Boater Chick Festival to benefit American Whitewater
Posted: 04/25/2008
By: Ben Van Camp
A group of ladies started a discussion about the need
for an all women's paddling event. Plans progressed and the Boater Chick Festival benefiting
American Whitewater was born. This first annual festival
is a gathering of female boaters in the class II-V whitewater range. The location will
be at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, North Carolina on Saturday May 17th and Sunday May
18th. The hope is to encourage women in boating to get more involved, show off,
improve their skills, meet other women in boating, paddle together, compete, and celebrate.
There will be river trips Saturday on the Cheoah, Ocoee, and Nantahala rivers. On
Sunday there will be trips on the Green Narrows, Cheoah, Ocoee, and Nantahala
rivers. There will be an Ocoee advanced/intermediate playboat competition, a Nantahala
beginner playboat competition, and a Cheoah Boatercross race. The prizes for these
competitions and the gear for the raffle include items from our awesome sponsors: NOC,
Werner, Shred Ready, Immersion Research, Stohlquist, AT, Jackson Kayak, Amigos Drysuit
Repair, Plastic Welding Services, and more to come. This festival would not be possible
without the help of our sponsors. Thanks to all of you for believing in this
festival!!
Guys are more than welcome to join the festivities.
Only the river competitions and clinics are ladies only. There will
be a dinner Saturday night honoring the Boater Chick of the Year, watching footage of the
days events, a raffle/auction for some great gear, a party after the dinner, live
music, and more. All whitewater paddling disciplines are welcome to join
in-- Kayaks, open boats, C1, C2, squirt boaters, racers, etc. All proceeds
will be donated to American Whitewater. This festival will continue for many years
to come, but join us please for the grass roots, casual, first annual Boater Chick Festival.
When: May 17-18
Where: NOC Nantahala
Guided and casual rivers trips: Green Narrows,
Cheoah, Ocoee, Nantahala
Clinics: Nantahala Beginner Playboat, Ocoee Advanced Playboat
Competitions: Nantahala Beginner Playboat,
Ocoee Advanced Playboat, Cheoah Boatercross on the last 2 miles of the run.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! You only have to work part of one day
so you don't miss any of the festivities. Help is needed with all aspects of the festival
including trip leaders and rescue boaters. All volunteers get into the festival and
all of the events and competitions FREE!!!! All volunteers will also get to eat for
free!!! Please consider giving back by volunteering for this unique event. We
need the help of both girls and guys. Please contact anne@boaterchickfestival.com to volunteer or to voice any
questions/comments you may have.
More festival information:
Ben VanCamp
49 Johnston Blvd
Asheville, NC 28806
E-mail: ben@americanwhitewater.org
Phone: 828-713-5825
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