Read all rules and safety information before registering. Online registration is available on Race Roster; day-of registration details are below.
Rules and safety on the course
- There will be a mandatory safety briefing prior to each event.
- All racers must sign a waiver prior to starting the event.
- Participants will be provided a number for their boat at registration. This number must be affixed to the left and right side of the bow, well above the water line. This number will be used to verify each craft as it passes by mandatory pass points on the river.
- Water and energy snacks will be available every 4 to 5 miles at access points.
Mandatory pass points and cut-off times
- 2 mandatory pass points for the 15 Mile Challenges. Spotters will be on land at these locations and will check that boats cross the points by visually and verbally verifying each boat number.
- Failure to pass and verify boat number with on-land spotters at these points by either the racer or support crew will result in disqualification.
- The finish line must be reached within seven (7) hours for 15 Mile Challenges.
Mandatory equipment
- Each participant must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the water
- Each boat must have one pea-less signal whistle, either securely affixed to a life vest or the boat in a manner which allows quick access
- Cell phone or two-way communication device
- Method of carrying at least 1½ gallons of fluid per person at all times
Recommended equipment
- Spare paddle(s)
- Water shoes
- Sun block
- Snacks
- First aid kit
- Rain jacket
- Warm clothing that stays warm when wet
- GPS and/or transponder (e.g. SPOT)
Competitor Class (15 Mile Sprint Challenge)
- Geared toward competitive racers. Previous racing experience is recommended.
- Must be age 18 or older (solo).
- Tandem and coed classes can have two adults age 18+, or one adult and one youth age 14–17.
- No watercrafts under 14' in length.
- No outriggers permitted.
Adventure Class (15 Mile Adventure Challenge)
This class is for the paddler who is in it for the challenge and adventure. If you are an adventure racer, recreational paddler, or new to paddle racing, this is the class for you. If you are competitive in nature but don’t have a race boat, this class is for you.
Adventure Class boats include, but are not limited to: aluminum, plastic, ABS or fiberglass canoes, touring kayaks, surf skis, sea kayaks, and sit-on-tops. Inflatables and rowing sculls are not allowed. Boats must be paddled with either a canoe or kayak paddle.
- Single class: age 18 or older.
- Tandem and coed: two adults 18+, or one adult and one youth age 14–17.
- All watercrafts must be under 16' in length.
Race support
- Bank support is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Any public access points on the river may be used for this purpose.
- Support is defined as any assistance given to the participant outside of substituting boats or paddlers. This includes, but is not limited to, water and food hand-offs, trash removal, and encouragement.
- Paddlers may also self-support using any of the several river pull-outs along the course.
Age requirements
- Any solo participant must be age 18 or older.
- Tandem participants in Sprint Competitive and Adventure classes may consist of an adult 18+ and a youth age 14 through 17.
- No participants under the age of 14.
Registration notes
- There is a processing fee for online registration.
- Day-of registration is available for both races: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Kidd’s Mill Covered Bridge Park (cash payment only).
- Pre-registration is highly recommended. Mail-in and online cutoffs apply — see pricing.
Additionally
- Organizers reserve the right to revise any prior rules or regulations as a result of conflict, hazard, or unforeseen incident.
- If the race is canceled due to natural disaster, each entrant will be refunded.