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.