A Deep Dive into the Success of the Dam 2 Dam Event with The Goat Boater Owner Megan Cynowa

Catawba River, South Carolina - The paddleboarding community is buzzing with excitement after the recent Dam 2 Dam event, which raised an impressive $70,000 for cancer support programs. At the heart of this success is Megan Cynowa, the owner of The Goat Boater, who played a pivotal role in organizing and executing the event. In an exclusive interview with Supconnect, Megan shares the journey behind this remarkable event and offers insights for others looking to make a similar impact.

The Vision and Execution of Dam 2 Dam

Supconnect: Hi Megan, thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on the success of the Dam 2 Dam event! Raising $70,000 for charity is an incredible achievement. Can you tell us a bit about the event and how others might be able to do something similar?

Megan Cynowa: Thank you! The event included 38 paddleboarders, paddling 25 miles down the beautiful shores of Lake Wylie. Most of these paddlers had very little paddleboard experience. But an incredible passion for raising money for Cancer Support Programs for the 24 Foundation.

Supconnect: That’s fantastic. We understand the event was put on by the 24 Foundation, and they contracted with you, the owner of the Goat Boater, to create, facilitate, and run the event. How did this partnership come about?

Megan Cynowa: Yes, the 24 Foundation approached me with the idea of hosting a paddleboarding event, and I was thrilled to take on the challenge. As the owner of the Goat Boater, I have a lot of experience organizing paddleboarding activities, so it was a natural fit. The partnership allowed us to pool our resources and expertise to make Dam 2 Dam a reality. We have always wanted to create an event that brought the community together and made a significant impact. The idea of paddling from one dam to another, while raising funds for charity, seemed like the perfect way to do that.

Supconnect: How long did it take to plan and organize Dam 2 Dam?

Megan Cynowa: The planning took about 1.5 years. We started with a proof of concept in 2023 to make sure the event would be a success and scalable. From there, we set our sights on the 2024 planning dates, and the rest is history. We had to coordinate with local authorities as well as launch, lunch, and takeout location facilities, safety vessels and ultimately ensure all participants were prepared for the challenge. It was a lot of work, but seeing the turnout and the amount we raised made it all worth it.

Supconnect: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the planning process?

Megan Cynowa: One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the safety of all participants. Paddleboarding over long distances can be demanding, so we had to make sure everyone was properly trained and equipped. This year the temperature at midday was 93 degrees F and not a cloud in the sky. Keeping participants cool and hydrated was a significant task over 11 hours. We also had to navigate the logistics of the route and secure permits. Thankfully, we had an amazing team that worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles.

Supconnect: What made this event unique in your eyes compared to the many paddleboard races out there currently?

Megan Cynowa: This event was unique in its format for three reasons. First, it did not serve as a race and there was no timing involved. All participants were required to stick together for the entire paddle. This was challenging, yet provided a level of camaraderie that was highly supportive to all involved. Second, paddlers had to ‘apply’ with their reason ‘why’ they wanted to be involved. Third, each paddler had a minimum fundraising dollar amount that they were required to raise.

Photo by Supconnect

Photo by Firetower Media

Supconnect: Can you share a memorable moment from the event?

Megan Cynowa: There were so many memorable moments, but one that stands out was seeing everyone paddle together toward the finish line. They all stopped, made a paddle board circle, and spent a moment contemplating what they had achieved and the impact it would make. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable. It was incredibly moving to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a common cause.

Supconnect: That’s wonderful. Do you have any plans for the future of this event?

Megan Cynowa: Absolutely! The success of Dam 2 Dam has inspired us to make it an annual event. The 24 Foundation shares this vision and wants to eventually scale it to include 200 paddleboarders. We’re already brainstorming ideas for next year and looking forward to raising even more funds to support cancer support programs here in the Carolinas. We’re also exploring other ways to combine paddleboarding with community service throughout the year.

Photo by Firetower Media

Supconnect: We can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Speaking of future events, what advice would you give to other standup paddleboard companies that want to organize similar events in their areas?

Megan Cynowa: My advice would be to start by finding a cause that resonates with your community and aligns with your values. I have a personal history with cancer so this was a passionate project from day 1. Partner with local charities and organizations to understand their needs and how you can help. Ensure you have a dedicated team to help with planning and logistics and don’t be afraid to start small with a proof of concept to test the feasibility of your event. Engage with your local community and businesses for support and sponsorships. Most importantly, stay passionate and persistent. The impact you can make is worth every effort.

Supconnect: That’s excellent advice. Finally, do you have any other tips for organizers looking to ensure their events are successful?

Megan Cynowa: Focus on safety and preparation. Make sure participants are well-informed and equipped for the event. We hosted three ‘paddleboard safety, basics, and on-water training sessions’ prior to the main event. Clear communication is key, especially with local authorities and safety boats, we have found incredible success using hands-free waterproof walkie-talkies from Milo. Also, make sure to have plenty of backup gear. Bring a few extra paddles, fins, water, and boo-boo kits if minor injuries occur along the way. Building a strong network and fostering a sense of community can make a huge difference in the success of your event.

Supconnect: Thank you so much, Megan. Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

Megan Cynowa: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure talking with you.

Photo by Firetower Media

Conclusion

Megan Cynowa's passion and dedication have not only made the Dam 2 Dam event a monumental success but have also set a benchmark for future community-driven paddleboarding events. Her insights on planning, safety, and community involvement offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to create impactful events. As The Goat Boater continues to innovate and inspire, we can look forward to many more successful ventures that bring people together for a cause, proving that with determination and heart, anything is possible.

Photos of the Event HERE: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1046520296974179&type=3

The Dam 2 Dam Event HERE: https://www.24foundation.org/dam2dam/#:~:text=Dam%20to%20Dam%20is%20an,memories%20to%20last%20a%20lifetime.