I often hear about the need for recreation in Natchez and am writing to challenge our community to support and grow a recreational opportunity that already exists here: the Phatwater Kayak Challenge.

There is no doubt that recreational tourism can be a boost to our economy and we certainly could use a boost around here. A team of Natchez recreation enthusiasts has been working for years to do just that, by promoting our community and the recreation opportunity that our access to the Mississippi River provides.

The Phatwater Kayak Challenge brings together paddlers of all skill levels for a 42.5-mile endurance contest from Grand Gulf to Natchez.

The Phatwater was last Saturday, with several former Olympians competing, along with many of our friends and neighbors. Phatwater paddlers blazed down the river in surf skis, canoes and single and tandem kayaks. These were paddlers of all skill levels, from individuals who usually paddle flat water just for fun, to those who make a living by their paddling.

The Phatwater ends at a finish line Under-the-Hill and the celebration began when the top paddlers arrived before noon. The band Barefoot Tendencies entertained with mind-blowing classic rock and German Public Television, Arté TV, filmed the after-race party for a segment featuring the Phatwater.

I thank the members of our community who joined the festivities and cheered on the paddlers at the finish line. Volunteers sold all the raffle tickets for the Phatwater Bowie Knife, raising $5,000 for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

The Phatwater is a significant event in paddle sports and it grows every year. In the quest to make Natchez a destination for paddlers from around the world, community support is vital.

Your presence at this event showed the vibrancy and enthusiasm of our community. Please plan to come down for next year’s Phatwater, the second Saturday of October, and have a fun afternoon with us while we show off our river and the city of Natchez.

For more information about the Phatwater Kayak Challenge, please visit the organization’s Web site at www.kayakmississippi.com

Heather Kearney

Natchez resident