Photo essay: Kayaking in the Root River Challenge
May 9, 2019 | Topics: Events, Spotlight
By Eddee Daniel
The seventh annual Root River Challenge was held on May 4. According to the organizers, 110 kayakers were registered, a new record. Luck was with us and the cold, dreary week turned into a spectacular Saturday. Because of the rain the river was exceptionally high, which made the run from Linnwood Park in Caledonia to Riverbend Nature Center in Racine both fun and challenging. We were warned at the start that a certain percentage of boats generally capsize during the event, even under normal conditions. I personally witnessed three spills and have no idea how many more there were. This was my first time for the event and I look forward to the next one! Here is a selection of photos I managed to shoot (with my waterproof pocket camera) while I wasn’t in danger of tipping over.
Group portrait at the launch site in Linnwood Park
Volunteers assisting with the launch
Kayakers costumed as mariachis
Members of the Flatwater Kayakers Meetup group
The Irishman
Approaching the takeout point at Riverbend Nature Center
Queuing for the takeout
Eddee Daniel is a board member of Preserve Our Parks. You can see more of his photography on his website and on Flickr.