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ROME, Ga. — Dozens of winter-resistant paddlers are expected for the 5th Annual Polar Bear Paddle on the Etowah River set for Saturday, Jan. 15 in Rome. Snow showers are currently predicted for the day preceding the paddle. 

The six-mile canoe and kayak paddle down the Etowah from Jim Dixon Landing at Grizzard Park to Heritage Park in downtown Rome is sponsored by Keep Rome Beautiful, the City of Rome and the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI). There is no charge to participate.  

Paddlers will push off from the landing at 11 a.m. following a safety briefing and announcements. Complimentary canoes and kayaks provided by CRBI and the City of Rome are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants must pre-register by visiting the CRBI website at www.coosa.org or by calling Alan Crawford, CRBI volunteer adventure trip coordinator at 706-291-7449.   

Shuttles from Heritage Park to Grizzard Park following the paddle will be provided by CRBI. Motorized boats will patrol the six miles of river to ensure the safety of participants. 

“We always have a big crowd for this event,” said CRBI Executive Director and Riverkeeper Joe Cook. “It’s a hardy bunch. We’ve even had some participants swim the six miles in wet suits. It’ll be cold but the river’s always beautiful.”  

In past years, more than 100 paddlers have participated in the event. Paddlers will receive maps highlighting points of interest along the route. Hot chocolate and porta-toilets will be provided at the launch and take out sites.