Free Paddling Events
We are super excited to be working with various organizations including World Kayak and American Whitewater to put on 5 free padding events this season. Come on out and enjoy the paddling fun!
WK Deerfield River Hometown Throwdown - July 24th
AW Deerfield Riverfest Costume Convoy TimeBomb Race on Fife Brook - July 31st
AW Deerfield Riverfest BoaterCross on the Dryway - July 31st
WK Deerfield River Hometown Throwdown - July 24, 2010
The WK Deerfield River Hometown Throwdown is a free event taking place on the Deerfield River. The format for this event is an informal downriver freestyle event with the emphasis on having a great time. The event will take place in Mini Gap (between the Zoar Gap and the bridge). Since this is a downriver freestyle event, competitors will not be limited to a single wave or hole. Instead they will be able to use any feature they want including flatwater, eddylines, seams, waves, holes, rocks, and more. There will be two classes so people are competing against other paddlers with similar abilities. One class will be scored based on freestyle moves and the other class will be scored on style, smiles, color coordination, attitudes and costumes in addition to freestyle moves. While the event will be judged and competitors will be awarded a score, prizes will be given by a random drawing.
Meeting Location
The event will be held at Mini Gap (between the Gap and the bridge/takeout). Competitors register at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area at 11:30. To register for the event, competitors will need to decide which class they would like to compete with, add their name to the roster and fill out both a Zoar wavier and a World Kayak waiver. At 12:00 there will be a competitors meeting to go over rules, make sure everyone has registered, and to get the event started. The event will start at 12:30.
Competition Info
The competition will be divided into two classes (skippers/apprentice) The more advanced class (a.k.a. skippers) will be scored using a slightly altered official freestyle (world cup or similar) score sheet with a bonus being added in for style. The apprentice class will be scored using a fun score sheet that is based on style, attitude, smiles, color coordination, and costumes plus points being awarded for various tricks/moves.
Rules
This is a fun low key event. The main purpose is to connect paddlers and give everyone an opportunity to show off the skills they have mastered. After the competitors meeting, competitors will have the opportunity to take a practice run. Then the competition will begin. The apprentice class will go first and will be followed by the skippers class. Competitors are allowed to use any of the features in Mini Gap to try to earn style/skill points. Possible features include flatwater, eddylines, seams, waves, holes, rocks, and more. Competitors will have 1 minute to earn points. The time will start when the competitors pass the large rock at the start of mini gap or when they engage their first trick. Competitors will get two runs through the course and the scores from both runs will be added together for the final score.
Scoring
The apprentice class score sheet is heavily based on style, attitude, color coordination, smiles and costumes with points also given for various tricks. The score sheet for the skipper’s class has a small style bonus but primarily focuses on awarding points for various tricks. Bonus points will be awarded for clean and super clean moves.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place after the event at the competitor’s registration booth in the Zoar Gap Picnic Area. Scores will be announced by class. After the scores have been announced and the winners for each division recognized, prizes will be awarded. There will not be any specific prizes for highest scores. Rather all prizes will be awarded by a random drawing with competitors getting to choose their prize from the remaining selection once their name has been called until all prizes are gone.
Post Event Social
There will be a post paddle social event held at a local establishment that will be decided in the future.
Volunteers Needed!
For this event to be successful volunteers are needed to help with scoring, safety boating, and timing. Competitors can volunteer. If competitors in the advanced class help out with safety boating they will still have plenty of time to compete and it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Janet, Ben or Jim at 800-532-7483 or janet@zoaroutdoor.com.
Deerfield Riverfest Retro Costume Convoy TimeBomb Race -July 31, 2010
Show off your funky side in the retro costume convoy and time bomb race organized to support American Whitewater. The goal of the race is to guess your time from the start to the finish (no watches allowed) while wearing a retro costume. Competitors will register at the Zoar Gap picnic area. Following a short racers meeting the race will be at an undisclosed location somewhere between the Bear Swamp Pump Station and the Charlemont Academy. Competitors / spectators will be told the exact location at the registration tent. Come show us your best retro equipment!
Registration / Meeting Location
Competitors register at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area at 3:00PM. The event is free. To register for the event, competitors will need to add their name to the roster, guess the amount of time it will take to reach the finish line and fill out a Zoar Outdoor wavier. At 3:30PM there will be a competitors meeting to go over rules and make sure everyone has registered. There will be time allowed for shuttling vehicles after the competitors meeting and then the race will begin.
Competition Info
The competition is open to all watercraft including but not limited to kayaks, canoes, rafts, tubes and inflatable sharks. There are no categories for different boats. Photos will be taken of the costume convoy so show your style. After the competitors meeting, competitors will have the opportunity to set-up a quick shuttle. Shuttle is up to the competitors. Competitors will begin the race with an interval start. The section will be through class one and two rapids. There will not be any rescue teams set-up along the way. Competitors will have to be able to perform self-rescue techniques if they capsize. Outside help is allowed in the event of a capsize. If you don’t have a costume you can still race.
Rules
This is a fun low key event. The main purpose is to connect paddlers and give everyone an opportunity to show off their funky side. No watches are allowed. You must stay in the river, no outside help is allowed unless you have capsized. Capsizing is not a disqualification, but your craft should float.
Timing
We will have official time keepers with synchronized watches at the start and finish, be sure to give them your name / bib number.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place after the event at the American Whitewater Deerfield Riverfest site. Prizes will be given to the competitors that have the closest time guess and best costume. The announcement of the winners will occur at the Deerfield Riverfest site after the race.
Spectators
Come to the registration tent to find the exact location of the race and the best areas to watch from. Bring a banjo and play the Deliverance song to receive a prize at the awards ceremony.
Volunteers Needed!
For this event to be successful volunteers are needed to help with timing at the start and finish, and if interested safety boating. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Jim Sullivan, Janet Burnett Cowie, or Ben Natusch at Zoar Outdoor 1-800-532-7483, janet@zoaroutdoor.com or Evelyn Locke from American Whitewater evelynlocke@verison.net
Deerfield Riverfest BoaterCross on the Dryway - July 31, 2010
This race is an all out battle to the finish line. Competitors have a mass start then race down river through class four rapids. Come watch or compete in this exciting event. This event promotes American Whitewater and celebrates ongoing dam controlled releases. Competitors will register in the morning and then paddle downstream to the top of the Dragons Tooth rapid where the race will begin. It is a short race with multiple heats of competitors, followed by a finalists race.
Registration / Meeting Location
Competitors register at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area from 9:00AM to 10:30AM. The event is free. To register for the event, competitors will need to add their name to the roster and fill out a Zoar Outdoor wavier. At 12:00PM their will be a competitors meeting to go over rules above the Dragons Tooth Rapid. The event will start after the competitors meeting.
Competition Info
The competition is open to experienced paddlers. There are no categories for different boats. All boats must be shorter then nine feet. The run leading up to the race is the Dryway section of the Deerfield River. It is 3.5 miles of hard class three and four whitewater. Dragons Tooth and Labyrinth are two of the bigger rapids on the run and are located just upstream of the take-out. Competitors will have the opportunity to run the rapid prior to the competitors meeting as long as they are at the top of the rapid by 12:00PM. The race will follow the meeting. Shuttle for the river is up to the competitors. Zoar staff will determine the placement and number of competitors per heat. Depending on the amount of heats we may have a semi-finals followed by a finals or just a finals heat. If competitors make it to the semi-finals or finals heat they will have to carry their boat from the bottom of Dragons Tooth rapid back to the top for the next race. This is easiest on river left. There will be a volunteer based rescue team available for rescue, but competitors should be able to perform self rescue techniques if necessary. Competitors should have a solid roll. Outside help is allowed in the event of a capsize.
Rules
This is a fun low key event. The main purpose is to connect paddlers and give competitors a chance to show off their speed. While contact is expected, no pushing, shoving, skirt pulling, or paddle whacking is accepted. Both hands must remain on your own paddle, be competitive but be friendly. Boat to boat contact is accepted. Zoar Outdoor staff has the final say on close finishes.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place after the event at the American Whitewater Deerfield Riverfest site. Prizes will be given to the competitors in order of placement. The announcement of the winners will occur after the race at the AW Deerfield Riverfest site.
Spectators
There is a steep trail leading to Dragon’s Tooth rapid from the Dunbar Brook parking area. Please use caution on the trail as it is often muddy and slippery, with large boulders to get past, bring the appropriate footwear and a camera. The race will begin shortly after 12:00PM. If you bring and play marching drums you will receive a prize at the Deerfield Riverfest site when we announce the winners.
Volunteers Needed
For this event to be successful volunteers are needed to help with registration, organization at the river and judging. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Jim Sullivan, Janet Burnett Cowie, or Ben Natusch at Zoar Outdoor 1-800-532-7483, janet@zoaroutdoor.com or Evelyn Locke from American Whitewater evelynlocke@verison.net
Time Bomb Race - August 7, 2010
Come to the Zoar Gap picnic area to join us in a Time Bomb race. A Time Bomb race works by competitors guessing the amount of time it will take them to get from the start of the race to the finish. The race section will be held at an undisclosed start and finish somewhere between the Bear Swamp Pump Station and the Charlemont Academy in class one and two rapids. Competitors / spectators will be told the exact location at the registration tent. The goal of the race is to guess your time from the start to the finish (no watches allowed).
Registration / Meeting Location
Competitors register at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area at 2:00PM. The event is free. To register for the event, competitors will need to add their name to the roster, guess how long the race will take to reach the finish and fill out a Zoar Outdoor wavier and World Kayak waiver. At 2:30PM there will be a competitors meeting to go over rules, and make sure everyone has registered.
Competition Info
The competition is open to all watercraft. There are no categories for different boats. After the competitors meeting, competitors will have the opportunity to set-up a quick shuttle. Shuttle is up to the competitors. Competitors will begin the race with an interval start. The section will be through class one and two rapids. Their will not be any rescue teams set-up along the way. Competitors will have to be able to perform self rescue techniques if they capsize. Outside help if available is allowed in the event of a capsize.
Rules
This is a fun low key event. The main purpose is to connect paddlers and give everyone an opportunity to participate in a fun competition. No watches are allowed. You must stay in the river, no roadside help is allowed unless you have capsized. Capsizing is not a disqualification, but your craft should float.
Timing
We will have official time keepers with synchronized watches at the start and finish, be sure to give them your name / bib number.
Awards Ceremony / Social
The awards ceremony will take place at Zoar Outdoor after the event. Prizes will be given to the competitors that have the closest time guess. The announcement of the winners will occur shortly after the last competitor finishes and enough time is allowed for the competitors to meet at Zoar Outdoor.
Spectators
Come to the registration booth and inquire about the exact location of the race, and best viewing opportunities.
Volunteers Needed
For this event to be successful volunteers are needed to help with scoring, safety boating, and timing. Competitors can volunteer. If competitors in the advanced class help out with safety boating they will still have plenty of time to compete and it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Janet, Ben or Jim at 800-532-7483 or janet@zoaroutdoor.com.
Slalom Survivor - August 21, 2010
Slalom survivor is a fun slalom race that does not involve traditional gates instead we use fun unusual obstacles as well as a sense of creativity to find the fastest path along a set course. These are some things you might encounter in the fun slalom: weave in and out of buoys, paddle through rings, throw and catch paddles, capture tags and tag objects or people! Competitors will register at the Zoar Gap picnic area. Following a short racers meeting the race will be held in Slam Dance a class two rapid below Zoar Gap rapid. The goal of the race is to connect with local paddlers and put a smile on your face.
Registration / Meeting Location
Competitors register at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area at 12:00PM. The event is free. At 1:00PM there will be a competitors meeting to go over rules, make sure everyone has registered, and to get the event started. To register for the event, competitors will need to add their name to the roster and fill out Zoar Outdoor and World Kayak waivers.
Competition Info
The competition is open to all maneuverable watercraft, canoe, kayak and raft. We will create categories for different types of boats if you paddle a unique boat you may end up combined with a more common class, but all maneuverable craft are welcome to participate. After the competitors meeting the competition will begin with an interval start. Competitors will need to have pre-set their own shuttle for the community paddle to Shunpike Park. Competitors will begin the race with an interval start. The section will be through class two rapids. There will be volunteer rescue teams set-up along the way, however competitors will also have to be able to perform self rescue techniques if they capsize. Outside help is allowed in the event of a capsize and swim, but time will be lost.
Rules
This is a fun low key event. The main purpose is to connect paddlers and give everyone an opportunity to participate in a fun competition. Different time penalties will be given for not performing in the correct sequence, these will be explained in the competitors meeting. You must stay in the river, no roadside help is allowed. Capsizing is not a disqualification, get back in and continue the course or swim it. You must be in your boat over the finish line. Rule #1 the judge is always right, if the judge is wrong see rule #1 rules #2-15 will probably be explained in the competitors meeting. Rule #16 don’t cheat, this will be based off rule #1
Timing / Judging
We will have official time keepers with synchronized watches at the start and finish; we will also have biased judges along the side of the rapids at key obstacles. Be sure to give the time keepers your name / bib number. Be sure to bribe the biased judges but not with anything monetary cause that would be cheating.
Social Event
We will be going on a short a community paddle down to Shunpike Park. We will also choose an after paddling venue following the awards ceremony.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place at Shunpike Park after the event. Prizes will be given to the competitors who have placed second, third and fourth. First place finishers, you know you rule. The announcement of the winners will occur shortly after the last competitor arrives at Shunpike Park.
Spectators
You can view the hoopla from the road above the river. You are not allowed to park along the side of the road, the police will ticket you, please park at Zoar Gap picnic area and walk along the road. Be careful, there is lots of poison ivy along the guard rail and the rivers edge on that side of the river. Don’t touch the poison ivy, three leaves and green is bad. Hope to see you there, we appreciate the support. P.S. if you bring bagpipes you will also get a prize at the award ceremony at Shunpike Park, but only if you wear a kilt.
Volunteers Needed!
For this event to be successful volunteers are needed to help with scoring, safety boating, and timing. Competitors can volunteer. If competitors in the advanced class help out with safety boating they will still have plenty of time to compete and it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Janet, Ben or Jim at 800-532-7483 or janet@zoaroutdoor.com.