Professional and

recreational Standup Paddleboard athletes from around the region and the world will

take to the waters of the Columbia River for the

SUP Salmon Classic Paddleboard

Race, Sunday, August 31,

2014 at Captain

William Clark

Park, Cottonwood Beach,

in Washougal.  

The races, sanctioned by

the World Paddle Association (WPA), will begin at 10 a.m. and include a 8-mile

Long Course for professional level racers, a 4-mile Short Course for recreational

boarders and a 2-mile youth and novice course just for fun. The races are

gender equal and will include $2000 for both the winning man and woman

competitors. Awards will be given to the top three winners in each class.

The competition will

coincide with the fall Chinook salmon run, where upwards to 40,000 salmon daily

will be making their way up river, deep below the water’s surface.  The Salmon Classic is embracing the

traditions and cultural importance of local salmon and will have a pre-race

blessing and entertainment provided by the Chinook Indian Nation.

Sweetwood Paddleboards is

organizing the event in coordination with the City of Washougal. 

The Salmon Classic features

an outstanding venue for spectators and athletes alike along the long open

beach at Capt. William Clark Park.  Food

booths, vendor booths and entertainment will be on hand from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is free for spectators.  City merchants will also be welcoming athletes

and spectators with special offers over the weekend in the downtown core.