October is a very busy month for paddling events.

 If you are looking for a paddling challenge, you might want to enter the Suwannee River Challenge or the Suwannee River Marathon on Saturday, October 10th.

The Suwannee River Challenge is a 52 mile race that starts in Fargo, Georgia and ends in White Springs, Florida. According to their website, they have designed this race to push the limits of even the most experienced paddler.

If you are looking for a shorter race than check out the Suwannee River Marathon which is a 26 mile race that starts at the SR 6 Bridge and ends in White Springs, Florida. 
 

Both races will go through Big Shoals which is Florida’s only class III whitewater.

There are many divisions for kayaks and canoes for both races.
 

To participate in these races you will need to be a member of the USCA. The cost for an event membership is $5.00.

 

Paddling Festival
 The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, October 23 thru November 1st has races and events that the whole family can enjoy.

The Calusa Blueway is Florida’s 190 mile marked paddling trail that goes from the southern tip of Bonita Springs to the northern most point around Pine Island Sound and up the Caloosahatchee River.

Festival events include:

The Imperial River Challenge: in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs on Saturday, October 24. This is a 2 mile race on the upper Imperial River. There are six race categories.

 Paddle the Pass: in Matlacha Park, Matalcha, Florida on Sunday, November 1st. This race has a recreational 4 mile paddle and a competitive 10 mile paddle.

There is also a kayak fishing tournament, paddling clinics, paddling demonstrations, seminars, and family activities.
 

For more information and to find out how to register, please click here to go to our Races and Event page.

To find other places to paddle, kayak and canoe all over the USA, go to our Places to Paddle page and click on any state, or check out nationwide kayak, canoe and paddle events and races on our Paddling Events and Races page.

If you would like us to post your favorite place to paddle, kayak or canoe or your favorite paddling event or race, please use our handy contact form to send us the details.

Here are a few kayaking and canoeing races and events that the whole family can enjoy.

California

If you’re looking for a triathlon you might want to check out The Great Race, the world’s oldest triathlon, on Saturday, July 18th. Your team will need to a run, bike, and paddle. The Great Race is held along the American River Parkway between Rancho Cordova and Sacramento, CA. According to their website there are many divisions for both teams and iron-persons.

This race consists of a 5.82 mile run, 12.5 mile cycle, and 6.35 mile paddle.

If you need another person in order to enter, you can check out their team message board. There you can post a message to find a teammate.

This event also has a duathlon for kids. Kids can compete in a 2 mile run and 5.75 mile bike event. The age for this is event youths 17 & younger.

Michigan

If you are an experienced canoer you may want to enter the AuSable River Canoe Marathon on July 25-26th. This is a 120 + mile course, 14-19 hour overnight race from Grayling to Oscoda. According to their website, this is the longest non-stop canoe race in North America.

Minnesota

If you live near the Twin Cities you may want to participate in the Mississippi River Challenge on July 25 & 26. Each day is a 22 mile downstream paddle with two rest stops and a lunch stop. Paddlers can choose to paddle the 44 mile two day route or the 22 mile one day. According to their website, paddlers that have participated in this event have been of all skill and experience levels. This challenge will take you from Coons Rapids Dam Regional Park to Grey Cloud Island.

This is a fund raising event for the Friends of the Mississippi River. Each paddler needs to raise pledge funds in order to participate.

 

To find other places to paddle, kayak and canoe all over the USA, go to our Places to Paddle page and click on any state, or check out nationwide kayak, canoe and paddle events and races on our Paddling Events and Races page.

If you would like us to post your favorite place to paddle, kayak or canoe or your favorite paddling event or race, please use our handy contact form to send us the details.