This weekend, WCU’s Parks and Recreation Management program and Base Camp Cullowhee hosted the 6th annual Canoe Slalom on the Tuckasegee River, off from the Old Cullowhee road.
Canoe Slaloming is maneuvering one’s canoe or kayak in a river through implanted gates while being timed.
Supporters gathered to watch and cheer on races. Photo by Temi Adeleye
The hosts provided canoes and kayaks for students, faculty and residents of the community who did not have one of their own. Parks and Recreation professor and event coordinator, Dr. Maurice Phipps and Base Camp employee, Eric Bartl, were in charge of the event and both welcomed and helped guide participants in finishing their races.
Phipps explained that the intention of the competition to get the community and the students together for some fun.
Parents had a nice time as they traveled the river with their children who seemed more than excited to sit in the canoes and get splashed.
Bartl kicked off the event by demonstrating how canoe slaloming is done then proceeded to cheer for participants and help them out of compromising positions. He was very pleased with the turnout for the event.
“The event kind of grew faster than we expected, we expected like maybe 20 or 30 people not 70, so we were really excited that this many people came out,” Bartl said.
Participants came out with their friends and families whom showed much support throughout the event. Attendees enjoyed themselves and were given free snacks as well as the chance to enter raffles for neat gifts.
Friend supporting with a sign. Photo by Temi Adeleye
The money from the registration fees ($5) go towards funding the Parks and Recreational Management scholarship and club. The raffle idea was put together by the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor and the proceeds from the raffles will go towards funding a future river park in Cullowhee.
Check out the video below to see highlights of the Canoe Slalom event.
