SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS

Paddlers navigate the wind- ing waterways of Alabama during the 2024 Great Alabama 650, a 650-mile race from Weiss Lake to Fort Morgan. Despite challenging conditions caused by Hurricane Helena, competitors pushed through to reach the finish line, including returning champion TreyReaves and five-time finisher Ryan Gillikin.

The 2024 Great Alabama 650, a grueling 650-mile paddle race, saw returning champions and new milestones. Florence’s Trey Reaves claimed his second consecutive win, finishing the race in 7 days, 8 hours, and 14 minutes. Despite rough conditions in Mobile Bay due to Hurricane Helena, Reaves pushed through, calling the Bay crossing the most memorable part of the race.

Baldwin County’s Ryan Gillikin finished as the top female solo paddler, becoming the third person to complete the race five times. Gillikin reflected on the challenges, particularly the heat, and the tough bay crossing, but cherished the experience of seeing beautiful sunrises and meeting fellow racers.

The 10-day race began on September 20, starting from Weiss Lake and ending at Fort Morgan. Paddleboarder John Knippers also repeated his 2023 feat, finishing the race on a stand-up paddleboard.

Hurricane concerns and physical strain led some participants to withdraw, including five-time finisher Bobby Johnson. First-time racer Dirk McCall, from Fairhope, also withdrew but vowed to return for next year’s race at age 60.

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