Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and County Executive Dan Onorato today called the region to action to participate in a world record attempt for the largest flotilla of canoes and kayaks on Saturday, June 5. The record attempt, called Paddle at the Point, is a major public showing of the vital importance of water to the region’s prosperity and the public’s return to its waterways for recreation.
“Having Pittsburgh named as Most Livable City once again is a testament to our region’s environmental and economic transformation,” said the Mayor. “Paddle at the Point demonstrates our return to the rivers as a destination for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and relaxation. What a better way to demonstrate this than by rallying our citizens at our remarkable rivers to help the City of Champions break a world record.”
June 5 is World Environment Day (WED), and signifies the conclusion of a six-week period of regional events and activities focusing on environmental issues. The local theme for WED is Water Matters! …to health, energy, the environment, AND recreation.
The Guinness World Record™ for Largest Raft of Canoes/Kayaks was most recently set by 1,104 boats in Inlet, New York, and previously held by Cleveland. Paddle at the Point will take place at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers.
Late in the morning on June 5, kayakers and canoers will launch their boats from convenient locations downtown and form a raft near Point State Park. Once arranged, each participant will pull up his or her paddle and hold onto an adjacent boat for 30 seconds—long enough to satisfy the record’s time requirement, and long enough for a photographer to get an aerial view for the photograph to be seen around the world on World Environment Day.
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, said, “Western Pennsylvania, we need your help! If you have a canoe or kayak, or if you know someone with a canoe or kayak, please register and bring it down to the Point on June 5. Let’s show New York and Cleveland that we have what it takes to break the record!”
Individuals are asked to pre-register at www.paddleatthepoint.com and are encouraged to bring their own canoe or kayak. Boat rentals are also available but in limited supply. Registration is free. Experience is not necessary to participate in the event.
For every boat registered, participants will be entered to win drawings for Steelers, Penguins and Pirates tickets, and tickets from the Pittsuburgh Cultural Trust, plus Season Passes to Kayak Pittsburgh! The more boats a person brings, the better the chances to win!
Participants will receive a frameable certificate when the attempt is complete. For updates, to register, and to learn more, visit www.paddleatthepoint.com. For a complete listing of WED events, visit www.pittsburghwed.com.
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