Events Calendar

It’s always time to plan for the next great canoe race, outdoor expo, paddling class or workshop – check out what’s coming up next:


MARCH

 

Quiet Water Symposium

DATE: March 4, 2017
Location:East Lansing, MI
Web site: http://www.quietwatersymposium.org

DESCRIPTION: The Quiet Water Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes Environment. At the Symposium visitors will find presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers. Other presentations may cover skills, safety, local and distant destinations. There may be presentations on bicycling, sailing, diving, and history. Those who have not visited this event in the last few years will be amazed at its growth and diversity.  Last year’s Symposium featured over 200 exhibits, speakers and demonstrations at the MSU Pavilion.   Featuring presentations by noted travel writers, Jim DuFresne, Kevin Callan, Hap Wilson and the dean of outdoor writers, Cliff Jacobson.

 

Canoecopia

DATES: March 10 – 12, 2017
Location: Madison, WI
Web site: http://www.canoecopia.com/

DESCRIPTION: The world’s largest paddlesports exposition! Canoecopia is hosted by Rutabaga, a paddler-owned business in Madison, Wisconsin for four reasons: education and inspiration; exposures for guides, outfitters and schools; charitable giving and access to great gear at great prices. Join over 20,000 paddling enthusiasts from beginners to experts to experience the best antidote for March’s cabin fever! Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world, with over 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing. Over 110 seminars and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn about the perfect gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far.

 

New England Paddlesports Show

DATE: March 31-April 2, 2017
Location: Durham, NH
Web site: http://ktpevents.com/

DESCRIPTION: The UNH Field House is the setting for this gathering of paddlesports manufacturers and organizations from around the country! We invite newcomers, experts and those in between to browse, shop and attend instructional seminars, and on-the-water skills demonstrations by paddling experts.

Best of all, you’ll be able to purchase the season’s best offering of kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes and paddling accessories at special show prices!

 

Tallulah Fest

DATES: March 30-April 1 2017
Location: Tallulah Falls, GA
Web site: http://www.tallulahfest.com/

DESCRIPTION: Tallulah Fest celebrates the release of the Tallulah Gorge, and donates money to American Whitewater. A weekend of being outside, listening to handmade music, and having a good time. We show big screen adventure movies, have photo and video contest, give away a lot of cool prizes and jam all night to live music.

 


 APRIL

 

Ottawa Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show

DATES: April 1-2, 2017
Location: EY Centre Ottawa, ON
Web site: http://www.adventureottawa.ca/

DESCRIPTION: The Ottawa Outdoors & Adventure Travel Show is the largest outdoor & adventure travel event in the National Capital region. Set in spring, it launches the season as we showcase the latest in the industry’s products and services that are guaranteed to ignite and nurture the passion of the outdoor enthusiast.

 

Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup and Expo

DATE: April 8, 2017
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Web site: http://gigharborpaddlerscup.com/

DESCRIPTION: The Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup, held at scenic Skansie Brothers Park, is the premiere event for Pacific Northwest canoe, kayak, paddleboard and outrigger athletes and enthusiasts alike. This two-day event features competitive racing for the expert and novice as well as youth paddlers. On shore hosts a complete expo with the industry’s top manufacturers, clubs, retailers, non-profit organizations and more. Proceeds from the Paddlers Cup benefit the Gig Harbor Canoe & Kayak Racing Team.

 

Charleston Outdoor Fest

DATES: April 21-23, 2017
Location: Charleston, SC
Web site: http://www.ccprc.com/1542/Charleston-Outdoor-Fest

DESCRIPTION: The annual East Coast Sea Kayak Symposium at the Charleston Outdoor Fest is a 3-day immersion in the history, technique, hands-on experience, and fun of kayaking, canoeing, SUP, and more. The symposium is the heart of the Charleston Outdoor Fest, and paddling enthusiasts will not be disappointed.

Classroom lectures and on-water beginner and master classes are available to preregistered package holders only and designed to enrich your symposium experience. Package holders will also have access to unlimited boat demos from the world’s leading manufacturers, social opportunities with the world’s top instructors, event souvenir package, and much more.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new paddlesport? Have you hit a plateau in your personal paddlesports progression? To help organize and optimize your experience, we have outlined tracks specifically designed to get you first-timers on the water or better help more experienced paddlers progress in the sport you love…

 

Outdoor Adventure Expo

DATES: April 28 – 30, 2017
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Web site: www.outdooradventureexpo.com

DESCRIPTION: Join all of your like-minded friends at the Midwest Mountaineering store, the big-top tents, and the University of Minnesota campus for Over 100 exhibitors including local environmental nonprofits, trail organizations, outfitters, ski areas, tourism promoters, etc., over 120 Presentations about everything outdoor related. Special events include the Boat Auction (Spring only), Paddlesports Demo (Spring only), and the The Radical Reels Tour (Spring only).  Get product information from manufacturers’ representatives, eat wonderful treats and meals from our food vendors. Admission is FREE!

 

French Broad River Classique Canoe and Kayak Race

DATE: April 29, 2017
Location: Asheville, NC
Web site: www.fbcanoeracing.org

DESCRIPTION: The French Broad Classique has paddling events for competitors of every experience level and craft: canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Competitors can come for one or both days and are welcome to switch to different boats or different classes.

 

 


MAY

 

Texas River Marathon

DATES: May 6, 2017
Location: San Marcos, TX
Web site: www.texaswatersafari.org

DESCRIPTION: The ‘World’s Toughest Canoe Race’ Starting at the Cuero Highway 236 bridge and ending at Victoria City Park, this great race is run over 39 miles of the fastest water on the Texas Water Safari course. Finishing positions in the Texas River Marathon, also fondly known as “The Prelim”, are used to determine starting positions in the Safari itself, (with one position on each row being set aside for out-of-state teams whose members cannot all make it to Texas in early May.) Elapsed times for this race at high water can be breathtakingly fast and it is a highly competitive race, while being fun for all concerned.

 

McHenry County Conservation District Paddle in the Park

DATES: TBD
Location: Crystal Lake, IL
Web site: www.mccdistrict.org

DESCRIPTION: Annual paddling event held by the McHenry County Conservation District, more information to come.

 

Adirondack Paddlefest

DATE: May 19-21, 2017
Location: Old Forge, NY
Web site: http://www.mountainmanoutdoors.com/adirondack-paddlefest.html

DESCRIPTION: Adirondack Paddlefest is the largest on-water canoe and kayak sale in the country and features over 75 of the leading manufacturers of canoes, kayaks, and accessories. Over 1,000 canoes and kayaks will be on sale all weekend at special show prices. Our on-water location in Old Forge offers a large beach for test paddling, close accommodations and restaurants, and ample parking. Nestled within beautiful mountains and lakes, Old Forge is the gateway to the western Adirondacks and the proposed Great Oswegatchie Canoe Wilderness. It is also the western terminus of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

 

50th Annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta

DATE: May 26-29, 2017
Location: Cooperstown, NY
Web site: http://www.canoeregatta.org/

DESCRIPTION: Imagine paddling a canoe 70 miles in one day, challenging the elements and testing your endurance against the unpredictable Susquehanna River in upstate New York. The General Clinton Canoe Regatta has over 50 races in one or two person classes, including: Generation Gap Relay, Race Relay, Scout Races, 1-man 18 mile sprint, youth races, 70 mile amateur endurance races, spring, and the 70 mile pro endurance races.

 

WCHA Canoe & Wooden Boat Show

DATES: May 27, 2017
Location: Spooner, WI
Web site: www.wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org/upcoming-events

DESCRIPTION: You are invited to participate in the sixth annual Canoe & Wooden Boat Show, to be held in conjunction with Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day outside of the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum (WCHM) in Spooner WI. Spring is on the way, and its time now to make plans to be an exhibitor and display your canoes and canoe related items of all types, classic and modern; wooden boats of all shapes, sizes, and designs; plus all kinds of classic and vintage water and paddling related items of interest.

 


JUNE

 

Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race

DATE: June 4, 2017
Location: Aurora, IL
Web site: http://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/mid-america-canoe-kayak-race/

DESCRIPTION: This historic Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race is an amateur canoe race for paddlers of all ages and abilities. There are 11 canoe divisions, 8 kayak divisions and 1 non-competitive division. Famously fun times! This popular canoe/kayak race is for paddlers of all ages and abilities, featuring 11 canoe divisions, 8 kayak divisions and 1 open (non-competitive) division. From the ultra-competitive, experienced  river runners to young families and newbies just wanting to enjoy a memorable paddling experience on the Fox River – IT’S ALL HERE!

 

Maine Canoe Symposium

DATE: June 9-11, 2017
Location: Bridgton, ME
Web site: www.mainecanoesymposium.org

DESCRIPTION: Established in 1986, the Maine Canoe Symposium is a volunteer-run, nonprofit weekend event held annually at Camp Winona on Moose Pond in Bridgton, Maine.  The Symposium allows participants of all ages to develop an understanding and appreciation of  the diversity of North American canoeing heritage and to develop canoeing and related skills through educational workshops, presentations, and hands-on instruction.

 

 

The Great American Canoe Race and Festival

DATE: June 10-11, 2017
Location: Ely, MN
Web site: www.greatamericancanoefest.com

DESCRIPTION: The festival honors the history and culture of the canoe, resulting in two days filled with races, recreational paddling, music, demonstrations and seminars. The weekend features two races and a family paddle. The Ely Paddle Battle is a 6-mile race along the shoreline of Shagawa Lake. It will be held on Saturday, with both the race start and finish occurring at Semer’s Beach. This race is suitable for paddlers of most experience levels, and is perfect for couples, parents and children or those who want to loosen their muscles in preparation for Sunday’s race. Sunday brings the Mighty Paddle Challenge, a 17 mile paddle, 2.5 mile portage race. The race is a great trip across several lakes within the wild and scenic Superior National Forest. Racers will also traverse portage trails of varying lengths as they move from lake to lake along the course.

 

 

Boundary Waters Expo

DATE: June 17-18, 2017
Location: Gunflint Trail, MN
Web site: http://www.visitcookcounty.com/bwcaexpo/

DESCRIPTION: Never been to the Boundary Waters? Or are you a seasoned BWCA tripper looking for new adventures? Save the date for the first-ever Boundary Waters Expo at the Seagull Lake public landing on the Gunflint Trail. Dozens of presentations, exhibitors and lots of fellow paddlers will get you inspired for the trip of a lifetime.

 

Paddle The Namakagan

DATE: 2017
Location: St. Croix, WI
Web site: http://scrapaddle.org

DESCRIPTION: This journey promises a diverse paddling experience. It is primitive and remote, at times very narrow and wild. Other reaches flow through more populated areas. As it nears the confluence of the St. Croix River, it runs wider and slower. The Namekagon River merges with the St. Croix on the final day. The journey will last 6-days, cover 92-miles, and is perfect for both canoe or kayak. This is a partially supported paddle: we will haul your overnight gear and provide other limited services. Expect to unplug and reconnect with the natural world. You’ll challenge yourself, be inspired, and build lasting relationships with a new community of paddlers. Namekagon River communities will welcome you, each sharing their unique personalities. You will explore a national park and see an abundance of wildlife. Every night at camp you can expect to be inspired by educational programs.

 

Delaware River Sojourn

DATE: June 17-23, 2017
Location: Delaware River
Web site: http://www.delawareriversojourn.org

DESCRIPTION: The Sojourn is a seven- or eight-day guided paddling trip on the wild and scenic Delaware River, combining canoeing/kayaking, camping, educational programs, historical interpretation, and more. It is for novice to experienced paddlers of all ages; participants can sign up for the whole event or for the section(s) or day(s) of their choice. Studies and research have shown that being active outside can help combat certain health problems, as well as teach important lessons of conservation and stewardship. In this region, there is no need to travel far to be with nature; the Delaware River is close by, a gas tank away from about 20% of the nation’s population. We hope that many will consider taking part in this fun, ultimate “staycation,” which celebrates family, friends, and the great outdoors! Come out and paddle the Delaware River, the longest un-dammed river east of the Mississippi.

 

Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival

DATES: June 16-18, 2017
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Web site: www.northhouse.org/programs/events/woodenboatshow.htm

DESCRIPTION: It’s the biggest celebration of the year! Try your hand at a workshop or course; be inspired by the stories of boat builders, sailors and travelers; and plan your next adventure. It’s a fun, family-oriented educational event–curiosity is welcome.
Grab a paddle and journey North!

 

Yukon River Quest

DATE: June 28-July 2, 2017
Location: Whitehorse, YK Canada
Web site: http://www.yukonriverquest.com/

DESCRIPTION: The 715-kilometer (444-mile) wilderness adventure paddling race is held on the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory. The YRQ is the world’s longest annual canoe and kayak race. It is known as the “Race to the Midnight Sun,” as paddlers race round-the-clock under a sky that never gets dark. There are just two mandatory rest stops of 10 hours over the course of the entire event.

 

Catgut Paddle

DATE: July 22, 2017
Location: La Crosse, WI
Web site: https://catgutpaddle.com/

DESCRIPTION: On July 22, 2017, the 1st annual Catgut Paddle, hosted by City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry will feature a 14-mile Canoe Kayak Race and a 4-mile Fun Paddle Sponsored by J.F. Brennan with other events throughout the day including SUP yoga, paddleboard jousting, guided historical and birding paddles, and kayak beginner courses. Spectators will enjoy the Outdoor Enthusiast Expo, yard games, Food Truck Court, live music, and KidZone, all held at Veterans Freedom Park, Clinton Street, La Crosse, Wis. Proceeds from Catgut Paddle will benefit Youth Enrichment Association (YEA).
 


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