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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Spokane River Canoe (Kayak and SUB) Classic set for June 30

Boats of all descriptions are on the beach at Corbin Park in Post Falls ready for the start of Sunday's Spokane River Canoe Classic. (Rich Landers / The Spokesman-Review)
Boats of all descriptions are on the beach at Corbin Park in Post Falls ready for the start of Sunday's Spokane River Canoe Classic. (Rich Landers / The Spokesman-Review)

OUTPADDLE – Two new twists highlight the 2012 Spokane River Canoe Classic: a later date and a category for stand up paddle boards to go along with canoes and kayaks that run the river.

The annual event will launch a colorful flotilla in a mass start from Post Falls’ Corbin Park at 11 a.m. on June 30 – that’s two weeks later than normal to avoid high river flows that have forced Mountain Gear organizers to move the event to flatwater some years.

An added benefit: the weather and water will be warmer, said John Schwartz, Mountain Gear store manager.

Participants can enter the Citizens Division and paddle 7 miles to Harvard Road, or the Marathon Division to challenge Flora and Sullivan rapids on the 13-mile run to Plante’s Ferry Park.

Among the various categories for men and women in canoes or kayaks, is the slot for stand up paddle boards.

“SUP is the fastest growing part of paddle sports,” Schwartz said. “It needed to be included.”

Prize divisions include best costume, most swims, oldest boat, fastest and slowest participants.

Pre-register: Forms available at Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division, or get details and download a registration form here.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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