June 17, 2016 at 2:11 p.m.
Paddle Paws event to raise money for American Cancer Society Bark for Life
Paddle Paws event to raise money for American Cancer Society Bark for Life
By Kayla Thomason-
Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at the Rainbow Flowage on County Roads D and E in Lake Tomahawk.
"We picked the calmest waters," said Carol Lofquist, co-organizer of the Paddle Paws event. "He (her husband and co-organizer Vince Lofquist) picked it out ... It's not hard at all, I've been on it, it pretty much pushes you too."
Paddlers can move at the own pace, she added.
Carol Lofquist will be in the lead, her husband will bring up the rear and someone will be in the middle should a participant need anything. The Lofquists and the third person will be in bright colors with reflectors so they are easy to pick out of the crowd.
"We're going to have three people kind of oversee everybody in case anybody runs into a problem," Carol Lofquist said.
The Lofquists have training in life-saving techniques should someone fall out of their kayak or canoe, Carol added.
As Paddle Paws is a Bark for Life event, dogs are welcome but they must be pet- and human-friendly.
"Our dogs do play a big factor when people do have cancer or they have cancer themselves," Lofquist said. "We want the dogs to be recognized for (everything they do for us)."
If participants choose to bring their children or dogs they should be aware that the 13-mile adventure will take about two hours to complete, so they should keep in mind that their passengers may become restless.
"I guess there's a place and a time to do kayaking with your dog," Lofquist said. "If your dog can handle the 13 miles that's fine, but as a norm a lot of people don't have them go that far."
She said her dogs start getting fidgety around the 10-mile mark.
For safety reasons life jackets are required. Those whose dogs like water sports should make sure their pet has a life jacket as well.
Participants should bring plenty of water and be prepared to relax as their paddle or oar dips into the water, and the sounds of wildlife carry on the breeze.
"A lot of people like to kayak and it's a very relaxing type of sport," Lofquist said. "It's a time to just reflect, relax and you're doing a cause and you're enjoying yourself and to walk away from your daily life and hit the water."
Those who would like to participate in the event but do not have a kayak or canoe can rent one from Mel's Trading Post.
If there are enough people registered for the event Lofquist would like to rent a kayak trailer so several kayaks can be transported to the location.
Lofquist is hoping 30 or 40 people will participate.
"It's something fun to do for a couple hours and you still have your day to do what you'd like to do," she said.
As a water memorial, Vince Lofquist will be towing an unoccupied kayak behind him, and people can purchase paw-shaped stickers that they can write on.
"We're going to have an extra kayak that Vince is going to pull in memory or honor of (those affected by cancer) and people can put stickers on the boat or anything you want to say on it," Lofquist said.
The stickers are $5.
Those who can't do the 13-mile course but want to make a donation can do so. Those who donate $20 or more will receive a Bark for Life T-shirt.
To register for the event or make a donation, visit relayforlife.org/BarkNorthwoodsWI or mail registration brochures to the American Cancer Society Paddle Paws, 6669 Whitefish Lake Rd., Three Lakes, WI 54562.
For more information, call (715) 966-5321.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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