2008 WRPC Events
NEW YEARS DAY PADDLE

For those hardy souls who want to start the new year right.  Just show up at the boathouse on New Years Day at 8:30 a.m. and have a fun paddle with like-minded individuals.  Everybody welcome.

KAYAK POOL SESSION – DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Polish your kayak rolling skills in the warm water environment of Eastmont Pool.  If interested, call Dave Jaecks at 662-6773 or Kyle Flick at 782-1044.

CRAB CREEK – SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Paddle the pleasant final 18 miles of Washington’s longest creek which features an abundance of water birds, a few stray cows, a strip of riverine habitat surrounded by sagebrush, and one short Class II drop which may result in a refreshing swim.  Call Dave Jaecks with any questions, 662-6773.

APPLE CAPITAL MARATHON – SUNDAY, APRIL 27 

This event begins at Walla Walla Park at 9 a.m. You may choose to race in the shorter course, approximately seven miles, or you can choose the longer course of approximately 14 miles.  You may also choose to tour rather than race.  Call Tom Feil with any questions, 884-3765.

HANFORD REACH – SATURDAY, JUNE 21 

Experience the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River preserved due to the presence of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation along the west bank.  The full reach is 33 miles and overnight camping is restricted so we will do a manageable portion of the reach as a day trip.  Class I.  Call Dave Jaecks with any questions, 662-6773.

SPANISH CASTLE – SATURDAY, JULY 19 

Rendezvous at the boathouse and be ready to leave at 9 a.m.  Mark Behler from the Wenatchee Valley Museum accompanies us on a paddle down the Columbia River to the site of an old Spanish castle.   We may stop at other points along the way to view pictographs or proceed further downstream than the Spanish castle site.  Bring your own food and water.  Call Mike Bills with any questions, 662-4272.

BRIDGE & BACK – SUNDAY, JULY 20 

This is a noncompetitive event which begins at 8 a.m. at the boathouse.  Each participant guesses how long it will take to paddle up around the Odebashion Bridge and back.  Refreshments will be served after the event.  Call Loraine Jaecks with any questions, 662-6773.

ORONDO TO LINCOLN PARK PADDLE & POTLUCK – SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

This is a noncompetitive event.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, and drinks will be provided.  Side dishes are potluck and they can be dropped off at Lincoln Rock State park prior to proceeding to the 9 a.m. put-in at Orondo River Park (about a mile past Orondo Elementary School of SR97) at 9 a.m.  Plan to rendezvous at 8:45 at Lincoln Rock.  Everybody is welcome.  Call Stacie Hoiland with any questions, 670-7276.

ROCK ISLAND TO VANTAGE – SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTMBER 20-21

Thirty miles, all downstream, two-day paddle in sea kayaks or canoes with an overnight primitive camp en route.  Much of the west bank is in a scenic natural state with basalt cliffs and sagebrush-covered hills unchanged since David Thompson saw it in 1811 as the first European paddler.  Some club boats may be available for use.  Call Dave Jaecks with any questions, 662-6773.

GUANO ROCKS – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

This annual event begins at Lincoln Rock State Park and goes out around Guano Rocks and back.  You may tour the course at your own pace or you may race the course. Launch will be at 9 a.m. and snacks will be provided after the event.  Call Larry Tobiska with any questions, 662-3209.

OTHER.  Interested in more racing?  The Sound Rowers (as in Puget Sound) race calendar for 2007 is posted at www.soundrowers.org.