2006 Potomac Whitewater Festival

 Join us at the only event that…

1) Directly Protects Your Back Yard Playground and

2) Celebrates this National Icon for Paddler Access

16th Annual Event to be Held July 15-16, 2006 by Festival Volunteers

This year, the Steering Committee made a clear choice and change in focus. While we all love introducing paddling on the Potomac to new people and potential paddlers, this event is for the thousands of paddlers in our community…the DC boaters with whom kinships is critical to maintain our relationship with the community, and access to the resource. 

Funny, after we decided to focus our attention on our own community, we attracted the attention of Metro Sports (see their special issue this month) and the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/24/AR2006062400535.html

Here’s a bit of Potomac Whitewater Festival myth slaying:

Myth: It is for hucksters only.

Fact: This year’s event rekindles age-old beloved events.  The surf fest will recognize the best retro outfit and gear, and the attainment race will once again show that long boats can rule.  In addition, the 6-8 gate jiffy slalom will both challenge you just enough…and remind us all of how easy the skilled make it look.

Myth: There’s nothing new going on.

Fact:  Aside from perhaps seeing new faces and enthusiasm, Boatercross on Sunday afternoon (from the Fishbowl down through ODeck wave:  short and sweeeeet.

Myth:  No money purses, no cool pros to watch.

Fact:  Nope.  The Great Falls Race will see the super accomplished locals and visiting pros whip it up over the drop(s) and on the waves.  Tanya Shuman, Eric Jackson and others will be here, as well as our home grown champions Kristen Podolak, Luke Hopkins and Joe Stumpfel.

 For more information on the Potomac Festival go to: http://www.potomacfest.com/.