The 2012 Eddy Hop: September 8-9

The Bob Thomas Eddy Hop is an exciting race that is put on every September by KRA. It is located at Rancheria rapid, and is fun for paddlers of all skill levels and ages.

The Eddy Hop is named to acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of Bob Thomas to the sport of slalom kayaking. Mr. Thomas was the recipient of the first annual Slalom Contributor Award which recognized the efforts of those who volunteer to promote the sport of slalom in the Sierra Cup region.

The Beach Ball Race: Balls can be purchased for $5 each on Saturday or on Sunday morning. Before the race on Sunday, everyone throws their beach balls off of the bridge up river from the course. The owner of the ball that reaches the finish line first wins half of the money collected for the beach balls. The other half goes to benefit KRA.

Events: Class II+/-III Slalom course. Saturday is set aside for slalom practice with the race beginning Sunday morning.

Directions: Travel the 99 to Bakersfield exiting at highway 178. Head east through Bakersfield on the 178 (approximately 13 miles) to Rancheria Road. Turn left on Rancheria and travel 1 mile to the site parking lot (on the left). Park in the lower parking lot, the gates are approximately 100 yards west of the parking lot.

Lodging: Kern River Campground is the closest campground (approximately 3 miles from race site. The campground sites are offered first come, first serve. There are also many hotels in nearby Bakersfield, and more camping options available in the Kern River Canyon.