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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Spokane River Classic attracts variety of paddlers

Members of the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club head off on a group paddle down the Spokane River in the stretch just upstream from the Division Street bridge.
Members of the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club head off on a group paddle down the Spokane River in the stretch just upstream from the Division Street bridge.

WATERSPORTS -- More than 100 canoeists, kayakers and stand up paddleboarders of all skill levels are registered so far for the Spokane River Classic set for Saturday, Aug. 23.

The event will start at McKinstry near Gonzaga University with participants heading out on a 1.3-mile citizens course or a 5.4-mile endurance course.

The Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club revived the classic this  year to emphasize boating participation on the river and the need for public access to the river for boaters.

In addition to paddling, the lawn area around McKinstry is being transformed into a Spokane River party. Fueling the festivities for adults will be a beer garden courtesy of River City Brewery, barbeque from Big Daddy’s, Camargo’s taco truck, and prizes for participants.

Kids will be fueled with a root beer stand, popcorn and an interactive play area that includes making authentic fish prints.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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