PORPA Sprints non-motorized water sports event returns to Priest River

August 6, 2025

By Reader Staff

After a cancellation in 2024 due to unexpected construction delays at the Priest River Recreation Area (a.k.a. “The Mudhole”), the Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association is returning with its PORPA Sprints boat race Saturday, Aug. 9 at The Mudhole, located about a half-mile east of Priest River on Highway 2.

PORPA is a club for rowing and other non-motorized water sports headquartered in Priest River, and its signature race is put on in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and volunteers from the Spokane River Rowing Association.

The Sprints includes paddling events for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and rowing, and is open to all ages and skill levels, with kids 17 and under registered for free.

A participant in the PORPA Sprints. Photo by Axel Imagery

Experienced and novice (less than one year of experience) participants can register for $25.

The event begins at 7 a.m. with check-in at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 7:45 a.m. safety meeting. Races in various categories will run intermittently from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. An awards ceremony and lunch will take place at 1 p.m. at the picnic pavilion, and free rowing lessons end the day at 2:30 p.m.

Professional sports photographer Hollie Axel will be on the water taking action photos, which will be available to participants via online ordering a few days after the event.

Event T-shirts are available for pre-order during registration, which is available at bit.ly/3GVZ52l.

For more information, visit PORPA.org.