Trip report:
We had six bioluminescence paddles scheduled for Summer 2022. These activities are always weather dependent. Some evenings Mother Nature had Her own plans, and we’re grateful for the understanding and patience of those who had activities cancelled and/or rescheduled. We couldn’t do this without the awesome team at Community Boating Center who is committed to supporting Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in the movement towards a more racially-just outdoors.
Offering these on-water experiences and building BIPOC outdoor Community in this way is extremely important. Kayaking is an intimidating sport with high barriers to entry and extremely low Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color participation. Everyone feels some level of awe. Everyone learns something about our marine environment. Most come away feeling more confident on the water, and some are stoked enough to continue an exploration of kayaking and marine life.
Through Bioluminescence paddles, participants experience kayaking (most for the first time); they experience paddling at night (something that even seasoned paddlers rarely do); they swirl the sea to view and hold the chemical reaction that produces light energy within an organism’s body; and observe sea life by headlamp; with senses fully immersed, most participants experience connection of Earth Air and Water that were previously only read about in books or watched in movies.
Participant Praise:
“I’ll always remember chatting with other Black and Brown folks about our experiences in the outdoors while searching for bioluminescence.”
“It made me want to sign up for more outdoor events immediately! Also I’m far more confident in my ability to successfully try new things.”
“I learned about bioluminescence!”
Gratitude to Community Boating Center and Justice Outside for supporting Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in the movement towards a more racially-just outdoors.
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