2006 Potomac Whitewater Festival

This summer come cheer on world class kayakers and canoeists as they race down Great Falls on the Potomac River at the 16^th Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival, July 15-16, 2006.  Freestyle Kayaking World Champion and Olympian Eric Jackson will revisit the site of his close call with fellow competitor Jason Beakes in 2005 as they race head-to-head down Class V rapids.

“Although the Great Falls race is the undisputed highlight of the festival, there are numerous other activities during the weekend including beginner clinics, freestyle and slalom competitions, and a community downriver race,” notes Risa Shimoda, Potomac Festival 2006 organizer.  “We’re celebrating the paddling community, and welcome everyone who is interested in this fun and exciting sport.” 

In addition to the paddling events there will be a party Saturday night withgreat food, live bluegrass from the local band The Dixie Cannonballs, a video premiere of “Mission: Epicocity”, and a video highlight of the Falls Race by Local Paddler.

The festival supports the nation’s leading advocate for the protection of whitewater river resources, American Whitewater. Kayaking industry leaders and other non-profit river conservation groups will be on-hand at the festival.

The Potomac River, nicknamed ‘the Nation’s River,’ is the birthplace of many world-class paddlers.  They learned and expanded their paddling skills on its waves and holes, slalom courses, and when they became experts – the Class V waterfalls. The festival showcases the variety of paddling disciplines while raising funds to protect future access to this amazing river resource.

To see the event schedule or to register, visit www.potomacfest.com.

For more information contact Kristen Podolak k.podolak@gmail.com or Risa Shimoda risa@theshimodagroup.com(301) 502-6548.