Pacifico Gore IV Raft Challenge
BACK IN HIGH DEMAND – USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Why let the Class IV kayakers have all the fun? Back this year, the Pacifico Gore IV Raft Challenge pits teams of two against each other on Gore Creek in the heart of Vail in this classic river rat race.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
10:00 AM
IMPORTANT: All teammates must be registered by Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00 PM (this event will sell out). Athletes should arrive at the put-in 45 minutes before the start of the race to go through a gear check, attend a safety meeting and pick up their competition bib.
This competition is for Class IV rafters only. Athletes need to have rafted this stretch of the river at least twice at a water level similar to what the race will be. Athletes will be contacted by an Race Director and will need to pass certain qualifications in order to participate in the competition.
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Event Overview
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
10:00 AM
As its name implies, the Pacifico Gore IV Rafting Challenge is a 4-mile downriver time trial through the Class IV playground of lower Gore Creek west of International Bridge. This competition is geared toward Class IV rafters who love a good ol‘ sprint to the finish. Do you have the skills and speed to be crowned the Gore IV champion?
Times
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
10:00 AM
Rules
CATEGORIES:
Open – Team of 2
Women – Team of 2*
Note: This event will be capped at 40 teams total.
*In order to have a Women’s category, a minimum of 6 teams must be registered. IF this number is not reached all teams will race in the open division with one award ceremony.
EQUIPMENT:
- Raft specifications for the 2024 event are as follows: 10.5 foot MAX length.
- Hyside 10.5 Mini Max rafts will be available for competitors needing a raft.
- A limited number of Hyside rafts will be available in each wave.
- Competitors needing a raft MUST make this request on the registration form.
- If you have your own boat, it must meet the above specifications. No shredders allowed. PLEASE note if you are bringing your own raft on the registration form
- Athletes must wear competitor bibs outside their PFD at all times.
- Event organizers and whitewater rescue teams are not responsible for equipment rescue and/or equipment removal from the GoPro Mountain Games whitewater courses should athletes lose their equipment during practice or competition.
REQUIRED equipment:
- Coast Guard / ISO approved PFD
- Helmet
- Protective footwear
- Throw-bag
- Paddles
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
- Dry-suit, wetsuit, or splash pants
- Organizers encourage athletes to bring their own paddles, but paddles will be available if needed.
FORMAT & RULES:
- The Gore IV Raft Challenge is for Class IV rafters.
- The course is on Gore Creek and is approximately 4 miles long. All competitors must have successfully navigated the course prior to the competition.
- Please obey all ‘no access’ and ‘trespassing’ signage. This race runs through private property. Please respect the areas surrounding this race.
- Athletes must arrive at the put–in 45 minutes before the race starts to check in, complete gear check, attend the mandatory safety meeting, receive their start times, and pick up their competition bib.
- Paddlers who lose their equipment and require a rescue of any kind and/or appear to be excessively struggling and/or swimming will be pulled from the course by the safety team. Paddlers who lose their gear and exit the river will receive a DNF.
- The race is run in a time trial format.
- Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.
- Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.
- All athletes should be aware that all competitions take place in mountain rivers which may have challenging conditions such as underwater obstacles, unseen hazards, rocks, debris, and vegetation.
- CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. Before participating in this year’s GoPro Mountain Games, athletes’ gear should be CLEAN of plants, mud, and debris; DRAINED of standing water; and completely DRY before your competition. Following these CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY steps helps to protect the waters we paddle from aquatic invasive species.
location:
The course will start at the International Bridge in Mountain House Gear Town and finish at Stephens Park.
Price & Prizes
PRICE
EARLY BIRD // February 1 – April 4, 2024
$80/boat
STANDARD // April 5 – May 28, 2024
$85/boat
EVENT WEEK // May 29 – June 5, 2024
$100/boat
*The first person that registers will serve as the captain and pay the full entry fee. All teams must have both team members register by June 1st at 6:00 PM.
PAYOUT
TOTAL PRIZE PURSE: $3,000
OPEN
1st Place Team – $750 ($375 per person)
2nd Place Team – $500 ($250 per person)
3rd Place Team – $250 ($125 per person)
WOMEN
1st Place Team – $750 ($375 per person)
2nd Place Team – $500 ($250 per person)
3rd Place Team – $250 ($125 per person)
* In order to have a Women’s category, a minimum of 6 teams must be registered. IF this number is not reached all teams will race in the Open division and prize money will be adjusted.
PRIZES
Prizes to be determined.
