ESTEVAN - The fifth annual Glow Paddle event once again lit up the waters around Estevan on Aug. 24.
Over 30 watercrafts, decorated with myriads of colourful lights and glowsticks, were entered in the fun and free activity, paddling down the Souris River at dusk and then in the dark.
Monique Willms, who helped organize and promote the event, said, "Decorations on the kayaks were awesome and the group had a great vibe. We had some people travel to attend. One couple, friends of ours, even flew their own plane from Manitoba just to attend."
She added that participants had a blast.
Since its first edition, the glowing night has turned into a good tradition.
"The Glow Paddle came about whilst chatting on the river about how I had seen glow paddling tours offered in Costa Rica. Jennifer Durr was immediately on board and soon after suggested dates. We did a trial run ourselves to see how it would work and then opened it up for the community to join us," recalled Willms in her blog.
"The premise of the event is simple but it typically becomes the highlight of the summer."
Glow Paddle is an informal event, and it's not affiliated with any group or organization. It just has a call out for people to meet at the same place at the same time.
Participants had to bring their own kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, boats or inflatables and decorate them. While everyone on the water is looking for each other, participants' safety is their own responsibility.
Once again this year, glow paddlers were invited to meet at the Woodlawn free park river launch, adjacent to the dog park, at 7 p.m. to decorate. Or they could get their crafts ready to go at home.
The glowing fleet launched at 7:45 p.m., so it was dark enough for the procession to look and feel its best.
"Paddling in the dark is by far the best part of this event. Seeing everyone lit up and winding along the river is magical. It reminds me of the Disney Light Parade. When it's dark it can feel a bit disorienting – you typically can't see very far ahead or to the sides [especially when looking past your own lights]. Experiencing nature and the river in the dark though is such a neat experience and being in the group of lit-up vessels is truly a breathtaking sight," Willms shared in her blog.
There was no lead craft, and participants just enjoyed the adventure at their own pace.
Everyone had to wear their personal floatation devices at all times as a safety measure. The organizers tried to find the clearest route, as Souris River is overgrown with weeds in many areas this year.
The group plans to continue having fun and enjoying the glowing beauty of the water next year. If people want to attend in the future, they can follow the Estevan Stand Up Paddle and Kayak page on Facebook.
"We typically pick the date in the first week or two of August and aim for the end of August or early September as we want it warm enough but also dark earlier," Willms said.
"It's also really easy to just plan your own and go out with a group of friends. There have been several other glow paddles pop up around the province after we shared about ours."
