2023 PORPA SPRINTS
Saturday August 12, 2023
PORPA and The US Army Corps of Engineers are excited to announce that the 2023 PORPA SPRINTS on the Priest River will be held on 12 August 2023 at the Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) in Priest, River, ID. This day will celebrate non-motorized watercraft with fun races for all ages and abilities.
There are different craft types:
- Kayak (recreational and racing)
- Stand Up Paddleboard
- Canoe
- Raft
- Sculling
- Sweeping
- Raft
There are different categories:
- Youth 1 (10 and under)
- Youth 2 (11 - 14)
- Youth 3 (17 and under)
- Novice (less than 1 year experience)
- Experienced
Multi Craft Relay Races to end the day
Youth register and participate for free due to generous donations from local organizations, businesses, and individuals.
If you would like to donate to this event please click on the Donate Today banner on the PORPA.org home page.
We would like to thank our Donors and Sponsors:
Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Northern Quest Casino
Aerocet Inc
Synergy Design Studio,Inc.
Expect a Lot Signs and Banners
Safeway
ACE Selkirk Hardware Inc.
Ford and Jean Elsaesser
Ivory Dental
Eagle's Nest Motel
Priest Gardens
Mitchell’s Harvest Foods
2023 Priest River Sprints Preliminary Schedule
SATURDAY - August 12, 2023
(estimated times, may vary depending on events)
7:00 AM * Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) gate opens.
Participants arrive, park, rig, set-up watercraft.
*please note, campers will be at the park, so 700-800 AM is quiet time.
7:30 AM: Check-in opens. (Distribute race times/numbers/relay teams)
7:45 AM: Safety Meeting (rowers). All experienced rowers must attend.
8:00 AM: Rowers 1000m race (1st flight) start
8:30 AM: Rowers 1000m race (2nd flight) start
9:00 AM: Rowers 1000m race (3rd flight) start
9:30 AM: Rowers 1000m race (4th flight) start
9:00 AM: Safety Meeting (all remaining watercraft).
All experienced and novice racers must attend.
10:00 AM: Experienced (more than 1 year experience) paddlers 1000m race start
10:30 AM: Experienced (more than 1 year experience) SUP, Canoe, Raft 500m race start
11:00 AM: Novice (less 1 year experience) and Juniors (14 and under)
r
owers and paddlers 500m race start
11:15 AM: Safety Meeting (relay racers). All relay racers must attend.
11:45 AM: Relay Race (5th flight) start ~1500m
1 PM: Awards and lunch at the Picnic Pavilion
2 PM: Kalispel Tribe canoe history and demonstrations
3 - 4 PM: non-motorized water craft demonstrations
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Kalispel Tribe of Indians Canoes and Culture
2-3 pm Beach Area- Free
Join Tribal members and experts in learning more about the relationship the Kalispel people have with the Pend Oreille and other rivers in the area.
Like other tribes, the Kalispels have been profoundly influenced by their environment, with the most profound influence coming from the environment created by the Pend Oreille River they call “ntxwe”. This Kalispel word, it is said, symbolically reduces all other streams to an inferior status. It was from this river that Kalispel culture arose. The Kalispel would say “the river and we are of one mind”.
.
2022 Priest River Sprints Preliminary Schedule
SATURDAY - August 13, 2022
(estimated times, may vary depending on events)
7:00 AM * Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) gate opens.
Participants arrive, park, rig, set-up watercraft.
*please note, campers will be at the park, so 700-800 AM is quiet time.
7:30 AM: Check-in opens. (Distribute race times/numbers/relay teams)
7:45 AM: Safety Meeting (rowers). All experienced rowers must attend.
8:00 AM: Rowers 1000m race (1st flight) start
8:30 AM: Rowers 1000m race (2nd flight) start
9:00 AM: Rowers 1000m race (3rd flight) start
9:30 AM: Rowers 1000m race (4th flight) start
9:00 AM: Safety Meeting (all remaining watercraft).
All experienced and novice racers must attend.
10:00 AM: Experienced (more than 1 year experience) paddlers 1000m race start
10:30 AM: Experienced (more than 1 year experience) SUP, Canoe, Raft 500m race start
11:00 AM: Novice (less 1 year experience) and Juniors (14 and under)
r
owers and paddlers 500m race start
11:15 AM: Safety Meeting (relay racers). All relay racers must attend.
11:45 AM: Relay Race (5th flight) start ~1500m
1 PM: Awards and lunch at the Picnic Pavilion
2 PM: Kalispel Tribe canoe history and demonstrations
3 - 4 PM: non-motorized water craft demonstrations
.
Kalispel Tribe of Indians Canoes and Culture
2-3 pm Beach Area- Free
Join Tribal members and experts in learning more about the relationship the Kalispel people have with the Pend Oreille and other rivers in the area.
Like other tribes, the Kalispels have been profoundly influenced by their environment, with the most profound influence coming from the environment created by the Pend Oreille River they call “ntxwe”. This Kalispel word, it is said, symbolically reduces all other streams to an inferior status. It was from this river that Kalispel culture arose. The Kalispel would say “the river and we are of one mind”.
Non-motorized watercraft demonstrations
3-4 PM boat launch area. Free
Experienced rowers and paddlers will provide individuals an opportunity learn about and try sculling boats and paddle sports boats. All ages/abilities welcome. First come, first serve.
.
General information
- Race schedule times are approximate.
- You may enter more than one event as long as you can make it to the start time for each flight.
- Due to time constraints and safety considerations, total number of racers will be capped.
- The swim beach will be available for event watercraft launches until 1 pm.
- All watercraft need to vacate swim area by 1 pm.
- Beach will reopen to swimming only after 1 pm.
- Motorized boat launch area will be available for launching/removing watercraft after 1 pm.
- The Mudhole has camping quiet hours of 700-800 AM
- Drivers adhere to 5MPH speed at all times- children will be active.
- Water/toilets available on site.
- Site is partially accessible for those with limited mobility.
SAFETY
COVID precautions.
Federal, State, Local and SPort Specific guidelines will be followed at all times. check out the Quick Links above for more detailed information.
Water safety:
State of Idaho requires youth under 14 to wear a PFD. All other participants are strongly encouraged to wear a PFD and be a good example to the youth (some may be available for loan from PORPA and the US ACOE). There will be safety vessels monitoring the event. All racers must attend safety meeting and adhere to safety instructions.
Parking and Park Access
Free
Preliminary Course information
Rowers: 1000 and 500m events:
Straight course with side by side start. 1000m start upstream of Hwy 2 bridge, 500m course start downstream of Hwy 2 bridge.
Paddlers: 1000 and 500m events:
Out and Back Course start downstream of Hwy 2 bridge, turn buoy and return.
Multi craft relay race: ~ 2000m
Four human powered craft (at least 3 unique). Racers will pass a floating “baton” at set locations on the course. If a racer chooses to participate in the relay race during their registration, organizers will randomly assign teams of four craft to race together.
Number of races will depend on number registered. Racers will need to have good control over their vessel to keep this race safe for all. This is a fun event designed to build friendships among the flat water boating population! Please sign up!
Lunch
PORPA will supply BBQ coals to grill your own lunch item. Due to COVID precautions, bring your own food and drinks and join us in the picnic pavilion for camaraderie and race awards.
Camping at the Mudhole -
Dogs
Allowed on leash, but not at swim beach.
Rentals
Watercraft rentals may be available.
QUICK LINKS
