International Bridge/Vail Whitewater Park Come June, Vail’s Gore Creek bucks like an ill-tempered bull, and the world’s best kayakers (along with local heroes) dive in for a rompin’ stompin’ kayakin’ rodeo series right beneath the International Bridge in the heart of the GoPro Mountain Games’ action. Paddlers have one minute to throw down their best acrobatics and surf skills to determine this year’s freestyle champ. Qualifiers are on Thursday afternoon, Semi-Finals are on Friday afternoon and the best of the best qualify for Saturday's Finals.
International Bridge This is the whitewater version of a demolition derby. As many as 10 kayakers race through a 200–meter timed sprint and attempt to avoid being knocked out by the 8 Ballers, kayakers waiting patiently to attack and slow them down on their way to the finish line at the International Bridge. Think full-contact kayaking, where rubbin’ (and ramming) is racin’.
NICK TROUTMAN / DANE JACKSON
VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION | VVF.ORG
SUNDAY, JUNE 12
Kayak: Coors Light 8 Ball Kayak
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Kayak: Coors Light Kayak Freestyle
29