Charles City Whitewater Park will again host Iowa Games whitewater events, on Saturday

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Whitewater Park will again host the Summer Iowa Games Whitewater Slalom events, this Saturday, June 18.

There will be competitions in more than a dozen events, open to men, women and coed groups in eight different age classes.

The events will run from 9 a.m. until late afternoon, depending on the number of entries.

Events will be concentrated in six general areas:

• Slalom events will have one kayak or canoe or stand up paddle board (SUP) paddling through a numbered series of 10 to 18 gates (hanging poles) on the whitewater course while timed; for solo or tandem entries.
• Downriver sprint events will have one kayak or canoe or SUP paddling from the start through the finish while timed; for solo or tandem entries.
• Raft racing will have one raft paddling from the start around at least two obstacles and then through the finish while timed; for teams of two to four paddlers.
• Riverboard racing will have one riverboard or boogie board propelled by the rider from the start through the finish while timed.
• Swim, paddle swim, and swimmer tow events will occur at the downstream side of the first drop and will involve crossing from the river right bank to the river left bank while going downstream as little as possible.
• Throw rope events will occur at the first drop and will involve throwing to and swinging in a swimmer.

Age groups are under 12, 12-17, 18-29, 30-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and over 70.

Participants are allowed to enter up to four events with two runs in each event. Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in each division.

Advance registration ended Monday, but onsite registration for the various contests will be accepted Saturday.

For more information and registration for the 2021 Summer Iowa Games, visit www.iowagames.org.