WEEKEND SCENE: Paddlers’ Duwamish River competitive cleanup nets almost a ton and a half of trash

(WSB photos)

That trophy’s part of what’s up for grabs in a cleanup competition that has dozens of paddlers out on the Duwamish River this afternoon. They launched shortly after noon from the Georgetown side of the river, close to the First Avenue South Bridge.

We talked with one of the organizers, Cari Simson of the Duwamish River Paddling Club. She told us they were splitting into groups to head both north and south, to the areas they thought were most likely to be in need of cleanup, on both sides of the river.

So the kayakers and paddleboarders don’t get bogged down with everything they pick up, Global Diving and Salvage and the Port of Seattle were providing motorized-boat support.

The paddlers are having a friendly competition in categories including Most Mysterious Garbage, Most Colorful Garbage, Most Re-Useful Garbage, and Most Wearable Garbage. We hope to get an update later on the results of what organizers have dubbed River Booty 2022.

ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: See the comments for the update and photos – almost a ton and a half of trash removed!

10 Replies to "WEEKEND SCENE: Paddlers' Duwamish River competitive cleanup nets almost a ton and a half of trash"

  • RickB March 13, 2022 (6:02 pm)

    Love it! Thanks to all involved! 

  • HPE neighbor March 13, 2022 (6:40 pm)

    River Booty was a plenty….after the mid way point of collection..the final River Booty was much larger.

  • Cari March 13, 2022 (7:00 pm)

    We collected ~2750 lbs according to the guys who came to get everything to take to the transfer station. Thanks to everyone who came out: over 35 paddlers and 5 boaters. Next event in July – stay tuned! 

  • Kersti Muul March 13, 2022 (7:19 pm)

    wow…Thank you!!

  • brianF March 13, 2022 (9:00 pm)

    Oh wow. Great job everybody!

  • WS Res March 13, 2022 (9:29 pm)

    Nice work everybody!  And that trophy is a real “catch.”  😂

  • ML March 14, 2022 (9:02 am)

    This is so great!!! Thank you!

  • Shyril March 14, 2022 (9:59 am)

    This is awesome, thank you! How can we find out more about the paddling cub – joining, upcoming events? Thanks!

    • Cari March 14, 2022 (12:56 pm)

      If you want to email me or direct message me on facebook, we can add you to our list crsimson@gmail.com / https://www.facebook.com/cari.simson We have not been a really organized group til now but want to get it together this year! Also check out Herons Nest:  HeronsNestOutdoor@Gmail.com They are working with Duwamish Tribal Services to have kayaks and paddle boards available to the public through tours and events 

  • emcat8 March 14, 2022 (1:16 pm)

    What a fantastic effort! Well done, all. That trophy is amazeballs!

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