SUP Sprint, Surf Session slated for Salida this weekend

Colorado Kayak Supply invites amateur and aspiring stand up paddlers to a fun SUP and Surf Session in Salida, Sunday, July 18. The event features a downriver sprint race and a river surfing comp. Prior experience is helpful though not required; in fact, interested participants who can swim and have a life vest and helmet can rent a loaner paddle and board from CKS.

The day’s first event is a sprint race that begins at 11 a.m. Racers will start one minute apart at the top of the Salida Whitewater Park and finish 2.5 miles downriver at Salida East. Racers are responsible for their own shuttle.

The River Paddle Board Surf Comp is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. at the best wave in the Salida whitewater park. Competitors will be judged on fluidity, style and innovation. Both events feature men’s and women’s divisions; top prizes will be awarded to first, second and last places.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. on the day of the race at the Recreation, Engineering and Planning office at the upstream end of the riverwalk in downtown Salida. Registration fees are $15 per event or $20 for both.

Prizes are being provided by Pabst Blue Ribbon, Primo Beer, Shred Ready, Jug Liquors, Boathouse Cantina, NRS, BadFish River Boards and other local merchants.  The awards ceremony will be held at Ray’s Boathouse Cantina on the river in historic downtown Salida at the F Street Bridge.

For further information or to reserve loaner gear, call CKS at 719.395.8653. Rental gear must be picked up on Saturday before the event and returned Sunday after the event at the CKS retail store, 327 E. Main in historic downtown Buena Vista.

Shown above, a quartet of local SUP enthusiasts make it look easy during a SUP Expression Session on the Arkansas River in downtown Salida during the annual FIBArk Whitewater Festival last month.