Radley Miller throwin a brown claw on his way to 7th place.

Nori Onishi and Kyle Mandler battle it out for the 4th place spot.

With bright sunny skies and a great water level of 6.3 for the Lower Big Sandy, the first of the Western PA Region Creek Race series started with heated contest for the mass start participants. The racers started at the first rapid located at the put-in with all 8 racers lined up and ready to fire up the relatively short approximately 1 mile course. Racers had about 3/4 mile of class 2/3 rapids with the heat picking up as the racers hit the lead in rapid to wonder falls and finally taking the plunge off 17′ wonder falls on their way to the finish line. While we only had 8 competitors for the first race their was great participation from about 25 total who showed up to help with safety and provide support for timing, photos, and video. Safety was set above the falls at the ledge holes of the lead in rapid with others ready to go directly above and below the falls. Fortunately all racers had clean lines making for some heated matchups. While there was only one heat with a mass start we had one brave sole go up against the big dogs in the green boats with nothing more than hand paddles. Steve Kroser styled the run and brought up the rear of the pack coming in at 8th place. Radley Miller LBS and WV transplant local threw out a big brown claw as he dropped Wonder falls coming in 7th. Brian Kish pulled in at 6th place, while Nori Onishi and Kyle Mandler battled for the 4 spot with Nori taking it home and Kyle settling for a well fought 5th place. Up and comer Eli Loiben gave the top boaters a run for the money coming in a close 3rd, while Matt Pascal gave chase to Caleb Adams. Caleb claimed the 1 spot in the first of this new creeking series and the participants were all stoked and looking forward to our second event which will be held in March on Paint Creek in Johnstown PA. After the race participants were treated to some great prizes from the HomeTown ThrowDown sponsors, and the top 3 finishers received a special prize from regional event sponsor Soulful Bones. Gregg Lipps Owner of Soulful bones handcrafts authentic Hei Matau symbols for the top racers. This will be a special prize given away at every W.PA Region event and the special meaning behind the Hei Matau is thought to bring save passage over water, something every kayaker can use.

Results : Paddler / Bib#
1. Caleb Adams – # 5
2. Matt Pascal – #50
3. Eli Loiben – #45
4. Nori Onishi – #3
5. Kyle Mandler – #4
6. Brian Kish – #46
7. Radley Miller – #47
8. Steve Kroser – #48 ( And the 1st Place Hand Paddler )

For more race pics check us out on face book at the W.PA Region Page