41st Annual New River Canoe Race

The 41st Annual New River Canoe Race and Family Float will be held Saturday, September 23, in Jefferson, NC. This Ashe County tradition is sponsored by generous donations from community sponsors. Proceeds from the race support the restoration work at the Wagoner Access being done by the New River Conservancy . Whether you compete, float for fun, or just spectate, come enjoy a beautiful day on the banks of the New River!

Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from Zaloo’s for a discounted rate. Zaloo’s also provides a free shuttle on the day of the race. The average time for new paddlers on this 5 mile stretch of river is around 1 hour. Many contestants with advanced skills have completed the race in less than 45 minutes. The race will take place rain or shine!

2023 Categories List

Novice (friends who are new to boating, have not previously won the New River Race)

• Men Kayak
• Women Kayak
• Man canoe 2 person
• Women canoe 2 person
• Mixed canoe 2 person (adult + youth &/or male + female)
• Mixed canoe 2 person (adult coed)
• Youth (solo or tandem must all be 13 and under)

Expert (friends who have previously raced or are experienced paddlers)

• Men Kayak
• Women Kayak
• Man canoe 2 person
• Women canoe 2 person
• Mixed canoe 2 person (adult + youth &/or male + female)
• Mixed canoe 2 person (adult coed)
• Youth (solo or tandem must all be 13 and under)

Special Class

• Family Float
• Special Craft (long boat, solo canoe, air mattress, oversized unicorn, etc)
• Best Costume (individual) (friends who are extra-enthusiastic about having fun and want to add this to their Novice or Expert category, or simply participate in the festival.   Note, if you enter the costume category, you need to be at Wagoner Stage by 1:30 pm.)
• Best Costume theme (group) (same rules as above)

FEES

• $20 per adult, per category
• $5 each additional race category
• $5 per child under 12
• $25 per Family Float Boat (up to 6 people in a canoe)

TIMES

• 8 am Registration opens at Zaloo’s (3874 NC Hwy 16 S
  Jefferson, NC 28640)
• 9 am Earliest Race Time
• 9 am – 1 pm Staggered Race Start Times m
• 10:30 am – 3:00 pm  Festival at New River State Park – Wagoner Access.   Music + Food Trucks + Festival Activities + Family Activities + Merch
• 3:00 pm Award Ceremony (All boats must be off the water by 2:45)

Online Registration closes at 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. 
In person registration will begin at 8:00 am on Race Day. 
Preference will be given to pre-registered guests to begin the race.
Click here to register
Click here to Support
Click here to Volunteer