“A Paddle for Paraplegia” – This will be a 40-day trip of 40 boats down the Mackenzie River North West Territories, Canada to the Arctic Circle and beyond. It is a trip by disabled paddlers of all shapes and sizes in the summer of 2007.

 

This is not a Cruise!

 

I’ve Done it!

It’s Possible!

I’d like to Share it with you!

 

Side trips are available on the South Nahanni River – a National Heritage River.

 

**** Sponsorship could be for each mile etc. donated to your party to help you cover your expenses so think BIG! You will have to raise your own money but we can help.

 

You and your caregiver are a one unit entity.  You can’t rely on anyone else to save you.  We will all be there to help but there are no guarantees or commitments on any one else’s part to “save the day.”

 

Needs assessment.

 

  1. Each person should have a caregiver responsible for any help needed. Waivers are available and necessary.
  2. You and your caregiver will be in a wilderness situation. You will have to be able to :
    1. Toilet yourself
    2. Transfer from land to your boat and get around on shore.
    3. Buy food and feed your selves
    4. Set up your own camp
  3. Each tripper will be responsible for his or her own safety.  A group communication system will be set up with PLB– Personal Locator Beacon.
  4. A motorized support system will be available. 
  5. There will be help and advice on any and all aspects of this trip but it is not a Cruise! You are on your own  - but with help!  No one can be responsible for you - except you!
  6. Camp groups will consist of 6 to 10 boats each and “leap frog” each other as to being the lead group. This is to provide safety and rest.
  7. Organization will be determined by a steering group and will be determined as things progress.
  8. Expenses incurred will be the responsibility of those involved with over all help provided by the main organizers.
  9. Major cost will be transportation to Ft Simpson and then back from Inuvik.  Total estimated cost per boat $8,000.00 US (that’s what it cost me the first year.)
  10. There will be a per boat charge of $1,000 US to cover all ancillary expenses, i.e. power boat support and expenses like Sat Phones and radios etc. plus much more. A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 will be necessary by Jan. 30, 2007 to secure your place.  The earlier the better for I think it will fill up fast.
  11. Greg Allen will choose the steering committee.  Almost all decisions will be final.
  12. Liability will be arranged under separate contact ie: Insurance waivers.
  13. Literary and film/video rights will be consigned to Greg Allen and his designees.
  14. After expenses proceeds will go to Stem Cell Research and the Christopher Reeve foundation.

 

We will begin to hit the water in late June of 2007 and last boat should be out of Inuvik in September.  Those wishing to drive back down the Dempster Highway to Dawson and Whitehorse and the AL-CAN Hwy should notify Greg Allen 6 months in advance. The logistics are difficult.  Your van will have to ship to Inuvik by barge and will await you when you arrive.