Formerly the Spokane River Canoe Classic, this community paddling event has been reborn as the Spokane River Classic. Pick your watercraft and get ready to paddle the serene waters above downtown Spokane with your friends and family August 23. The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club has partnered with the Spokane River Forum and others to recreate this 25-plus year event and encourage paddlers with kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs), and canoes to turn out for a relaxed, social paddle or more competitive experience.
The Classic will utilize the newly developed McKinstry river access near the intersections of Hamilton and Trent for all event staging and festivities. Participants can choose from two courses: a 1.3 mile “citizen’s” course with a turnaround at the Division Street Bridge or a 5.4 mile “endurance” course with turnarounds at the base of the Crestline Street riffle upriver and the Division Street Bridge. Both venues will have a fun-to-watch technical buoys segment between the Don Kardong and Trent Street bridges.
Community awareness of the event will be greatly enhanced since both courses are within view of the Centennial Trail and numerous pedestrian bridges. Food trucks and a beer garden featuring River City Brewery products, including non-alcoholic root beer, will be available for participants at the McKinstry access area. Major sponsor Mountain Gear is donating one thousand dollars in prizes to participants. It’s $20 per person to enter with proceeds benefitting Spokane River access projects. More info: www.sckc.ws.
