Date: Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 2003
Location: Trinity Adventure Park, Hwy 299 in Big Flat, CA
Contact: Dave Steinhauser 530 623-3033, or Paul Alleson 530 623-3665
Website: www.trinityriverrafting.com/event.html
The Trinity River Whitewater Festival introduces new competitions for 2003 with a “Boatercross” race, Saturday, April 12, followed by a “Freestyle Through a Rapid” competition on Sunday, April 13. Paul Alleson, Eddy Shop operator, emphasized “a cash purse for winners is currently set at $500, and is expected to increase. Additional prizes of quality boating gear, will entice competitors to give their best.”
The Festival will be staged at the Trinity Adventure Park, scenically situated along the Trinity River in Big Flat. Both competitions will be held on “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” rapid between the park and the newly developed USFS Big Flat River Access. Alleson adds that, “On Saturday night a party with the paddlers includes live music and BBQ.”
“Boatercross,” according to David Steinhauser of Trinity River Rafting, who has watched the Festival grow since it began in 1999, “features intense heats of four head-to-head competitors. First and second place finishers advance to another heat until winners are established.” Steinhauser describes Freestyle Through a Rapid as “A two minute ride of fun and flash, where contestants perform hole riding moves—ones we have seen demonstrated in past years –as well as moves using river features including waves, rocks, eddylines, and currents. This event is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.”
Last years event drew 90 competitors, and 300 spectators. Six local competitors went on to the Nationals. Trinity River Ranger, Scott Ligare, placed 4th in the national Freestyle in a Rapid, expert division, and in the Sport Class, Jeremy McNeely, of Redding, placed 1st in Hole Riding. Big Bar local Nathan Thompson, at only 12 years of age, competed in the Junior Sport class.
An American Whitewater Champion Event, the festival’s non-profit status serves to benefit river conservation and access. Kevin Lewis, AW Vice President, of Redding, will be on hand to provide updates on issues concerning local rivers; Trinity, Pit, and North Fork Feather.