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 our annual paddle days and festival for races, scavenger hunts, live music, and more fun! Get out on the water and learn about protecting our river.

About The Paddle Days & Festival

Get ready for a summer full of fun, friendly competition, and time on the river at the White River Paddle Days & Festival! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the water, we’ve got something for everyone. Read on below to learn what we have in store for 2025!

Race Details

2025 Paddle Days & Festival: Two Races, Twice the Fun!

🏁 Race #1: The Distance Challenge ($50/person)
Kick things off on Friday, June 20 with a scenic 6–7 mile paddle starting from the White River Canoe Company in Noblesville. This race should take just over an hour to complete.

  • Check-in starts at 8:00 AM
  • Announcements and instructions will kick off the morning at 8:30 AM.
  • Buses to the starting line leave at 9:00 AM sharp

🏁 Race #2: A Short-Distance Tournament ($75/person)
On Saturday, July 19th, it’s time to turn up the energy with a short-distance canoe tournament in downtown Noblesville. Race around a buoy and back in a double-elimination bracket—which means everyone races at least twice!

  • Check-in starts at 7:30 AM
  • Announcements and instructions will kick off the morning at 8:00 AM.
  • The first race will start at 8:30 AM Sharp!

What’s Included with Registration?

Your registration fee does a lot more than just get you on the water! It covers:

  • Canoe or kayak rental – no need to BYOB (bring your own boat!)
  • Refreshments
  • Live entertainment & good vibes
  • Support for the White River Alliance

Awards
For the June race, the top paddlers in each boat category—canoe, tandem kayak, and single kayak—will earn awards. For the July race, our top 3 teams will win awards!

Feeling festive? Dress up in a themed outfit or costume for a chance at the Team Spirit Award!

After You Register
Keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll send you everything you need to know, including:

  • Event locations & race routes
  • Pre- and post-race activities
  • Parking info, maps, and all the fun details

What if it rains?
If Mother Nature throws us a curveball with heavy rain or high river levels, we’ll reschedule the event for the following week to keep everyone safe.

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 the 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.

If you’d like to race alone, you’ll be able to book a solo kayak. For the canoe race in July, you’ll need a partner as it is canoe-only.

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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