Sport Guides / Paddle Sports
Paddle Sports
A note from our founder
Our founder, Phil, hasn't crossed a paddle sports finish line yet. We don't publish full guides until we've lived it — so for now, here is some basic info to get you started, with more coming.
Getting Started with Paddle Sports
Paddle races cover kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and outrigger events on rivers, lakes, bays, and open ocean. Distances span short sprints to marathon-length races.
Classes are usually split by craft type, and sometimes by age or skill. Conditions like current, wind, and chop shape the race as much as the distance.
Coming Up
More Paddle Sports Races
RTC Open Water Swim - Wednesday, 6/17/26 - Members Only!
1500m · 3800 James River Road
Grayling Paddle Club
From $55 · 7601 Old Lake Road
River Trail Adventure Triathlon
Sprint · From $25 · 238 High St SE
Great Northern Highland Paddle & Portage
From $60 · 2965 WI-155
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a paddle race?
- A paddle race is a timed event on the water using a human-powered craft — such as a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or outrigger — over a marked course on a river, lake, bay, or ocean.
- What craft types are raced?
- Common categories include kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and outrigger. Races are usually divided into classes by craft type, and sometimes by age or skill level.
- What distances are offered?
- Paddle races range from short sprints to marathon-length distances. Check the specific event for its course length and class options.