2024 PORPA SPRINTS on the Priest River
Cancelled
Due to construction activites at
Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) in 2024
In 2024, we want 20 more kids to participate!
Together with the Spokane River Rowing Association and US Army Corps of Engineers, PORPA is excited to announce that the 2024 PORPA SPRINTS on the Priest River will be held on Saturday 3 August 2024 at the Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole*) in Priest, River, ID (0.5 miles east of Priest River on Hwy 2).
This day celebrates non-motorized watercraft with fun races for all ages and abilities.
Professional Sports Photography: Local professional photographer Hollie Axel will be onsite (on the water) taking sports action photos. These will be available to participants via online ordering a few days after the event.
Event t-shirts (white sports tech with navy lettering) are available for pre-order when you register.
*assuming the Mudhole is re-opend to public use
Human Powered Craft Types:
- Kayak (recreational and racing)
- Kid's kayak (2 available to loan at the event)
- Stand-Up Paddleboard
- Canoe
- Raft
- Sculling
- Sweep Rowing
-Other
Categories:
- Youth 1 (10 and under)
- Youth 2 (11 - 14)
- Youth 3 (17 and under)
- Novice (less than 1 year experience)
- Experienced (adult experienced rowers are limited to 2 rowing races)
Multi-Craft Relay Races
A highlight event, 4 racers per team (at least one youth), with at least 3 different human powered craft, each race a 250 meter leg carrying the team "baton". Teams are organized at the time of the event. Friends are Made, Fun is Had!
PORPA is able to provide FREE registration and t-shirts for youth participants under 18,
due to generous donations from
these local organizations, businesses, and individuals:
Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Northern Quest Casino
Aerocet, Inc.
Synergy Design Studio, Inc.
Mary's Feed
Expect-a-Lot Signs and Banners
Safeway
ACE Selkirk Hardware, Inc.
Priest River Ace Hardware
Ford and Jean Elsaesser
Ivory Dental
Eagle's Nest Motel
Mitchell’s Harvest Foods
Settlement Restaurant
If you would like to help PORPA with costs associated with organizing this fun family and community event please click on the Donate Today banner on the PORPA.org home page.
Registration fee and T-shirt cost:Adults: $25.00 for the dayYouth (under 18): FREEAdult t-shirt (optional) $20.00Minor t-shirt IncludedAdult experienced rowers are limited to 2 rowing races, but may enter other races.Registrations for additional races are free of charge (contact [email protected])
2024 Preliminary Schedule
SATURDAY - August 3, 2024
(estimated times, may vary depending on events, changes will be posted here, please check back often)
7:00 AM * Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) gate opens.
Participants arrive, park, rig, set-up watercraft.
*please note, campers will be at the park, so 700-800 AM is quiet time.
7:30 AM: Check-in opens. (Distribute race times/numbers/relay teams)
7:45 AM: Safety Meeting (rowers). All experienced rowers must attend.
8:00 AM: Rowers 1000m race (1st flight) start
8:30 AM: Rowers 1000m race (2nd flight) start
9:00 AM: Rowers 1000m race (3rd flight) start
9:30 AM: Rowers 1000m race (4th flight) start
9:00 AM: Safety Meeting (all remaining watercraft).
All experienced and novice racers must attend.
10:00 AM: Experienced (more than 1 year experience) paddlers 1000m race start
10:30 AM: Experienced (more than 1 year experience) SUP, Canoe, Raft 500m race start
11:00 AM: Novice (less 1 year experience) and Juniors (14 and under)
r
owers and paddlers 500m race start
11:15 AM: Safety Meeting (relay racers). All relay racers must attend.
11:45 AM: Relay Race (5th flight) start ~1500m
1 PM: Awards and lunch at the Picnic Pavilion
2:30 PM: Free rowing lessons
General information
- If unsafe conditions (weather, etc) are predicted for the day of the race, PORPA will contact participants to let them know the event might be canceled.
- Race schedule times are approximate.
- You may enter more than one event as long as you can make it to the start time for each flight.
- Due to time constraints and safety considerations, total number of racers will be capped.
- The swim beach will be available for event watercraft launches until 1 pm.
- All watercraft need to vacate swim area by 1 pm.
- Beach will reopen to swimming only after 1 pm.
- Motorized boat launch area will be available for launching/removing watercraft after 1 pm.
- The Mudhole has camping quiet hours of 700-800 AM
- Drivers adhere to 5MPH speed at all times- children will be active.
- Water/toilets available on site.
- Site is partially accessible for those with limited mobility.
WATER SAFETY
State of Idaho requires youth under 14 to wear a PFD. All other participants are strongly encouraged to wear a PFD and be a good example to the youth (some may be available for loan from PORPA and the US ACOE). There will be safety vessels monitoring the event. All racers must attend safety meeting and adhere to safety instructions.
Parking and Park Access
Free
Preliminary Course information
Rowers: 1000 and 500m events:
Straight course with side by side start. 1000m start upstream of Hwy 2 bridge, 500m course start downstream of Hwy 2 bridge.
Paddlers: 1000 and 500m events:
Out and Back Course start downstream of Hwy 2 bridge, turn buoy and return.
Multi craft relay race: 1000m
Four human powered craft (at least 3 unique). Racers will pass a floating “baton” at set locations on the course. If a racer chooses to participate in the relay race during their registration, organizers will randomly assign teams of four craft to race together.
Number of races will depend on number registered. Racers will need to have good control over their vessel to keep this race safe for all. This is a fun event designed to build friendships among the flat water boating population! Please sign up!
Awards Presentation and Lunch
Awards will be presented to each category during a thank-you lunch prepared by PORPA volunteers and funded by donations. (suggested donation $5/person)
Camping at the Mudhole
Dogs
Allowed on leash, but not at swim beach.
Rentals
Watercraft rentals may be available.
Kalispel Tribe of Indians Canoes and Culture
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians are profoundly influenced by the Pend Oreille River, which they call “ntxwe”. This Kalispel word, it is said, symbolically reduces all other streams to an inferior status. It was from this river that Kalispel culture arose. The Kalispel would say “the river and we are of one mind”. In past years, the Tribe has participated in this event and has shared their traditional canoe skills and dugout canoe with SPRINTS participants.
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