Braintree Resident Shares His Passion for Paddling

If you're looking for Braintree resident Jeff Goodale, you're best served looking for him on a local river, where he'll be paddling his kayak.

"If it's not frozen; I'm out there," said Goodale, adding he usually kayaks two or three times a week when the weather is warm.

Goodale, who has lived in Braintree for 26 years, picked up the hobby when his son gave him a kayak in 2000. Since then, he's travelled to kayak, gone camping and fishing and participated in races.

"I just fell in love with the activity," said Goodale.

On April 28, Goodale will be on the Charles River for the 31st Annual Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race, an event he's participated in for the past eight years. He'll be paddling in the six-mile senior men's sea kayak race.

Goodale hopes to improve on his average finish of third place this year.

While racing is just part of his kayaking schedule, Goodale is a fan of events like the Run of the Charles because of the cause it benefits. The Charles River Watershed Association works to improve the conditions of the river.

Goodale also participates in the Great River Race organized by the North South River Watershed Association annually for the same reason.

"I like to support both watershed associations," said Goodale.

To learn more about the Charles River Watershed Association or the Run of the Charles, visit www.charlesriver.org.