2011 was a epic high water year and as boaters we are always happy to have ample flow. But we also know that Mother Nature calls the shots and that year she spoke clearly as unrelenting rainfall soaked the NW.
Along with epic water levels Mother Nature also miraculously unlocked the gorge in Canyon Creek freeing thousands of jammed logs which most agreed would never break free in our lifetime. When the word came down the line that high water had cleared the logs in Canyon Creek NW paddlers rejoiced and the NWCC decided to reinstate the Canyon Creek Race on Sunday. But then as race day approached water levels spiked drastically and it was clear once again that Mother Nature was not cooperating.
An alternate course would be used for Saturday's race on the East Fork Lewis and the Canyon Creek Race would be cancelled due to high water. Racers would have to wait yet another year to race on Canyon Creek.
The following year we were finally able to race on the famed Canyon Creek once again. This two day format is back again. With the community, local retailers, and manufacturers all rallying around this event it's sure to be another great year. Come join us to volunteer, race, spectate, or all of the above!
Races
Race entry fees are $15 (online), $20 per person day-of. We will have expert and pro classes for men's and women's KI categories. Boat length restriction is 8'11" ft. This length restriction allows all current creek boat designs. Longboat class has no length restriction.
Saturday Races, April 20, 2013
East Fork Lewis Down River Sprint: Racers will compete in timed single boat heats, according to schedule, paddlers will negotiate class 4 and 5 whitewater. The race course consists of boulder-gardens, ledges and waterfalls. Racers will compete for the fastest overall times in each class: men's & women's K1 short and long boat IK (inflatable kayak), and R2 (two per. raft teams).
East Fork Lewis Raft Mass Start:
2 person teams Any raft designed for Class IV-V whitewater may be used.
Mass start by an official starter approximately .5 mile above Sunset Falls.
Starting order from beach based on highest card pulled from a deck of cards. Ties = redraw. Highest cards = most downriver starting position.
False start= that boat goes to the most upriver starting position.
Finish= river left beach/rock just above Horseshoe Falls. International Rafting Federation (IRF) rules in effect when applicable (no intentional blocking of a faster competitor, no intentional touching of the physical person of other competitors, good sportsmanship at all times, etc.) Course officials have the right to dismiss any entrant from competition should they see fit. Points earned will be in accordance with WWCS standards.
Kayak Mass Start East Fork Lewis: The Kayak Mass Start is exactly what it sounds like! Kayakers race head-to-head and the first racer's bow to cross the finish line wins! Hard-shell length restriction- 8'11".
Sunday Races=, April 21, 2013
Canyon Creek Kayak Challenge: Same as the down river sprint (above). Expect steeper and more challenging rapids.
Canyon Creek Raft (R2) Challenge: 2 person teams Any raft designed for Class IV-V whitewater may be used. Course is the same as the kayak course International Rafting Federation (IRF) rules in effect when applicable (no intentional blocking of a faster competitor, no intentional touching of the physical person of other competitors, good sportsmanship at all times, etc.) Course officials have the right to dismiss any entrant from competition should they see fit. Points earned will be in accordance with WWCS standards.
RACE RULES: - Wear appropriate gear. Dry suits are not mandatory but are STRONGLY encouraged. Competitors must bring proper safety and rescue equipment (water, rescue bags, first aid kits, etc..). - Boat length restriction is 8'11" ft for the short boat class. - High water course reassessment and cut off points: East Fork Lewis @ Hiesson 2800cfs {not rising} / Canyon Creek nr Amboy 1400 cfs {not rising} *See Guages on the NWCC home page.
Schedule:
Saturday 4/20:
8:30am Registration Opens
10:00 AM Registration Closes
10:30am 10:30am MANDATORY Racer Meeting @ registration tent (must be present to receive bib)
NO drinking before the races! Anyone found drinking prior to their race run will be automatically disqualified
11am Shuttles from Copper Creek / EFL confluence begin (Larry's House)
FIRST race is Raft Mass Start at 11AM
Time Trial (all classes) begin immediately following raft mass start and end around 3pm
3:30pm MANDATORY Kayak Mass Start RACER Meeting (must be present to receive bib)
4:30pm SHUTTLES END
5:30 BBQ at Sunset Falls Park
7:30 Volunteer Recognition, Awards Ceremony, Raffle, and more festivities!!!
Sunday 4/21:
NO Registration (all racers for Canyon Creek must pre-register online or register at Sunset Falls Campground on Saturday Morning);
10:45am Shuttles to Canyon Creek put-in from FS Parking Lot begin
11:30am Time Trial Races Begin
1:00pm Shuttle to Put-in END and Shuttles from take out back to FS Lot begin
3:30pm Shuttles END
4:00pm AWARDS at Forest Service Lot.
Things to Bring
Float Bags and all other required safety equipment, camping gear, cash for raffle, common sense. *NO drinking before the races! Anyone found drinking prior to their race run will be automatically disqualified.
Inclusions
Your entry fee includes both days races, food Saturday evening, beverages, a raffle ticket, and a 2013 NWCC T-Shirt! We provide course safety, support and timing.
Exclusions
RACE RULES: -It takes 3 to make a class. Juniors, SUP, I-K will get lumped in if less than 2 show up. *NO drinking before the races! Anyone found drinking prior to their race run will be automatically disqualified. Racers will be expected to come prepared in proper gear in order to participate in the race! Don't show up to race in shorts! It will be spring in the Northwest which means dress appropriately. Dry suits are not mandatory but are STRONGLY encouraged. Competitors must bring proper safety and rescue equipment (water, rescue bags, first aid kits, etc..). Boat length restriction is 8'11" ft for the short boat class.
Cancellation Policy
NO refunds. The race can be cancelled or changed at any time due to conditions beyond our control.
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