REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - Prone paddleboarding for a cause. On Monday, Mark Carter paddled 25 miles from Indian River Inlet to the Grove Park Canal Access Dock in Rehoboth Beach.
As a member of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association, Carter wanted to raise money for the dock project by doing what he loves.
Carter lied on his stomach, in a 16 foot paddle board, for over seven hours, and made his way through the ocean and waterways.
Carter explains how he began a GoFundMe six weeks ago, with a goal of $10,000 to raise funds for the Grove Park Dock, a $1.35 million project that will connect the beach communities of Delaware.
"I think access to waterways is super important and there wasn't an access here in Rehoboth Beach publicly," said Carter. "So the Grove Park Dock project is about a 10 year long project and is finally coming to fruition."
Mark Carter's day began bright and early at Indian River Inlet. He then made his way up around the cape, through Roosevelt Inlet, and finally the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
"I've been training for 6 weeks, many mornings a week, out in Lewes and around the cape," he said.
Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism, joined Carter in a kayak, offering his support.
"This is a big day. It's just wonderful that Mark has raised 10,000 dollars," said Thomas.
Thomas goes on to explain how the project will offer safe viable access for those in the community, "The goal is to get those out on the water, to recreate, to maybe travel by boat to get back and forth, and do it scenically and keep less cars off the highway."
With a 25 mile stretch complete, and over $10,000 raised by the end of the day on Monday, Carter celebrated with a Dogfish Head beer.
Carter's GoFundMe will be open for donations through the month of August. Click here to donate. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2021. For more information on Grove Park Dock at Rehoboth Beach please visit http://canal-connection.org/.
