Programs

White River Paddle Days & Festival

Home to many wildlife species and recreational opportunities, the White River is a large part of our community. Join us for the annual White River Clean-up for some time out on the water, enjoying nature, all while contributing to a cleaner river!

Home to many wildlife species and recreational opportunities, the White River is a large part of our community. Join us for the annual White River Clean-up for some time out on the water, enjoying nature, all while contributing to a cleaner river!

About The Paddle Days & Festival

The White River Paddle Days and Festival’s races are part of a three-day event with races being held in Daleville, Indianapolis, and Noblesville. 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 are 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 preceding the races. Buses begin leaving for the start line at 9 AM.

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Race Details

Paddle Days & Festival will return in 2025

The races are held at three different locations:

  • Canoe Country – Daleville
  • Frank’s Paddlesports Livery – Indianapolis
  • White River Canoe Company – Noblesville

All races are 6.5-7 miles and should take a little over an hour to reach the finish line.

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.

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 at later date. Space is limited. Questions?

Register

2024 Paddle Days & Festival has past. It will return in 2025.

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!

CANOE COUNTRY
6660 S CR 900W
Daleville, IN 47334

FRANK’S PADDLESPORTS LIVERY
3001 N White River Pkwy Dr W
Indianapolis, IN 46222

WHITE RIVER CANOE COMPANY
17180 River Rd
Noblesville, IN 46062

FAQs

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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