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| Boaters on the Verde River in inflatable kayaks (called Funyaks). Photo by Al Comello, November 2008 |
Verde River Canoe Challenge
on Saturday, March 28
SEDONA, AZ - On Saturday, March 28 over
200 boaters are expected to participate in the
2009 Verde River Canoe Challenge to be held on a
ten-mile stretch of the Verde River, just east
of Camp Verde, Arizona. This is the tenth year
for the race that includes competitive races for
canoes and kayaks as well as recreational races
for canoes, kayaks, and inflatable kayaks.
As canoes and kayaks race down the river,
spectators enjoy front-row seats along the banks
of the Verde River. The competitive race
participants are usually well-qualified
experiences river rafters but many of the
recreational racers are not highly experiences
and are participating more as a fun and social
outing. In 2008, 147 boats and 210 racers
participated.
The race start is on Route 260, at White Bridge
Park, just east of Camp Verde. The end of the
race is at Beasley Flats, a National Forest
Recreation area approximately ten miles
downstream from the start. A seven-mile
checkpoint is located at the Clear Creek parking
area. Boaters leave their vehicles at Beasely
Flats and take a shuttle to the put in point at
White Bridge. The shuttle runs from 7:30 a.m. to
9:30 a.m.
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| Boaters on the Verde River in inflatable kayaks (called Funyaks). Photo by Al Comello, November 2008 |
This stretch of Verde River is characterized by
gentle flows and flat water intermixed with fast
moving mini-rapids (class one to three depending
on river level). The river only drops about 10
feet every mile and is manageable by most
boaters with some river experiences. On the calm
stretches of the river boaters enjoy shimmering
green water and often see stately blue heron
sitting on the shore and marvel at the well
preserved Indian ruins in the surrounding white
ash cliffs.
Richard Lynch, owner of Sedona Adventure Tours
which hosts regular river “Funyak” tours on the
same stretch of Verde River will be offering
inflatable kayak (Funyaks) rentals and
transportation for those who wish to participate
in the recreational, non-competitive river
float. His website:
www.SedonaAdventureTours.com has contact
information, but Lynch is available to answer
questions at 928-204-6440.
“This river adventure is a lot of fun. Joining
hundreds of other boaters on Arizona’s most
attractive river is a great affordable family
outing,” Lynch said. “We have over 20 Funyaks to
rent that day to the first who reserve a boat,”
he said.
The annual event is organized by the Camp Verde
Parks and Recreation Department, Joesph Perez
(928-567-0535), Recreation Supervisor and the
Northern Arizona University, Parks and
Recreation Management Program, Dr. Charles
Hammersley (928-523-6655) and is authorized by a
special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
The event title sponsor is the Sale River
Project.
The cost to participate is $20 per person ($25
after March 13). Registration forms are online
at
http://www.prm.nau.edu/prm325/verde-river-canoe-challenge-09-active.htm
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