River Race Is Classic Fun At All Skill Levels

Canoeists typically don’t flock. They like to spread out on lakes and streams to find their solitary moments among the eddies, rapids and wildlife.

But at least 100 paddlers are expected to jam the beach at Corbin Park Saturday for the start of the Spokane River Canoe Classic.

The race originated with prize money to attract the nation’s top marathon paddlers. Nine years later, the race has evolved into a more casual event to fund projects that improve river access for non-motorized boats.

“The idea is to get people on the river and make them aware of it,” said co-organizer Robbi Castleberry.

“We have something very special that few other cities have - a great river running right through town. Once people are aware of the river, it’s easier to get backing to improve access sites for passive use and discourage destructive uses of the shoreline.”

Instead of awarding prize money for the top racers, the Classic’s sponsors donate prizes for drawings. This gives the last-place finisher the same chance to win a prize as the fastest boat on the water.

The Classic attracts a spectrum of paddlers. The race usually is led by long, skinny, ultra-light racing shells, followed by canoes that range from sleek to barge-like.

Speed has a price, however, even in canoeing. I learned this first-hand last week after wedging my knees in to the narrow confines of the bow in Tom Smith’s feather-light canoe.

“How’s your brace?” asked Smith, another Classic co-organizer, before we peeled out into the raging Spokane River last week.

“I’m not sure,” I said. “In my canoe, you rarely have to do a brace.”

Little beads of sweat were beading at Smith’s temples. Although his boat is not quite as skinny as a racing boat, it’s far narrower and less stable than the average recreational touring canoe. boat into water like that with a paddler you don’t know,” said Smith after running the river from Corbin Park to Harvard Road.

“Racing boats are built to go straight rather than turn. Big boils and eddies jerk the front of the boat something fierce. You need maneuvering skills, a good brace, draw and pry to keep from tipping over.”

In rapids, racers might even use the speed-killing J-stroke to correct and stay in control.

“Running one of these boats in the Spokane River takes a lot more concentration than a race on flatwater,” he said.

The more streamlined the boat, the more skill level required he said. “Otherwise you swim, and lose a lot of time.”

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CANOE CLASSIC Start: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Corbin Park in Post Falls. Registration: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. $10 fee. Courses: 7-mile citizens course to Harvard Road, plus 15-mile course to Plantes Ferry Park for marathon racers and relay teams. Prizes: Drawings for more than $1,000 in gear. Organizer: Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club to raise funds for river access projects. Info: See “Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest,” Page G2, or call 624-8384.