Finishing a human powered Source to Sea journey, a 2300 mile trek beginning at Lake Itasca, Minnesota and ending here, at the Mouth of the Mississippi River in Venice, Louisiana is a feat of human achievement. You’ve dodged weather and barges. You’ve made it through long stints in the wilderness with just your craft and wits. There is just one last detail, how to get back upstream the roughly twenty-five water miles past the nearest road?
One journey is over, the other is just to begin.
The reasons people set off to paddle the entire Mississippi River are as numerous as the craft. Some folks are raising awareness for a favorite cause like juvenile diabetes, some are out to break a record, still others are simply seeking adventure. The end of the journey is always a special moment to be a part of. We try to share that with as many folks as possible.
A cool April day. Much colder than I’m used to in Louisiana! @ Lake Itasca, MN.
I’m familiar with the needs of Mississippi River Paddlers. I’ve helped nearly three dozen paddlers of all types of vessels; from stand up paddle boards, to kayaks, to canoes, there was even a catamaran made from recycled water bottles! My home is just steps from the Mississippi, deep down in the Birdfoot Delta, so it’s natural that I’ve met so many inspiring folks coming downstream on their adventure. Meeting paddlers was organic and by chance, I’d run into paddlers and give them a lift back up to Venice or New Orleans.
Alex Linnell nearing the Pass a Loutre Lighthouse to become the first person to stand up paddle board the entire Mississippi River.
When Dale Sanders finished his source to sea journey to become the oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River we worked with partners to be able to share the moment. Captain Bubby Reno was able use his shrimp boat as a staging vessel to bring back the paddlers and gear. We brought back friends and family in the faster boats. Around twenty folks were able to be there to witness the record breaking at the river’s mouth just downstream from Port Eads, at the end of South Pass with the Gulf of Mexico in the background. A champagne toast and speech were in order. I’ll never forget that day.
After paddling for sixty to eighty days a ride back upstream is a welcome luxury. The Mississippi River below Venice, Louisiana has many high speed offshore boats which are fast and throw larger wakes than towboats. I used to captain some of these boats, The crews on the water here are some of the most courteous on the water but sometimes they can’t see the relatively small craft being paddled in the three quarter mile wide river. This is where we come in. After the arduous journey we get you back upstream quickly and safely. For many, this is the fastest they’ve traveled the whole time they’ve been on the river.
We offer a few distinct options for paddlers:
We just pick you up. Not much fanfare, but a quick return to Venice and civilization.
We bring three family members to watch you finish.
We arrange a larger flotilla to allow for the right amount of family and friends to watch as you finish. Send us a message to get this started.
While it only happens once or twice a year, we bring folks to the airport after their trek.
Even if you don’t need our services and just want an update of conditions on the river and in the passes give us a call. We’re all around the delta and have a good idea of what current conditions are like. We monitor where the dredges are working, the condition of the campground at South Pass, water levels, and a multitude of other factors needed for a safe journey to the river’s end. River Gator has a great overview of what to expect in the Bird’s Foot Delta, although conditions change regularly.
Chris Ring moments away from reaching mile marker zero. Chris swam the length of the Mississippi River to honor Gold Star families. We were able to help get friends and family on site for the grand finish. Check out New Delta in the background as they reach Mile Marker Zero.
How it works:
We get in communication. We need to have a general idea of when you’ll be making it to the Venice area, how much gear you have aboard by weight, if you’d like to have guests join us or not. I’ll update you on weather and other river conditions.
From there we get underway and rendezvous somewhere along your preferred route or pick you up the following morning.
At the end, we help load your gear. Then head back upstream to the marina of your choice. We can bring you straight to the marina, offsite lodging, or the airport. The return trip is straightforward. Starting in Venice with a pickup and return can be completed in a day.
I can only describe the emotion from my perspective when folks finish the river. There are feelings of pride, accomplishment, and then a feeling of what’s next?
Send me a message or call if you’re interested in arranging for a ride back from the end of your river adventure! 225-287-2843
Good luck on your trip!
-Richie