Cyndi Loza

Kayakers embracing the warm weekend weather flocked to the Truckee River downtown to enjoy the white water sport.

“It’s so nice to be out in the nice weather finally,” said Sophia Blum, 16, of Berkeley, Calif. “The real hardcore kayakers start out when it’s cold, but it’s more fun and less of a hassle when it’s warm.”

Reno was sunny Sunday with a high near 78 and a low around 46, according to the National Weather Service.

Blum said the Truckee River Whitewater Park is an ideal place for kayakers of all skill levels.

“It’s a pretty nice way to start out and there are not many rapids,” said Blum, who spent a weekend kayaking the Truckee River.

The river also is a great place to train for white water competitions, said Jessica Subido, 17, of Rocklin, Calif. Subido said she is using the river to practice for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trails in Charlotte, N.C. She plans to compete for a spot on the U.S. women’s kayaking team later this month.

“This Reno site is one of my primary training sites,” Subido said. “It’s a really great course, and I love the environment.”

Cold water, warm temps

The cold water also is a lot more refreshing and appealing in warmer weather, Subido said.

“The warm weather makes it a little easier, and I don’t have to drag myself out as much,” said Subido, who has been practicing regardless of the weather since July.

Kayakers also hope the warm weather will help melt the snow in time before the fourth annual Reno River Festival on May 10.

“Every year, we hope for more snow because more snow means more water in the rivers,” Subido said.

Looking toward festival

South Reno resident Luke McIntire agreed.

“We need the warm weather so it can come up for the River festival,” said McIntire, 28.

McIntire plans to compete in the four-day event that brings in professional kayakers from across the country for competitions, demonstrations and live music.

Bill Gentry, director of the Wet Water Entry Team for the Reno Fire Department, mixed business with pleasure Sunday maneuvering in the Truckee river with his kayak.

“It pays to be good at what you do,” said Gentry, whose team assisted during the Fernley flood.

Gentry said he hopes people will enjoy the warm weather safely and not go in the river without protection.

“When a person goes in without a helmet, thermal protection and life jacket, it can be kind of dicey,” Gentry said.