This weekend marked the start of whitewater kayaking season along the North Shore. The Lester River Expert Whitewater Kayak race was held Saturday.

It’s the ninth year for the annual race, which takes place on the Lester River, held each spring to coincide with the start of the snowmelt runoff. Organizers said the race draws some of the best whitewater kayakers from around the United States.

According to race competitor, David Bibb, the paddling community around the area is very welcoming.

“We moved here in November and took a look at the creek when it was down, and went that looks fun. Then my wife told me there’s a race they have every spring. I said hey, I should enter and she said yeah you should, so I thought if I’m gonna plug into the paddling community this is where I’m going to do it,” said Bibb.

Organizers said the urban setting of the Lester River is a great opportunity for people to watch paddlers race in the type of whitewater usually only found in remote and inaccessible rivers.

To watch the original report and see related stories, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website. https://www.kbjr6.com/2022/04/24/whitewater-kayaking-season-begins-with-race-lester-river/