Want a classic feather in your Class V hat? Enter the downriver race at California’s Feather Festival on the North Fork of the Feather. This year’s event drew its largest turn-out ever as more than 40 racers showed up to pit themselves against one of Cali’s most classic runs.
The event takes advantage of American Whitewater-secured fall releases on the North Fork Feather. And the association, as well as organizer Macy Burnham, deserves massive credit for putting on the event. But it’s the competitors who deserve the credit for making the event what it is.
“It’s hard to understand the kayak industry unless you’re in it,” understates racer Shon Bollock. “We love to kayak but we also love to party, loud, long, and hard.”
That happened and more at this year’s event. The Feather Festival is known for its partying as much as its paddling, with attendees setting an epic pace in both. Want proof? How many other events host a race called the Hangover-X? Among more mainstay events are a time trial and SUP race.
This year Taylor Robertson earned the most feathers in his cap, cleaning house by paddling his Remix Stinger to a first-place showing in the long boat division, Boater-cross, and SUP events. Charlie Center took second in the longboat division. Chris Korbulick took first in the short boat division, followed by Ben Stookesbery, while Rush Sturges finished second in Boater-X
Watch video footage HERE