Whitewater Challenge brings paddlers near and far

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

The Manitowoc River was where it all started for Val Jean Marcoe. That’s where he first got a taste of whitewater.

He’s been chasing that adrenaline rush ever since.

It’s one of the reasons Marcoe didn’t mind putting a little extra gas in his tank to drive six hours to take part in a sport that clearly reeled him in.

“I can tell you exactly when I got hooked on whitewater and that hook sunk in deep,” said Marcoe, from Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Marcoe was just one of a host of paddlers from out of state who drove quite a distance to take part in Saturday’s Charles City Whitewater Challenge.

With temperatures in the low 80s and a cool breeze off the river, the weather couldn’t have been better for the seventh annual event of what has become a crown jewel for whitewater enthusiasts in the state.

With events like an Intermission Inner Tube race, orange race and rodeo competition, the Whitewater Challenge on the Cedar River offered a distinct difference from the previous Saturday’s Iowa Summer Games Whitewater competition, which is skills based.

“This is creativity,” said Dave Hillman, who is also co-commissioner of the Whitewater Iowa Summer Games alongside Piper Wall.

That creative spirit couldn’t have been any more exemplified than by one of the relay team names — Death by Yogurt.

The catchy and comical name struck a nerve with Hillman. He had this to say when asked if it’s the best team name he has heard since competing in the Whitewater Challenge here in Charles City.

“We haven’t heard a better one. I hate yogurt, so I get it completely,” said Hillman.

Hillman also christened one of the judges, Carl Neubauer, with a moniker he thought was spot on. Neubauer wore a blond, punk-rock style wig so boaters or paddlers could easily identify him on the banks of the Cedar.

“We call him Glowing, Flowing Safety Hair Guy,” said Hillman. “He’s using a new shampoo this year.”

Over 30 competitors also displayed their skills in events like Boater X, Sup X (stand-up paddleboard), and SUP Surf Competition. Winners got prizes and a chance to win a watercraft boat.

The consensus held by many was it was a home run all the way around for the Challenge, which was put on by the Charles City Chamber of Commerce. There was also a vendor show in the parking lot next to Hots Shots, as well as a scavenger hunt and book walk for kids.

The Whitewater Challenge was rescheduled from two weeks prior, when it was postponed because of river conditions.

“It’s pretty cool to see a small town like this invest in something like this,” said Brian Scholz, who hails from Wausau, Wisconsin.

Scholz says he travels all over to hit up whitewater parks, like he did last week in of all places, Ireland. He’s also been to Canada to test the rapids up there.

Hillman said there were four states represented on Saturday, including Iowa. Folks from Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota also came to Charles City to experience its three whitewater features – the Dam Drop, Doc Drop and Exit Exam.

Those features highlight roughly a quarter mile of the Cedar River, of which Marcoe is a bit jealous.

“I wish this was in my town. We don’t have this much of a flow of water year round like you have,” said Marcoe, who began experiencing the thrill of whitewater in 2006.

Marcoe, who works in development at Kohler Co., said the rush from competing in whitewater made him sell his motorcycles. But that excitement and thrill is only topped by the whitewater community’s togetherness and respect for one another.

“It starts out, it’s a rush because you’re terrified. As you improve your skill level, it’s the camaraderie that you get with all the people you paddle with that really turns it into a passion,” Marcoe said.

Hillman, from Cedar Rapids, summed up the festivities on the Cedar River, where many of his friends got to soak in yet another gorgeous day out on the water doing what they love.

“It’s that whole vibe. We’re here to have fun. Yes, we’re going to be competitive,” said Hillman. “We support each other.”