Our second Paddle for Our Hudson spotlight is Marilia Riva Andrade! Marilia first sailed with Clearwater in 2011 on an 8th-grade field trip, later participated in Young Women at the Helm, served as a crew member in 2020, and now volunteers every summer. We spoke with Marilia to learn where she paddles and her reasons for participating:

What inspired you to Paddle for Our Hudson?

When Clearwater announced the Paddle for the Hudson fundraiser, it was a no brainer for me to sign up. I love the Hudson River, I especially love the Good Sloop Clearwater, and my second favorite way to be on the water is canoeing! I was actually on a Girl Scout canoe team in high school that I now help coach.

What’s your goal distance?

My goal distance this year is 20 miles. I didn’t end up reaching my goal last year because even as a teacher, my summer was super busy between traveling and wedding planning. I’m hoping to reach and surpass my mileage this year!

 

Where are you paddling during the challenge?
My go to paddle spot is Monksville Reservoir in New Jersey, but I’m also planning a canoe camping trip down the Delaware River and want to check out the Wallkill as well!
 
How did you first get involved with Clearwater?
The first time I experienced the Clearwater magic was in 2011, on a field trip in 8th grade with my school’s environment club. I was hooked immediately – I came back as a Young Woman at the Helm, then as a Sailing Trainee, then as crew in 2020, and now I volunteer every summer!

Paddle for our Hudson is Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s second annual summer paddle challenge and fundraiser running from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. Challenging paddlers to complete 20, 60, or 100 miles at their own pace while raising funds to support Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.