Potomac Whitewater Festival is a Huge Success

Once again the Potomac paddling community based in Washington, DC put on a terrific event. No event in the United States hosts such a variety of whitewater competitions as the Potomac Whitewater Festival. Competitions included the Liquid Logic Great Falls Extreme Race, the Extrasport Expert Rodeo, various squirt contests, and even an attainment race. When asked why he comes to the event each year to compete and volunteer Jim Buley responds with an emphatic "kayaking is FUN!" Let's face it, that's why we boat! The proceeds benefit AW, and that's always good." David Collins a long time PWF volunteer responds with a "What's a little pay back to something that has had such a positive influence in my life. AW, Rivers, and Boaters are all worth it, plus it's FUN!!!!"

Pictures of the events...

This year's results.

Each year the PWF comes off without a hitch despite rapidly changing water levels, strict National Park special use permit guidelines, and hordes of paddlers from all over the U.S. Stephen "Stro" Strothers thinks that "The high experience level of volunteers has made the event easier each year. For me the highlight of the weekends is peeling out of the fisherman's eddy in the downriver squirt event followed closely with entering the whirlpools and seams of S-turn and Bermuda triangle knowing that downtime was accessible but that some downtime was needed to score winning points!" Stro went on to get first place in the Downriver Squirt Competition.

A band of dedicated river enthusiasts and AW supporters make sure the event happens each year. Pervis Major the volunteer event organizer claims "Every year I find another soul brother/sister at the fest, this benefit I think is universal to everyone that comes to participate. These relationships are at the heart of our paddling community and strengthen it. We like this!" This year's event raised almost $3,000 for AW's conservation and access work. On behalf of the rest of the AW staff and whitewater enthusiasts everywhere, THANK YOU.

Mike Phelan