If you live on the East Coast and are looking to put your kayak or canoe in the water and join in on the fun of a race or event – then April is the month for you!

Here’s a list of kayaking and canoeing races and events we’ve found for you:

Maine
If Maine is your State, than check out the 43rd Annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race on Saturday, April 18 in Penobscot County, Maine. This race is sponsored by The Bangor Parks and Recreation Dept. There are many classes to choose from including kayaks and Senior/Junior events.

Georgia
Altamaha River Run, Jesup, Ga. Saturday, April 11, this is an 8 or 16 mile family paddle with experienced guides. Paddling will begin at Paradise Park in Wayne County. The 8 mile paddle will end at Williamsburg Landing. The 16 mile will end at Altamaha Regional Park at Everett City in Glynn County.

South Carolina
The East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival, April 17-19, at James County Island Park, Charleston South Carolina…. This is a full weekend which includes lectures, on-water classes, and demonstrations directed to the novice and experienced paddler.

Florida
The 32nd Wild Hog Canoe and Kayak Race, April 25, (alternate date, May 2) Bronson Florida…. According to their website you will be paddling down the Waccasassa River over obstacles big and small for a chance to win prizes. Registration fee covers your entry into the race, a free meal, race t shirt, and bottled water. Paddles will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category.

New York
Wild Water Derby, April 25 & 26 in Shortsville/Manchester New York. ….”A crazy canoe, kayak and raft race on the Canadaigua Outlet.”This event is a family-friendly day on the water that includes kayak, canoe, and homemade raft races with awards in each category.

Click here to visit our kayak, canoe races, & events page to find the link to these websites and to find many other races and events that are going on all year all over the U.S.

Do you have a kayak, canoe and paddling event you’d like us to feature on BornToPaddle.com? If so, click here to send us the info using our handy contact form.

This annual event takes place on the last weekend in April – the 25 & 26th this year in Shortsville, NY. Re-organized in 2006, the event is a family-friendly day on the water that includes kayak, canoe and homemade raft races, with awards in each category.

Proceeds from the event go to benefit local organziations such as the Lions Club, Rotary International, 4H, Youth Sports, YMCA, Church Organizations and the Shortsville/Manchester, NY Chamber of Commerce community efforts.

This year an additional benefit has been added – For 2009, any previous participants who have lost their job, or who have spouses who have lost their job, may deduct $15 from their registration fee and the registration fee for any dependent children. Proof of unemployment and dependency is required with each registration form (more details can be found a the event web site – click here).

A whole weekend of fun is in store for participants and spectators and starts with a waffle breakfast on Saturday morning. The events then continue with a kayak slalom, canoe and raft race. The race organizers would like to remind everyone to:

Keep in mind the Derby has changed to become more family oriented, there are no alcoholic beverages allowed at the Derby. In order to keep the event a family event and the safest event possible we ask that everyone comply with this request.

Also, in the interest of safety and to ensure everyone has an enjoyable day, please keep dogs at home.

“Water Safety & Awareness” is also part of the event, co-hosted by “Safe Kids Finger Lakes”. This award winning event includes hands on displays, activities and games plus US Coast Guard boats, “Seamor” a US Army Corps of Engineers robot, “Rescue Rodney” the drowning dummy, Specialty Dive Teams, bounce house, and more.

For a Wild Water Derby event schedule, registration information and photos of past year’s events, please click here to visit the Wild Water Derby web site.

Please let us know about your favorite kayak, canoe and paddle event. Leave a comment on this post with information, or send us a note using our handy contact form.