Another Dam Race (ADR) 2022 - Parker, Az.
This has been a tradition for Dig Paddlesports to attend and bring some of our paddling friends and family.
Southern Utah really represented well and came to support this fun event. Members of the meetup.com group: Zion Paddlers, Dig Paddlesports crew and just some enthusiasts all joined us at ADR to test their skills but mostly to get out and have some fun.
Bill and Michelle had a small group of teenagers stay with them and a couple of other adult "chaperones" (Amber Barnes and Kathy Smith) in an Airbnb on the river.
Friday night we went to bed early and got ready for an early morning race.
Saturday morning was chilly. After getting equipment set up and ready, we worked on staying warm until the race started.
It was a gorgeous morning with sunrise hitting the hillside and no wind to speak of.
We were honored to be a part of a Hawaiian blessing and dedication before the race got going. What a great way to begin our water adventure. Uncle taught us about the sacredness of the canoe/paddlecraft and honored the creator and asked for his protection on us all. Truly a great way to connect to fellow paddlers and start the day.
We gathered on the water with hundreds of other paddlers including Outrigger Canoes, Surfskis, Kayaks, Paddleboard, Prone Paddlers, and Dories.
Wave by wave groups of paddlers started their race. Outriggers, and surfkis first, followed by kayakers and Paddleboarders.
The conditions were perfect.
Paddlers had 2 courses to choose from, the long course or the short course. Don't be fooled though, that short course is a 5 mile paddle. Not really that short for a beginner paddler. The long course on the other hand was roughly 10 miles and great for an athletic paddler pushing their skills.
The first half of the race was up river, turn around at the halfway point and come back. The term "upriver" and "down river" don't mean a lot when the current is slow and almost unnoticeable and a small breeze is blowing up river. The current neither helps nor hinders your progress in the race.
I (Michelle) was the designated photographer for our crew and spent most of my time paddling a kayak with one arm while trying to manage capturing our team paddling. It was a little tricky looking for our people. Needless to say, I did not place at all in the race. But I enjoyed my time and loved watching the team succeed. 
Unfortunately, I was unable to get everyone paddling during the race.
Everyone did fantastic!
Post race we all gathered for music and lunch and awards.
Between the "Zion Paddlers" and Dig Paddlesports Crew, Southern Utah was well represented.
Pictured above -
Back row L-R: Dawn Larson, Tyson Barnes, Easton Knudson, Nick Guillen, Rebecca Guillen, Jackie Goode, Andrea Roberts, Kathy Smith, Tami Farley, Jerry Sabaitis, Debbie Cox, Laurie Harper, Scott Tolley, Grant Cooper
Front Row L-R: Amber Barnes, Sky Beasley, Riley Ward, Michelle Ennis, Jacob Barnes, Ferrell Ennis, Dane Ennis, Bill Ennis
Awards were a lot of fun. Most of our crew ended up placing.
Jacob Barnes (Dig Crew member): 3rd place, short course, Kayak, Men
Amber Barnes: 3rd place, short course, inflatable SUP, Women
Tyson Barnes: 3rd place, short course, Inflatable SUP, Men
Way to go Barnes family!
(Pictured above L-R: Debbie Cox, Laurie Harper, Kathy Smith)
In Women's kayaking - all trophies went to Southern Utah ladies!
1st place: Dig Guide - Kathy Smith
2nd Place: Debbie Cox
3rd Place: Laurie Harper a member of the Zion Paddlers meetup group
Short Course women's SUP - Dig Club Member - Rebecca Guillen 2nd place
Short Course, Men's SUP 1st place: Ken Rybkiewics - DIg Guide
Short Course Surf Ski 18 and under - 2nd place : Ferrell Ennis - Dig Crew
Women under 18 Short course SUP:
1st place Riley Ward, 2nd place Sky Beasley
Both are amazing Dig Crew
Long Course, 12"6" SUP Men under 18
1st Place: Easton Knudson - Dig Crew member
Also his lucky socks.
Long Course , Kayaking Men under 18
1st Place: Dane Ennis - Dig Crew member
and his lucky hat.
Collecting ADR trophies has become a hobby for my crew and family. It's always fun to see how many more we can bring home. CHEERS!
1st place is a Beer stein, 2nd place - scotch glass or coffee mug, 3rd place is a shot glass. But our family just uses them for apple juice and milk. :)
After the race we were able to try out a couple of pieces of equipment including the Red Paddle Co - Dragon Board - a 4 person racing SUP! It's on my wishlist. Thank you to Riverbound sports for bringing it to the event for us to play on.
We went back to the Airbnb for a BBQ and night paddling around the neighborhood on the river.
What a beautiful experience to get on the water in the moonlight and paddle through the vacation homes located on the Colorado River. As we paddled under bridges and past gorgeous homes, it took your breath away. You couldn't get more perfect than this.
Sunday morning we packed up and headed to Havasu City to paddle under the London Bridge, a historic site located in the desert. The bridge was moved from London to Havasu and rebuilt brick by brick.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch and made the long drive back home. What an adventure. We sure hope you will join us next time!
