Approximately 600 of the best outrigger canoe...

Approximately 600 of the best outrigger canoe paddlers in the state will assemble in the Ventura Harbor today for the Ventura Channel Challenge--a Kalifornia Outrigger Assn. event.

The women’s race begins at 8 a.m. and is followed by the men’s competition at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Six-member crews will race from the Ventura Harbor to Oil rig Gilda and back (approximately 16-18 miles).

Crews are accompanied by escort powerboats with three additional paddlers on board.

Substitutions are allowed for rest purposes, and will entail an in-motion crew change.

Approximately 28 boats will compete in each race.

Information: Steve Matthews, (805) 653-1432.

* Tryouts for the Southern California Stealth 14-and-under travel softball team’s 1998 season will take place Aug. 31.

Information: Manager Garland Nicklaus, (818) 702-0208.

* A 35-and-older men’s slow-pitch softball league is being formed by the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District in Camarillo.

The league, limited to players born in 1962 and earlier, will play on Thursday nights during a 10-week season.

Registration cost is $315 per team. Competition begins Sept. 11.

Information: (805) 482-1996.

* The Rampage Soccer Camp for players 5-18 will run through Friday at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park.

Cost is $135 per session.

Information: (818) 708-1644.