The Gorge paddling community has come together to bring you the Vortex Gorge Series, a three race paddling series in the Heart of the Gorge. Gorge Canoe Club, Nelo USA / Nordic Kayaks USA and Puakea Designs are excited to host these races with the help of the community. The dates have been set for May 21, June 4 and June 25, 2023.

EPIC Vortex Gorge Race #1 is put on by Gorge Canoe Club and will go out of Marine Park in Cascade Lock, OR on May 21, 2023 and we welcome all small boat paddlers!

Thanks to Epic Kayaks for sponsoring this race!

Registration:

Pre-registration on Paddleguru through Saturday, May 20, 2023. Pre-registration in person will be open at Mixer on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at GCC Clubhouse from 6-7pm. Race Day Registration will be open onsite on race morning, Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 9-10am. Payment in cash or check (made out to Gorge Canoe Club) to be submitted at mixer or on race day or pay on Paddleguru directly (credit card fees extra).

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 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 $30 per paddler (includes meal, raffle ticket, insurance coverage, Paddleguru registration fee). Credit card fees extra when paying on Paddleguru. Additional fees applied with Deferred Payment ($35 race fee) and Race Day Registration ($40 race fee). 

Insurance:

Insurance is provided by PaddleSports Risk Management, L.L.C. Individuals must complete our liability waiver to enter the race. (https://form.jotform.com/Prmwaivers/gorge-canoe-club---liability-waiver)

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

Safety and Rules:

All small boat paddlers must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD, carry a whistle, and have a leash. 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.

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

Contact:

Val Stepanchuk, Race Director, val@gorgecanoeclub.com, 949-702-0877.

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