Paddleboard Passion Meets Purpose: The Goat Boater, Megan Cynowa and the Success of Dam 2 Dam
by Rob Cynowa
Combining a passion for paddleboarding with a commitment to making a difference, Megan Cynowa, owner of The Goat Boater, has played a crucial role in bringing a groundbreaking event to life. The Dam 2 Dam paddleboarding event, created by the 24 Foundation, has not only brought the community together but also raised an impressive $70,000 for charity. This article explores the inspiration behind the event, the challenges faced, and the impact made.
The Genesis of Dam 2 Dam
The idea for Dam 2 Dam stemmed from the 24 Foundation’s mission to inspire and engage communities to make an immediate impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. United by the common vision of cancer navigation and survivorship for all, 24 Foundation has raised more than $27 million to date. Megan Cynowa was approached by the foundation to organize and facilitate the event. “We wanted to create an event that brought the community together and made a significant impact,” Megan shared. Paddling from one dam to another while raising funds for charity seemed like the perfect way to achieve this.
The 24 Foundation, known for its dedication to charitable causes, saw the potential in this vision and partnered with Megan Cynowa, whose extensive experience in organizing paddleboarding events made her the ideal organizer and facilitator for this ambitious project. Together, they set out to turn the dream of Dam 2 Dam into a reality.
The Journey of Planning and Execution
Turning an idea into a successful event is no small feat. The planning for Dam 2 Dam took about 1.5 years, starting with a proof of concept in 2023 to ensure the event’s feasibility and scalability. From there, they set their sights on the 2024 dates, laying the groundwork for what would become an inspiring success story.
One of the most significant challenges was ensuring the safety of all participants. Paddleboarding over long distances is demanding, so it was crucial to ensure everyone was properly trained and equipped. Navigating the logistics of the route over 25 miles and securing permits were other hurdles that required meticulous planning and coordination. Megan credits her dedicated team for their tireless efforts in overcoming these obstacles.
The Day of the Event
The event saw 38 paddleboarders participating, each raising funds for the 24 Foundation. Paddlers met at 5 AM and the finish line to start their 45 minute bus ride journey to the starting line. It was a controlled mad dash upon exiting the bus, lining paddlers up with their correct board, paddle, safety gear and equipment. The temperature was 84 degrees and the humidity was off the charts. Within twenty minutes, safety boats, police boat escorts and all the paddlers were on the water highly anticipating their 11 hour adventure to come! The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable as participants made their way through heat and sun towards the finish line together. “It was incredibly moving to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a common cause,” Megan recalled.
The funds raised from this event were for patient navigation and wellness programs provided through Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital, and our other Beneficiaries. These programs include integrative oncology, acupuncture, healing touch, massage therapy, nurse navigators and much more.
Looking Ahead: Scaling for the Future
Buoyed by the success of this year’s event, both Megan and the 24 Foundation are keen to make Dam 2 Dam an annual affair. There are plans to scale the event to include 200 paddleboarders, raising even more funds for the foundation. Ideas for next year are already being discussed and brainstormed. Scaling up requires more safety boats, improved paddler selection criteria, more Milo’s for hands free communication and additional safety training for escort boat volunteers. We aim to capitalize on this years wins and make modifications from minor challenges encountered.
Advice for Aspiring Organizers
For other standup paddleboard companies looking to organize similar events, Megan offers some valuable advice. “Start by finding a cause that resonates with you and your community. I have a personal relationship with cancer and the 24 Foundation does incredible work in that arena.
Building a dedicated team for planning and logistics is crucial. You will need more volunteers than you expect and leaning on them might be the difference between success or insanity. Starting with a small-scale proof of concept can help test the feasibility of your event. Engaging with local businesses for support and sponsorships, and leveraging social media and local media for promotion are also key to success. Prioritize safety above all else. You are a steward of the paddling and lake community. What you know and take for granted, many others not familiar with the lake have no idea about. Go the extra mile do discuss the little things as basic as they may seem and do not compromise. Above all, staying passionate and persistent is essential. “The impact you can make is worth every effort,” Megan emphasizes.
Conclusion
Megan Cynowa’s dedication and enthusiasm, combined with the 24 Foundation’s vision, have not only made Dam 2 Dam a resounding success but also set a precedent for how passion and purpose can be combined to create meaningful change. As the event continues to grow, it promises to inspire many more to take up the paddle for a cause.
Photos by Joel Simpson of FireTower Media
