What’s billed as Iowa’s first-ever Whitewater Challenge will be held this weekend on the Cedar River in Charles City.
Bob Kloberdanz, one of the event’s planners, says there are several races and competitions scheduled for powerful paddlers from all across the Midwest.
“There are three vessels, kayaks, SUPs — which is stand-up paddleboard, and canoes,” Kloberdanz says. “There’s a couple of them we have listed, down-river races in all three of the vessels, and attainment, a race where you go upstream and test your muscle.”
The area has seen little rain in recent weeks, so Kloberdanz says the river’s water level has been low, which could affect some the Saturday events. “One is what we call the Kayak Rodeo,” Kloberdanz says.
“That’s freestyle boating where they’ll do tricks, spins, flips, X-Game-type maneuvers and also Best Trick where they go in and do their best trick and they’ll be judged.” It’s part of a weekend of events that run Friday through Sunday, including a dog-jog, a riverside disc golf tournament, live music and a farmers market.
Learn more at: www.CCWhiteWater.com.
By Chris Berg, KCHA, Charles City