CUYAHOGA FALLS: Back when the idea of removing dams along the Cuyahoga River was still years from actually happening, kayak lovers used to fantasize about hometown races on the new whitewater.
Now it’s happening.
The city’s new dam-free section of the Cuyahoga River will be spotlighted during this weekend’s Cuyahoga Falls Kayak Race.
Kayakers will test their paddling skills at 1 p.m. Saturday along the river that flows through downtown’s scenic, urban setting.
“We are excited to bring an organized race to the upper falls section of the Cuyahoga,” said Tommy Piros, lead race coordinator. “This race helps set the stage as local, state and federal EPA officials discuss the pending demolition of the Gorge Dam, the removal of which will restore one of the country’s premiere, urban Class V whitewater stretches.”
On Saturday, practice runs will start as early as 9 a.m. The course will start at the put-in and spectator area below the Portage Trail Bridge, and end at the Weeping Cliff rapids below the High Bridge Glens viewing area.
The half-mile course includes multiple stretches of Class II whitewater and the Class V waterfalls Rookie Drop and Staircase.
Racers will be judged on their fastest time paddling the course. Only experienced whitewater kayakers with the appropriate paddling gear will be permitted to register. Boaters can register the day of the race. The event also will include a down-river freestyle event starting at 3 p.m.
World Kayak is providing race support along with Burning River Adventures, which is providing shuttle service for racers, Columbus Kayak and Akron Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Local and state officials are currently reviewing plans for removal of the Gorge Dam down river of the race course. Its removal will link the upper gorge of the Cuyahoga River, where the race course will take place, with the lower gorge section that runs through Gorge Metro Park.
The federal government has agreed to provide 65 percent of the $70 million cost to remove the 57-foot-high dam and deal with sediment behind it. Demolition could start as early as 2019.
The current kayak race was made possible because two other dams were removed near the Sheraton Suites in 2013.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.