Trinity River Challenge 2009 - Any Way You Want It

The Dallas Down River Club hosts The Trinity River Challenge in early fall. All races start and end at the same line at Mcinnish Park. Therefore, no shuttles are required. In 2009, there were three distances available. For the juniors under 18 yrs old, a 5.5 miles course is available. The two other courses are 11.8 and 20 miles. In terms of boats, just about anything might show up. If paddling ICF class, unlimited, or pro-boat, the 20 mile course is a requirement. Anybody else can pick the 11.8 or 20 miles.

The course is basically a flat water venue. There are usually a few submerged logs to look out for, and a couple of fallen trees to navigate. The race committee does a good job of cutting limbs to keep racers from having to get out of the boat. There are no rapids, no portages, or technical obstacles to manage. Much like the variety of boats, paddlers come in type from first timers to some of the top shelf Texas favorites.

The TRC is good for lots of things. It is a great venue for first time racers. For the competitive, there will likely be somebody fast to race. Plus, it’s a good place for trying something new, like a new partner. Personally, I was planning on paddling a surf ski. The day before the race a friend asked me if I could fill in as steersman for his is c-2. Huh, tandem, and single blade? Heck, why not! Solo or tandem, the TRC is a good place to try out a different boat. There is always risk on the water. However, as rivers go, the Trinity is unlikely to result in harm to hull or paddler. That makes it a good place to borrow a boat, or lend one. I had the privilege of watching one of my boats take third with a rookie paddler.

After the race, the DDRC puts on a first class BBQ spread with brisket, sausage, and all the trimmings. The raffle usually includes a boat, and plenty of other usable boating gear. For more information, go to http://www.down-river.com/trc/