In order to promote interest in paddling, local members of the canoe racing fraternity are putting on a Paddle Day on July 5 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the Boardman River between Cass Street and 8th Street in conjunction with the Outback Steakhouse Canoe Race.The public is invited to join on the water and try their hand at a buoyed course, which event planners are calling The Challenge.
The Challenge course simulates, in a safe environment, the kinds of things paddlers might encounter in a river or crowded lake. The course requires that paddlers maneuvering their boats in all possible directions, and provides a chance to show off or improve their skills in a non-competitive arena. There will be people available to demonstrate unfamiliar strokes and offer support and encouragement.
Canoes, kayaks, stand up boards, or any kind of paddle craft are welcome. Canoes and kayaks will be available for those who want to walk up. Recognition will be given to all those who complete the course without touching a buoy.
A PFD (personal flotation device (aka life preserver)) is required along with a $5 insurance fee and signed waiver (under 16 require responsible adult).
The Outback Steakhouse Canoe Race, a professional canoe event sanctioned by the Michigan Canoe Racing Association (MCRA) starts at 3:00PM and features some of North America's best professional canoe racers. This 5 lap race will last about 45 minutes and will be followed by a very intense 1 lap, 1 prize, winner-take-all handicap race that provides a very intense 10 minutes of full speed action.
For more information contact Karl Pearson 231-649-1535 e-mail k_paddler@yahoo.com, or go to the website www.yazzur.googlepages.com , where race details and The Challenge course layout and description can be found.