3rd Annual Snoqualmie Powerhouse Frankfurter Attainment Classic

Almost all whitewater races I’ve participated in have the same thing in common, going downstream. But not the Powerhouse Frankfurter Attainment Classic in the Greater Seattle Area. This fun community race transforms a local beginner stretch of whitewater into a challenging series of attainment moves that make experienced paddlers break a sweat. The Powerhouse section of the Snoqualmie River is a short drive from Seattle and starts below 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls. The Powerhouse section is a common gathering point for paddlers after work and a great way to cool off on beautiful PNW summer days. On low water days it’s easy to paddle across the river, hike up the riverside, snap a gorgeous photo, and paddle around the base of the falls.

Where do the frankfurters fit in? Well, the race starts one by one as racers navigate attainments through multiple class II-II+ rapids. This race is timed and based on your time relative to the median racer, you are provided more hot dogs up to 5 for the fastest tier of times. Once nearly 100 hot dogs are cooked (friendly to all dietary preferences), the downstream race begins and racers have to scarf down their hot dogs before they can get back in their boats and race downstream. The race audience cheer and laugh as racers execute a variety of strategies for consuming hot dogs quickly. Some dunk their hot dogs in a beverage like those in the July 4th hot dog eating contest, some eat their hot dogs and buns separately, some use condiments to prevent their mouth from drying out, and others just eat ‘em the old fashioned way. This year I was part of the 4-hot dog tier which made me happy to be one of the fastest racers. …but paddling a downstream race full of hot dogs was an eye-opening experience but one I had a lot of laughs about.

I’ve tried a variety of options but I’ve found the Jackson Karma RG to be my favorite kayak to participate in this race. It has the right amount of speed and agility to help me navigate each attainment move without getting pushed downstream and having to retry. I’ve always appreciated the versatility of the Karma RG. I can take it to a whitewater race, river running day, instructional class, multi-day expedition, rock gardening in the sea, or a relaxing day paddling around the lake. The outfitting is always comfortable and easily adjustable, making it easy to let friends hop in and take it for a spin. When I’m huffing and puffing from going as hard as I can with the attainments, I appreciate having an easy to roll kayak as my arms and shoulders turn to jell-o during this race.

I’m thankful to event organizers and volunteers for a growing series of river races in the Greater Seattle Area. It takes a lot of hard work and coordination to put together a race with folks helping with registration, corralling folks at the start line, timing, cooking hot dogs, and setting safety. I appreciate these folks giving back to the paddling community and organizing such a fun event. This event in particular is so special because almost every Seattle whitewater paddler has paddled the Powerhouse at some point, but many of us hadn’t tried attainments until we began prepping for the race. I’m glad to see this race running 3 years in a row. Certainly the best part of the race is all the chit-chat before and after the race, catching up with paddling friends in the midst of our busy lives. I also think these are great opportunities to inspire members of our communities to learn the wonderful sport of whitewater paddling.

If you’ve got a great stretch of whitewater for attainments, put in some practice and consider putting together a community race and have fun! Attaining is a useful skill to have in whitewater paddling. A great way to transform a class II run you’ve paddled many, many times into a highly stimulating series of complex problems to solve. Rarely is there beta on how to attain rapids, so let your mind explore, your skills develop, and your creativity come through. If it gets too easy, try it faster, try a different line, or try the same move in a different boat.