76-year-old nears goal of paddling 1000 miles

By Jason Beck
Staff Writer

Omer Register, a 76-year-old Korean War veteran, didn’t take up kayaking until three years ago, but he’s more than made up for lost time. The Rockfish native is nearing his goal of 1,000 miles of paddling this year after only 7 months.
Register, who still actively works his farmland on Galatia Church Road, hardly looks 76. At an age when many seniors head for the retirement home, Register headed for the muddy banks of a river to find a new hobby.
“I had heart surgery and a lot of other problems and I had to do something to get out of the house,” he said this week during a trip down the Lumber River.
Register has done more than just ‘get out.’ He’s paddled nearly 15 rivers this year including the entire length of the Cape Fear, parts of the Neuse, Roanoke, New, Black and Lockwood Folly Rivers and even the Sewanee River in Florida.
Though it changes on a daily basis, Register’s current mileage total is 862, putting him in line to complete his 1,000-mile journey around Labor Day. He said he got the idea from another younger kayaker who had the same goal.
“I was paddlin’ on the Croatan River and had been paddlin’ three or four miles and right in the middle of the river (a fellow kayaker) threw down his paddles, threw his hands up and started celebrating,” Register said. “’He said I’ve done 1,000 miles.’ I thought it was pretty neat.”
Completing his 1,000-mile journey would be a task. Register keeps up with mileage based on river maps and help from fellow kayakers who use GPS tracking systems to navigate the forests. Unlike highways, which always take the straightest and shortest path, rivers bend and twist their way across the landscape.
Of course Register has to fight the current as well. Even the more tame rivers swirl and whirl around stumps and logs, asserting control over the kayak. For paddlers, heading downstream means staying on course and staying upright. Heading upstream equates climbing a down escalator or walking on a treadmill. Register’s burly arms allow him to even paddle for miles upstream.
Register is a member of the Lumber River Canoe Club. His idea of an average trip may be different than others.
“I think a 12 or 15 mile trip is ideal for me,” he said. “A lot of them don’t want to go that far.”
Register considers himself lucky to be in canoe and kayak country. One of the most popular rivers for paddlers, the Lumber forms the southern border of Hoke County.
“This river right here for me is the best I’ve ever been on,” Register said, looking down at the mirror-like surface of the Lumber. “This river right here, it just don’t let you down.”
Register said kayakers generally don’t have to check the depth of the Lumber, which usually has a strong current and adequate capacity to keep the boat afloat. In other rivers kayakers have to take their crafts out of the water and walk to the next deep portion.
Paddlers come from all over the country to test out the Lumber, aided by a new state park across the county line on U.S. 401 geared specifically for river activity.
The Lumber River State Park opened in 2006 and instantly became a favorite hangout for Register.
“It’s an unbelievable river…I hate I waited 70 years to get on it,” he said. “I’m disappointed it’s not used more than it is.”
Though the state park is quiet and often overlooked by area residents, park ranger Neill Lee said traffic has increased this year.
“Anything new, it takes a while to discover it,” Lee said. “A lot more people have found it this summer than the last two years. Hopefully more people will discover and see how nice it is.”
The park has river access for canoes and kayaks as well as picnic tables and campsites. Unlike more commercial facilities, the state park is a natural area and has no electrical hookups or amenities.
“Most people here are looking for a more primitive experience,” said Lee, who’s worked the park since it’s opening.
Register said getting a chance to see nature is almost as important as his fun on the river.
“You see a lot of wildlife here,” he said. “I’ve seen everything but an eagle and a bear.”
As for the bear, Register saw one of those two weeks ago on a swampy river near the coast. He’s also paddled with alligators in Florida.
Register hopes to finish his 1,000 mile trek in Hoke County, on the banks of the Lumber. He will throw down his paddles…celebrate…and then probably paddle some more.
“I think his quest is inspirational…getting out and seeing some neat things,” Lee said. “Many did not think it’s a realistic goal, but he’s about to make it happen halfway through the year.”