Contest Categories
Sponsored by Jackson Kayak Tell us a story about something extraordinary that happened on a river. Send us a story – preferably with pictures – that makes us smile, gasp or nod our heads in appreciation. Stories need not be about difficult or previously un-run rivers, as long as they keep us interested. Prize: Winner’s choice of any whitewater kayak from Jackson Kayak Sponsored by Wavesport Make us look twice! Send us your best photo. It should be awe-inspiring, thought provoking, or humorous. If a picture is worth 1000 words, the winner of this category will be worth at least 10,000. Prize: Winner’s choice of any whitewater kayak from Wavesport Sponsored by Pyranha Make us laugh! If you (and, more importantly, other people) think you’re funny, send us something that shows it. Humorous stories need not include photos, though authors may include illustrations. Stories must involve whitewater rivers, at least peripherally. Prize: Winner’s choice of any whitewater kayak from Pyranha and Access Sponsored by Kokatat Educate us! Tell or show us how river conservation and/or access has affected or might affect a whitewater river. This is a great opportunity to share the secrets to and the rewards of a conservation or access victory or to inform AW members of a river that needs protection or restoration. Photos encouraged. Prize: A Rogue Gore-Tex® Drytop
River Story
River Photo
River Humor
River Conservation
American Whitewater 2005 River Writing and Photo Contest Rules
- Eligibility: Entries must be received by midnight, August 15, 2005. Only members of American Whitewater are eligible to win contest prizes.
- Format: Manuscripts may be no longer than 3000 words. All material submitted for the contest must not have been previously published and not submitted elsewhere until the prizes are awarded. Written work must be saved in electronic format; Microsoft Word is the preferred document type. Entries will be accepted on floppy disc, CD or DVD, or via e-mail. Word count, along with writer’s name, phone number, e-mail address (optional), and division entered (River Story, River Conservation and Access or River Humor) on the title page only of the manuscript. Do not put your name on any page other than the title page. Please title all entries and have that title, along with page numbers, on each page. Photos should also be accompanied by a title page including photographer’s name, phone number, e-mail (optional) and a short (<100 word) description of the scene. All entries must be original and the sole work and property of the Entrant.
- Addresses:
Mail entries to:
American Whitewater
Attn: River Writing and Photo Contest
20 Battery Park Ave, Suite 302
Asheville, NC 28801
E-mail entries to:
E-mails must have the word “Contest” in the subject line in order for entries to be considered.
Separate entries do not have to be mailed separately, but they must follow proper formatting. Not responsible for lost, late, postage due or misdirected mail.
- Categories:
River Story: Entries should tell a story involving a whitewater river. Entries will be judged on the originality and entertainment value of their story and by the quality of their writing. Entries must be non-fiction and should include photos that enhance the understanding and appreciation of their story.
River Humor: Qualified entries must tell a story, or comment on a river-related issue with an attempt at making readers laugh. Entries will be judged on the success of their humor and on the quality of their writing. Winning entries will be printed in a magazine that represents American Whitewater, an organization comprised of whitewater enthusiasts of all ages; entries not suitable for this audience will be disqualified.
River Conservation and Access: Entries should discuss an actual or potential opportunity for river conservation or access. Preference will be given to works concerning little-known resources, or those discussing well-known rivers with a unique twist. Articles with photos are encouraged.
River Photo: Entries must include whitewater river-related content in their composition. Photos should tell a story, evoke an emotion, or make viewers think without needing written explanation. Entries should be of sufficient quality to be printed at full-page dimensions. Photos of sub-standard resolution will be disqualified. Photos, both digital and film, may be cropped and brightened/darkened. Any further image manipulation is forbidden and may result in disqualification of an entry.
- Judging: Submissions will be judged on the basis of the above guidelines. Decisions of the judges on all matters, including but not limited to the verification of winners, the interpretation of rules or the creation of further rules is final and binding on all parties.
- Legal: Author/Photographer retains ownership of her/his work. Any manuscripts, photos or digital media will not be returned unless entrant includes a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Contest void where prohibited by law. American Whitewater reserves the right to publish any and all entries at any time following the contest. Entries to the written categories will be edited prior to publication.
- Tips:
For Authors: Few stories can be effective and enjoyable when told chronologically. If you have a reason to write (other than beating your chest), you will find that your story sounds nothing like a trip report. Remember, it is ok to leave out details that will not improve appreciation of the story. Finally, more is not better when writing; if you say it as efficiently as possible, readers and judges will thank you.
For Photographers: This contest will not reward the photo of the gnarliest rapid. Please do not put yourself or your friends in any compromising or dangerous position to compose your entry.