Flint River Paddles Reopen and Seek Your Support 

June 12, 2020, Flint, MI – Kayak Flint, a kayak rental service run by The Flint River Watershed Coalition, is open and ready for business. Our opening coincides with a crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise $5,000 by June 30th to support Kayak Flint’s reduced rental rates and help the business survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will match up to $5,000 in donations through its MI Local Biz program, coordinated by Patronicity. We’re already halfway to our goal and can use everyone’s help-even $5 or $10 helps!-to get the matching funds. 

“Kayak Flint maintains a focus on ensuring safe and affordable recreational access to the Flint River, while providing employment with opportunities for advancement,” states Rebecca Fedewa, FRWC Executive Director. In just our first full season last year, 520 participants, many of whom had never paddled before, pushed off from behind Tenacity Brewing for a relaxing float through the City of Flint and into Flint Township. The program employed nine staff members, including four youth, training them in customer service, water safety, Flint River wildlife, and paddle guide skills. 

To keep rates low, Kayak Flint relies on additional fundraising to ensure the continued operation of the service. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising these funds has been difficult which is why the support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is so timely and deeply appreciated.   

“Kayak Flint is committed to providing open access to all on the Flint River,” said Sarah Scheitler, Corridor Alliance Manager with the Flint River Watershed Coalition. “We need the help of people like you now more than ever to continue offering this unique and healthy opportunity for adventure on the Flint River to residents and visitors.” 

You can make a donation to the campaign at www.patronicity.com/kayakflint and earn some exciting rewards, such as a Kayak Flint sticker, face mask, or a free paddle trip. To reserve a kayak or learn more about paddling the Flint River, visit www.kayakflint.weebly.com.  

Kayak Flint is priced to ensure easy access to the health benefits and joy of paddling, with an exclusive City of Flint resident rate of only $10 for a kayak rental and safety equipment. Non-Flint residents pay only $20. The service is taking all necessary precautions to ensure staff and customer safety during COVID-19, including switching to touch-less reservation and payment systems, sanitizing all equipment and surfaces between users, and adherence to social distancing guidelines at reservations and shuttling. Kayak Flint is open Friday – Sunda, and is located at 119 N. Grand Traverse St, Flint, MI 48503, in the shipping container behind Tenacity Brewing. 

Proceeds from Kayak Flint support the mission and programs of the Flint River Watershed Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit which seeks a healthy, vibrant, active Flint River watershed for all. Learn more at www.flintriver.org.

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The Flint River Watershed Coalition seeks a healthy, vibrant, and active Flint River watershed for all. We work in partnership to protect, promote, and improve the Flint River and its watershed.