Big River Challenge

Our names are Dale Waldo and Luke Rookus, and this summer we'll be embarking to paddle the longest river system in North America, the Missouri-Mississippi, in an event we've dubbed "The Big River Challenge". We will paddle or portage all 3,900 miles of the journey under our own power from the headweaters in the Centennial Mountains of Western Montana to the Gulf of Mexico with a goal of finishing in under 40 days and setting several long distance paddling records along the way. We plan to paddle nearly non-stop while eating, sleeping, and taking care of all personal needs in our canoe. Another goal, beyond the adventure and immense physical test of this journey is to help raise finances for a wonderful organization called Missouri River Relief which is dedicated to helping preserve and improve the quality of the Missouri River through education, stewardship, and whole lot of physical clean up work. We estimate our needs for the trip itself to be at around $3,500 which will mainly go toward reimbursing the expenses of our generous support crew as well as any additional gear, safety equipment, and nutrition we don't yet have. 10% of all donations as well as every dollar beyond our immediate needs will go toward Missouri River Relief and be put to work restoring this wonderful waterway we all celebrate and enjoy. You can communicate with us or learn more about the trip by searching "Big River Challenge" on facbook and our website will be up and running shortly at bigriverchallenge.com. You can learn more about Missouri River Relief at riverrelief.org. If you're unable to give financially we hope you'll follow along with our journey and appreciate all your interest, well wishes, and prayers. We're happy to answer any questions you have and look foward to your continued support. Thank you so much and we'll see you on the river!