Whitewater Challenge offers more than just cool waves

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Whitewater fun on the river doesn’t mean you need to get wet. Spectating is a blast, too.

The Cedar River will be abuzz with activity beginning at 10 a.m. this Saturday as the 7th Annual Charles City Whitewater Challenge gets underway.

The event was scheduled for June 23, but was postponed to this weekend because of river conditions then. That hasn’t put a damper or dent into the schedule of fun things for locals or out-of-towners looking for something exciting and stimulating to see and do.

There will be all kinds of creative contestants in kayaks, canoes or paddlers strutting their stuff all along the river in attempt to ride out some cool waves and take home plenty of awesome prizes.

The categories for the Challenge this year include Boater X, SUP X, Rodeo, SUP Surf, and the Orange Race. The day will conclude with a SUP River Surfing Clinic with Hannah Ray J.

One of the favorite events of the Challenge is the Inner Tube Intermission, in its second year.

“That went over really well last year,” said Ginger Williams, tourism coordinator for the Charles City Chamber of Commerce.

Teams can enter the Inner Tube Intermission for free and win prizes. The name of the game in this event is who can float the fastest down the course with a group of three to five teammates. Competitors can bring their own tubes or use those supplied by Rapids End Outfitters.

Boater X races have four divisions, youth, adult, men, women. Racers will eddy out on the river left side below Exit Exam and physically touch the finish target marker with a hand.

The Rodeo races have divisions for beginners and intermediate/advanced for their two-minute ride and the Orange Race is a two-person relay–style race.

It doesn’t hurt to step away from the shore and take a break because there is a lot more going on. If need be, slip on some reading glasses and check out the book walk, new year this along the riverbank. It’s hosted by Friends of the Library.

Walk the trail to read the posted story from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and return the forms for a chance to win a prize basket.

There is also a scavenger hunt for children. Kids can stop by the band shell to pick up a scavenger hunt form, answer the questions and receive a prize. Several painted rocks will be hidden around town with “CC Whitewater” painted on them. Anyone who finds one can bring it to the Challenge and turn it in for a prize.

Also new this year is a vendor show in the parking lot right next to Hot Shots. That’s also from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be many home-based businesses for people to check out.

Registration for the Challenge starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. The registration fee includes competition entry, an event T-Shirt and a chance to win one of many prizes. 

CHARLES CITY CHALLENGE

Schedule of Race Events — Saturday, July 7

(All times are approximate)

9 a.m. — Registration.

10 a.m. — Boater X – Adult/Youth.

11 a.m. — SUP X.

11:30 a.m. — Rodeo – Beginner.

12:30 p.m. — Tube Race.

1 p.m. — Rodeo – Intermediate/Advanced.

2 p.m. — SUP Surf Comp.

2:30 p.m. — The Orange Race.

3 p.m. — Awards/Prize Giveaway.

4-6 p.m. — SUP River Surfing Clinic.