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Scores of tanned men and women sporting surf shorts, Vibram-soled sandals and the requisite accessory--athletic dogs--turned out for day two of the Gorge Games in Hood River. While the sailing regatta and bruising cross-country mountain bike races (each with a $2,000 purse) were also held that day, the White Salmon River at Husum Falls was the place to be for spectators. It wasn't hard to see why: The falls is an easily accessible prime spot for watching kayakers navigate the 15-foot drop. Onlookers found plenty of space on the banks to knock back some suds and gape at wipeouts. The nimble paddlers made the class IV rapids look manageable and fun, but looks are deceiving; remember that this is a massive force of icy water funneled by a gigantic rock down a vertical drop long enough to make your stomach flip twice. Like a colorful breakfast of Cap'n Crunch and Pop-Tarts, the Sunday competition began with the kooky kayaking freestyle, an event that involves surfing and cartwheels--in a boat. For 300 yards, thrill-seekers long graduated from BMX tricks carved through whitewater and turned end over end in the foamy pools. After this water-logged rodeo, competitors paired up for the Husum head-to-head, a furious two-at-a-time race over the rushing falls. Starting in flat water 100 yards above the tumble, kayakers picked up speed and jockeyed for first position before the falls, then sprinted for the finish; in most cases, the first person over the falls won the race. Paddlers seemed to fare best by staying close to the huge rock on the right and bouncing down the spill it creates instead of going down the middle and getting inundated with too much water. The crown jewel of the Gorge Games is a $5,000-purse "extreme kayak" race that rolls over the 30-foot Big Brother; the Husum head-to-head serves as its qualifier. Eric Jacon edged out defending extreme and slalom champion Scott Shipley by less than a second in Sunday's head-to-head, a fair indication that the final race on Thursday will be amped. The break between the freestyle and head-to-head events was not much of a lull, as recreational river users continued to crash down Husum and amuse spectators. While most rafting outfitters portage the rapid, a few rogue groups went right into it, buckling and momentarily disappearing under the cascade before resurfacing and retrieving drenched paddlers. Despite the Gorge Games' takeover of this popular stretch of the White Salmon--complete with KNRK announcers, a Perception demo limo and a Timberland souvenir booth putting their indelible stamps on it--pleasure boaters had no problem co-existing with elite racers. That brotherly motif seems to pervade the Gorge Games. Its proximity to Mount Hood; rock-climbing sites; the Klickitat, White Salmon and Columbia rivers; and the unstoppable wind make Hood River an undeniable erogenous zone for outdoor enthusiasts. Large prizes and hardcore appeal draw world-class athletes and regional competitors, who all appear to be young and clean. This is not a grungy student affair--competitors are well-turned-out in expensive technical wear, and they probably consume only legal substances to get high. While Gorge Games recognition is growing, the 3-year-old extravaganza is not likely to meet its goal of 1,200 competitors and 30,000 spectators/ participants in 1998. Racy weekend events pull in crowds, but the influx isn't heartily reflected in town or at Gorge Game headquarters. This dusty patch by the marina equipped with a large, hot tent, giant sandbox, a yurt and various demos is far from bustling. The downtown scene may rise to the occasion at night, but it still feels as sleepy and quaint as ever during the day. But the pervasive mellowness doesn't detract from the games' appeal; spectating is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon and inspire activity. Go to the Gorge Games this year, then compete in 1999 before the hype becomes reality. |
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