Poker Paddle supports clean water

Poker Paddle participants smile and splash their way along the course. Rob Zolman/Lake County Leader)

| July 6, 2023 12:00 AM

The Flathead Lakers’ seventh annual Poker Paddle, set for July 22, raises funds for student education programs and community outreach to prevent the spread of invasive mussels, promote clean water practices, and inspire future watershed citizens.

Participants are invited to bring kayaks, canoes, SUP or other human-propelled watercraft to the event, which begins and ends at Kwataqnuk Resort in Polson.

Paddlers set their own pace with staggered start times based on course lengths, with the long course (6.1 miles) launching at 9 a.m., medium course (3.5 miles) at 9:30, and a short or family course (2.5 miles) at 10 a.m. Safety talks wills be given 10 minutes prior to launch time. Qualified swimmers may swim the course with an assisting kayaker.

Vessels leave from Kwataqnuk and stop at marked dock destinations to collect a playing card and build their poker hand. Players return to the resort, turn in their scorecards and join the lakeshore party where lunch is provided.

The paddle is limited to 100 vessels. Registration is $75 for adults and $35 for youth (17 and under, accompanied by parents or guardians) and includes a unique gift and a gourmet boxed lunch.