Page 57 - Flathead Beacon // 5.20.2015

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MAY 20, 2015 | 57
Those athletes include last year’s winner, who hailed from Spain, as well as members of the Oregon and Chil- ean rafting teams.
This year, the event features its nor- mal slate of races and activities, as well as special, limited-edition 40th anniver- sary trucker hats, T-shirts and hoodies.
Three races stand out as the event’s most popular – the expert slalom, the downriver race and the giant slalom. To win the cash prize, kayakers must combine their times from all three races. The first place prize is $2,000, second place is $1,000 and third place is $500, while rafters are eligible for $800, $500 and $200.
“We offer the biggest cash prizes in the region,” said organizer Beth Woods, adding that the cash incentive has at- tracted big-name kayakers from around the world. “It’s a nice incentive and, coupled with the big water, draws a lot of big names.”
In the slalom race, kayakers navigate about 20 gates hung over the churning rapids. The downriver race pits kay- akers on the entire length of the Wild Mile, starting at the dam above Bigfork and running all the way to Sliter Park in downtown. The races are accessible for spectators on the Swan River Na- ture Trail, making it easy for families to watch the whitewater action.
In addition to the three advanced races, the festival dishes up something for everyone, with a slalom course
The 40th annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival is May 23-24. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
geared toward beginners, a triath- lon for endurance types and standup paddleboard demos.
Jonathan Meyers, a Bigfork native and professional kayaker who now helps organize the event, described it as sur- real to see his hometown event celebrate its 40th anniversary. Having traveled the world for whitewater events and competitions, he said nothing compares
to the Wild Mile.
“I used to paddle the Mile before
class started in high school, and growing up here I sort of took it for granted,” Mey- ers said. “I didn’t realize how good I had it. And now, coming back to this venue, it really is the perfect venue for a whitewa- ter festival. Even though the water level isn’t optimum, it’s going to be a challeng- ing course and a lot of fun to watch.”
“Here’s to another 40 years,” he added.
The official schedule of events will be posted on the festival’s website, big- forkwhitewaterfestival.com. Addition- ally, the website offers pre-registration as well as limited edition 40th Bigfork Whitewater Festival merchandise. Up- dates and information will also be posted on the festival’s official Facebook page.
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