Wow - so many to thank

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

The first-ever South Dakota Kayak Challenge ended with the last of the nearly 90 racers finishing early Sunday afternoon in Sioux City.

The South Dakota Canoe & Kayak Association really kicked ass, so many members volunteered, raced, or just contributed a bit of themselves in order for this race to be a success.

We have certainly helped to put South Dakota paddling on the map with the race!

Our concerns and plans turn local now as we get ready for Saturday's Paddling Fair. It's 1-4 p.m. at Family Lake and if you have any questions, write to any board member or call Jarett at 605-941-4940.

We are indeed planning a 2011 South Dakota Kayak Challenge, and we sure hope we can get more paddlers on the water for this super event, and more volunteers to help them enjoy this majestic waterway.

Again, huge thank yous to all the volunteers who made our checkpoints and organization work so well. YOU ROCK!

Oops

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

Oahe Days/Pierre event is June 19.

Two events coming up AFTER SDKC

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Originally uploaded by Iron Bieso

Sorry, this blog has been ignored as of late, in part due to preparation for the South Dakota Kayak Challenge that takes place in Yankton this weekend. Feel free to write Jarett or Steven if you would like to volunteer for that event.

Beyond the big 85-boat kayak race, we have our annual paddling fair on June 5 at the new Family Lake Park in Sioux Falls. It's running 1-4 p.m. and we encourage ALL members to come out, share their sport, and have some fun.

In addition, on June 12, member Pat Wellner will host a little paddling action in Pierre. It's also Oahe Days, so if you'd like to paddle the Missouri River with a river rat who knows it very well, give Pat a shout, or search for "Pirates of the Missouri" on the Interweb.

His blog of the same name is also linked to this one.

We'll continue to update you with more events as they come up this summer.

Huge thanks to everyone for getting the word out about the race, and for taking time to volunteer and contribute.

CANCELLED:May 22: Missouri River Cruise

From my inbox

Due to the dangers of high winds, the May 22 Canoe and Kayaking event on the Missouri River from Highline to Mulberrry Point has been cancelled. Visit www.mnrrwatertrail.org for further information.

Join area river enthusiasts for an outing on the Missouri River Water Trail. The route will be from Myron Grove (Highlines) near Meckling, SD to Mulberry Bend near the Newcastle-Vermillion Bridge. We will meet at the Myron Grove boat ramp at 9:00am. (To get to Myron Grove, drive east from Yankton or west from Vermillion on Highway 50 to 454th Ave, then turn south and drive 6.5 miles to the Missouri River.) Unique features of this segment of the river include Goat Island and the Gunderson Backwater.

Shuttle service from the takeout back to Myron Grove will be provided by DJ’s Sports Rentals of Yankton until 2:00pm for $10 per person payable at the event. Provide your own kayak/canoe, or rent one in advance from DJ’s (605-665-3206). www.djssportsrentals.com). No guide service will be provided; you must be able to navigate on your own. If you have any event questions, you may contact Rick Johns of the SD Canoe and Kayak Association at 605-624-9704, or Dean Spader at 605-624-6831.

For event updates and more information about the water trail, visit www.mnrrwatertrail.org

May 8: Missouri River Clean-up

From www.keepyanktonbeautiful.org:

In 2009 over 200 volunteers attended this event to cleanup the banks of the Missouri River near Yankton. Boaters covered 12 miles of banks on the South Dakota and Nebraska side and collected over 7.14 tons of garbage. Thank you to everyone who helped with this event to protect one of the areas greatest natural resource!

Volunteers are needed to help at The Great Missouri River Cleanup event. Volunteers will be collecting trash along the shoreline. Gloves and vests will be provided. Keep Yankton Beautiful will serve coffee, juice and donuts at the morning kick-off meeting. Hot dogs and hamburgers will served for the noon lunch.

LOCATION: Riverside Park Boat Ramp - Yankton SD
May 8th 8am - Noon or 1pm

Email info@keepyanktonbeautiful.org with questions.