Sedona, AZ: 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 on March 28. This is the Challenge’s tenth year that includes competitive races for canoes and kayaks as well as recreational races for canoes, kayaks, and inflatable kayaks.
Spectators enjoy front-row seats along the banks of the Verde River as canoes and kayaks race down the river. The competitive race participants are usually well-qualified experienced 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 Canoe Challenge start point is located at White Bridge Park on Route 260, 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.
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 the river level). The river drops about ten 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.
