Summit County Citizens Voice

The July 31 Dillon Challenge celebrates green, non-motorized water sports

Rowers in the 2010 Dillon Challenge — photo courtesy Kay Beaton

By Jenney Coberly

FRISCO, COLORADO — Paddlers and oarsmen will join together for fun and competition,  dipping their oars into the still waters of Dillon Reservoir as they participate in The Lake Dillon Challenge, North America’s highest regatta.

“We expect 70-80 participants from all over Colorado, neighboring states, and around the country,” said Frisco Rowing Center president Joanne Stolen.

All photos were taken by Kay Beaton at the 2010 Dillon regatta.

Rowing on the lake in the 2010 regatta.

There will be 2.5 and 6-mile races for all manner of human-powered and paddled watercraft. Rowing shells will be grouped according to type, size, age and sex of participant and raced in intervals. Kayaks, canoes and other watercraft will mass start by categories. Medals, t-shirts and prizes will be awarded for best elapsed times.

Saturday, July 31
5 p.m. – Packet pick-up and in-person registration until 7:00 p.m. includes burger and beer discounts at the Island Grill, located at the Frisco Bay Marina, 902 E. Main St. in Frisco.

Sunday, July 31
6  a.m. – Late registration; ends at 7:00 a.m.
7  a.m. – Skippers’ meeting; required for all captains and/or coxswains
7  a.m. – First rowing heat start
8:15 a.m. – First paddling heat start

Rowers prepare to put in on the dock at the Frisco Bay Marina.

The Frisco Rowing Center, which is hosting the regatta, seeks volunteers to be on the Regatta Committee and to help with all phases of the July 31 event, including motorboats/captains for safety launches and course monitoring. Sponsorship levels range from $25–100 in cash or in-kind donations. A portion of event proceeds fund scholarships for youth rowing programs. Contact friscorowing@gmail.com for details.

The Frisco Rowing Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and providing the opportunity for people to experience the sport of rowing. The center provides unique abilities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, coordination skills and physical fitness. It reaches out to a wide range of demographics and is dedicated to supporting community and environmental organizations by promoting clean water for recreation. Connect with the Frisco Rowing Center on Facebook for club news, events and updates.

Filed under: boating, Dillon Reservoir, Frisco, recreation, Summit County Colorado Tagged: | Frisco Bay Marina, Frisco rowing center, Lake Dillon Challenge, regatta, rowing