News
Northwest Cup Schedule Update
The Chilliwack race has moved from July 25 - 26 to July 18 - 19. Lockaby Slalom has been cancelled. Two new races added, one at Kananaskis and one at Rutherford Whitewater Park in BC. See the latest schedule for more details.
Blackfoot River Challenge
The Blackfoot River Challenge is June 20-21, 2009 near Missoula, Montana. See http://blackfootriverchallenge.blogspot.com/ Events will include a 9-10 mile classic downriver, a slalom and also a sprint/boatercross or wildwater (4 mile) race (TBD). Camping is nearby. Everything is class II-II+ or lower, so it's great for beginners and advanced boaters.
See http://blackfootriverchallenge.blogspot.com/ for more details
Youth Kayaking class has started in Monroe, Washington!
Donations are needed. Click here for more details. Contact: Tom Wier Email: twier@ymca-snoco.org
Beginner Slalom Clinics
The Washington Kayak club is offering several free slalom clinics on the following dates with instructor Jennie Goldberg (or just come out and paddle with us!) Get yourself ready for the Cedar Race April 4-5.
Clinic Dates: March 17 and March 25 - 5:30 pm
Location: Lake Washington, Seattle, on the Arboretum gates
Get ready for racing fun at Salmon La Sac on June 6-7 in eastern Washington
Clinic Dates: May 7, May 27. and March 31 at 5:00 pm
Location: Cedar River Gates at Landsburg
Please rsvp to Jennie at: theleague@nwwhitewater.org
Northwest Junior Training Camp
Portland area, Oregon, March 23-29, 2009 Developed by former US Team member Sam Drevo, this 7 day program is tailored for any youth, ages 12-18, who is interested in competitive whitewater paddling. Open to all skill levels, the training camp will focus on the paddling techniques athletes need to successfully compete in the slalom racing while including relevant skill of other disciplines of whitewater racing: wildwater, freestyle, boatercross and extreme racing. Structured training sessions and daily program topics such as training programs, equipment, technique, and the mental game will hone each individuals paddling. The training camp will culminate at the Riverhouse Slalom on the Deschutes River in Bend, OR. NRG's Junior Training Camp will be a fun-filled week in a great learning environment on class I-III whitewater. Transportation, meals and lodging (camping) provided March 23-29, 2009 Itinerary: Monday- Sandy River Tuesday- Bull Run River Wednesday- Deschutes River Thursday- Deschutes River Friday- Training on Race Course Sat & Sun- Slalom Race 5 days of training and 2 days of coaching during the races. Price: $700 Race registration fees are additional (Juniors race for only $5.00 at all NW Cup Whitewater Races!) Call 503.772.1122 NRG office or see http://www.enrgkayaking.com/, or 503.887.5033 for registration info.
2009 NW Cup Schedule posted
Download the schedule in .pdf format or view under NW Cup /2009
New Slalom Race Rules
Have you heard about the new Slalom Racing Rules promulgated by the USA Whitewater Slalom Committee?! They are effective January 1, 2009. Read about them here:
The following two items are of particular interest:
- 1) "The better of two (2) runs will count as the final result."
- 2) "The gates consist of one or two suspended poles…” [does not have to be two poles!]
You can find the new rules at the USACK website.
SLALOM REVIVAL 2009!
It’s official! Local whitewater racing in the Pacific Northwest has been revived!!
A grand party was held at Matt and Bev's house on November 15, 2008 starting late afternoon and continuing on into the late evening. Seven paddlers ran the river in their race boats and then met others for a session on the gates. Eventually there was a total of about 30 friends laughing, eating and getting excited about the upcoming slalom and downriver racing season.
US Slalom Schedule Posted
You can find the latest national slalom schedule at Whitewater Slalom US