CALENDAR

April

Apr 8Deep Cove Paddlesport Races-Vancouver, WA. Ten years of Tuesday Night fun kayak races in Deep Cove. This weekly race has become a Vancouver institution. 80 - 130 paddlers line-up and do battle in short fun races. Paddlers of all abilities welcome. Sea kayaks, Surf Skis, Outriggers, Dugout Canoes or anything that floats. Some races may include short runs and swims, during the warmer summer months. Weekly April 8 - September 16www.deepcovekayak.com/

Apr 11-13 Port Angeles Kayak Symposium- Port Angeles, WA. Seventh Annual sea kayak symposium on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. On-line registration starts March 12th at http://www.raftandkayak.com/ks5.html

April 14 Plastic Navy Kayak Fishing Tournament Trail, Mission Bay,CA.- The Plastic Navy Tournament Trail, a 6-event series of catch and release saltwater bass tournamentskicks off on April 14 at Mission Bay. This is fun kayak fishing competition ramped up to an all-new level, with serious money, a glittering prize list, sweet goody bags and raffle prizes, and major bragging rights up for grabs. The Trail will stop at Newport Dunes (June 2), La Jolla Shores (July 14), Dana Pt. (Sept. 15), and Newport Harbor (Oct. 27) before the grand finale on San Diego Bay (Dec. 8).. For additional information, please visit www.kayakfishnation.com, home of Plastic Navy.

April 14-15 , Navasota,TX.- The sixth annual Hidalgo Falls River Festival will be held at the TRPA Hidalgo Falls property on the Brazos River near Navasota, TX. The festival, which is the year's major fund-raising event to maintain paddlers' access to the rapid, attracted more than 250 paddlers and spectators last year. Dealer reps and outfitters will have boats and gear available for demos on moving water, and (based on past years) many boaters will come as early as Friday to enjoy the nice play levels on the river and to camp in the upstream and downstream campgrounds.

April 18 Blazing Paddles - A Roadshow of the National Paddling Film Festival,Kalispell, MT.- April 18th, 2008, Glacier High School Performance Hall, 7-10 p.m. It's WET, it's WILD, it's BLAZING PADDLES! Silver Moon Kayak Company will be hosting their fourth annual event featuring a select and diverse group of films from the National Paddling Film Festival on April 18th, at the Glacier High School Performance Hall at 7 p.m. http://www.silvermoonkayak.com/.

April 19 3rd Annual Kayak-A-Thon,Palm Beach , FL.- Join an adventurous 15 mile kayak for charity trip down the Intra-coastal Waterway from Riviera Beach to Lake Worth to benefit Palm Beach County Reef Rescue and Shake-A-Leg Miami. Kayakers have friends, family, and associates sponsor them monetarily for the event, much like a walk-a-thon. Tools and support will be provided to make these individual’s efforts a success and a safe event. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided to those who do not have their own. We had 30 kayakers last year and expect at least 60 this year. www.kayakathon.com/

Apr 20 Blazing Paddles Film Festival Roadshow- Kalispell,MT.It's WET, it's WILD, it's BLAZING PADDLES! Silver Moon Kayak company will be hosting this third annual event featuring a select and diverse group of films from the National Paddling Film Festival . A portion of the proceeds will go to support American Whitewater and a kayak will be given away at intermission. This will be an evening full of high quality films with a common element—having fun on or in the water.http://www.silvermoonkayak.com/.

Apr 21 Shark Bite Challenge-Dunedin, Fl. The 4th Annual Shark Bite Challenge (formerly the Caladesi Kayak Challenge) at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, FL. The race consists of a 4-mile recreational and an 8-mile competitive race. Many styles of paddle craft are welcome including, sea kayaks, sit-on-tops, paddleboards, surfskis, and outirgger canoes. The Shark Bite Challenge is the anchor for "Celebrate Earth Day 2007 with Friends", a festival celebrating the holiday with food, music, environmentally sound vendors, and environmental education. Come play with us at one of Florida's most beautiful beaches. Please visit www.celebratewithfriends.org , and online registration is available at www.active.com . All proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Island Parks.

April 21 Whatcom Outdoor Expo-Bellingham,WA.- Second Annual Outdoor Expo featuring dozens of the areas best outdoor recreation companies.Whatever we can do outdoors in the Northwest will be here... Kayaks, Mountain Climbing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, RVs, Sky Diving, Boats, Adventure Tours, and your favorite outdoor clubs and much, much more! Test paddle kayaks, try out scuba diving in a dry-suit, and jump in that fishing boat for a spin! This is an Outdoor, hands-on Expo... held mostly indoors.http://www.whatcomoutdoorexpo.com.

April 21 BluCruz Marathon,Vicksburg,MS.- Multi-Class Canoe and Kayak event. The BluzCruz marathon is a 22 mile canoe and kayak race down the Mighty Mississippi River. The event will be held in Historic Vicksburg MS on April 21st in conjunction with RiverFest weekend. The weekend will be full of activities for paddlers and non-paddlers alike. The proceeds from the event will benefit SERVICE OVER SELF Christian youth organization. Check out our website for more exciting details. www.bluzcruz.com

April 22 Bayou Teche Bear Festival Paddle, Franklin,LA.- The Friends of Bayou Teche Refuge is sponsoring a 10 mile paddle on the Bayou Teche Refuge in Franklin Louisiana on April 22 2007. The Event is free to anyone with their own boat. Canoes will be provided to members of the Friends group. A lunch will be provided. For more information contact needtopaddle@yahoo.com Phone: 337-276-6519 E-Mail: needtopaddle@yahoo.com

April 28 Sea Kayak Spring Seminar , Renton,WA.- Paddlesports season is coming. Be prepared & attend the Sea Kayak Spring Seminar April 28th at the Renton Community Center. The Sea Kayak Spring Seminar will begin with keynote speaker Jennifer Hahn, author of Spirited Waters: Soloing South Through the Inside Passage. Throughout the day, you will enjoy expert instruction in your choice of courses, browse an indoor/outdoor Paddler's Market, and network with other kayakers. Attend the daylong seminar for only $35, or come & browse the Paddler's Market for free! Details and tickets online: www.wwta.org/seminar.

April 25-27Olympic Trials for Whitewater Slalom - Charlotte, NC - US Nat. WW CTRCome see future Olympians from around the world compete in the 2008 US Olympic Team Trials for Whitewater Slalom and the 2008 Pan American Slalom Championship and Olympic Qualifier at the USNWC April 25-27. These elite athletes will be vying for a chance to go for the gold this summer in Beijing. The races will take place from 11 - 4 each day.www.usnwc.org

April 28 Wild Hog Canoe & Kayak Race- Levy County, FL.- the race starts at the Wacasassa Bridge on State Rd 24 in Bronson, FL. for a 15-mile race, which is like an obstacle course, over fallen trees, around bends, etc. It's a one-day event and fun for the whole family. There is food, music and raffles going on as we try to raise awareness of LARC. The LARC staff help out by selling shirts, raffle tickets and serving food and announcing prizes. We do pre-registration, plus you can register the day of the race, which many do..http://www.wildhog.wetpaint.com/.

May

May 3 -4 Think Kayak International Challenge, Whatcom Lake, WA and Deep Cove, BC, Can. - This two day will see paddlers from both sides of the border putting it all on the line for bragging rights. Bellingham and Deep Cove are hot spots for kayak racing supporting populations of enthusiastic sport paddlers. Saturday May 3 Whatcom Classic - 12 Miles- www.soundrowers.org/whatcom.htm
Sunday May 4 Tour de Indian Arm - Short Course 10 Km, Long Course 19 Km

May 11-12 Columbia River Paddlefest-Richland,WA. The 2007 Columbia River Paddlefest kicks off festivities with the kayak adventure film, the "Reel Paddle Film Festival" on Friday night, May 11th at the Richland Red Lion . Paddlefest demo day is set for May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is located at Howard Amon Park in Richland, WA. Paddlefest is an entirely FREE paddle day and open to the public.www.columbiariverpaddlefest.org.

May 11-12 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic- Jacksonville, FL.- the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament to be held in Jacksonville, Florida on May 11-12. The 4th annual Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic promotes kayak fishing in Jacksonville with a fun conservation-oriented format and raises funds for children’s programs through Daniel Memorial. The premier eco-tourism event also supports the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA).Officials expect that more than 200 kayak anglers will target Redfish, Trout, and Flounder in a catch-photo-release format with more than $50,000 in prizes and gifts. Last year’s Classic had a world’s largest attendance of 230 paddlers with more than $40,000 in prizes and gifts. The event raised over $18,000 for local children’s and conservation charities .http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/.

May 10-13 Reno River Festival-Reno,NV. Features an open competition, demonstrations, clinics, live music,after-parties, an expo, food, drinks and much more, the annual Reno River Festival has quickly become one of the largest and most popular whitewater festivals in the country. Now in its 4th year, the Festival attracts some of the world’s top record holders and is held at the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno. The whitewater course totals 2,600 feet of class 2 and 3 rapids, on a difficulty scale of 1 to 6, and includes north and south channels that surround an island with 7,000 tons of smooth flat rocks along the shores for easy river access and spectator seating. Call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit www.RenoRiverFestival.com for more information.

May 13 Kayak 4 A CKure Expedition -Lake Itasca, MN. A 2,350 mile journey from Lake Itasca, MN to the Gulf of Mexico by kayak starts May 13, 2007. The purpose of the expedition…to raise funds for children’s cancer. Check out our website at www.kayak4akure.org for more info.

May 17 -21 Seward Sea Kayaking Symposium , Seward, AK.- The Seward Sea Kayaking Symposium is a great opportunity for not only beginners, but intermediate and advanced kayakers to learn, improve, and share skills & information. There are a lot of different activities planned at venues all over Seward and Resurrection Bay including trips to Fox Island, Aialik Bay, Orca Island, Thumb Cove, Humpy Cove, Kayaker’s Cove, Sunny Cove, and more. In-water classes will be held at the Seward High School Pool and the Lowell Point State Recreation Area. Lecture Series classes are scheduled for the 2 conference rooms at the Hotel Edgewater, Alaska SeaLife Center and The Rae Building. The trade show will be held at the former Legends Restaurant in downtown Seward. www.seaexpoalaska.com.

May 18-20 Hudson Valley Kayak Symposium, Fishkill,NY.- Experience kayaking, revitalize your soul, restore your potential energy, eat healthy, and stay fit at the Hudson Valley Kayak Symposium. This year we have added new classes to our kayak instructional program that are specifically designed to be efficient, fun, and exciting. Our team of kayak instructors and coaches will show you how to safely get on the water for the first time, refine your existing technique and take your kayaking to the next level. We've also added a schedule of non-kayaking activities called movement and energy, which includes guided hikes, yoga and shapeshifting. Phone: 518 424-3986 E-Mail: jm@johnnymilleradventures.com www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com/hvks.htm.

May 18-20 Arkansas River Rally, Buena Vista,CO.- Whitewater enthusiasts descend on this small historic town on the Upper Arkansas River for a huge kickoff party to celebrate the start of the summer whitewater boating season. Buena Vista-based Colorado Kayak Supply is coordinating an action-packed weekend of fun and educational activities for paddlers of all ages and abilities. Kayakers from beginners to aspiring competitors can rub elbows with paddling manufacturers, top pro kayakers, and other industry pros during a weekend chock full of education, entertainment, gear shopping and camaraderie.Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center will be leading the instructional component for the weekend. Call 800-255-5784 for more information. http://www.rmoc.com/.

May 17-22Bushwhacker Challenge, Alma, MI. -Opening event Fri. evening May 16, and the Bushwhacker Challenge May 17-May 22. The challenge runs the Pine and Chippewa Rivers in Gratiot and Isabella counties with a 10 mile sprint, and 150 mile closed loop course through the cities of Alma, St.Louis, and Mt. Pleasant Michigan. This is a Verlen Kruger memorial event. Rentals available from Pine River Outfitters. Information and registration: www.krugercanoes.com

May 19-20Paddlefest,-Milwaukee, WI. Wisconsin’s largest test paddling event! • Try before you buy • Special Pricing • Factory Reps • Guided Paddle • Slide Shows • Clinics/Seminars. Come see the Waterwalker Film Festival For more information, call 414-271-7878 www.LaackeAndJoys.com .

May 19-20 Puget Sound Sea Kayak Symposium, Tacoma, WA.- Don't miss the Puget Sound Sea Kayak Symposium this weekend at Tacoma's Pt. Defiance Park. Classroom presentations, vendor booths, on-water classes and boat demos cater to all ages and abilities. Saturday evening, enjoy music and refreshments at the Water Walkers Ball, 6pm at the Mountaineer's Hall (2302 N 30th St, Tacoma). More information online:http://metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=97

May 25-28 West Michigan Sea Kayaking Symposium-Camp Pendalouan, Big Blue Lake, Muskegon County, MI. 18th Annual West Michigan Sea Kayaking Symposium sponsored by West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association.Focus on beginning and intermediate kayakers On-water and land-based modern and traditional Greenland style classes ACA and BCU certified instructors. Contact: Lynn Dominguez at (989) 774-7305 or email at: domin1la@cmich.edu or go to www.wmcka.org for more information.

May 26-27 'Hobuck Hoedown', Makah Bay,WA.- Come join us for the first annual Memorial Weekend 'Hobuck Hoedown' at Hobuck Beach on Makah Bay near Neah Bay on the very northwest corner of Washington State. We're expecting paddlers from California to BC, will be offering clinics, and a premiere viewing of California based boat designer, surfer, and videographer Vince Shay's new video. Hobuck Beach is tucked between Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach in Neah Bay on the Makah Native American Reservation, which is the northern edge of Olympic National Park. www.hobuckhoedown.com/

May 26-27 NY Waterway Work Trip, Union Falls Pond, N.Y.- New York Waterway Work Trip. Form more info:http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/pages/stewardshippages/stewardshipprojectpage.html

May 25 - June 3 6th Annual Kachemak Kayak Festival- Homer, AK. Celebrate kayaking in one of Alaska's premiere paddling destinations. A perfect way to get into kayaking or improve your paddling skills. All while surrounded by beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and great company. www.kachemakkayakfestival.com

June

June 8-10Wyoming Whitewater Cup, Jackson, Wy.-On 6/8 Downriver race on the class III Hoback River starting at 6pm. On 6/9 Freestyle Rodeo on the Snake River, exact location to be deternmined by the water gods 10am-5pm Followed by food, drink, awards, good times and camping at the West Table boat launch in the Snake River Canyon. On 6/10 Boater Cross Race down the class IV/V Greys River beginning at 10am.
Cost: Proceeds benefit Jackson Hole Kayak Club
Paying the entry fee gets you a free t-shirt, free camping on Saturday night, an entry in the gear raffle and food and drink at the award ceremony.

June 8-10 Wenatchee River Festival, Cashmere,WA.- The Wenatchee River Festival is the premiere whitewater festival in the West held on the banks of the Wenatchee River at Riverside Park in Cashmere located in eastern Washington. Proceeds will support American Whitewater's stewardship programs in the Pacific Northwest. The event is 3 days of Fun - on-water river clinics, a downriver race, freestyle event, equipment demos, Marketplace, a Stewardship Roundtable, free shuttles(camping is not free this year), food, drink, music and a silent and live auction on Saturday night. Join us! www.wenatcheeriver.com/ .

June1 -13 Clean Water Surf Classic-Westport, WA. The 6th annual Clean Water Classic (“Classic”) surfing competition is scheduled for June 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2007. This event, the largest continuously run Pro/Am competition in the Pacific Northwest will again take place in Westport, Washington. The Classic is a benefit event for the Pacific Northwest chapters of the Surfrider Foundation. www.surfrider.org/.

June 14CANOE CEDARLOO, Cedar Falls, Iowa.-
Come join the Waterloo Jaycees as they host the oldest sanctioned race in the State of Iowa. This event,the 28th annual canoe race, consists of a 7.5 mile race that starts at 10am from Gateway Park in Cedar Falls and finishes at the Waterloo Boat House. The event is held rain or shine. For event details go to- www.waterloojaycess.org/ .

June 14-16 National Concrete Canoe Competition-Seattle,WA.- The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is pleased to announce that the 2007 National Concrete Canoe Competition (NCCC) will be hosted by University of Washington. ASCE's Concrete Canoe Competition provides students with a practical application of the engineering principles they learn in the classroom, along with important team and project management skills they will need in their careers. The event challenges the students' knowledge, creativity and stamina, while showcasing the versatility and durability of concrete as a building material. www.asce.org/inside/nccc2007/index.cfmm.

June 16Sitka Sound Adventure Race, Sitka,AK.- The inaugural Sitka Sound Ocean Adventure Race takes place on Saturday, June 16, 2007. There is a long course of 23 miles and a short course of 13.3 miles. This is an open-water ocean race,starting and finishing at Sitka Harbor on Japonski Island. All racers are expected to attend the pre-race meeting at 8:45 a.m. race day. (907) 747-2552..http://www.sheldonjackson.edu/content/view/142/138/.

June 16-17 Callie Rohr Memorial Canoe Race, Wisconsin River, WI.- Third Annual 26 mile race on the Headwaters of the Wisconsin River. 12 classes total for Recreation and Pro Canoe and Kayak Paddlers. Contact: Jeff and Marcia Rohr, Rohr's Wilderness Tours
715-547-3639

June 20 -22 - Zoar Outdoor 5th Annual DemoFest-Deerfield River, MA. DemoFest is a free event open to the public designed to give seasoned paddlers, as well as beginners the latest information on the whitewater industry. Paddling manufacturers will be on hand to display new whitewater kayaks, canoes, paddles and gear. It is an opportunity to test out boats, use paddles, and get some instruction from some of the most accomplished paddlers in the country. Please check our website atwww.zoaroutdoor.com/demofest.htm for up-to-date information and schedules.

June 21-34th Annual Eppie's Great Race- Milwaukee, WI.,"The World's Oldest Triathlon"® Held on the scenic American River Parkway in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. 5.82-mile run, 12.5-mile bike, 6.35-mile paddle Many divisions for both teams and ironpersons. www.TheGreatRace.org.

June 23 Beer and Gear Fest,-Ohiopyle, PA. The 6th Annual festival will feature microbrews, paddling gear, live music and fun people.http://www.wilderness-voyageurs.com/.

June 30Sheepscot River Canoe & Kayak Race, -Wiscasset, MN. 16th Annual Sheepscot River Canoe & Kayak Race (6.2 miles) mostly flat water race.Register at www.seaspraykayaking.com or call toll free 1(888) 349-7772. http://www.seaspraykayaking.com/.