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The Iceman

The Iceman

Since 2001, the first Saturday in January is always a special day in Columbia, South Carolina; it’s the day that Columbia takes centerstage in the Southeastern whitewater world. The rapids of the mighty Saluda River play host to a Columbia original: The Millrace Massacre and Iceman Championship.

 

Kayak racing is at the heart of this grassroots celebration of whitewater and the Columbia paddling community. The day consists of three events: the Millrace Massacre, the Straight Shooter and the Iceman Championship. There is something for everyone. These races have become a staple event for kayakers, routinely bringing in 60+ athletes from all over the Southeast, along with a multitude of spectators and vendors. 

 

Proceeds from the event benefit American Whitewater; a non-profit organization committed to conserving and restoring our nation’s whitewater resources and providing opportunities to safely enjoy our rivers.  The organization is the primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers in the United States.  Last year, the event donated over $3,500 to American Whitewater.

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The Races

The first race of the day is the Straight Shooter.  This time trial race is for novice paddlers. The racers paddle a straight line through Millrace rapid.

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The second race of the day is the Millrace Massacre.  This time trial race requires athletes to paddle kayaks/canoes that are 9’ and under. Racers are required to follow a set course through Millrace, catching eddies throughout the rapid.

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The final race of the day is the Iceman Championships.  This is a mass start, head-to-head endurance race that welcomes racers of all skill levels.  Athletes are encouraged to race any type of man-powered craft they see fit.  The competitors cover roughly 1.5 miles of paddling, running, and swimming. This race is brutal and challenging on many different levels.  In our eyes, every competitor that enters and finishes this race is a winner.  In the end, the fastest male and female paddlers are crowned the Iceman Champions!

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The Event

The Iceman is held at the Saluda Riverwalk Park. The races take place in and around the Millrace rapid on the Saluda RIver. Spectators can watch from along the boardwalk. There will be a DJ, vendors, raffle items, and a food truck. An awards ceremony and after party will be held once races are completed for the day.

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Sponsors

Through the years we’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive generous donations of

prizes, food, and logistical support for the races.  This support for the Millrace Massacre and Iceman Championships has helped build this event to what it is today, as well as building wonderful relationships with local businesses, whitewater paddling retailers, manufacturing companies, and anyone who carries the stoke for the love of whitewater. Thank y’all so much.

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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click the link below.

Race

The Races

The Straight Shooter

The first race of the day is the Straight Shooter.  This is a beginner friendly time trial race through Millrace. Athletes are required to paddle kayaks/canoes that are 9’ and under.  Participants follow a straight  course through Millrace.  The race has both a Men’s and Women’s class.   The race was added in 2018 to encourage participation of paddlers of all skill levels. 

The Millrace Massacre

The first race of the day is the Millrace Massacre.  This time trial race requires athletes to paddle kayaks/canoes that are 9’ and under.  Racers are required to follow a set course through Millrace, catching eddies throughout the rapid.  Straying from the course results in a time penalty.  The race has both a Men’s and Women’s class, each of which has a cash payout for first place.  In 2018 we added a beginner-friendly course through Millrace - the “Straight Shooter” line - to allow participation of paddlers of all skill levels.

The Iceman Championships

The second race of the day is the Iceman Championships.  This is a mass start, head-to-head endurance race that welcomes racers of all skill levels.  Athletes are encouraged to race any type of man-powered craft they see fit.  The race course goes as follows:  mass start roughly 400 yards upstream of Millrace; racers navigate through Millrace and the Pop-up Hole, then start the long flatwater slog to the Zoo bridge and back upriver to the Sandy Beach;  racers exit their boat and carry them back up to the top of Millrace, navigating it for a second time; racers must exit their boats above the Pop-up Hole and swim to the finish line at the Sandy Beach with their gear – including their boat - in tow.  In total, the competitors cover roughly 1.5 miles of paddling, running, and swimming. This race is brutal and challenging on many different levels.  In our eyes, every competitor that enters and finishes this race is a winner.  In the end, the fastest Male and Female are crowned the Iceman Champions!

The cash prizes are drawn from race entry fees; all other prizes come from donations from sponsors.

Prizes to be Awarded

  • Cash to first place Female and Male winners in the Massacre

  • 2nd and 3rd place Female and Male winners in the Massacre

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd place Female and Male winners in the Straight Shooter

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd male/female winners in the Iceman Championships

  • Carnage King/Queen

  • Most Improved

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