After the qualifiers week-end, the Samaná Fest ramps it up with the first Enduro Kayak World Championships.
This innovative race format will bring a 2 stage long distance race on the Samana grand Gorge and it’s final epic class 5 canyon.
In addition to the race, the event also aims to advocate for the Samaná River by demonstrating that paddlers form around the world unite to paddle and save its free flow!
All competitors will head to the Samana Bridge to paddle the Samana Canyon all the way to Narices. This scouting day is mandatory for all the paddlers who want to take part in the Marathon!
Return to San Luis by 8 PM
This is the big day! Meet at 10 AM at the Samaná Bridge and get ready for the mass start Marathon! The race will end above the final gorge, and there will be festivities in Puerto Garza, the center of the event for this second week-end.
Top 20 of the Marathon will be selected to race on the bottom class 5 gorge “EL TUPION” finishing under the stunning waterfalls of Narrices. Expect about 15 minutes of racing, and huge rapids.
In the evening, both kayakers and public will celebrate the champions and enjoy live music!
The Samaná Fest’s main goal has always been to celebrate and protect the last free flowing of Antioquia. With time, we understood the underlying strength of our sports to advocate for the protection of the river.
Therefor, by mixing the excitement of a new innovative race format, and the visibility it creates on the river, we decided to organize last year the first whitewater Marathon on the pristine Grand Canyon of the Samaná. Based on its success, we are now in the position to make it a world Championship!
The 2 race course are truly challenging so make sure you are in shape before coming!
Additionally, the epicenter of the event will be the remote hamlet of Puerto Garza, in the municipality of San Carlos. The population has profound a connection with the river, and have been witnesses of the construction of the dams which wiped out the neighboring watersheds. They are ready to trow one hell of an event to welcome kayakers from all around the world, as our love for free flowing rivers unites us.
The Marathon is a remote 40 KM stretch of river, with class 4 rapids and one portage. The portage is mandatory.
There will be a safety team at key places. The organization provides transports for your dry gear to the take out.
Rules are simple, the first paddler to make it to the Fugas take out wins. Top 20 will be qualified for the finals the next day
The finals will take place on the lower gorge, a 5 kilometer stretch of class 5, big water rapids.
Racers will race individually, 5 minutes appart. The race ends under the waterfalls of Narrisses, fastest time wins!
Transports and logistics is provided by the organization, and the village of Puerto Garza will be the host of the awards and concerts. This is an Iconic to both celebrate the winners and the river!
Fly to Medellin International Airport, the Samana watershed is just 1 hour east on the Medellin / Bogota Highway, near the town of Cocorna. Contact the organization for transportation details.
You can also fly into Bogota and take a bus or a private ride to the location. Expect a 7-9 hour journey.
The event’s main location will be the Finca El Encanto – The XXX packages include lodging and food there and Light package includes a camping area at this place. All shuttles will start from this place, and all the competitor meetings, as well as meals will be at this location too.
Hell yes, March is the rainy season and there are many many rivers to paddle in addition to the ones paddled during the event! You can contact us for a list of lodging options and resources on logistics
Boats are scarce in Colombia, so we encourage all paddlers to fly in with their own, and perhaps even consider selling it afterwards or donating it to a local kayak club. However, there are a few spare boats available for rent, for prices ranging from 15 to 30 USD/day. First come, first served
You need to be at el Encanto hotel by Sunday the 10th at4 Pm for the pre-race meeting
AWP rules are in place for this race. Please refer to AWP website for the details!
The organization offer 2 different formula to take part in the event!
– If you have your own transport and know your way around Colombia, the light package is for you!
– The VIP package is perfect for international racers who don’t want to mess around organizing the trip, and don’t mind a bit of confort!
* Bib + Care package
* Opening festivities in Cocorna, 23 Th
* Inscription for the Qualifiers and World Championships
* Shuttles for the Samana on the 26 Th and return from Puerto Garza on the 30 th.
* Party in Narrises at the end of the Marathon + Camping
* lodging from the 23 Th to 27 Th
* Opening festivities in Cocorna, 23 Th
* Luxury room eco-hotel Tierra de Agua on the 24 Th
* Bib + Care package
* All shuttles for qualifiers and World Championships ( Training days are extra, on demand transport available)
* Party in Narrises at the end of the Marathon + Camping
Food and drinks will be provided by local restaurants and farmers at the different locations of the event. 15-35 K COP/meal.You can also organize your own food.
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