CARLTON – Whitewater kayaking enthusiasts from all over the Midwest and Canada gathered near Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton on Saturday, July 30, for the 22nd annual Paddlemania Swiftwater Adventures event on the lower stretch of the St. Louis.
In this year’s race, as part of the Carlton Daze celebrations, the event returned after a two-year hiatus and was attended by around 30 canoeists with skill levels ranging from intermediate to expert.
Jake Przytarski / Cloquet Pine Journal
The rowers dropped their boats off the Thomson Dam before the rapids took them under the Swinging Bridge in Jay Cooke State Park and down Fin Falls. There, competitors encountered the entrance to an 8-foot waterfall with narrow passages in the canyon, providing extremely difficult conditions.
While each contestant hoped to cross the picturesque river in the shortest possible time, event organizer Cliff Langley said it was more about competing with each other than beating the other contestants.
“I think people like physical and personal challenges,” said Langley, chief operating officer of Swiftwater Adventures. “I mean, I think they like to compete with each other, but for many of these rowers, it’s more about competing with each other because it’s definitely a tightly knit group.”
The camaraderie was evident at the UMD facility which served as the headquarters for the players. Campers, campers and tents were set up all over the area, where the canoeists would meet and take a weekend getaway from the event.
According to Langley, the whitewater kayaking community is made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
“They are so diverse. I mean, they’re what they call “river rats” that just chase the water and sleep in (their) van. I’m sure those guys are here, ”Langley said. “But many of them are school teachers, professors, lawyers, corporate types to outdoor adventurous people, so the mountain kayaker is quite broad about who they are, but deep down they all love adventure and rowing.”
Jason Pientka traveled over four hours from his home in Iron Mountain, Michigan to attend Paddlemania. Pientka has competed in this event many times and in many other races all over the country.
For Pientka, whitewater canoeing is more than a hobby; has become a lifestyle.
Jake Przytarski / Cloquet Pine Journal
“It was a slow progress for years, but when I started making real whitewaters, it was (was) addictive,” said Pientka. “It’s a lifestyle for me now. I’ll be traveling all over the country, chasing races and places like that. This is my passion. I can’t explain it.
The Paddlemania Race offers a unique set of challenges that make it a must-see for enthusiasts like Pientka.
“This is definitely an elite class. This is class IV-V. It is not for the faint of heart, ”said Pientka. “You definitely need good preparation, good training to participate in this event.”
Tegan Stoesz of Manitoba, Ontario and Kyle Chernetz of Winnipeg, Ontario are no strangers to the whitewater kayaking competition, but Saturday’s race was the first time the two competed in Paddlemania.
After a warm welcome from the local kayaking community upon arrival at the UMD facility on Friday, July 29, Stoesz said after the race that he was very pleased with his first experience with Paddlemania.
Jake Przytarski / Cloquet Pine Journal
“Oh, this race was just fun for everyone,” said Stoesz. “Whether you finished well or didn’t even try to get your seat, it was just a good race to be in and enjoy. And they all had smiles downstairs so it was a good time.
Chernetz enjoyed the race so much that he wanted to repeat it.
“I feel like I wanted to do another lap because it was (so) fun,” said Chernetz. “Because the fastest lap we did earlier today was just a quiet lap, so it was a quick lap and part of me when I finished was like” I want to do one more, “but it was a lot of fun. Great water level, great stretch of river to do.
Those interested in trying whitewater kayaking for the first time can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the University of Minnesota Duluth Recreation Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) during the school year or visit
1. Andy Stingle, 5:27; 2. Brian Robin, 5:30; 3. Casey Lloyd, 5:33; 4. Joerg Steinbach, 5:34; 5. Tegan Stoesz, 5:35; 6. Clint Massey, 5:35; 7. Erin Achatz, 5:35; 8. Steven Walker, 5:37; 9. Lucas Burgault, 5:46; 10. Chris Evans, 5:48; 11. Richard Taylor, 5:50; 12. Joe Sygulla, 5:51; 13. Jesse Credile, 5:57; 14. Cory Mooney, 6:02; 15. Ken Schauer, 6:07; 16. Matt Sturgeon, 6:12; 17. Kyle Chernetz, 6:23; 18. Hunter Ratcliffe, 6:24; 19. Kayla Sturgeon, 6:33; 20. John Meredith, 6:35; 21. Zach Schaffer, 6:43; DNF: Isaac Braun, Jason Pientka, Travis Patterson.
Riders of the Rapids
