HUNDREDS LINE ST. FRANCIS FOR WHITEWATER RACES

Spectators watched as a racer went down the St. Francis River near Fredericktown during the 32nd annual Missouri Whitewater Championships Sunday afternoon.

The cold and turbulent St. Francis River played nature's weekend host to kayak and canoe enthusiasts during Missouri's Spring Whitewater Championships near Fredericktown.

Competitors from across the country descended upon the challenging river to test skills and nerves along a short - but wild - course of angry water.

"Turnout has been excellent, and we probably have had 70 racers this weekend," stated race director Dave Kovar. "We have racers from Georgia, Texas, Colorado and other states."

The premise of competitive kayaking is simple: Maneuver a single seat kayak or canoe down a dangerous, boulder-strewn river and through a series of pre-arranged gates without getting killed or seriously injured.

Because of the training and attention to protective gear, serious injury is uncommon. Kayaking is a serious recreational sport that demands basic safety and skills training before entering the rapids.

"I started in 1989, but basically spent the whole time body surfing and couldn't get used to it," said Kovar. "But that was years ago and it's all for fun."

Perched high above the raging St. Francis, several hundred spectators enjoyed the view from makeshift seats nestled among the gigantic limestone boulders. Numerous and well-marked trails provide easy access to choice viewing locations.

As racers paddled and battled the rough and tumble river, onlookers pointed and shouted at their favorite racer. "Go Gary," shouted one young woman with a dog in one hand and binoculars in the other.

"This is my first time to attend something like this, and I think it's awesome," said one young viewer. "I'll definitely be back next year."

Attired in a neon purple and turquoise neoprene wet suit, Marty Toyen wears No.2. Sunburned and a little tired, Toyen carries his kayak from the depths of the finish line and uphill to do it all again.

"This has been a very challenging course, and the race has been a lot of fun," said a grinning Toyen. "I can't wait to do it again."

Max Wellhouse drove five hours Friday night from Little Rock, Ark., to join the competition. "Overall, this is the best combination of challenging skill levels, and the water here is excellent for everyone," said Wellhouse. "This is amateur sport at its best."

Participants are divided into classes according to age, skill level, and kayak-canoe type. Men and women often compete within the same class. Novice classes exist for individuals that have never placed in a slalom class.

Regardless of age or skill level, kayaking is a growing sport. "The sport is growing in the Cape area," stated Michelle Jones, a Cape Girardeau resident.

"We train at the Central (school) pool doing rollover practice before going on the river," said Jones. "This is a sport that a person can get into for under $1,000."

The annual event is sponsored by the Missouri Whitewater Association and is considered one of the oldest continuous slalom competitions (in the United States.)