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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Once Hardcore, Canoe Classic Has Lightened Up Emphasis On Fun, Not Competition In Recent Years

Mike Vlahovich Staff Writer

Floating the artery that cuts through the Valley, some 100 canoe enthusiasts today will define the metamorphosis of the Spokane River Canoe Classic from world-class competition to a simple appreciation of nature’s beauty.

The Valley’s Ed Honodel Sr. and his family personify the melding of the competitive racer and casual participant.

Six of the Colorado transplants have participated for diverse reasons much as today’s entrants will.

“It’s gone from a serious international race to much more recreational for fun,” said race organizer Robbi Castleberry.

Honodel, 69, and a cousin’s husband, Lee Hall, will be in it for the second year. Honodel’s sister, Julie Todich, and her husband, Dave, also canoed last year.

As recreational entrants they’ll enjoy the river scenery that captivated world-class competitors, who in turn brought it to the attention of the locals.

Honodel’s sons, Ed Jr. and Scott, are more serious racers. Making their sixth appearance in the race, they will attempt to defend a championship won last year.

“Like any race, you can look at the river or get wound up in the competition,” Ed Honodel Jr. said.

The Spokane River Canoe Classic begins at 9:30 a.m. at Corbin Park in Post Falls. Late registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. at the park.

The casual paddler, out to enjoy the scenery, finishes at Harvard Road bridge, five miles downstream. The more competitive canoeists will continue on seven more miles to Plantes Ferry Park through Class II rapids at Flora and Sullivan.

“The rapids are probably the hairiest part,” Ed Honodel Jr. said. “Last year was the first year we got through them without sinking. One year we dumped twice. We’re finally getting the hang of them. But who knows? We may dump again.”

Like any river, he said, the Spokane has its lulls and rapids. And the water is cold. The first year the brothers spilled and swam the rapids, hypothermia nearly set in.

All participants are required to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets. Those canoes that cover the entire 12 miles must carry flotation devices.

The River Classic will feature everything from high-end racing canoes of cedar strip or Kevlar construction to kayaks, surf skis and low-end plastic canoes.

The day’s event culminates in a picnic and awards - for just about everyone entered - at Plantes Ferry Park.

“There are not so many hotshots coming in,” said Castleberry of the ninth River Classic. “It’s about the picnic and prizes for everybody afterward just because it’s fun.”

Ed Honodel Jr. had canoed the Colorado River before moving here.

“We were pretty abusive with the canoes,” he said. “A friend and I used to rent them and after we broke one in half they wouldn’t let us any more.”

After moving here, Scott Honodel read about the race and talked his older brother into entering.

The brothers have been a part of change to the current shorter version of the River Classic. The race originally began in Coeur d’Alene and ended at Riverfront Park.

Top paddlers from throughout the United States and Canada entered. The event paid through the top seven placers with a $3,000 first prize.

“Paddlers enjoyed the river and said this was the outer limits of competitive pro paddling,” said Castleberry.

They also marveled at the gorgeous scenery that some said made them forget about racing.

But city parks officials decided the finish conflicted with Riverfront Park activities and the IRS would not grant non-profit status to an organization that paid prize money.

The decision was made to change the focus of the race.

“What we’re trying to tell people is that Spokane has a beautiful river in its back yard and to keep it beautiful,” said Castleberry. “We have something really special.”

For everyone, as the Honodel family can attest.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo