In honor of National Recovery Month, Catawba Nation Family Services and Wellness Departments are hosting the 4th Annual Catawba River Ramble for Recovery, a kayak race to increase awareness and understanding of substance use disorder and to celebrate individuals who are reclaiming their lives through recovery and cultural connectedness. Proceeds generated from the race will benefit the Catawba Nation Tribal Planning Board’s efforts to create a Healing Village, on reservation transitional housing, culturally specific treatment services and recovery support for its citizens.
Native American communities are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder and research has found that most evidenced-based treatment modalities are not effective in treating this population. Here, at Catawba Nation, we believe that “Culture is Prevention, Culture is Treatment, and Culture is Healing.” By creating a Healing Village, we will be able to provide culturally relevant treatment and better meet the needs of our citizens as they reconnect with their community and culture.
USCG Type III or Type V life jackets are required for paddling on the river; helmets are optional but suggested. Any participant paddling without a life jacket or with an improperly fitted and fastened life jacket will be disqualified from the race.
The Catawba River Ramble for RecoveryType: 6.5mi kayak race
Date: 9/23/23
Start Time: 10:00am Opening Ceremonies. Heat times (See below) are subject to change depending on number of participants. (11:00am, 11:15am, 11:30am, 11:45am, 12:00pm, more as needed)
Location: Start – Farm belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints off Cherry Hills Place in Rock Hill, SC; End – Catawba Nation Boat Launch on Charley Horse Rd in Rock Hill, SC.
Race Day Schedule:
- Packet Pickup: Must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your heat time for check-in and packet pickup; Preferred packet pickup will take place 9/22/23 from 4-6pm at Catawba Indian Nation Longhouse.
- 9:00am: Check-In
- 10:00am: Opening Ceremonies
- Race Start Times: 11:00am, 11:15am, 11:30am, 11:45am, 12:00pm
- Please note times may change due to number of kayakers per heat
- 2:00pm tentatively: Awards Ceremony & Raffles
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- Male & female winners for each kayak age category (18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+) - (<12')
- Overall kayak male & female winners - (<12')
- Overall kayak male & female winners - (>12')
- Overall tandem canoe winners
- Overall SUP male & female winners
Course Map: Click Here
Heat Times:
- 9:00AM: Check-in begins at Start Location
- 10:00 AM: Opening Ceremony
- 11:00 AM: Heat 1 - Co-Ed, SUP
- 11:15 AM: Heat 2 - Co-Ed, Tandem Canoe
- 11:30 AM: Heat 3 - Co-Ed, Single Person Kayak
- 11:45 AM: Heat 4 - Co-Ed, Single Person Kayak
- 12:00 PM: Heat 5 - Co-Ed, Single Person Kayak
- 12:15 PM: Heat 6 – Co-Ed, Single Person Kayak
- 12:30 PM: Heat 7 – Fun Paddle
- Additional Heats may be added as needed
- At conclusion of race, participants and spectators will enjoy live cultural performances and shopping with vendors, and have access to recovery resources
Shirts:
First 50 registrants will receive a swag bag, including t-shirt. To be guaranteed your requested t-shirt size, you must register by Aug. 23, 2023
Shirt Sizes:
Adult – S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Youth- N/A
Kayak Awards & Age Groups:
1st Overall Male and Female <12' and >12' kayak winners will receive a $50 VISA gift card & gift basket
1st Male and Female per age category of <12' kayak: 18 – 24; 25 – 34; 35 – 44; 45 – 54; 55+ will receive a $30 VISA gift card
Other Awards:
1st Overall Male and Female SUP will receive a $30 VISA gift card
1st Overall Tandem Canoe will receive a $30 VISA gift card
Fees:
-Registration Price 18+ only: $50 non-refundable/non-transferrable (unless event is cancelled by race director due to unsafe conditions)
-Fun Paddle for all ages and untimed (under 18yo must be accompanied by adult): $30
-T-shirt ONLY: $30
SPONSORSHIP TIERS:
*Bronze: $250
*Silver: $500
*Gold: $1000
*Platinum: $2500
Sponsorship deadline is 8/16/2023
Contact Ericka Pursley for more information on sponsorship:
phone: (803) 833-2133
Email:
Ericka.pursley@catawba.comSafety Information:
- USCG Type III or Type V life jackets are REQUIRED for paddling on the river; helmets are optional but suggested. Any participant seen paddling without a life jacket or with an improperly fitted and fastened life jacket will be disqualified from the race.
- Headphones, iPods, MP3 players, etc. are discouraged for the safety of all participants.
- All participants are responsible for making their own decisions while on the water including, but not limited to; which equipment to use, which route to take, whether their skill and experience level are appropriate for this experience based on current or anticipated weather/water/trail conditions.
- Volunteers and rescue personnel (Caroline Dive and Rescue) will be on site during the race; however, all participants are responsible for self-rescue while on the river.
- First Aid/CPR Certified staff person on site
Packet Pickup Location and time:
Name of location: Catawba Indian Nation Longhouse
Street: 996 Avenue of the Nations
City, State, Zip: Rock Hill, SC, 29730
Time of packet pickup: 9/22/23, 4pm – 6pm, curbside pickup
Like, Follow, Share:
Facebook: 4th Annual Catawba River Ramble for Recovery
Race Director:
Hailey Wade, hailey.wade@catawba.com, (803) 984-0970
Tolani Franks, tolani.franks@catawba.com, (839) 214-8201
Event special notes:
- Can people listen to music while running? Headphones, iPods, MP3 players, etc. are discouraged for the safety of all participants.
- Are pets welcome? no
- Are there parking restrictions that people should know about? Participants will not be permitted to leave their vehicle at the start location of the race. It is suggested that one person accompany you to stage your equipment at the start of the race and move to the finish location. When parking at Catawba Nation Boat Launch, do not block access to roads or trails.
- Are there any age restrictions for any of the races? Only 18yo+; Fun Paddle - minors must be accompanied by an adult.
