More than 140 racers took part in the fifth-annual South Dakota Kayak Challenge over Memorial Day weekend, and they took to the Missouri National Recreational River with aggressive perfection.

A three-person open-class team from the Kansas City area set a new record for the 70-plus-mile course, finishing in 8 hours, 18 minutes. The past record was 8 hours, 50 minutes. Competitors from across North America took part in the annual event, representing two Canadian provinces and 14 states.

While competitive-class racers set records, personal bests in the adventure class also were set. The Challenge saw its highest-ever percentage of finishers (79 of 96 solo craft finished, as well as 17 of 19 open/tandem race teams) with mild wind to start the event in Yankton, South Dakota.

The event marked the first competition on one of the nation’s newest National Water Trails. The Missouri National Recreational River received that designation at the end of 2013. The next race on this amazingly wild waterway is July 19 as the inaugural Fort to Field 50 Paddle Battle takes on the 39-mile district of the national park. Learn more  at forttofield50.com.

The South Dakota Kayak Challenge returns in 2015 on May 23. Registration opens on Jan. 1, 2015. Learn more at sdkayakchallenge.org.

Pictured Above: Krista Patterson, Harrisonville, Mo. and Larry and Yancy Scroggins of Kansas City set a course record in the May 24, 2014 South Dakota Kayak Challenge, a race on what remains of the wild and scenic Missouri River. They completed the 72-mile course in 8 hours, 18 minutes.

Confluence Outdoor© continues to show its support for watersports and the outdoor industry as a whole with four brands set to sponsor the GoPro Mountain Games, the year’s largest celebration of outdoor sports. Dagger© and Wave Sport© will serve as the kayak sponsors at this year’s Games, and Bomber Gear© and Adventure Technology© will be on site with product displays and raffles throughout the event.

“Held June 5-8, 2014, in Vail, Colorado, the 12th annual Mountain Games features seven kayak, raft and SUP events, hosting competing paddlers from beginner to pro. Known as North America’s biggest celebration of adventure sports, music, and the mountain lifestyle, the Games also includes biking, climbing and fishing competitions, gear demos and musical performances. With Gore Creek, Homestake Creek, Eagle River, the Colorado River, and the Vail Whitewater Park all right in its backyard, Vail is the perfect venue for this large-scale whitewater event.

Celebrating everything that’s great about being on the water, Dagger kayaks will present the Steep Creek Championship, the 8-Ball Kayak Sprint and the Down River Sprint competitions, while Wave Sport kayaks, the core brand for whitewater paddlers, will present the Kayak Freestyle competition.

“While the Mountain Games is certainly a premier sporting event, it is also an effective platform to introduce people to the world of adventure sports, including kayaking and SUP, in a fun, exciting and interactive way,” said Jessica Prescott, marketing manager for Dagger, Wave Sport and Bomber Gear. “Confluence Outdoor is dedicated to pushing the limits of our sports and connecting new people with the outdoors and the water, so our continued brand involvement in this event feels like a perfect match. We are excited about an action-packed week in Vail and look forward to seeing everyone on the water!”

GoPro Mountain Games Whitewater Events

Steep Creek Championship – In 2003, the Mountain Games took Homestake Creek nationwide as some of the world’s best paddlers huck down drops like “Leap of Faith” and “Piece of S**t.” Race rules are simple, the fastest time to the finish line of the one-fourth mile creek wins.

Kayak Freestyle – Each kayaker has a timed run to show is best freestyle moves in an attempt to impress the judges and the crowd for the highest combined score. Each competitor will have one minute to use their skills and athleticism in the park to try and score the most points possible.

8 Ball Kayak Sprint – After a floating start at the Covered Bridge, as many as ten kayakers will push, shove and jostle their way through a 200 meter sprint in the narrow confines of Gore Creek. Along the way, boaters must avoid being knocked off by the 8 Ballers- loathsome kayakers in full body armor waiting patiently to attack the sprinters and slow them down throughout the course.

Down River Sprint – A grueling four-mile class II-III paddle from East Vail to the Covered Bridge in Vail Village. With a rally race format, kayakers drop at timed intervals racing against the clock, fastest time wins.

Gear Town and Raffles – Attendees can also stop by the “Gear Town” demo area to check out the latest in kayaks, paddle technology, apparel and outerwear, and enter to win a paddle from Adventure Technology and a Blitz Splash Top from Bomber Gear. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit First Descents.

About Confluence Outdoor

Confluence Outdoor® is the result of the blending of eight unique watersports brands: Wilderness Systems®, Perception®, Dagger®, and Wave Sport® kayaks, Mad River Canoe®, Adventure Technology® paddles, Bomber Gear and Harmony® accessories. With a full representation of canoes, kayaks, and paddling apparel and accessories, ranging from touring and recreational to high-performance whitewater products, the Confluence brands are well suited to fully outfit paddling enthusiasts throughout all phases of their paddling life. For more information about the company, please visit www.confluenceoutdoor.com.