Nick
Since 09 Nov 2007
164 Posts
Hood River
Stoked
CGKA Member
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 Thu Mar 17, 11 3:10 pm OT: Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge |
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The Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge (CGPC) is a Festival celebrating the sport of Stand Up
Paddling in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. The Paddle Challenge will feature a Distance Downwind
Race, a Course Race, a Team Relay Race and a recreational, non-competitive Paddle for the
Park, a fundraiser for the new Hood River Waterfront Park. In addition, there will be SUP exhibits
from many companies, free SUP lessons and demos, live music and more!
The CGPC is a World Paddle Association sanctioned event. There will be a hefty cash purse for the
men’s and women’s Elite Divisions. The top three finishers in each age class of the Open Division will
be awarded unique event trophies. Overall Waterman and Waterwoman will be awarded to the top male
and female finishers in the combined Downwind Distance Race and Course Race.
The venue for the CGPC is Hood River’s Waterfront Park. The park features a crescent-shaped beach
for the starting and staging areas, great stadium style viewing area for spectators, large grass area for the
vendor tents, onsite restrooms, and plenty of parking. It is also a great place for children, with a play
site, marimba, and climbing wall, all within walking distance to downtown Hood River.
The Course and Relay Races will take place in close proximity to the spectators, making for a super
exciting event for everyone. The competitors will come into the beach for a short run between each lap
of the course. The eight-mile Downwind Distance Race is scheduled to start at Viento State Park and
finish at the Waterfront Park in Hood River. The Distance Race will take competitors up the mighty
Columbia River through the heart of the spectacular Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The
Gorge is famous for its strong summer west winds, commonly in the 25-40 knot range, making for an
exciting Downwind Race, with large river swells.
The CGPC hopes to increase overall environmental awareness of the Columbia River and its relationship
with our communities and oceans. Columbia Riverkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation have been
selected as financial beneficiaries of the event.
For more information www.gorgepaddlechallenge.com
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Nick Stuart
Naish |
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