This week in whitewater news: a California kayaker helps rescue family from a floating SUV, World Kayak announces Nashville kayak event and a new whitewater course is scheduled to open on the Chattahoochee River.
Kayaker Rescues Family from Floating SUV
The Contra Costa Times reported that kayaker Mark Divittorio helped save a California family from their SUV after it veered off the highway and plunged into the American River on Thursday. Divittorio helped bring the family’s three daughters to shore and activated emergency services who rescued Christian and Tricia Lemler from the SUV’s front seats within minutes. Divittorio credits his part of the rescue to his kayaker’s instinct after years of risk assessment and planning for the worst on the river.
Read the full story here.
(Photo courtesy of Contra Costa Times)
World Kayak Announces Nashville Kayak Event
The first ever TSRA Presents: The World Kayak Rock Island Open will take place on April 27th and May 11th. The event includes freestyle, downriver freestyle, timed race and boater cross competitions. With guaranteed water levels from the Tennessee Valley Authority the folks at World Kayak are excited for days of paddling and free prizes.
Register here for races or here for the Freestyle Cup.
(Photo courtesy of World Kayak)
Whitewater Course Opening on Chattahoochee River
A new whitewater course that’s been in the planning and research stage for more than a decade will open this May on the Chattahoochee River. The course is part of a river restoration project that’s attracted millions in funding and is expected to draw 188,000 people down to the river for kayaking or rafting.
Read the full story here.
(Photo courtesy of Ledger-Enquirer)
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