The GCC Vortex Series is a three race paddling series in the Heart of the Gorge. Gorge Canoe Club is excited to host all 3 races this year with the help of our community. The dates have been set for Sunday, May 19, June 2 and June 30, 2024.

We welcome small boat paddlers to join us for Vortex Race #1. Race Day: Sunday, May 19, 2024.
The tentative course is from Marine Park Beach in Cascade Locks, OR to Home Valley Park, Home Valley, WA (Downwind course). Approx. just over 6 miles. Depending on weather/conditions, we will work on alternative courses if no wind. 

Registration:

Pre-registration on Paddleguru opens on Sunday, April 21, 2024 and runs through Saturday, May 18, 2024. Race Day Registration will be open on-site on race morning, Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 9-10am. Payment in cash or check (made out to Gorge Canoe Club) will be accepted on-site on race day or pay on Paddleguru during pre-registration (credit card fees apply). If you plan on paying in cash on race day, exact change only accepted. 

If there are multiple people registering (e.g. double), each person must complete a registration.  The first person will add the name of their partner when registering.  The partner will then sign in to register as well.

There must be at least 3 people/teams in a category to make it an awardable division. If there are less than 3 people in your category we will be combining categories to make awardable divisions. 

Registration Fee:

Pre-Registration on Paddleguru is a $30 race fee per paddler (includes raffle ticket, insurance coverage, Paddleguru fee, safety, etc.). Credit card fees extra when paying on Paddleguru with card. Additional fees applied with Deferred Payment ($40 race fee) and on-site Race Day Registration ($40 race fee). Payment in cash or check (made out to Gorge Canoe Club) will be accepted on-site on race day or pay on Paddleguru during pre-registration (credit card fees apply). If you plan on paying in cash on race day, exact change only accepted. 

Insurance & Permit:

Insurance is provided by PaddleSports Risk Management, L.L.C. Individuals must complete our liability waiver to enter the race. (https://bit.ly/GCC__waiver)

Click on the event waiver link prior to registering for the race on Paddleguru. 

Note: All participants will need to purchase their Oregon Waterways Access Permit. Oregon now requires permit for non-motorized watercraft 10' or longer. Permit is transferable, if you own several watercraft. More info: https://bit.ly/ORwaterwaysPermit 

Safety and Rules:

All small boat paddlers must wear a PFD and leash, carry a whistle and a cellphone (in a waterproof bag). High-visible clothing is a bright idea! Safety boats will be on the course to assist but are not responsible for paddlers, boats, and/or equipment.

By taking part in this race, you are saying that you are in good physical health, are a competent paddler that can remount in rough conditions. 

There is a mandatory race safety meeting before the race starts, where we will discuss the start and finish, and safety on the race course.

The race will follow the same race rules, regulations, and safety procedures of PNWORCA (https://pnworca.org/race-rules/). 

Contact:

Maddie Spoto, Race Director, maddie@gorgecanoeclub.com, 949-929-9262.

Any potential information for race day will be published on the GCC Facebook page and event FB page.