First Vail Kayak Race Series event takes plunge in Gore Creek on Tuesday

Alpine Quest Sports and the Town of Vail are introducing a new event, the Vail Kayak Race Series, with races taking place every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 to June 18 on Gore Creek.

The event has generated interest so quickly that stand-up board and raft divisions have been added.

The series has three different races for competitors and spectators to enjoy: Down River Race, Ring Your Bell Race and Best Trick Event. The Down River event will have racers paddling as fast as they can from the Covered Bridge to the International Bridge.

Racers will navigate around two buoys before crossing the finish line. The Ring Your Bell Race has competitors racing from the Covered Bridge to International Bridge, but they cannot complete the race unless all bells on buoys are rung.

The Best Trick event will showcase the Vail Whitewater Park at its best with big tricks and surfing from kayaks, SUPs and rafts. The judges will decide but the spectators get to enjoy the action from the side.

Competitors may sign up at the grass area in front of Mountain Standard beginning at 5 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee. The top finisher from each category will be awarded a cash prize at an awards party at Mountain Standard.

Schedule of Events
May 14 - Down River Race
May 21 - Ring Your Bell Course
May 28 & June 4 - Best Trick
June 11- Down River Race
June 18 - Ring Your Bell Course

For details, visit www.alpinequestsports.com or call Alpine Quest Sports at 926-3867.