One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of rural Rowan County is to see it from the water. That is exactly what the competitors in the 24th annual South Yadkin Canoe and Kayak Race will get to enjoy Saturday.
The race begins at the U.S. 601 bridge access point and finishes at the Salisbury Pump station at the confluence of the Yadkin River for a length of 5 miles.
The race is sponsored by the Mocksville/Davie Parks and Recreation Department and the Land Trust for Central North Carolina and is open to paddlers of all ages and abilities.
Registration will be from 8-9:30 a.m., with a race meeting a 9:30 and races beginning at 10 a.m. The solo canoe class race will begin at 11:30.
Competitors must have a life jacket and canoes must have single-bladed paddles. Paddling the route is expected to take between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on ability.
“One good thing about the South Yadkin is there is enough current so that it is pretty easy,” said Sam Bonds, race coordinator. “We have some serious paddlers and we have some people that are just out for some fun.
“In the past we have had people with lounge chairs and coolers in their canoe,” he said. “It all depends on what you want to do.”
Regardless of your skill level, the South Yadkin River is one of the most scenic locations in Rowan County. A trip down the river almost always includes sites of great blue heron feeding along the banks and turtles sunning themselves on logs that stick out above the water.
There will be plenty of door prizes and young people are encouraged to attend. Last year 63 competitors turned out to race down the river. There will be a shuttle service to assist with getting competitors to their vehicles as well.
The event is $20 to compete. For more information, contact Sam Bonds at 704-633-8020, or Jeff Gobble at 704-279-6869.
Awards will be given for the first three places in each class.
Glenn Hudson is a freelance fishing writer based in Salisbury. Contact him at littletuna67@aol.com.