The Project
The “Portage to Portage Paddling Project” was a 5000+ mile solo kayak journey around the Eastern United States. An adventure linking the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes via the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and New York Canal Systems starting and ending in the small town of Portage Wisconsin.
Beginning in early December 2009 Aqua Adventures kayaker Jake Stachovak (Sta ho vi ack) put in on the icy Wisconsin River in Portage WI to begin his long time dream trip. The spirit of this trip was as much about the people as it was about the miles and miles of water. The idea was to show everyone the kind of adventure they can find right in their back yard, and to share in that adventure as much as possible.
Beginning in early December 2009 Aqua Adventures kayaker Jake Stachovak (Sta ho vi ack) put in on the icy Wisconsin River in Portage WI to begin his long time dream trip. The spirit of this trip was as much about the people as it was about the miles and miles of water. The idea was to show everyone the kind of adventure they can find right in their back yard, and to share in that adventure as much as possible.
The End Of The End
Two hundred eighty days and 5740 miles after it began on a crisp early winter day in December of 2009, I shared a daily account of this trip and my life. With a bumpy start, and many ups and downs, it was an experience of a lifetime. It was a treat to be able to bring everybody along for the ride with my blog. I will never forget the feeling of arriving back where I started in Portage or taking the truly last stroke when I closed the gap in Grafton. Thank you everyone that helped me on the way, it wouldn't have been half the fun or a tenth the adventure without you.
The loop is complete
It is done
9/11/2010
It is done
9/11/2010
Other Adventures to Follow
If you enjoyed following along with my adventure
you might like to see what some other people are up to.
Chek out the links below.
you might like to see what some other people are up to.
Chek out the links below.
Paddle For Wells
Paddle For Wells is a website and blog following the travels of Josh Tart as he does his own version of the Great Loop circumnavigating the eastern US in a kayak.
Wabi Sabi Your Life
Like the Energizer Bunny, my friend Glen won't quit. In an attempt to propel himself 50,000 miles in 5 years using only human power, Glen Charles started out paddling the Inside Passage and the entire east coast of the United States. After that he got on his bike and cycled all the way across the country from Florida to California then up the west coast. There are many more miles and lots of adventures ahead of him and he's certainly worth checking out.
 Where it all began. |
Who Followed Jake?
(click to view Jake's Guest Book) The guest book was my brother's idea and it turned out great. All told 745 people singed the book and were watching from 43 states and 16 countries. |
Questions or comments?I originally used this contact form to shamelessly beg for warm meals and hot showers. Now I'd like to invite anybody who has questions about this trip, kayak camping, or kayaking in general to please not hesitate to contact me.
With all the help I received on my adventure, I hope to live a long life paying it forward to others in any way that I can. |
Contact Jake |
E-mail me at linkedbywater@gmail.com
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THE SPONSORS WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE IT HAPPEN
Aqua Adventures Kayak Center
San Diego, CA
(The best kayak shop on the planet)
Seda Kayaks - Kokatat - Werner
North Face - Snap Dragon - Nigel Foster Designs
Seal Line - MSR
A huge thank you also to the dozens of people that helped me first hand and the hundreds that offered kind words of encouragement througout the trip.
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Download the Portage to Portage trip poster.
| poster-final.pdf |
Mission Statement
To experience wilderness and communities along classic American waterways and to promote paddlesports as an accessible way for ALL Americans to get to know their own backyard. - "We are linked by water" -