A Paddler With Fashion Flair

If you spot Wonder Woman on Saturday at the Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival, she's the same person who appeared as the Statue of Liberty last year.

Chris Nadine, who lives in the East Cobb area, does more than just take part in the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's event, which takes place Saturday at Riverside Park in Roswell.

She dons her costume during the race, taking part with a group of fellow travelers who will paddle down the Chattahoochee in something other than "civvies."

"I just do it for the fun of it," says Nadine, who spoke to East Cobb Patch this week while putting the finishing touches on her kayak-friendly Wonder Woman costume. "It's such family-friendly event."

She says the idea of getting "dressed up" for the race and festival came a couple of years ago, and they stem from twin passions.

"I love Halloween and I love kayaking," says Nadine, who is a project coordinator in the executive office at Life University. "Here's an event that let allows me to combine both of those things."

Her first costume, for 2011, was as part of a "floating Hawaiian luau" group that included members of the Atlanta Area Paddlers Meetup.

"I do choose my costumes carefully" with regards to the race, Nadine said. For example, the Wonder Woman from movie and television fame doesn't wear a strapless top, but Nadine will as she paddles.

In her spare time, Nadine serves as a boating safety instructor for John Miller, a certified instructor based in Roswell who offers beginning kayaking classes.

And that's the real draw for Nadine, costumes aside: Being close to the water, and in a kayak from which to enjoy it.

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The Back to the Chattahoochee River Race & Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More than 400 people will paddle from Garrard’s Landing to Riverside Park in Roswell. The festival in Riverside Park is free, open to the public, and family-friendly.

There will be live music, kid’s activities, demonstrations and more than 50 vendors.

The rest of the lineup features the Women of Rock trio of Caroline Aiken, Diane Durett and Donna Hopkins, and the Music Matters “Rock U” Bands (kids musicians).

Also performing is Marietta musician and veteran Georgia blues-rock guitarist Tommy Talton.

During the 1970s, he was an in-demand studio musician in Macon and recorded with many acts, including the Allman Brothers, and served as Gregg Allman's guitarist on his "Laid Back" album and tour.

He released a new album out from last fall, "Let's Get Outta Here."