Paddlers and spectators are gearing up for an early start to the season with the 2005 Glacier Breaker Slalom and Wildwater Races held in the Nantahala Gorge Feb. 26 and 27 and sponsored by the Nantahala Racing Club.

The Slalom Race will go through the 25 gates of the Nantahala Falls course and starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Awards will be at 2:30 p.m. at Rivers End Restaurant on the Nantahala Outdoor Center campus.

The Wildwater Race will be held from the Ledges on the Nantahala River to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and start at 11:30 a.m. Awards are at 12:30 p.m. at River’s End.

The Race Director for Slalom is Bambi Robinson and for Wildwater is John Pinyerd. Slalom is $25/person; wildwater is $15/person. For additional information or to volunteer call 828.488.2176 ext. 108 or go to www.nrcrhinos.com.