Paddling Life Invitational Set for Steamboat, CO Mon., May 30
There’s record snowpack in the Rockies for the sixth annual Paddling Life Pro Invitational Monday, May 30, brought to you by Steamboat in the Summertime, Chaco Sandals, RMR, Rhino Rack, Kokatat, New Belgium and more.
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Steamboat Springs, Colo. (May 26, 2011): There’s record snowpack in the Rockies, and that’s wetting people’s appetite for the sixth annual Paddling Life Pro Invitational on Monday, May 30, on the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs, Colo., capping off the 31st anniversary of the Yampa River Festival. Watch some of the best men and women kayakers in the world compete in a two-event competition for more than $3,000 in cash and prizes.
Part of this year’s National Point Series Tour, the unique event tests both downriver creek racing and freestyle, with the best overall score determining the champion. Slated to attend are current world freestyle kayak champions Nick Troutman and Emily Jackson, two-time Invitational winner Stephen Wright and three-time winner Tanya Faux of Australia.
“It’s an awesome event,†says Troutman. “It’s great to have an event that tests both creek racing and freestyle, all on the same day. There aren’t too many places where you can do that.â€
Primary sponsors of this year’s event include Steamboat in the Summertime, Chaco Sandals, Rocky Mountain Remedies, Kokatat, NRS, and Canoe & Kayak magazine. The event also draws attention to Charlie’s Hole downtown, which the City based its successful recreational in-channel diversion water right (RICD) filing on in 2004.
“This is just one way to help showcase the world-class paddling town offers,†says event organizer Eugene Buchanan. “Plus, it’s a great way to showcase and reward today’s best all-around paddlers.â€
The event starts with an extreme race on Class IV-V Fish Creek at 11 a.m. Monday, followed by the freestyle event at 1 p.m. Competitors’ scores in each are then tallied to determine the overall winner. The festivities are followed by a party at Sweetwatwer Grill, featuring local bands, beer and other surprises. Look for coverage of this year’s event on Resort Sports Network thanks to Steamboat’s TV 18. Info: www.paddlinglife.net; (970) 870-0880.
Visit steamboatsummer.com for complete vacation packages and information or call 877-286-2628.
