White River Paddle Days and Festival

The White River Paddle Days and Festival’s races are part of a three-day event from June 14th through 16th. The White River Alliance invites all interested in racing by canoe, tandem kayak, or single kayak to be a part of the fun! All experience levels welcome! There is no need to bring your own boat as all participants must use the canoes and kayaks provided.

All races are 6.5-7 miles and should take a little over an hour to reach the finish line. Check-in opens each day at 8:30 AM with a short program about Discover White River. Buses begin leaving for the start line at 9 AM. The races will be held in Daleville, Indianapolis, and Noblesville.

The registration fee is $40 per single kayak or $80 per canoe/tandem kayak for two-person teams. The registration fee will cover the canoe/kayak rental, food and refreshments, entertainment, and will also support the efforts of the White River Alliance. Space is limited, register by selecting the event(s) you wish to participate in using the buttons below each event location to claim your spot! Contact london@thewhiteriveralliance.org with questions.

Friday, June 14th – Canoe Country, 6660 S Co Rd 900 W, Daleville, IN 47334

Canoe Country

Saturday, June 15th – Frank’s Paddlesports Livery, 3001 N White River Pkwy Dr W, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Frank’s Paddlesports Livery

Sunday, June 16th – White River Canoe Company, 17180 River Rd, Noblesville, IN 46062 – THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Awards will be handed out to the first three finishers by boat type: canoes, tandem kayaks, and kayaks. Race in a themed outfit or costume and you may be the winner of the team spirit award! Enter all three races (Canoe Country, Frank’s Paddlesports Livery, and White River Canoe Company) and you will be entered for the participation award.

Participants and spectators can also earn points through the free Discover White River Rewards Pass by attending any of the races, which can be redeemed for exclusive prizes like stickers, t-shirts, and on-water experiences.

After you register you will receive more details about locations, the race routes, pre- and post-event activities, and other event information.

If it rains or river levels are too high/dangerous for paddling, the event will be held the following weekend, June 21st- 23rd.

REGISTRATION

Use the button below each race location to register for that event! Registration closes June 10! Contact london@thewhiteriveralliance.org with questions.

Canoe Country – June 14th
Canoe Country
Frank’s Paddlesports Livery – June 15th
Frank’s Paddlesports Livery
White River Canoe Company – June 16th
White River Canoe Company

Several canoes paddle down the white river in Indiana.

FAQs

Can my kids race? Is the event family-friendly?

Kids are more than welcome to be a part of the race! Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate and will need to be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak or canoe. Children aged 13 or older may race in solo kayaks, but their parent or guardian must sign a waiver and be present at the races.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, they must be non-aggressive, leashed, and under the control of their owner(s) at all times.

What does my $40 registration fee include?

Your registration fee covers boat rental, a personal floatation device, paddles, transportation to start location, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and music.

What should I wear?

We encourage you to dress comfortably! This race starts pretty early, so you may want to wear layers as it will warm up throughout the day. Remember to bring sunblock, and we’d encourage a hat and/or sunglasses, too. Don’t forget you can dress up in a theme to be entered to win our spirit award!

Can I participate more casually? How serious are the races?

People of all experience levels participate in these races, no race experience is required. We will release the participants in “heats” based on experience level and boat type. The clock starts once your boat passes the starting line, and your final time is recorded when you cross the finish line. Racers will be awarded based on who has the fastest time, unless they’re competing for our spirit award.

How long are the races?

The races are 6.5 to 7 miles long and should take between 1 to 2 hours from start to finish depending on location and speed of paddling.

Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/tandem kayak?How long are the races?

No, all boats will be provided by the liveries, and we ask that no one brings their own. This helps standardize the quality of boats across the races.

Can I race solo, or do I need a partner?

In previous years, the canoe races required a partner. This year, we are introducing the kayak race which allows individuals to participate!

Do I need to participate in all 3 races?

No. You can choose just one or two, but you’re more than welcome to participate all three days! Competing in all three events will qualify you to receive the participation award, with the quickest cumulative time receiving a special award!

Can I come to the festival after the races without racing in the event?

Absolutely! There will be food provided to racers, but all are welcome to join for the live music and festival after the event.

Programs

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