The Paddle will end July 13 (file)

ALBANY - The Eighth Annual Great Hudson River Paddle (GHRP) is underway and continues through Sunday, July 13th, when the paddlers wind up in New York City. This premier event entices kayaking enthusiasts from across the country and around the world to experience the Hudson Valley’s historic waterway.  The 2008 GHRP, which launched Thursday in Albany,  features 27 seasoned “thru-paddlers” that will have the unparalleled experience of paddling nearly 150 miles from Albany to New York City, enjoying the beauty and heritage of the Hudson River and its riverside communities. 

Joining in the fun again this year is Building Bridges Building Boats, a youth boating organization. A group of 12 young boaters, ranging in age from 14 to 19, will hit the water along with their two boat captains to accompany the GHRP paddlers.  Each day of the paddle, as many as 40 participants will be navigating the waters of the Hudson River together, creating an incredible sight for spectators from the shore and the river.

Organizers of the eleven-day trip include the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.  The Greenway is a state entity charged with developing the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, and the mission of balancing economic development and regional planning with natural and cultural resource protection, environmental and heritage education, and public access to the Hudson River and other resources. The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is a federal program whose mission is to recognize, preserve, protect and interpret the nationally significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley for the benefit of the Nation.  GHRP 2008 celebrates the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, the improvement of public access to the Hudson River, and the diversity and heritage of the riverside communities.

Since 1994, the Greenway has designated 85 public access sites as part of the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, providing access to and from the Hudson River, overnight accommodations, and connections to day use attractions.  The Greenway has been a major funding and technical assistance sponsor of the Great Hudson River Paddle since its inception in 2001. 

Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway, stated, “The Great Hudson River Paddle showcases the abundant recreational, tourism, and economic resource that is the Hudson River.  This event is an exciting and interactive way to highlight the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, and New York State’s efforts to revitalize our waterfronts.  We are proud to celebrate the Hudson River by sponsoring this event along with our state and private partners for the eighth year.” 

In celebration of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial in 2009, the Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area will sponsor the Great Champlain-Hudson Sojourn.  This one-time kayak event will follow an even longer route, from Rouses Point on Lake Champlain near the Canadian border, 325 miles to Manhattan. 

"The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial is a year long celebration of the important role that the Hudson River, Lake Champlain and the canals that join them have played in the Empire State's 400 year history.  Throughout 2009, so much of this celebration will take place on our shores and our waters.  One of the most exciting planned Quadricentennial events will be our 2009 Quadricentennial Sojourn.  As our paddlers take to the water this year, it is with an eye to a greatly expanded event next year that will extend from the Canadian border south to New York Harbor.  On behalf of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial's organizers, we wish all of our participants this year safe travels.  We look forward to seeing them at next year's start on Lake Champlain for their historic commemorative voyage from the mountains to the sea," stated HFC Quadricentennial Director Bob Bullock.