Iowa Summer Games return to Charles City this Saturday, June 17

To The Press

Whitewater competition returns to the Cedar River in Charles City on Saturday, June 17, as the Iowa Summer Games attract whitewater enthusiasts from across the state.

Amateur Iowa athletes of all ages and skills can compete in the Olympics-style Iowa Summer Games, which will be mostly held in Ames this year July 7-16, but are also spread across the state at event-specific locations and dates such as Charles City’s Riverfront Park.

Registration for the whitewater events will begin behind the public library at 8 a.m., with a paddlers information meeting at 8:30 a.m. The competition is expected to begin at 9 a.m. and run throughout the day, depending on the number of participants, with a break between noon and 1 p.m., and an awards ceremony around 4 p.m.

The public is welcome to come down and watch. Some bench seating is available, but lawn chairs or blankets are recommended.

First introduced in 1987, the Iowa Games now offers competitions in more than 60 different sports and is held in various locations around the state. In 1992 the Iowa Gamers expanded from just Summer Games to also include the Winter Iowa Games in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. More than 13,000 athletes reportedly participate in the Games statewide each year.

Since Riverfront Park opened in 2011, Charles City has hosted the whitewater contests for the Iowa Summer Games. Event support and volunteers are provided though the Charles City Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Volunteers really make this all happen,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks. “Without volunteer support, Charles City may not be able to continue hosting this event as there are other whitewater courses available now in Iowa. We were the first, though, and would like to continue to lead the way! However, we need the public’s assistance to do that. We could still use a few more volunteers on Saturday.”

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to go to the bandshell behind the library Saturday before 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. to sign up. Bring a lawn chair and sunscreen.

Events on Saturday will be concentrated in six 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.

Participants are allowed to enter up to four events, with two runs in each event. Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in each division. Age groups are under 12, 12-17, 18-29, 30-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and over 70. Onsite registration for the various contests will be accepted Saturday. Cost is $30 and participants are asked to bring exact change or a check.

For more information on the 2023 Iowa Summer Games, visit the event page at: https://www.iowagames.org/event/summer-iowa-games/whitewater-slalom or www.iowagames.org.