About Us & Our Mission
Paddle Perry, Inc. made a splash in 2019 as a new nonprofit in Perry County, IN with the mission to paddle the waterways of Southern Indiana for fitness and fun, while educating about water safety and conservation. With help from local grant funding opportunities, proper safety equipment and a fleet of paddle-craft have been acquired to provide classes and excursions. Our goal is to inform and share opportunities year-round about water safety and conservation, fitness and fun and general paddling and river related news.
Contribute to our cause by donating online or utilize our year-round can collection fundraiser drop off location to help offset operating costs.
Know the risks and rewards before embarking on any adventure and always paddle with a buddy.
Follow our Paddle Perry Community page to get involved with the group, make friends and learn about paddling. Join Paddle Perry, Inc. on your next adventure!
The inaugural Pack A Dam Lock (P.A.D.L.) event was hosted in 2021 in coordination with Cannelton Lock & Dam and the U.S. Coast Guard. Guiding 100 paddlers down the Ohio River and locking through the Dam provide many people the chance to do something new in a safe environment. This event is held on the last Saturday in July.
Days Until the P.A.D.L.
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Membership
Calendar of Events
Volunteer
Monthly Newsletter
Get your free digital version of the 2025 Ohio River Way Visitors Guide!
The 2025 Ohio River Way Visitors Guide has everything to help readers dive into river recreation — from the natural beauty of the Ohio River and paddle adventures to exploring the vibrant culture of its communities on weekend getaways. Submit this quick form to receive a free version of the Ohio River Way Guide:
Ask About Our
Guided Tours in kayaks, a 2 two person canoe and/or stand-up paddle-boards on the Ohio River River, Anderson River, Poison Creek and Hoosier National Lakes: Celina, Saddle and Rainbow.
Adventure Tours is what it sounds like: we’re blazin’ our own trails out here! Jump in a kayak or grab your friends and explore the river in one of our 10 person voyageur canoes.
101 Lessons for kayaks (up to five paddlers at a time) and stand-up paddle-boards (one on one) at a local lake in beautiful Derby, IN.
Our instructors are ACA certified and familiar with the area and safety procedures.
Call or Text 812-608-0626 to schedule your next adventure!
Where To Paddle
The 3 Ws
How We Make An Impact
Impact Program
The Perry County Impact Program was created to unite us as a community, to learn from one another, to share diverse perspectives, and to do our part in keeping nature wild. The mission of the program is to build community, practice better disposal methods, and educate the importance of recycling.
The goal of this program is to provide community events the opportunity to operate nearly waste-free.
Ohio River Sweep
Make an impact with Paddle Perry as they prepare for the boating season by cleaning up the boat ramps, trails and roadways around the tri-state area.
Follow the link below to inquire about organizing your own cleansweep.
#ImpactDay
We provide ways you can make a difference on and off the water in Southern Indiana year-round.
As Wild Keeper Advocates, we submit how much trash our group picks up collectively each month. Want to help? It’s easy!
Share pictures of what you’ve collected with the tag #impactday to our Paddle Perry Community Facebook page #ImpactDay album (link below).
Service hours are offered to all individuals and youth groups, too!
Can Collection
We collect cans to help offset operational costs of the nonprofit. Donate by dropping off bags of cans at on location behind Radio Shack in Cannelton, IN. Look for our green and white drop off sign.
Voyageur Clipper Canoes
Thanks to our friends at Northwest Indiana Paddling Alliance, two 26′ foot 10-person Voyageur Clipper Canoes were donated to Paddle Perry in December 2023. Over winter, Randy Kleeman with Tell City Wooden Boat lent his expertise in woodworking as we refurbished the gunwales and thwarts of both boats. Cherry Bend Canoe donated ten Grey Owl wooden paddles for the canoe’s debut at the Tell City boat ramp on August 10, 2024. Canoe Captains from Ohio River Way and River City Paddlesports assited in the public presentation and ribbon cutting during the City’s annual Schweizer Fest. Waupaca donated a portion of the funds needed to aquire a trailer for the boats and Don’s Machine Shop is donating their skillsets to fabricate a trailer that will better suite the needs of the organization as we look to future use of the canoes. We look forward to what adventures await us in 2025 and hope to see you on the water with us soon!
Sponsors & Partners
C & S, Inc. • Beech Hall Corner • Cannelton Lock & Dam • Joe & Linda’s Radio Sales • United Way – Perry County • Perry County CVB • Perry Marine • Blue Heron Winery • Tell City Wooden Boat • WalMart • Lock & Keel • JFK Pool • Perry County CVB • Perry County Chamber • United Way of Perry County • Cherry Bend Canoe • Waupaca
Contact info@paddleperry.com to learn more.
Your safety is what is most important to us. If you’re joining us for an event, wearing a US Coast Guard approved PFD that is in good and serviceable condition as well as the right size for you and signing our waiver is required prior to launch. Additionally, it is your responsibility to provide your own safety precaution materials associated with COVID-19.
Non-discrimination policy: Paddle Perry, Inc. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, provision of services, and events. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, clients, sponsors, and members.
Paddle Perry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) © 2025 All Rights Reserved | Designed and created by KJH photo+design