you will find bathroom facilities at the park up the hill and access to many eateries in downtown Tell City.
AFTER THE EVENT:
Once in Cannelton, there are several restaurants near by to choose from for dinner. Check out the Perry County tourism website for local information and businesses: https://www.pickperry.com/
An an album will be created in our Paddle Perry facebook for all to contribute photos of their day! Please add your photos!
A survey link will be posted and emailed to participants to gather input and feedback about the Pack A Dam Lock event and for future planning. Please be sure to complete our survey.
CANCELATION/REFUND POLICY:
We will paddle rain or shine! In the case of thunderstorm with lightning, we will have to cancel the event. Tickets will automatically be rolled to PADL 2024. A full refund minus eventbrite fees will be issued within 7 business days by written request only. Email [email protected]
Thanks from your Paddle Perry Board, Paddle Up!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cannelton, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 33.85
