Mekong Paddle Adventure

Download our media release (PDF) to learn more.

Download Itinerary for Laos and Cambodia

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Four intrepid paddlers will launch their kayaks in March for a month long adventure down the Mekong River through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to the South China Sea. Led by author/adventurer Dave Ellingson, known as the Paddle Pilgrim; Pastor Tom Glasoe, Dr. Deby Cassill, and David Gehrke will encounter diverse cultures, behold spectacular scenery, witness environmental issues, and experience physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.

The expedition will benefit the Dith Pran Foundation which raises money to support the educational dreams of Cambodian young people, the Center of Rehabilitation and Support for Handicapped Children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies.

The Mekong River Paddle Adventure is sponsored by Advanced Elements Kayaks and Werner Paddles.

Follow the adventure

For updates during the Mekong Paddle Adventure, follow Dave Ellingson on Facebook or join our mailing list:

In The news

Herald.net: From Edmonds to the Mekong: ‘Paddle Pilgrim’ chases trip of a lifetime
Former pastor Dave Ellingson sets off for Southeast Asia by plane this month. A 600-mile kayak journey benefits local charities.

THE TEAM

David Ellingson

Dave is a pastor/professor, paddler, poet, is married and the father of 5.
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Tom Glasoe

Tom is a Lutheran pastor, married and the father of two young boys, and was born in Vietnam.
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David Gehrke

David Gehrke is a lawyer, father of two sons, world traveler and has recently lived in Vietnam.
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Dr. Deby Cassill

Dr. Deby Cassill has studied the invasive fire ant for 20 years.
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A bigger why

The expedition will benefit the Dith Pran Foundation, Cambodia, the Center of Rehabilitation and Support for Handicapped Children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the Dave Ellingson Scholarship for students pursuing studies in environmental stewardship.

Dith Pran Foundation

The Dith Pran Foundation raises money to support the educational dreams of Cambodian young people.

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The Center for Rehabilitation and Support for Handicapped Children

The Center of Rehabilitation and Support for Handicapped Children provides care for orphaned and abandoned children with disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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The Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies

The Dave Ellingson Scholarship supports students pursuing studies environmental stewardship.

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