MISSING TEEN: Lamont Williams of Houma
October 4, 2024
Market at the Marina this Saturday, October 5
October 4, 2024
Ever wanted to explore our area’s beautiful bayous? You’re in luck– it’s time for the 2024 Paddle Bayou Lafourche!
Hosted by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) for over two decades, this multi-mile paddle offers a unique view of Bayou Lafourche, alongside a chance to explore one of the most important waterways of our estuary.
“We’re excited to offer our Paddle Bayou Lafourche trip again this year, because it not only offers paddlers a chance to immerse themselves within our estuary — winding through our vibrant community with a unique view of the beauty of our bayou, but it also highlights the importance of Bayou Lafourche to our community,” said Emily Braud with BTNEP. “The bayou provides drinking water for over 300,000 residents within our estuary and is the only potable source of water for Port Fourchon.”
As a part of Paddle Bayou Lafourche, BTNEP will be offering a 15-mile paddle starting in Napoleonville, and a 9.5-mile paddle starting in Labadieville/Thibodaux. Both paddles will end at the Nicholls Bayou Side Park Pavilion, located across the street from the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at 914 E. First Street in Thibodaux. Paddle Bayou Lafourche will take place Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 7:00AM-3:00 PM.
The first shuttle/launch from Napoleonville will begin at 7:15 AM, and the second shuttle/launch from Labadieville/Thibodaux will begin at 9:30 AM. Paddlers are anticipated to arrive at the Nicholls Pavilion around 12:00-1:00 PM, where free food and refreshments will be served, alongside live music from the Cajun Music Preservation Society.
This year’s registration fee is $50 per paddler, and $20 for paddlers 12 and under. All minors (17 and below) must be accompanied by an adult. All paddlers are responsible for coordinating their own kayak/canoe/pirogue and life vest use. Participants will not be allowed in the water without a life vest. If you wish to rent a kayak, please contact Geaux Paddle at (985) 324-0576 and be sure to mention BTNEP’s Paddle Bayou Lafourche. Register for the event here.
BTNEP also wishes to thank their partners, Bayou Lafourche Freshwater District, Friends of Bayou Lafourche, and Nicholls State University for their assistance with the 2024 Paddle. For more information, please contact BTNEP at (985) 447-0868 or info@btnep.org.
