PADDLING — The artificial wave that has become a fixture in downtown Missoula and attracted kayakers from across the nation needs emergency repairs.

Brennan’s Wave was completed in 2006 and has served as a site for the U.S. Kayak Team’s Olympic Trial and the Montana Whitewater Championships, according to a story in the Missoulian.

Trent Baker, the spokesman for the nonprofit organization that funded the wave’s construction and oversees an endowment for its maintenance, says the wave has a giant crack in its middle chute.

The Missoulian reports runoff flows in the Clark Fork River likely caused the erosion.

Baker’s nonprofit has $20,000 to put toward fixing the crack but the repairs are expected to cost $50,000.

The group is seeking donations.

PADDLING — Top paddlers are zeroing in on Montana's Clark Fork River this weekend for the Best in the West kayak competition, one of the longest standing kayak events in the U.S.

Every year in the middle of May, kayakers converge in Missoula to surf Brennan’s Wave and the “Comp Hole” on the Alberton Gorge —one of the best playspots in North America (10,000-15,000 cfs, USGS Clark Fork below Missoula gage).  Paddlers say this venue provides the canvas for the best of what the true freestyle kayaking lifestyle has to offer.

Contact: Zoo Town Surfers, 1001 E Broadway #2-401, Missoula, MT 59802, (406) 546-0370 or emal waves@zootownsurfers.com

Read on for details.