The 2nd Annual West Kootenay River SUP Race drew stand up paddlers from as far away as Prince Albert, SK and Edmonton, AB and from around British Columbia.
Temperatures were HOT throughout the weekend so being on the water was fun and refreshing. Friday afternoon/evening Andrea Ryman (owner of Endless Adventure) provided a River SUP clinic to introduce folks to the beautiful Slocan River that would be home of the SUP Cross on Sunday. The clinics are a must-do for folks who want to have an edge on their competitors!
Saturday was the distance race on the Columbia River 16+ kms, putting in at the boat launch in Robson (across from the Lions Head Pub) and navigating some high water conditions to the town of Genelle. Due to the hot temperatures so early in the season this years paddlers experienced whirl-pools and boils along the entire route - everyone did a stellar job and top finishers - Ken Larsen and Genna Flinkman posted times under 1 hr!!!!
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| Headed to the river Photo: Mark Klein |
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| Lions Head Pub - Post Distance Race Photo: Nikki Rekman |
The race was followed up by a friendly gathering at the Lions Head Pub before heading back to the Slocan River for some practice runs.
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| Lower Slocan River Photo: Mark Klein |
We enjoyed a delicious pig roast (thank you, Chris and Andrea) and some cool beverages courtesy of Sleeman Brewery on the Saturday night before we all retired dreaming of eddylines and buoy turns in the SUP Cross on Sunday.
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| Saturday Night Pig Roast at Endless Adventure Photo: Nikki Rekman |
SUP Cross participants were up early Sunday morning to get a view of the course and get geared up with all the appropriate river gear. Rescue PFDs, paddles, helmets and SUP leashes help make your river SUP experience safe and FUN!!! Thank you to: Kokatat PFD's, Werner Paddles, Predator Helmets and North Water for loaning all the gear!!
This event is for SUP paddlers of all levels and the more experienced river SUP paddlers who attend, continue to be gracious and kind in sharing their knowledge and experience with new participants.
Congratulations to Ken Larsen and Genna Flinkman for capturing the Men's and Women's SUP Cross titles for 2015!!
The 2015 event was sponsored by: Werner Paddles, Sleeman Brewery, Kialoa, Zelstoff-Celgard
Looks like the dates for 2016 will be July 1 - 3
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
More photos can be viewed on Mark's Flickr account.
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