You may not be ready to grab a paddle and take on the swift water of the St. Louis River Up North, but how about watching others do it? Paddlemania, St. Louis River Rendezvous might be your speed, happening July 29-30 in the Carlton area. The annual gathering brings together white-water paddlers from around the state and nation. Blast to the Bridge is a kayak race along the lower St. Louis and dangerous rapids that can reach upward of Class IV. The race finishes at the Swinging Bridge in Jay Cooke State Park. "[The race] is like an extended white-water family as everyone is coming together to enjoy the dam releases on the lower St. Louis River," said Cliff Langley in an e-mail. Langley is professional guide who runs Swiftwater Adventures in Esko, Minn.
BOB TIMMONS
