Women and the MR 340 Race
Women are underrepresented among 340 racers but have a higher rate of finishing the race. Our staff wants to be part of the success of this new wave of racers. This is a tough race and there are so many details for you to handle. We want to answer your questions, tell you stories, and let you know the things we wanted to know when we started. We hope you love your time on the water.
Location: Weldon Spring Conservation Area, Blanchette Landing, and the river between.
Target: 16 women, registered to race the MR-340 in 2026 who have never finished it
Staff: 8 women with knowledge, experience, training, and time on the river
Purpose: Building a community of female racers with emphasis on fun, confidence, skills, and river knowledge
Sample Topics: Preparations, strategy, navigation, hazards, hygiene, night paddling, safety
Cost: $25. Many thanks to River City Outdoors who made this class possible through their grant and St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club, sponsor: providing information and support before, during, and afterward. Thia fee is non-refundable.
We will meet at Weldon Springs Conservation Area for introductions, river talk, and discussions about the race. Move upstream to quiet water to practice getting in and out of boats from the water for those who choose to participate. Leaving boats at Weldon with our ground crew, we will drive to Blanchette landing, watch the river and cover additional topics. The shuttle will take us back to Weldon to start our 20-mile trip observing the effects of the topography on the current, noting bridges, sand dredges, tows and barges, dikes and dams, navigation markers, and places to access the land. As the sun goes down, we will see everything literally in a different light. Takeout is at Blanchette at 10:30 p.m.
To attend this class:
- Register for the MR 340.
- Become a member of St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club through the free membership we have for participants of this event. Membership Levels – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club
- Log into your new account and get a ticket for this event (below).
- Have an up-to-date ACA waiver or, if you’re not a member of ACA, you can sign a paper waiver at the event.
We are only able to accommodate 16 attendees but will create a waiting list when that number is filled.
Once you sign up by purchasing a ticket, we will be sending you additional information. If you have questions or things to discuss, please contact us at missouripaddlerjoan@gmail.com
Risks involved: Paddlesports and related ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH. These Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating, leading, or helping in the Activity, and the condition in which the Activity takes place, There may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.