Come celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month on the Deerfield River! All LGBTQ+ people and allies are invited to paddle down the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River on Saturday, June 8. In collaboration with Zoar Outdoor and The Venture Out Project, both new and experienced paddlers will spend the day paddling on the river and building community.
How to participate?
1. Experienced Community Paddle: For people experienced with whitewater and comfortable on Fife. Put on at noon. Free. Snacks provided.
2. New Folks Community Paddle: For people brand new to whitewater who want to raft (or shred) with experienced boaters. Meet at takeout at 11am. Free. Snacks provided.
3. 2 Day Intro to Whitewater Clinic with Zoar: For people who want to learn some basics of whitewater kayaking and identify as LGBTQ+. Minimum of 4 participants. $238.27 ($200 plus fees) per participant. Lunch included.
We will all aim to be off the river and at Zoar by around 4:30pm for the After Party at Zoar to connect with new and old friends with food, raffle prizes, and stickers. Pizza, salads, and sodas provided; no alcohol provided, although participants can bring their own.
Why are we doing this? With a history of prejudice, discrimination, and abuse in the outdoors, LGBTQ+ people can be hesitant to engage in new outdoor recreation activities, which contributes to the lack of diversity in the outdoors. This event specifically creates inclusive and affirming spaces for the queer community to explore outdoor recreation opportunities. Facilitating access to river-based activities can build a more inclusive and diverse outdoor movement. The purpose of the day is for LGBTQ+ people and allies to participate in whitewater boating, make friends, and create community and connections to encourage further enjoyment and stewardship of our outdoor world.
This event is for adults 18 and older only unless joining the Experienced Community Paddle and accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants are required to wear PFDs and helmets when in boats or in the water. Masks and other precautions will be required when gathering on land and other times as recommended by Massachusetts Department of Health, CDC and any other local ordinances. Come celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month on the Deerfield River and in the trees!
All LGBTQ+ folks are invited to paddle down the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River or Zip through the trees on Saturday, June 10th. New to boating or zipping? Great! Zoar will provide instruction so you’ll have fun and learning.
