FYI: Index Kyaking Rodeo This Weekend

[Bronco]

Skyfest lures kayakers to Index

 

By Shanti Hahler

Herald Writer

 

INDEX -- Skyfest, the Puget Sound area's premier whitewater kayaking event, will be held here Saturday and Sunday on the Skykomish River.

 

The Skyfest offers numerous events including a kayak freestyle in which both pro and amateur kayakers will demonstrate their skills, and a slalom race through a class 3 rapid for all types of kayaks and all skill levels.

 

"A lot of people come. I'd say more than 100 paddlers from around the United States come from the whitewater circuit to join in the festivities and events, and there's probably 100 spectators that come to watch" said Jennie Goldberg, coordinator of the slalom and downriver events and an American White Water board member. Originally formed by a group of local kayakers, the festival is geared toward celebrating the scenic Skykomish River and raising money for river access projects in the state, including the Sky River Access Fund.

 

The event is open to the public, and there is no entry fee. A raffle and an auction will feature wetsuits, kayaks, paddle pants, videos and paddling gear. Prizes will be given to event winners.

 

Proceeds from the raffle and auction go to the Sky River Access Fund .

 

After last year's Skyfest, almost $6,000 was donated to the new fund, in addition to almost $1,000 more in private donations.

 

Because there are few legal public access points along the river, the Sky River Access Fund is aimed at raising $20,000 to improve access and get a permanent takeout facility for boaters on the river.

 

Directions: Take U.S. 2 east across the Skykomish River Bridge. Immediately after, at the Index Cafe, take a left onto Index Road. Continue until you see signs for event parking.

 

Events include:

 

Saturday

 

10 a.m.: Inflatable slalom race, inflatable freestyle and surfing.

 

12:30 p.m.: Whitewater rodeo.

 

4 p.m.: Downriver race.

 

4:30p.m.: Beer Garden opens at the Sportsman's Club.

 

5:30 p.m.: Event awards.

 

6 p.m.: Raffle drawing and live auction.

 

8 p.m.: Music by Zeus Storage.

 

Sunday

 

9:30 a.m.: Three-legged raft faces.

 

10:30 a.m.: Slalom races.