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.

Vortex Gorge Race #3 is put on by Puakea Designs and will run on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Tentative race course: Downwind Race starting at Home Valley Park, WA to Drano Lake, WA.

Registration:

Pre-registration on Paddleguru through Saturday, June 24, 2023. Race Day Registration will be open onsite on race morning, Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Home Valley Park from 8:30-10am. Payment in cash or check (made out to Puakea Designs) on race day, via venmo (@johnpuakea) 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 (raffle ticket, insurance coverage, Paddleguru registration fee). Credit card fees extra when paying on Paddleguru. Additional fees applied with Deferred Payment and Race Day Registration ($35 race fee). 

Insurance:

Insurance is provided by PaddleSports Risk Management, L.L.C. Individuals must complete our liability waiver to enter the race. Use this link to complete the waiver: https://form.jotform.com/Prmwaivers/puakea-designs--liability-waiver. Save time and fill it out now! We will make you sign it on race day if you have not signed it prior to the event. Checking the box on for the waiver on Paddleguru when registering does not mean you have signed the waiver. 

Practicing Zero Waste: 

We will be striving to not generate much waste at our event. Bring your own cup(s) for water/coffee. We will have some fruit, water coffee and light breakfast items at registration (first come, first serve). We will also have a 3 part trash system with info signs on what to put in which bin! If you would like more info on zero waste, our sponsor, The Trash Tramp is a great resource. See her flyer on how to be a zero waste race/racer here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/95gqjx98va1j1un/Zero%20Waste%20Racer%20with%20Logo.pdf?dl=0

Safety and Rules:

All small boat paddlers must have their cell phone, 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:

Maddie Spoto, Race Director, maddie@puakeadesigns.com, 949-929-9262 <--- this will be the number to call if you decide to pull out of the race. You must let the race director know. 

Any potential information for race day will be published on Puakea Designs FB Page and/or the race event page.