Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:

Claire and Steve Jackson shared their MR340 adventures on and off the river, an paddling race that spans the state of Missouri.

For this Big Muddy Speaker Series talk, the Jackson Family shared stories of their adventures on the MR340, an endurance paddling race that spans the state of Missouri.

Claire shared her perspective of what it was like as a young person paddling during her first MR340 in 2012. She included stories about the people and experiences that have drawn her to back to this race three more times. She also compared and contrasted completing the MR340 in tandem versus going solo. Though all of her adventures, Claire has learned how to navigate outdoor spaces as a woman. Since paddling in the MR340 Claire has gone on to complete several other solo ventures such as biking the entirety of the Katy Trail.

Steve approached the topic of MR340 experiences from the perspective of developing and self-publishing their first family book called “Missouri River 340 First Time Finisher”. This book documents Steve and his three daughters' participation in the 2012 MR340. Competing in the longest non-stop canoe and kayak race in the world, their team, the “Three Boatacious Blondes and Dad” completed this brutally hot race in just over 77 hours. The book is based on their experiences in this race and provides information for other MR340 first-time paddlers.