This just in from Barry Adams, the hard working, dedicated organizer of the Falls Race and Festival. Nice work Barry, the rest of the AW Ohiopyle Access Committee, American Whitewater and everyone involved…pls read on.
Erica Smith nailing a clean line in the Over The Falls Race
12th ANNUAL OHIOPYLE OVER THE FALLS FESTIVAL
AUGUST 21, 2010 BOATER ACCESS GRANTED
Ohiopyle, PA. – The Bureau of Parks (BOP) has contacted American Whitewater (AW) with official notification granting additional boater access to Ohiopyle Falls starting August 22, 2010. The new policy is similar to the BOP proposal submitted to the public on November 22, 2008 which was overwhelmingly supported by the public.
Prior to granting access the BOP requested that we obtain political support for their November 22, 2008 private boater access proposal. On May 7, 2010 the access committee presented the BOP a package of political support including a resolution passed by the entire Borough of Ohiopyle Council and letters of support from two PA State Representatives, two Fayette County Commissioners, several non-profit directors of organizations dealing with the Youghiogheny River and a number of outfitters all supporting this resolution. The entire package is on our web site and we cannot thank the following individuals enough:
Ohiopyle Mayor Mark McCarty and the entire Council, Tim Mahoney, PA Representative 51st Legislative District, Mike Reese, PA Representative – 59th Legislative District, Vince Zapotosky, Fayette County Commissioner, Chairman, Vincent Vicites, Fayette County Commissioner, Vice Chairman, Jon Meade Executive Director, PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Beverly Braverman, Executive Director, Mountain Watershed Association: Home of the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper, Eric Martin, Wilderness Voyageurs, Andy Smith, Riversport, Tom McEwan, Liquid Adventures Kayak School
We would particularly like to thank the work and support that John Hallas, the former Ohiopyle Park Manager, contributed to this effort. He is now a Regional Park Manager.
Even though this access is very limited AW thinks this is a step in the right direction. Come join American Whitewater and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers on August 21, 2010 as we celebrate our victory at this year’s Over the Falls Festival. Details of the event will be posted to our web site ASAP. Whitewater paddlers nationwide will gather there to race and perform freestyle moves over the spectacular eighteen-foot waterfall in the picturesque mountain village of Ohiopyle. Spectators are invited to watch paddlers sprint and cartwheel end-over-end off the waterfall.
Other event features include the Falls Under Lights, Town Party and with Live Music from Half Time String Band. The area also offers biking, hiking, camping, magnificent scenery, photographic opportunities, history and cultural activities. Please visit www.FallsRace.com for more information and registration details.
Proceeds benefit American Whitewater, Ohiopyle Stewart Volunteer Fire Co. and Ohiopyle State Park. High water dates or cancellation dates are August 28 or September 11, 2010. Volunteers needed for event registration & safety.
Race Information
Given the late notice we will not have any preregistration. We need plenty of help and this year we will require everyone 18 and over who wants to run the Falls to give the event at least one hour of safety! Registration fees have been reduced to $15 and volunteers who give us at least two hours of their time will receive a cool T-shirt. Registration forms and waivers are included on this Website. We ask that you download the forms and bring them with you to the event in order to save time. You can sign up for the race and/or freestyle competitions or to just do practice runs the day of the event.
It is important that everyone realize that running this waterfall should be for experienced boaters only. Running this class IV waterfall has all the potential hazards involved with any other class IV rapid. Our safety at the base of the falls only involves helping swimmers if and when they wash out from under the falls. As with any whitewater activity you are responsible for judging your own capabilities and for your own safety. If you do not have the experience to run the falls please do not attempt to do so.
Even if you do not run the falls come on down and celebrate with us. This event was twenty years in the making.
Please visit American Whitewater for more information on the rules and regulations in regards to running the Falls after the event. And even though this access might seem restrictive, it’s a BIG step in the right direction and it took a lot of hard work—PLEASE ABIDE BY THE RULES AND DON’T MESS THIS UP.
PADDLE SAFELY AND HAVE FUN!
