White water racing returns to Apple

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The 43rd annual Apple River Slalom Race will run through the rapids in Somerset May 16 and 17.

White water canoeists and kayakers are expected from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada for this Buttercup series favorite. Practice runs and limited racing will take place Saturday afternoon, May 16. Racing will start Sunday, May 17, at 9 a.m. The race is sponsored by Buttercup Whitewater Slalom Racing (Medford) and sanctioned by the American Canoe Association.

In white water slalom racing, the racer must paddle their boat through a series of gates suspended over the rapids. Gates must be run in the correct direction: upstream or downstream. Penalty time is added to the run for striking a gate pole or missing a gate. The fastest paddler (lowest time plus penalties) wins that class or age group.

Volunteers are needed for various roles including: set up and gate judging.

Training is provided. Contact Jeff Bolte at 386-9289 if you would like to volunteer.

Tags: apple river, whitewater racing, communities, somerset