Missouri Whitewater Championships

Saturday and Sunday

March 15 & 16, 2008

St. Francis River

Fredericktown, Missouri

The Missouri Whitewater Association, (MWA), based in St. Louis, Missouri, is hosting its 40th annual whitewater slalom and downriver races on the St. Francis River, west of Fredericktown, Missouri.  This is a great opportunity for both novice and experienced paddlers to practice their river running skills on a set course for both fun and personal achievement.  Map to Fredericktown:  Map to St Francis

Many members of the Kansas City Whitewater Club have participated in this event in the past and will probably be doing so again this year.   If you have never participated in a slalom race, don't let that stop you from trying!  Race participants are usually fun to be with and encourage each other to succeed and improve their race times.  If you think you want to try this race this year and need some information about what this race entails, contact Mary Ryan at canoekcwc (at) lvnworth.com.  Be sure to remove the (at) and the spaces to make this e-mail address work. 

It is a great opportunity to meet boaters from across a six-state region and improve your paddling skills at the same time.  The MWA mans the river with volunteer and professional safety rescue personnel, both land based and safety boaters.  Although no one can guarantee your safety, this is as safe as it gets on a river! 

Participants bring their own canoes, kayaks and paddling gear and participate in racer's meetings at the beginning of each day of the races.  Complete rules and directions can be obtained by visiting the MWA website at: 

If you don't want to race, come on down anyway and volunteer to help with start and finish lines or just bring the family and enjoy the races and the camaraderie!

Famous KCWC members who have participated in this race in the past:

Greg Brown in a C-1.                Ian Smith in a glass kayak.          Blaine Phillips in 2004.

Bob Behrends with                        Wayne Oatman with

cheesehead Brian                         grandchild in front of

Heikenen.                                       twisted pine tree at the

                                                        Saint races.