Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival - River Board Competition
Extreme Down River & BoaterX River Board Competitions
Q: I'm new to riverboarding, can I race?
A: Sure! Come on out and join the fun. You'll need the minimum required gear, and you must be able to swim, but some events will have demo gear and time to get out on the river with experienced riverboarders and learn this cool new sport before you race. If you don't have any gear we'll provide it for you to race with, so long as you show a reasonable level of competence in the water while out with a demo guide.
Q: Boardercross sounds awesome, I'll definitely race - how's it gonna work?
A: There will be two types of races, the Downriver Slalom race for time, and the head-to-head full contact boardercross race. In the Downriver race, riverboarders will be started individually at Fish Creek and will race against the clock down through the gates in Carter Falls through the finish line. In the Boardercross race, riverboarders will race in heats of 3-5 from above Carter Falls through a specified number of gates (to make the course challenging). If needed there will be 2 heats and a final.
Q: Isn't this dangerous? Will there be any safety in place?
A: We are taking every safety precaution possible. The sections of river chosen will be used because they are at the upper level of excitement and challenge, but also within the realm of safety that events like this require. We will also have safety personnel in place along the course on the shore.
Q: What do I need in order to race? I don't have a lot of fancy gear, but I do have a board and fins.
A: Great! That's what you need. You'll also be required to wear a helmet and a PFD. Most of the races will be in cold water so it's a good idea to wear a wetsuit, but if you've got a board, PFD, helmet, and fins, then come join the fun and race! If you don't have that, we'll provide it, again only so long as you demonstrate that we can turn you loose in the river and you'll be able to fend for yourself.
Q: Is there an entry fee to race?
A: Yes, and Face Level will be giving away prize money to the top 3 racers so you can win back your entry fee and then some! (Well, if you can beat reigning champion Docta P...)
Q: Is there a "pole position" like in auto racing or the 100m dash, for those who win their heats?
A: Absolutely. Depending on the starting line, the current, the route to the main rapid, racers who place the highest in the qualifying heats will be granted the most favorable positions at the starting line.
Q: Will there be judges ensuring fair starts and races? And what if I want to appeal a race result because of an alleged infraction, etc?
A: There will be at least one person that will have some "ref" power that you can complain to; however, the decision of the judges is final. Instant replay may be used to decide the outcome of a complaint or an appeal. Excessive whining may result in bludgeoning with a rubber tent peg.
Q: Can I use paddles on my hands, or webbed gloves?
A: You may use webbed gloves ONLY if they are actually gloves. "Gloves" are defined as "form fitting on the hand and allowing free and normal movement of the fingers". All neoprene webbed gloves are acceptable; plastic hand paddles are NOT allowed, since they don't conform to the requirements.
Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival Operates Under Special Use Permit with the US Forest Service. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs Persons with disabilities who require.) alternative means for communication of program information - (Braille large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326 W. Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964(voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The North West Rafters Association is a public benefit, non-profit corporation registered with the State of Oregon. The NWRA possesses a non-profit 501(C)3 status granted by the United States Bureau of Internal Revenue. Based upon the association's corporate registration with both of these entities, the NWRA is required to abide by the rules and regulations established by both the State of Oregon and the United States Bureau of Internal Revenue. Copyright ? North West Rafters Association, 2001-2010.
