Paddle Palooza splashes off on the South Sask.

Outdoor enthusiasts braved Saturday’s dreary weather in Saskatoon to help out the Meewasin Valley Authority by paddling along the South Saskatchewan River.

The Mayor’s Paddle Palooza was set to launch boats off from three launches throughout the day to raise funds for the struggling MVA.

About 40 people with canoes and paddle boards set up for a seven hour trip along the river starting at the Whitecap Dakota First Nation in the morning, pushing off from shore around 9 a.m.

Carrie Hildebrand was smiling through the rain and wind as she prepared her paddle board for the trip.

“I’ve got some rain gear and we’re on the water anyways, its all good,” she said. “We’ll be working hard and keeping warm.”

While she typically stands while she paddles, Hildebrand added she’d likely have to sit for portions of the hours-long trek.

Families were also getting involved, including father-and-son duo Craig and Griffin Stewart.

“It’s the sort of thing that I grew up with my father doing,” Craig Stewart said, noting it’s the first time he’ll be taking his son on such a long journey.

Griffin was looking forward to the challenge, saying he hoped to “hit some whitecaps, get some splashes.”

Other canoes were set to launch from Fred Heal at 1 p.m. and the QE Power Plant at 4 p.m., with everyone meeting at Rotary Park in Saskatoon for a barbeque at 6 p.m.

—With files from 650 CKOM’s Céline Grimard and Chris Vandenbreekel