91Èȱ¬Íø students compete in a previous Cullowhee Canoe Slalom.
The ninth annual Cullowhee Canoe Slalom, a family friendly paddling competition on a calm section of the Tuckaseigee River near the Western Carolina University campus, will be held on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 22.
Competition will begin at 9 a.m. at the Locust Creek put-in, just downstream from the greenway bridge on Old Cullowhee Road. The course will include nine gates on flat but moving water and competition with canoes, kayaks and paddle boards.
91Èȱ¬Íø staff member Todd Murdock and his son Griffin Murdock head toward a gate during a canoe race.
Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices will be provided, but kayakers and paddle boarders are expected to bring their own boats. All participants should have closed-toe shoes, money for the on-site food truck, a water bottle and clothes that can get wet.
Registration is $5 per person/per event and available at . Registration closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, and will not be available the day of the event.
The course will be open for practice from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21.
Event hosts are students from 91Èȱ¬Íø’s Parks and Recreation Management Program and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. Proceeds will benefit the Parks and Recreation Management Scholarship Fund.
For more information, email wcucanoeslalom@gmail.com.