What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the term “pumpkin kayak?” Well…
If you have never been to the annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin, Oregon than we can be certain that you have never actually SEEN or heard of a pumpkin kayak.
10 years and running, the City of Tualatin holds what has become Oregon’s Best of October event and has been featured on CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, and the Food Network. The event, which brings participants from all over the globe features a race where competitors race in giant pumpkins across a small lake.
After the pumpkin weigh-off, participants carve cockpits into their giant pumpkin and transform the vegetable into a vessel. Once in the water, pumpkins are buoyant and even support the weight of an adult paddler through the duration of the race.
On a side note, check out the paddle of choice- the Werner Skagit, which appear in the hands of nearly every paddler.
The following album is courtesy of Michael Lloyd of The Oregonian, originally posted via Oregonlive.com
For addition articles and content by Michael Lloyd, visit The Oregonian
-Alex