Paddling Patriots is a program designed to specifically help veterans connect with our waterways by offering the use of equipment from the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership free of charge. The program is currently being offered at the Montour Preserve's 165-acre manmade Lake Chillisquaque in Montour County, PA (near Washingtonville).
Equipment can be requested in advance and one of our volunteer hosts will verify date and time availability, meeting the veteran at the lake's adaptive kayak launch with kayak, paddle and life jacket. After paddling, the veterans will return equipment to the host.
"Our association strives to connect people of all ages to our natural resources as we strive to inspire additional stewards for our waterways and the creatures that live within and around them," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "Kayaking offers not only is fun and great exercise but also offers a level of therapeutics that can be helpful for everyone, including veterans."
The program was made possible through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's R3 grant with a focus on removing barriers to help veterans experience more opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
"Not every veteran has a kayak or the space to own one, transport and/or deal with loading and unloading," said Zaktansky. "This program is designed to solve those issues while getting veterans in the lake using an adaptive launch that is designed to help those who may have certain mobility issues."
Available for use are four kayaks (Brooklyn 10 Pro Single with pedal drive, Brooklyn 9.2 Single, Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 with pedal drive and Old Town Topwater 120), paddles and several sizes of adult life jackets.
"We wanted kayaks that were stable and versatile for both kayaking and fishing for those who want to fish," said Zaktansky. "Two of the kayaks come with pedal drive options for those who worry about having the arm strength to paddle the full time or be hands-free for fishing while kayaking."
There is a kayak kiosk for people to rent kayaks and other boats and gear through Riverside Adventure Company at Lake Chillisquaque.
Those who wish to utilize equipment through the Paddling Patriots program are required to sign a release form (included in the form below) and verify their service as a veteran.
Veterans who'd like to request access to Paddling Patriots free kayak/gear options should fill out the following form and one of our hosts will be in contact. They will be available until the end of October 2026 for this year's boating season. If you have any questions, send an email to [email protected]
Equipment can be requested in advance and one of our volunteer hosts will verify date and time availability, meeting the veteran at the lake's adaptive kayak launch with kayak, paddle and life jacket. After paddling, the veterans will return equipment to the host.
"Our association strives to connect people of all ages to our natural resources as we strive to inspire additional stewards for our waterways and the creatures that live within and around them," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "Kayaking offers not only is fun and great exercise but also offers a level of therapeutics that can be helpful for everyone, including veterans."
The program was made possible through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's R3 grant with a focus on removing barriers to help veterans experience more opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
"Not every veteran has a kayak or the space to own one, transport and/or deal with loading and unloading," said Zaktansky. "This program is designed to solve those issues while getting veterans in the lake using an adaptive launch that is designed to help those who may have certain mobility issues."
Available for use are four kayaks (Brooklyn 10 Pro Single with pedal drive, Brooklyn 9.2 Single, Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 with pedal drive and Old Town Topwater 120), paddles and several sizes of adult life jackets.
"We wanted kayaks that were stable and versatile for both kayaking and fishing for those who want to fish," said Zaktansky. "Two of the kayaks come with pedal drive options for those who worry about having the arm strength to paddle the full time or be hands-free for fishing while kayaking."
There is a kayak kiosk for people to rent kayaks and other boats and gear through Riverside Adventure Company at Lake Chillisquaque.
Those who wish to utilize equipment through the Paddling Patriots program are required to sign a release form (included in the form below) and verify their service as a veteran.
Veterans who'd like to request access to Paddling Patriots free kayak/gear options should fill out the following form and one of our hosts will be in contact. They will be available until the end of October 2026 for this year's boating season. If you have any questions, send an email to [email protected]
Donate to our Paddling Patriots program
Use the following form to donate to this program. If you'd like to get involved as a volunteer host, please fill out our online Susquehanna Survey for volunteers.
