As we are well into April, the paddling season is well upon us. I've already mentioned that the East Coast has a ton of water and in some cases too much...as if that were possible. Well, in a little over a week there is a great event for you West Coast boaters. The 2008 Kern River Festival, run by The Kern Valley River Council, kicks off on April 19th.

This years events will feature the 44th running of the Kern River Whitewater Races. Yes...you read that right. These races have been going on since 1963. In addition there will be a number of different races and competitions for virtually every level and type of boater.

If the paddling, the races, and the opportunity to hang with fellow kayakers, canoeists, rafters, and outdoor enthusiasts isn't incentive enough to attend this event, the scenery should be. The whole area is simply breathtaking with the highlight being the Seven Teacups of Dry Meadow Creek near the Kern River. This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon features a group of successive waterfalls shaped like, you guessed it, teacups and smooth ones at that. The drops range from 8 to 50 feet high! There are hikes to and around these waterfalls which I'm sure you'll find are well worth the effort.

Sadly, I must admit I will not be attending this year due to 2 prior commitments for that very same weekend. Rest assured that I will have eyes and ears on the ground at the festival and you can be expecting some great shots of the event. To learn more, check out the About.com Paddling Festival Calendar and follow the links. If you are going or have anything to add to this post, feel free to comment.

Happy Paddling!