BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Powell Andrews has been paddling for over 45 years and the Georgia native now lives in Bowling Green, where he's taking it to the next level.
What You Need To Know
- A Bowling Green man has been paddling for over 45 years
- His group, Paddle Georgia, took to the water recently and completed a 112-mile voyage on the Lower Flint River
- The goal is to raise money to help with river and wildlife protection
- The Paddle Georgia group raised more than $45,000 this year during the trip
His group, Paddle Georgia, took to the water recently and completed a 112-mile voyage on the Lower Flint River.
“Were about conservation and preservation of waterways," said Andrews. "All waterways, not just rivers, but creeks, streams, lakes, swamps, everything and gaining access for all kayakers and canoeist to enjoy them.”
The trip is over a seven-day period and occurs once a year. The goal is to raise money to help with river and wildlife protection.
Andrews said that working with Kentucky rivers is his next order of business.
“We got people scattered out in our group the Bowling Green Canoe and Kayak Meetup club," said Andrews. "We live all around the area and we try and help out with them every year and every time I go out on the water I pick up trash. It's just what we do.”
The Paddle Georgia group raised more than $45,000 this year during the trip. What is normally around 300 kayakers and canoeists was down to around 35 due to the pandemic.
Andrews is also getting others involved like Bowling Green resident Duane Beckett.
“He’s just like a brother to me," said Beckett. "He’s kind, adventurous, and outgoing. He’s helped me become more outgoing and social.”
Andrews said he feels blessed to be in Bowling Green and paddle along rivers like Barren and Green river. He's determined to help make a difference in the paddling community.
"There are some great waterways here and I'm just trying to protect them and be an advocate," said Andrews. "Next year the trip is in my hometown of Flint so I am excited for that."