Help Support The Paddling Panda's Trinity River Exploration

Team fundraiser

Jason Pettit and 3 others are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Howdy, Folks!

I’m Jason Ives Pettit, also known as The Paddling Panda. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, I now live in Northern California, where I work as a guide in our magical Redwood Forest and on the wild and scenic Smith River.

Currently, I’m in Texas to fulfill a dream that’s been years in the making—paddling the entire length of the Trinity River, from its source all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. With the support of so many incredible people and organizations like the non-profit Trinity Coalition, and my amazing team, this journey is finally becoming a reality!

At the end of 2024, I kicked off my Trinity River Exploration in Poolville, Texas, at the source of the Clear Fork of the Trinity. Due to ongoing drought conditions, much of the river was dry, and I ended up hiking many miles. But, I pressed on, paddling across Lake Weatherford, then hiking and paddling through sparse waters below the dam. Eventually, I made my way to Benbrook Lake in southwestern Fort Worth.

So far, I’ve successfully paddled the Clear Fork of the Trinity to its confluence with the West Fork in downtown Fort Worth. I also paddled the West Fork from below the Lake Worth Dam to its confluence with the Elm Fork, just west of Dallas.

On February 1, 2025, with the support of the Trinity Coalition, I’ll embark on the longest and most unpredictable leg of my journey. I’ll be paddling from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex southward to the Gulf near Galveston, covering over 400 winding river miles. I’ll share a detailed itinerary, as well as daily LIVE updates, on thepaddlingpanda.com and the Trinity Coalition Facebook page, so anyone interested in joining or supporting along the way can stay up-to-date.

The primary goal of this journey is to raise awareness about the Trinity River and its vital role in the community. I’ve teamed up with my good friend, Chris McKnight, who’s generously documenting the entire adventure. We’re creating a film that highlights the many facets of this unique waterway, which directly impacts over 6 million people in North Texas. I’m proud to be partnering with the Trinity Coalition, whose mission aligns with mine—to eventually extend the Trinity River National Water Trail all the way to the Gulf, increasing access and protecting this important environment.

Support the Journey:

Funds raised will help cover the costs of this massive undertaking, including food, fuel, filming, and travel expenses. Thanks to our partnership with the Trinity Coalition, these donations are tax-deductible. Any unused funds will be donated directly to the Trinity Coalition, the primary stewards of the Trinity River.

Thank you so much for following along. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you!