Possibly The Baddest Party In Whitewater

Matt Young chasing the race leader after Poop Chute

Over the years the Black River Festival in Watertown, New York has developed a reputation for being one of the most intense weekends of paddling and partying anywhere.  There is a race, a demonstration of ridiculous antics with pool toys at Hole Brothers (The Floateo), and one heck of a rockin party at Hudson River Rafting Company.

 

Chris Mo gettin down with the Great White Caps

As we were getting ready for the race to start, it was clear that this was going to be one to remember.  The race was extended this year to include the whole river.  It would be about a 30 minute race, and people were pulling all sorts of weird long boats out from everywhere.  2 Speeders were in attendance.  When the gun went off it was absolute chaos.  Try turning a 14 foot long boat around, with 30 of your friends trying to do the same thing is no easy task.  

Topo Duo gettin shot out!!!

 

Tony G. finding out that long boating takes concentration

The Floateo made myself and the other judges laugh really hard.  I am always impressed by everyone’s dedication to this fantastic event.  We rocked out to some awesome live music from the Great White Caps til the wee hours, then woke up and caught a few rides in Hole Brothers before heading home.

 

These guys showed some commitment in the floateo

After getting 2nd last year The Pool Bus stepped up and won it all in 2011

Right now I’m recovering from the weekend and resting up for Ironman Lake Placid.  After that it’s on to some relaxation on the Selway with the Fusion.  Stay tuned…

 

Special Thaknks to Sandy Payne, Brian Murphy, and Caroline Emanuel for the photos.