5 Races on 5 evenings
This is a fun, casual series. It’s a great excuse to get a group of friends together, meet other paddlers, and do something healthy after work. We have prize categories for those who are competitive, but we also welcome anyone who simply wants to try something a little more challenging than a float; the Chena River is an excellent place to sharpen your paddling skills and get faster. These are FREE events. Reserve a spot on Facebook. Come join us!
In Person Registration
Start line registration: 6:30 pm evening of the race
Race Start: 7:00 pm
Most races Put In at Graehl Landing, Front Street, Fairbanks, in front of Pro Music. See Facebook for the most up to date information. (River miles listed below are approximate.)
Paddle One – June 1st | 4 1/4 river miles. Race to the Take Out River Left at The Boatel (aka Chena River Wayside). | |
Paddle Two – June 15th | 7 1/2 river miles. Race to the Take Out River Right at Chena Small Tracts. | |
Paddle Three – June 29th | 9 1/2 river miles. Race to the Take Out River Right at the Chena Pump House. | |
Paddle Four – July 13th | ||
Paddle Five – July 27th |
CLASS I
| Kevlar and Fiberglass Canoe Racing Boats These boats will be faster, so they take an initial trip upriver to circle the bridge abutments at the put-in. That way we all finish closer to the same time. |
CLASS II
| Canoes and Kayaks of any other type |
SUP
| Stand Up Paddleboards One paddler per board, please. |
| FAMILY | Three or More Paddlers or Passengers in any type of boat |
Race Divisions:
INFLATABLES
| Pack Rafts |
RULES AND SAFETY
ALL race participants must WEAR a USCG-approved personal flotation device at all times until feet are on land at the Take Out. This also includes non-paddling passengers, infants, and children.
Display your Boat Number on the bow of your boat (or visible on your person if paddling a SUP). Please also assist timekeepers at the finish line by calling out your boat number as you cross.
Steer into any boat wakes. Motorized watercraft are permitted on the Chena River and may be active during the races. The race venues are not protected by any sort of no-wake zone. If a passing boat creates a wake, please take care to steer your boat to a 90° angle of the wave to avoid capsizing.
Notify the race organizer ASAP if you decide to abandon the race. We do keep track of how many individuals start the race, and how many finish. If someone is missing, we WILL initiate a search. If you will not cross the finish line for any reason, please get a message to the race organizer as soon as possible to preclude unnecessary searches.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation back to the Put In. Beaver Sports does not provide either return transportation or security for watercraft at the Take Out while vehicles are shuttled. Please plan your logistics accordingly.