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The 2008 Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver National Championships will be held on the French Broad River from July 10-13. The races will take place on the stretch of river between Barnard and Hot Springs in Pisgah National Forest, commonly known as Section 9. These championships are sanctioned by the American Canoe Association.

The organizing committee is making a special effort to encourage participation by women in both solo and tandem events. The southeastern United States is home to a number of talented female whitewater canoeists, and we hope many of them are willing to try a new and slightly different challenge. It is not necessary to be a national class athlete to enter, nor is prior racing experience required. We guarantee a fun atmosphere; it is every year. Detailed information about the event can be found at

http://www.fbcanoeracing.org/nationals.html

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact me at

fbracechair[at]earthlink[dot]net

Tom Blue
Race Chair
2008 ACA WWOC-D Nationals[/url]

I'll be there! PAC, are you & Jacob coming down for it? SBrassfield? SBroam? Kaz? KNeal, bring the Richmond crowd. This race is a good time. Whether you're serious about racing or not, come on out. Races are in the mornings which leaves the afternoons free for biking, playboating, squirtboating & just hanging out. You don't have to have a "race boat". Most folks run Old Town Penobscots in the 16% class.

I just came in from working on the boat I'm planning to race I got the seat & rails mounted. I should get the frame glassed in tomorrow.

Do they have an old fat out of shape guy class?

onepaddlejunkie wrote:Do they have an old fat out of shape guy class?

Well... One could always say we're in a class of our own.

I'm glad this was bumped up. I was looking at figuring out the vacation calendar for 2008 and I need to add this … so yep the boy and I should be there. Well at least that is the plan right now! We'll definitely be in the 16% kid / old guy no class.

Since its been a long time since I've been in that area I'll be needing so tips on camping and other "to do" side trips!

Might also have to re-visit later in the month the same area due to other "kid" program. But that is still up in the air! Summer 2008 is looking up!

Paul C.

Paul C.,

There is a some information about camping for the Downriver Nationals on the website; see http://www.fbcanoeracing.org/nationals.html and scroll down to near the bottom. For other activities in the area, see the links at the very bottom to the two tourism associations. For information about other paddling in the area, see http://www.boatingbeta.com which is a fantastic web site. And, of course, feel free to e-mail me directly with questions: fbracechair[at]earthlink[dot]net

Glad you will be coming!

Tom Blue
Race Chair, 2008 ACA WWOC-D Nationals[/url]

Pray, dance, and sing for ran or we will need wheels! When I ran the FB with a group this summer (we put them in rafts, my daughter and I in the ME) the raft company was not taking trips past Stackhouse - too low!

Tom - thanks! I was at the site last night and printed off material and emailed the local government (noting I'm planning on coming to the race) for info.
I need some good books on the local rivers in case I can fit in a side paddle. hint, ya-all!
Scott - Cool it with the negative vibs!!!!! Just an fyi with me coming it should rain - its been raining 4 days straight here second week in a row. Its just been raining and warm during the week (aka work time) and freezing cold and snow on the weekends (as a whimp I have a 100 degree rule to paddle air+water temp = 100 degrees and it hasn't been even close to there the last two weekends so I've been skiing).
Paul C.

In that case, PAC, let me extend an immediate and generous welcome on behalf of all the paddlers, farmers, and other users of water in the Southeast. We will treat you to all the hospitality you can stand if you will bring some of that rain with you.