PORPA competes in Cd'A Regatta

COEUR d’ALENE — It was a hot, clear day recently on Lake Fernan for the Fernan Frenzy Regatta, with the local Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association (PORPA) members racing in several events.

The PORPA team combined with Palouse rowers, and borrowed coxswains and rowers from the Coeur d’Alene juniors team to compete in three masters events: mixed eight, mixed four and women’s four.

Spokane River Rowing and Coeur d’Alene masters clubs along with PORPA, demonstrated in this friendly but serious 1,000 meter race that the four to six minutes of rowing a slim, fast-shell is breathtaking, quite literally. Rowers are gasping for air after giving all their energy to perform their best in a short burst of speed and synchronicity.

PORPA will play host to its own regatta on Saturday, Sept. 29 and invites any and all to witness this graceful and demanding sport at the annual Head of the Pend Orielle Regatta in Priest River. Racing begins at 8:30 a.m. at the “Mudhole,” located in the Priest River Recreation area just one mile east of town on Hwy 2. Barbeque lunch will be catered by Klondyke Café, featuring Bruno’s famous chicken and ribs, and costs $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids 12 and under.

Come share in the excitement as the rowing shells squeeze their way through the narrows of the Priest River Bridge and the coxswains call out directions and encouragement to the teams.

For more information about this amazing lifetime sport, send an email to Headrace@netw.com.