SALT RIVER PADDLE BATTLE

Date: June 14, 2008

Register Here

Meet at KOA at 8 a.m. on race day.

Central Kentucky Canoe and Kayak is proud to announce the most adventurous paddling event to ever take place on a Kentucky blue-line stream - the 2008 Salt River Paddle Battle.

The paddling event will challenge canoeists and kayakers on a late spring course along Salt River between Shepherdsville and Taylorsville this Father's Day Weekend.

Rain or shine, low or high-water, the event begins with scores of paddlers launching at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 14th in Taylorsville on what's billed to be a 12-hour event for serious paddlers - and an overnight, 24-hour event for those less-experienced. Without a doubt, it will be a challenge for all.

"Sure, there have been canoe races on Salt River before, but people have never seen anything like this," host Mike Hammons, owner of Central Kentucky Canoe and Kayak, said. "This is a great chance for all those wanting to paddle this section of the river who have never had the oomph to do it alone and a great way to bring some attention to one of the tri-county area's greatest resources."

Winning paddlers are expected to cruise onto the KOA boat launch before 6 p.m. Saturday, just as events geared to celebrate the race, then wind down the evening are planned to begin. Some paddlers may opt to overnight along the river, before finishing the race the following morning.

For those completing the entire race in the first 12 hours, KOA is offering free primitive camping in support of the event. Paddlers can haul their overnight gear along the course, or have it waiting for them when they arrive - whatever floats your boat.

Paddlers will stream in throughout the night to be greeted by onlookers and event staff. Sun up will provide a few hours for the stragglers to finish before the awards brunch gets underway mid-morning Sunday.

Cost to enter the race is $30 and includes brunch and a t-shirt, along with a chance at winning prize awards for beating out the rest of the field.

"This is going to be a lot of fun - an event for those competitive father-n-child sets, adrenaline junkies and sportsmen," Hammons said. "It will be an extreme sprint event for serious paddlers and a challenging weekend for everyone else."

Those interested in participating in the race should pre-register with Mike Hammons by calling (502) 507-9364 or online at www.kycanoe.com.

*Personal flotation devices and drinking water are required for all participants. Flashlights and a means of communication are highly recommended. Local fire departments and event staff will be on the water to ensure safety for all participants.