4 reasons you need to go to the Canoe Slalom Trials at the Whitewater Center

I know what you’re thinking. “Mary, what the heck are you talking about?”

That’s fair. When I first heard about the trials I thought it was some sort of canoe charity event for a local synagogue. (In my defense, Slalom does sound a lot like Shalom.)

I quickly (and embarrassingly) learned that these trials actually determine which athletes will represent the US in this year’s international competitions.

So basically, the best kayakers and canoers in the country are coming to the Whitewater Center. There’s tons of cheering, lots of beer and cute athletes in skin-tight outfits. Still not convinced? Here are four more reasons you shouldn’t miss the Canoe Slalom Trials:

(1) It’s crazy.

I know what you’re thinking. You’ve been to the Whitewater Center. You yourself have conquered those rapids. No big deal, right? Not quite. For these trials, the Whitewater Center cranks up the rapids like a wave pool from hell. Expect to see big waves, big currents and even bigger drops.

(2) It’s cheap.

Entry is free and it only costs $5 to park. Take an Uber up there and you’re looking at a completely free day-drinking event (excluding the six to seven beers you’ll drink).

(3) It has celebrities.

In attendance will be Casey Eichfeld, two-time Olympian. Casey is a big deal in the whitewater world. He competed in Beijing and London and has his sights set on Rio 2016. Look for him to compete in the single canoe. He’ll be the one winning at everything.

(4) It has cowbells.

Apparently people go nuts at this thing. They bring cowbells and scream “up up up!” to encourage the athletes. I don’t really get it, but who cares? Any event with cold beer and loud cowbells is where I want to be.

View the event on Facebook.