Helena Garan, of Binghamton, New York, is 84 years old and has been paddling the event for about 10 years.

“The sun is shining, little breeze, sometimes in your face, which makes paddling a little harder, but it’s rejuvenating being on the river. I just love it,” she said.

Fourteen-year-old Mila Schultz, who traveled from California to paddle the event with her grandparents, was one of the youngest participants.

“I feel like it’s an experience that has shaped me a little bit, and has made me feel comfortable in my own skin,” she said. “It also makes me appreciate nature and the people around me.”