Rivers for Change is producing the Truckee River Source To (Inland) Sea Environmental Learning Adventure and Paddling Fundraiser from the source to the terminus of the Truckee River from June 2-11th, 2017. The journey will begin on the Upper Truckee River on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, across Lake Tahoe, and continue along the entire Truckee River from Tahoe City to its terminus in Pyramid Lake, Nevada. The key objective of this trip is to engage communities and schools within the watershed and along the river through hands on interaction and adventure. In taking part in this adventure communities will learn about the unique ecological values and conservation efforts affecting their backyard river, within the context of the entire watershed.

Guest Paddlers:

As a Guest Paddler you are supporting the Educational Outreach we are conducting through the Truckee River Project. Guest paddlers are expected to conduct individual fundraising of at least $100 in addition to their registration fees (that's asking 10 friends for $10 :). There will be prize for top Fundraiser so be sure to spread the word!

There are numerous opportunities for guest paddlers to participate on several stretches of the journey ranging from a beautiful meandering float through restored riparian/wetland habitat, a scenic paddle along the west shore of Lake Tahoe, and two fun whitewater sections between Tahoe City and Reno.

Kids: There are opportunities for children to participate as guest paddlers on every reach.  Kids under the age of 12 can participate and register for free, but only if they are paddling in the same boat as their parent/guardian (and not in one of the outfitter provided rafts), and the parent can still meet the skill requirement required for that reach, including passing the pre-launch screening test. Kids 12 through 17 years old must be registered as an adult, but will only have a $50 fundraising requirement.  Guest paddler under 18 years old will not be able to paddle their own boats, unless paddling with their parent/guardian, and can pass the pre-launch screening.  Because of the unique nature of each of these reaches, you are strongly encouraged to contact the event organizer, Sue Norman (sue (at) riversforchange.org) prior to the event before registering or bringing your child to the event, if you have any questions or uncertainty about meeting the skill requirements with your child.  If water levels become higher then expected,  requirements may become more restrictive.   

Fundraising: Donations raised through your fundraising will be used first and foremost for direct costs associated with the event; a series of in-class room presentations, on-shore events with students and local communities, and the paddling adventure for student ambassadors along the Upper Truckee River to its terminus in Pyramid Lake. Total costs are expected to range from between $20,000 to $25,000 depending on participant interest level and staff/volunteer capacity. Any funding raised over the amount needed for this event, will be used for seed money to plan and execute the next Source to Sea Event in 2018 (river TBD). 

Registration Steps:

1) Pick a reach of the Truckee River to join! Be sure you have the appropriate paddling skills for the day!

2) Register through Eventbrite by selecting the Date and Ticket Type for that Specific Day and Paddling Reach.

3) Fundraise! You can either: 

           a) Create your own fundraising page in association with the campaign. Customize your Fundraising Page including photos, your story, and communication to your family, friends, and colleagues. Check out tips for fundraising here! 

           b) If you don't want to create your own page, send your family, friends, and collegues directly to the Rivers for Change campaign page and make sure your Donor types your name in the "leave a message for Rivers for Change" text box so you get credit for that donation!      

Note: If the minimum of $100 fundraising is not fulfilled you will be charged for the amount you did not fundraise. Deadline for fundraising is June 15, 2017.

See the Descriptions of Specific Reaches and skill requirements on our website.

Requirements: Each participant is required to sign a liability release and wear a PFD on river reaches (Coast Guard PFD requirements will apply for Lake Tahoe reach). Specific skill sets are required for certain reaches, be sure to review before signing up! All participants agree to appear in the event related media coverage free of charge.

Refunds: Once you have registered, your entry fee is non-refundable. In the event of a natural disaster or flood, you may receive partial refund on your registration fee. The amount returned in event of natural disaster will be determined based on the expenses paid in preparation prior to the event.

Disclaimer: Participating in paddle sports on moving water is an inherently dangerous activity. Event participants are responsible for knowing and understanding that participating in this event poses risk of injury or fatality. Participants must be properly prepared and are required to have the necessary training in vessel handling, self rescue and basic first aid to take part in this event.