From the May issue of PADDLING Magazine, this article features Spring 2014 whitewater events from across North America.
As Spring rain and warmth speed the spring melt, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air of Rapid’s little paddling town—a shift happening here, and in river valleys across the continent. Almost abandoned roads get busy with all manner of shuttle rigs—the trucks vans and SUVs of those escaping the city for the first time this year, and the rattling vans and station wagons that are half-home, half-car for the diehards who’ve paddled all winter.
Even when we’re not on the water we feel it. The grass outside the Rapid office is greener, the riverbanks that line our yard are bulging, and our Facebook feeds fill with big wave photos and pogie-wrapped hands poking out of Gore-Tex drysuits.
Some of the best paddlers in the world flocked to the Ottawa River valley for the late April, early May weeks of Stakeout and Whitewater Grand Prix competition. But it’s not just our town that’s buzzing with the unmistakable energy of a new season’s start.
Paddling playgrounds everywhere are bracing themselves for the influx of paddlers who will train and compete in this year’s whitewater competitions. Whether you drive the circuit of championships with dreams of podium photos and pockets of prize money or simply go to feel the unmatched atmosphere of camaraderie in paddling communities, here are some spring events that are sure to bring out the best in whitewater.
The Golden Games
May 16-18, Golden, Colorado
With paddling clinics and demonstrations as well as competitions, are events for all skill levels of paddlers at the Golden Games. The weekend incorporates downriver standup paddleboarding, whitewater training at the Clear Creek Whitewater park and a variety of vendors.
Palmer River Fest
May 17-18, Palmer Rapids, Ontario
On the Madawaska River in the Ottawa Valley the Paddler Co-op hosts Palmer River Fest. Kayakers and open boaters can sign up for clinics from a long list of options, including beginner basics, precision paddling, advanced playboating, refining strokes, rolling lessons, river rescue, intro to paddling for kids and more.
GoPro Mountain Games
June 5-8, Vail, Colorado
The GoPro Mountain games are open to both professional athletes and amateurs and holds competitions in 25 different disciplines. Kayaking events include freestyle, 8-ball, sprint and extreme kayaking and there’s a raft cross race on the class II–III Gore Creek.
North Fork Championships
June 12-14, Crouch, Idaho
The North Fork Championship includes an Expert Division timed race of the lowest three-miles of the North Fork Payette River, class IV-V whitewater. Winners receive cash prizes and a chance to compete at a higher level against only the top finishers on the difficult course.
Payette River Games
June 20-22 Cascade, Idaho
Hosted by Kelly’s Whitewater Park, the Payette River Games have the biggest prize purse in whitewater history. IN Kayaking alone there will be $50,000 dollars in prizes given out, divided between categories for freestyle, boater cross and 8-ball. Other events include river surfing, raft cross and standup paddleboarding.
