We're having a race on Callaghan and we want everyone to come for the fun on the river and the big party afterwards - here's the details:  These are the important race details.  They aren't on the website, and there's no fee to race.

Callaghan Creek Race – July 24, 2010

As part of the Callaghan Creek Festival on July 24, 2010 being held to raise awareness about the threat of hydro development on this extremely popular recreational whitewater kayaking river we will be holding a downriver race. In addition to the competitors we hope to draw a substantial number of spectators from both the kayak community and the general public to witness the excitement as racers paddle over 15 and 20 foot waterfalls, showcasing what could be lost in the wake of unmitigated small hydro development.

Check out the details of the festival at www.callaghanfest.org

If you plan on attending, here is the relevant information. If you have any questions about the race or want to help out email stevearns - at - gmail.com


For Racers

The race starts at 2:00pm sharp – you are responsible for being at the start line at your start time.

The race will be from the first ledge (by seal launch or from the eddy below, to be determined) to the Cal-Cheak festival site.

Competitors will race in teams of two.

This is a long race and safety will be minimal – teams of two allow for immediate safety should it be needed.

Sign up will be from 10:00am until 12:00pm at the Cal-Cheak campsite (takeout). Competitors meeting will be held at 12:15pm.

We will cancel the race if less than 5 competitors enter the competition (for example, if nobody wants to race because of high water).

There is a small cash prize for the winners.

Short boats/modern creek boats under 9 feet are allowed.


For Spectators

The most exciting place to watch the action is at the waterfall section of the creek near the start of the race.

The race starts at 2:00pm sharp. The first racers should arrive here within minutes and will start reaching the finish line somewhere between 2:20pm and 2:30pm.

Kayakers not wanting to race are welcome to observe from anywhere along the creek, but we ask that you stay out of the way when the racers are passing through and that you be prepared to assist racers should they run into trouble.

If you don’t want to kayak or are not a kayaker you can access the waterfall section along a distinct, mildly strenuous hiking trail. This trail will be well marked the day of the race. We recommend starting to hike at 1:15pm so you have time to walk in and find a good spot to watch.

Edited by James - 07 Jul 2010 at 6:41am

Callaghan is very Raftable, a few tight spots, but overall you would enjoy it Hans!

I would compare that stretch with the Truss is terms of difficulty.   The falls are good to go, and the stuff in between is high quality.

Everything is still a go!

Come on up this weekend to enjoy the goings-on at the Callaghan Race - register in the morning and race or come check out the action at the big falls at 2 pm as everyone paddles through - it's going to be fun. Afterwards stick around for the party and social event at the Cal-Cheak campsite.

Water levels on the Callaghan are persisting at medium-high to high levels - it's not for the weak of heart but it does make for an exciting race course. Depending on the flow of the day we may have to shorten the course to allow for extra safety. For those who don't want to paddle the Callaghan itself all the other rivers in the area are at really nice flows including the Upper Cheakamus (at 2.8) and the Soo River (medium high). The Cal-Cheak section from the campsite down also offers up a fun class III-IV run with some great on-the-fly surfing. Of course there are many more options outside of the immediate Whistler zone. There'll be plenty of people around on Sunday to meet up with to sample the local runs.

We hope to see you there!