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Riverview: Clear skies, clear river needed for canoe race

Alafia Challenge race organizers hope the weather is favorable and debris is cleaned from the river in time for the Nov. 6 event. If not, it could be canceled.

The good news is Riverview residents will be well prepared for this year's Alafia Challenge Canoe and Kayak Race.

Take race organizer Karen Wagner, for example. During the flooding that followed Frances and Jeanne, she had to paddle her way home on Squirrel Way Drive.

"We got a lot of practice in canoeing," said organizer Karen Wagner. "It's par for the course when you live out here."

Those floods have given new meaning to the phrase "Alafia Challenge." Wagner and others have had a difficult time organizing this year's sixth-annual race, scheduled for Nov. 6 from Lithia Springs Park to the Riverview Civic Center. There is still a chance, in fact, that the race could be canceled.

Water levels are still above normal, and debris and tree limbs were swept into the river, making it unsafe for boaters. Organizers hope to move in soon to clear away some of the mess.

"We need to make it safe for the race," said Wagner, of the Alafia River Basin Stewardship Council, which coordinates the event. "It's the only community event that raises money for the river, and right now, it is just a disaster."

The race is also organized by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department.

The groups raised about $6,000 last year for scholarships, the chamber of commerce, river improvements and the race itself. This year, the river basin council plans to use the proceeds to build picnic and seating areas along the banks and install access roads for trash collection.

But the race may not happen if there are more heavy rains, making it impossible for Parks and Recreation officials to clear the debris.

"We've been so busy with our debris sites," said Lois Kessler, manager for recreational services for Parks and Recreation. "We're still repairing our parks from the hurricanes."

Wagner is confident the race will take place. But if it doesn't happen Nov. 6, it likely will be canceled. The race has to take place during an outgoing tide, Wagner said, and the only outgoing tides on Saturdays before the end of the year fall around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If the race is canceled, registration fees won't be refunded, Wagner said. But the river basin council will still dole out T-shirts, snack packets and prizes at a later date.

Wagner said adults with canoes who are interested in helping clean up the river before the race should call her at 684-7300.

"Hopefully it'll be a fun event that'll get people's minds off the last month's tragedies," Wagner said, "and give them a little reprieve and a day of fun."

- Jay Cridlin can be reached at 661-2442 or cridlin@sptimes.com

The Sixth Annual Alafia Challenge Canoe and Kayak Race starts at 7 a.m. Nov. 6 at Lithia Springs Park, 3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia. The race will follow the Alafia River State Canoe Trail for 11 miles to the Riverview Civic Center, 11020 Park Drive, Riverview. There are 15 categories for racers age 5 and up; registration fees range from $20 to $40. Only 300 may participate; the deadline to register is Oct. 30. For race information, visit www.alafiachallenge.com or call Karen Wagner at 684-7300. Online registration is also available at www.active.com Call Wagner to help with the river cleanup.