The biggest Olympic-style flat water regatta on the West Coast returns to Seattle this weekend for two days of racing on Green Lake. Co-hosted by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Canoe & Kayak Advisory Council, the Ted Houk Memorial Regatta (in its 39th year) attracts paddlers from the western US and Canada who race the slender, shallow canoes and kayaks required for 500m and 1000m sprints. Green Lake is one of the top national training centers for flat-water racing, and the Seattle Canoe and Kayak club, which works with girls and boys from 6th grade to college, holds practices on Green Lake all year. Athletes compete as singles, doubles or foursomes, depending on the race. Some may even go on to the Olympics if past race history is any indication.
The regatta is named after the creator of the Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club, Dr. Theodore “Ted” Houk. Founded in 1969, the club’s initial goal was to use competitive paddling to interest young minds and bodies in health and the outdoors, and to strive for Olympic-level skill. Today, the SCKC has members of all ages and abilities, including 200m paracanoe races both days this weekend. The public is welcome to come watch the action at Green Lake and learn more about the club.
For more information and a schedule, please visit the SCKC website. See you at the races!