Rowers and paddlers of many varieties will flock to the Elk River Estuary next Saturday,, July 28, for the 23rd annual Elk River Challenge.

Organized by the Sound Rowers and Paddlers, this race allows anyone with a human-powered boat — canoes, kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats — to participate.

As long as it’s foot- or hand-powered, it’s fair game. But race manager Jon Harwood said he does advise against some particularly sluggish watercrafts.

“I had somebody call last year asking if they could do it in a rubber raft,” said Harwood. “I told them, ‘Eh, that’s a bit tough.’”

It’s one of 12 annual human-powered boat races run by Sound Rowers and Paddlers, attracting participants from all over Western Washington.

The event does not provide rental boats.

The race starts off with a launch from the beach at Brady’s Oysters on the west end of the Elk River Bridge. The paddlers then go underneath the bridge and skirt most of the Elk River Estuary before finishing back near Brady’s.

Two courses will be available: one 7 miles, and the other 3 miles.

Registration begins at 1 p.m. and the race itself starts at 3 p.m. Harwood said it typically takes about an hour to complete.

Registration costs $15 per person, or $10 if you pre-register online at soundrowers.org. The race’s top three finishers will receive medals.

Each racer is required to have a personal flotation device and a whistle, and those under the age of 18 must fill out a parental permission form.

Brady’s Oysters is located at 3714 Oyster Place, accessible from State Route 105 on the west side of of the Elk River.