Paul Gamache, AW's Volunteer of the Month for August, 2007, is a west coast regional paddler for Wavesport living in Arcata, CA. On July 24th, Paul embarked on a 100 mile solo paddle through Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River, in an effort to raise river awareness and support for American Whitewater.

Paul volunteered his time and energy to create the first ever Cataract Challenge.  Cataract Canyon is a 95 Mile section of the Colorado River between Potash and Lake Powell (Hite Marina). Paul set out to do this section in under 20 hours, and raised over $1600 to support American Whitewater in the process. 

The Cataract Challenge pitted Paul Gamamche against the clock on a remote solo paddle down Utah's classic Colorado River canyon.  With the support of over 150 paddlers pledging $10 each to the challenge, Paul set out to paddle the canyon for the first time, at a record pace.

The challenge: If Paul did not make the run in under 20 hours, he would donate $10 to AW in each of the names of his supporters.  If he made it, they would have to meet their own financial pledge to AW. With so many paddlers betting that the run will go over to 20 hr mark, Paul had ensured that AW would be supported either way. 

On the 24th of July Paul left Potash at 4am and arrived at Hite before 10pm.
Congratulations Paul!

Thanks for all your work! And thanks to all of Paul's Supporters!

Paddlers support AW's Stewardship Activities in many ways.
Our appreciation goes out to Paul and all our other awesome volunteers.

For More information on the Challenge, and to see photos of Pauls trip check out:

http://caliproduct.blogspot.com/2007...challenge.html

www.coloradokayak.blogspot.com/