Paddleboard race planned on Clark Fork River

The Great Montana Stand Up Paddleboard Race will be the first of its kind on the lower Clark Fork River. The original date of April 29 just changed to Saturday, Aug. 19 which for many is a better date because of the warmer water.

This is another new family event from the Mineral County Rec Club and registration for the event was strong for those who are hard-core waterdogs, but this later date gives time for some to try it out rather than being baptized by fire in 40-degree water.

SUP (Standup Paddleboarding) has been around a thousand years but became very popular in the early 2000s when introduced in California. SUPs are now seen on lakes and rivers everyplace with all ages splashing their paddles and moving at rather impressive speeds when they want to.

Drew Hanson and many other volunteers with gracious sponsors are bringing this easy-to-learn sport to a new level.

“This is something that we (MCRC) have had fun developing because this is something that is fast becoming as popular, if not more, than kayaking. And boy, do we ever have terrific areas to paddleboard out here! My family even packs ours into the mountain lakes,” he smiles.

Hanson is one of the co-founders of the MCRC who laser-focuses on family entertainment with this being their newest adventure. This is a less than ½ mile race from Big Eddy ending under the Veterans Bridge in Superior.

Here’s the skinny for the adult race that starts at 10 a.m.:

• The race is for 18 and older participants and begins with a short dash to your board before launching into the Clark Fork River.
• The sprint is just under a half mile of paddling through the middle of the town of Superior, Montana.
• The race will run in heats of 20 paddlers each with a cap of 200 total paddlers.
• The top two finishers in each heat will advance to the final.
  
• The finals will decide 1st place - ($800), 2nd place - ($500), and 3rd place- ($250).
• Competitors dressed in costume will receive a 10-second head start over those who are not in costume.
  
• To get a qualified time, the racer and board must cross under the bridge together.
  
• No board? No problem. SUPs are available for rent and can be reserved when you sign up.
• All racers must wear an approved life preserver.
  

The Adult Final is at 2 p.m., giving the finalists time to warm up and strategize their plan of action for the prize money. But the entire day has activities around the bridge with food and beverage vendors and more SUP challenges. The Superhero Race is a winner takes all in one heat:

• In this race, you will paddle upriver from the bridge to the start gate.
  
• The first superhero to reach the start, run down the beach/trail, and hit the alarm button wins.
  
• To start, there will be a count down from five minutes. Position yourself close but not past the bridge when the count down hits zero.
• All competitors in the Superhero Race must wear a superhero cape.
  
• Entry fee is $20, no cap on entries, and the winner takes all (minus the processing fees of Registration)
  
• The CLARK FORK CROWN will be awarded to the Superhero winner.

-ALL Racers must wear an approved life preserver.

And then the Youth Race:

• This race will be for 13–17-year-olds.
  
• This will be only one heat and we are capping it at 30 participants.
  
• Same rules as the adult race.
• Prizes will be awarded for 1st place ($200), 2nd place ($150), and 3rd place ($100).
  
• Entry fee is $20.
  
• ALL Racers must wear an approved life preserver.

The Award Ceremony and raffle will be at 5 p.m. with entertainment and a Street Dance from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

If this inaugural event seems too rigorous for you, just watch the shenanigans and enjoy the day as there will be a unique venue for spectators. With no idea what Mother Nature has in store, remember to take sunscreen, chairs and even rain gear if it looks like you might need it. Costumes are encouraged among the spectators, too! After you write this in your calendar, www.paddle406.com has everything you need from this point.