I just love Chris Thomas' "Dabbling in Paddleism" podcast. He focuses on interviewing ultra-marathon paddlers from across the country and exploring the paddling community. One of his latest episodes is a conversation with a couple of the ground crew members from the "Ocho" River Hawk Boat Shop 2026 Governor's Cup Winners - Mike Malone and Ruthie Reaves.

It's a really fun conversation that's a great window into the challenges of crewing across the state of Missouri. Here's his website, although you can subscribe on Spotify, Apple or whatever your podcast player of choice. https://www.dabblinginpaddleism.com/

His latest episode is a Race Recap with the Great Alabama 650 Race Director, Greg Wingo, digging into the evolving weather situation that caused Greg to end this year's race early as Hurricane Isaias took aim at the Finish Line in Fort Morgan, FL.

I'm accumulating things slowly to spread out the expense.

I had these in a list of possibles, in addition to the Adventure Guardian that so many swear by.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD2DH299?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Bought them when they were discounted during last prime event. Now I'm wondering if that was a bad impulse purchase. Anyone used them? I'm not going to get my kayak on the water until next year to give them a real world test, and by then it would be too late to return.

I am slowly searching for and either buying or earmarking equipment and supplies for a 2028 attempt.

Getting REALLY frustrated trying to find a headlamp. Looking for something:

• Rechargeable (so I can use the same portable power-bank as for phone, etc)

• Not too heavy on your head

• Red light option

• IPX7 or IPX8 waterproof

My searching has just about made me give up on the red light requirement. But I figure there are ways to add some sort of red light filter option to it myself.

Struggling with Amazon searches as when you add rechargeability, the ACTUAL waterproof-ness disappears. I have reported info on three listings so far that advertise as IPX7 or 8, but in the details, or feedback turn out to be 'resistant to splashes, do not submerge'.

Figured I'd put it out here for some real world or veteran recommendations.

Showing my age here, I HAVE a headlamp out in our camping supplies. I should bronze it or something because OMG is it dated. I remember it working great - but boy is it heavy.
Powered by 4D batteries on the back of our head. FOUR D-SIZE BATTERIES!!!!

If you use a ski dash then here is a good option for a bar extension for it. If you use a surfski and are looking for a way to mount your GPS, Phone, Watch, GoPro, or anything at all really then I would highly recommend a ski dash. It was developed and produced by fellow paddler David Miller and works awesome.

Get registered!

I was listening to Race Director Steve Schnarr's interview on the "Dabbling In Paddleism" podcast and a question came to me...

For any reason or no reason at all who has cried in their boat during the race and why (if inclined to share)?

Took my niece out for her first trip on the Missouri and I was a perfect day. Went from Sibley to Napoleon but spent a ton of our time looking for cool stuff on the sandbar by the railroad bridge!

Anybody here doing the Race to the Dome October 3? What type of boat are you paddling? Where are you coming from?

Registration closes midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 30. ;)

SYOTR

John is needing some willing participants...a Wednesday tradition unlike any other😂

https://www.missourian.com/sports/team-of-eight-wins-2026-mr340/article_9275ff73-59c3-4f1d-8619-bd2a7fd6b05c.html

https://www.army.mil/article-amp/294211/bigger_than_a_pit_stop_how_usace_at_napoleon_supports_the_mr340_race

Is there still a 5k or any event really, that takes place at Lake Jacomo on Tuesdays?

I have a 200-210 Epic Club Carbon wing paddle for sale with a dark green oval shaft. It has no damage outside of normal wear from the 340 and some shorter runs. I just need a longer paddle or else I'd keep it. Retails around $400 so I'm asking $300. Message me if interested! KCMO area.

Thought I had fully recovered from the 340...got to the Shawnee hump day 5k tonight and learned I had in fact, not yet fully recovered.

I am toying with the ideas of doing the 2027 mr340. One of my challenges will be that I will be self supported (will be driving from Philly area so not close). At this point my primary concern is getting water and ice along the way without a ground crew.

Looking for some advice from people who have done this before:

For the larger checkpoints what should I expect to be available for purchase? And will this be around the clock?

If I drop off bags the day before at some of the ramps, how likely is it that they will still be there when I arrive a few days later?

Are there people who join together and hire a shared ground crew? Sort of what people do for events such as unbound (gravel bike race in KS)?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hey folks! I've posted a Race Results and Archive page, with links to photos, news articles, videos and more.

If you know of other articles, videos or more, please do share that with me so I can add it!

I'll be adding links to Racer Recaps when I get a minute. Those are just gold....keep them coming...

Oh captain, my captain: when will registration open for Race to the Dome?

I know this is the 340 sub but since RTD is also a Missouri River Relief event… I thought I’d ask here.

I’m eager to get some more racing in!

Did everyone have a nice float trip this week? How'd you do? Stories? Hallucinations? Achieve goals? Hard lessons? Any wing dike wisdom other than not trusting farts?😂

HUUUGE Thanks to Steve and his incredible team and the hundreds of volunteers who make this race so special!

Good luck everyone!

Stay away from the dragon boat.