Does the idea of racing intimidate you? The pressure of winning taking over the experience itself?
Come spend a day with us at the Russel Fork to prep for the Lord (and Lady) of the Fork Race! Learn from some of the best in our paddling community as they share tips, tricks, and lessons learned from their time racing on the Russel Fork.
This day focuses on encouraging women of all levels and racing experience to participate in racing, be it on your local run or in the Russel Forks’ Lord of the Fork Race. Learn how to prep for any race, how the pros dissect a river, use the features to their advantage, find the fastest lines, and most importantly do so safely.
What does this event look like?
Saturday, October 21st, 2023
Racing Interest Group: This section of the event will be led by Chris Hipgrave and Tara Blair!!
Participants of this portion of the event should be somewhat familiar with the gorge already to ensure we are focusing on race lines and other techniques and not learning the rapids for the first time. Be prepared for a longer day on the river as we will be scouting lines from the boat and onshore, running rapids where the river allows multiple times, and of course… HAVING FUN!
This group is limited to 15 participants.
Non-race Interest Group: This is for those that know that have absolutely no interest in racing but they want to learn the lines on the Russell Fork better. This shouldn’t be your first time down the gorge but if your memory is a bit fuzzy, the instructors will help you remember the rapids. Plan on this being a longer day and scouting will happen and exploring various lines is encouraged.
This group is limited to 10 participants.
Your lead instructors for the racing group:
Your instructors for the exploring group:
What to bring (on the river):
- Long/short boats welcomed
- Safety equipment (rope is required, no rope = no paddle)
- Plenty of food and drinks in your kayak (it’s going to be a long day and you will get HUNGRY)
- Cameras/GoPro for learning
- An open mind, a great attitude, and ready to learn!
Full Agenda
Friday, October 20th
Check-in at campsites (if spending the night at Breaks)
*note there are very few options in town for food so bring what you need with you. Breaks has a restaurant on-site as well.
Saturday, October 21st
10:30 am Checkin at Ratliff Hole (gorge takeout)
- Event Welcome
- Figure out shuttle
10:45 Depart for the put in
11 arrive at upper takeout/gorge Putin
11:30 Put on time
- Safety and participant expectation
- Introduction & groups divide
3 pm Gorge trip ends– Ratliff hole (this is just an estimate)
- Conclusion of event:
- Speak to the instructors
- Socialize – bring your own food and drinks
EVENT WAIVER
This event is exclusively for females
