Senior Year Project - Hudson River

On Saturday May 23, two seniors from Lake Placid High School will follow the Hudson River South from Newcomb, NY (located south of the High Peaks) to New York City by kayak. Ian McMullen and Nick Kulina have been planning this trip as a senior class project for about a year. Their goal is to promote kayaking and the importance of getting young people outside and active. Along their journey they have plans to meet with school groups, scouting groups, and youth organizations along the river from Albany to Brooklyn.
I've known Ian and Nick for 6 years. I first met them as a paddling instructor for the Lake Placid Youth Outing Club, in which they were participants. Throughout the years their love of paddling and there skills as paddlers have grown. I've seen them go from being barley able to fill the cockpit of a flat water kayak to running waterfalls on the Moose River.

Nick and Ian possibly discussing their future paddling plans in 2004.

They have received support from their school and the local paddling community, as well as equipment sponsorship from Johnson Outdoors who owns Necky Kayak, Lendal Paddles, and Extrasport. And of course their biggest sponsors are their parents, who have nurtured their love of the outdoors and encouraged them to get involved in any adventure they showed interest in.
Happy paddling Ian and Nick!

Listen to an North Country Public Radio interview with Ian and Nick by clicking here.
Stay connected for updates on Ian and Nick Journey.