Paddlers giddy up for 13th annual kayak rodeo - #lakewoodnews

April Long likes to be out paddling in the water because it clears her mind.

"When you're boating, you're not thinking about anything else," she said.

Long and her husband Tyson, of Coal Creek Canyon, came to Golden on July 6 to participate in a fun race down Clear Creek with fellow members of the Colorado Whitewater Association.

It was the club's 13th annual Golden Community Rodeo Series at Clear Creek Whitewater Park, 1201 10th St., in Golden.

"We have a great whitewater park here," said Bart Pinkham, owner of Golden River Sports, one of the event's sponsors. The event, he said, "helps highlight and share what Golden has to offer."

The Golden Community Rodeo Series consists of three events, usually taking place in June, depending on Clear Creek's water levels. The first two evenings --; held June 1 and June 29 --; were freestyle competitions with five entry categories for men and women each. In the third race, competitors can use any sort of water device --; kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard or inflatable kayak.

Any Colorado Whitewater member may participate in any of the three days. Registration is free, and everybody who "gets in the water" gets a ticket for a prize drawing, said David Holzman, an event organizer.

The series is "great for amateurs through expert boaters," said Jodi Lee, who sits on Colorado Whitewater's board of directors. "It's very inviting to come out and compete."

It's also a good one to do for first-time competitors, Lee said. In fact, pros are not permitted to compete.

Amanda Bossard of Golden has been kayaking for about four years. She participated in the fun race on July 6, but was attending the June 29 event as a spectator to watch the women compete.

"They're strong boaters," Bossard said. "It's exciting to see women getting out there."

In general, said Brian Horan of Golden, who has been kayaking for 13 years, everyone who frequents competitions such as the Golden Community Rodeo Series, knows and roots for each other.

"Kayak competitions aren't very high pressure," he said. "It's fun to come out and see friends."

Cassidy Strode of Denver agreed.

"Everybody should get out and try it," he said. "It's just fun to come out and play."

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