Paddle with the Pros

Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25, 2008, there will be a series of kayak races and an outdoor BBQ dinner party on the beautiful South Fork of the American River, all to benefit First Descents, a kayak and outdoor experience for Young Adults with Cancer.

The "Paddle with the Pros" event will feature a boatercross race, men's and women's downriver races, a free roll clinic, a class III+ Poker Race, and an after-party with the pros featuring a dinner, video premiere and raffle. Amateur paddlers will rub shoulders with some of the true legends of the sport, including Brad Ludden, Eric Jackson, Corey Nielsen and members of the Jackson Kayak Team. Don't worry, they won't be racing — they'll just be there to wreak a little havoc on the water while the amateurs compete in class II boatercross and downriver races and a Class III+ poker race.

The event will benefit a program founded in 2001 by Ludden to empower young adult cancer survivors through kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Additional event information and registration forms are available at Paddle with the Pros.

Oct 14-15 - American River Salmon Festival

The 10th annual American River Salmon Festival will be held next weekend on the lower American River. Venues include Lake Natoma and Nimbus Hatchery. A wide variety of events includes many aimed at children and families. Funds generated by the Salmon Festival help protect salmon and the American River. See the website for more information.

Oct 13-16 - National Whitewater Symposium in Coloma

From Dan Crandall: Current Adventures and The River Store are hosting the 4th Annual National Whitewater Symposium here in Coloma October 13-16. The event is based at the Earthtrek Camp below the 49 bridge, and does require advance registration. Visit the website or call Current Adventures at 530-333-9115 for info or to register. You can also e-mail Dan directly at Dan@Kayaking.com with questions or interest.

River Store Ice Cream Social TODAY

Just got this word from Dan Crandall:

Free to all who make it there between 4 and 6 pm! Ice Cream and Fresh Fruit!!.

A COOL end to a warm day and an all too short summer!! Come join friends and neighbors for a bowl or two and talk about fall boating opportunities! There might be a couple of Olympians ( and really cool guys) there as well in the form of Slalom Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi and former US Olympic Slalom Coach Bob Campbell, as well as US Junior Development coach Tom Long. They're in town teaching our Gold Medal Camp and apparently like ice cream! (<: Oh Yeah, the River Store has a storewide sale going on if you want to step inside and check it out! (<: (<: Cheers! Dan Dan Crandall