Community, The Braxton Democrat

Elk River Summer Float Draws Over 300 Boats

By Fernando Rodriguez
Good water, great weather, and over 300 registered boats contributed to the success of the largest ever gathering of worthy watercrafts at the seventh 2022 Elk River Summer Float. A steady long line of vehicles carrying all types of kayaks and canoes passed by the busy registration shelter to unload the crafts at the launch site. The vehicles were then driven to the Elk River Camp and RV, the site where the boats were taken out of the water and then home. A shuttle bus then brought the kayakers back to the Sutton Dam area to launch their boats.
Z-Mans Barbecue set up shop at the Elk River Camp and RV site and offered a special BBQ meal deal.
Orchestration and promotion of the Elk River Summer Float was accomplished by Braxton County Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Andrew Smith and his staff and sponsored by WV American Water, Mon Power, The Spot, Elk River Paddle and Yak, Sports Connection, and Visit Braxton, WV! There were rumors of Bigfoot sightings along the banks of the Elk River. I guess Bigfoot doesn’t like the water, so it stayed in the woods.
Due to a first-time requirement by the Sutton Lake US Army Corps of Engineers, The CVB staff could not partake in the festivities the day of the Float. The on-site Registration, the landing at the Elk River Camp and RV, and all other activities were handled by Lori Dittman, owner of Elk River Paddle & Yak in Gassaway, and her hard-working team of volunteers.
The Elk River Summer Float is one of the largest events taking place in the town of Sutton. It attracts folk from as far as Las Vegas to the New England area. Events of this magnitude demand the cooperation of the different businesses and agencies in the Braxton County area. The Float brings attention to Sutton Lake, the Elk River, the Sutton Dam, and the Sutton Dam recreation area. We depend on the cooperation of the Sutton Lake US Army Corps of Engineers in order to make this, the Dam 5K race, and other events that take place in the area to happen.
Thank you to all for providing a fun, safe, super-enjoyable event where folks of all ages are able to participate and enjoy.
Visit Braxton WV! Tourist information center and home of the Flatwoods Monster Museum is located at 208 Main Street, 304-765-6533. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events https://www.facebook.com/braxtonwv
Elk River Paddle and Yak is in Gassaway and may be reached at 304-314-3880. Check out their website for info on kayak rental and shuttle service for the Elk River. https://elkriverpaddleandyak.com/ and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/elkriverpaddleandyak