Paddlers, rafters and non-paddlers alike are invited to California Canoe & Kayak and Jackson Kayak’s 2nd Annual Opening Day on the River, April 5, 2014, in Coloma/Lotus, California.
Opening Day on the River celebrates the start of the whitewater season on the South Fork of the American River. Starting with kayak clinics from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and concluding with a BBQ, Films, Raffle and Music from 4:00 – 10:00 pm, Opening Day is for all river enthusiasts. Water activities are at various locations on the South Fork; land festivities take place at the California Canoe & Kayak (CCK) Outpost, 7221 Hwy 49, Lotus, CA 95651.
The event is a benefit for American Whitewater, whose mission is “to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.” Last year Opening Day on the River raised over $3700 for American Whitewater. This year the goal is to raise $5000.
The men and women from World Kayak are back to share their paddling expertise and will be teaching a variety of clinics. New clinics include Stand-up Paddling with Sean Morley and Fletcher Burton and Slalom with Sage Donnelly and the Loma Prieta Paddlers. A community slalom race will take place at the Nugget on April 6th at 8 am. Other clinics include Spice up your River Running with Colin Kemp and Noah Fraser, Intro to Creeking with Daniel Brasuell and Bryan Tupper, Class 2 River Running with Toby Edens and Diane Gaydos, and Intro to Playboating with Ruth Gordon and Jessica Yurtinus. Kokatat is providing demo drysuits and Werner Paddles is providing demo paddles for use in the clinics. Thanks to Bill Center for use of the Nugget and Dan Crandall of Current Adventure Kayak School for use of the slalom gates.
Everyone is welcome at the evening celebration hosted by CCK at their South Fork Outpost, starting at 4 pm. Food is provided by CCK and Gold Country Paddlers. Ninkasi Brewing is back again generously providing libations. Food and beverage donation is requested. Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win your Jackson Kayak of choice, or an NRS Inflatable SUP among other great prizes including Gift Certificates from Sierra Rizing and Sierra Nevada House. Raffle tickets available to purchase $10 each only 250 will be sold. Need not be present to win. If you can’t make the event and still want to support the Raffle call our Oakland Shop at 510-893-7833 to purchase your Raffle tickets.
Film presentations are courtesy of Awetstate.com creator, Daniel Brasuell, with a showing of “Walled In” fromClear H2O films. Live music provided by Jah Mercury and Brod Rob.
If you would like to volunteer for land duty helping out with food prep and clean-up, please contact Tammy Borichevsky at 510-893-7833 or email at Tammy (at) calkayak.com.
Matt is all about the water activities and entertainment. Matt Parker at 530-957-4754 or email matt_parker (at)calkayak.com.
Big thanks to Tammy Borichevsky, Matt Parker, California Canoe & Kayak and Jackson Kayaks for providing this information and putting together this fun event!
