Frequently asked questionsHave questions about this year's New River Canoe Race? Get answers here!
Still have questions? Email us at NRCanoeRace@gmail.com to get in touch. Where and when does the New River Canoe Race start?
The race begins at Zaloo’s Canoes in Jefferson, NC. Click here for a map. Paddlers may enter the river from 9am - 1:30pm (1:00pm for boats with kids). Where and when does the race end?
The race ends at New River State Park – Wagoner Road Access in Jefferson, NC. Click here for a map. The Awards Ceremony and door prize drawings will be at 3:00pm. You must be present to win a door prize, so stick around and enjoy the festivities at the State Park! How long does it take to complete the race?
The race course on the New River is ~5 miles long, taking between 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Experienced racers have completed the course in 45 minutes or less! How much does it cost to enter the race?
Can I pre-register for the race?
NO. Registration is CASH ONLY on the day of the race. Do I have to have my own boat?
NO! If you have a canoe, kayak, or longboat, bring it! But if you don't, Zaloo’s is offering a 25% discount on canoe and kayak rentals on the day of the race! Call Zaloo’s at (336) 246-3066 to reserve a boat, or rent one on the day of the race. Do I have to compete to participate?
NO! Your float will be timed like every other participant and be recorded for the official race time scores, but you don’t have to compete in order to participate. This race can be considered a “fun run” for those who just want to paddle! Can I compete in more than one category?
YES! Hop on the free Zaloo’s shuttle with your boat, enter a new category at the registration table and get back on the river! Additional race categories are $5 per adult. Expert and Championship race categories first have to have competed in the Novice category in this or a previous New River Canoe Race. What do I win?
An award certificate (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) and bragging rights! Paddlers also receive a free t-shirt and are entered to win a door prize when they register to race! Will Zaloo’s have a shuttle to bring me back to my car?
YES! Zaloo’s is generously offering a FREE shuttle from the finish line back to Zaloo’s, whether you brought your own boat or rented one for the event. Shuttles will run at intervals, but there’s no guarantee on how full the shuttles will be at any given time (and Zaloo’s will also have customers to serve outside of the race), so please be patient! There will not be a shuttle to take spectators from Zaloo’s to the finish line, so if you are not paddling, please go straight to New River State Park Wagoner Access to enjoy the activities there and see folks cross the finish line. I’m a beginner paddler. Can I still participate?
YES! This section of the New River is shallow and doesn’t have any white water that would prevent a beginner from participating in the race or float. The course is safe for beginners and kids, but fun for everyone! What’s there to do at the finish line?
Just beyond the finish line, we'll be throwing a party at the New River State Park Wagoner! Park staff will be offering fun activities such as nature walks, exciting demonstrations, and free tubing in the New River! Bring your picnic blanket or camp chair and pack a lunch -- or enjoy a burger from the Cardinal Food Truck! Spend the afternoon listening to live music by talented local artists or take a walk along the miles of beautiful forested trails while awaiting race results. Can I camp at New River State Park Wagoner Access?
YES! Camping for the race at Wagoner is a yearly tradition for many folks! The State Park has beautiful tent and group camping sites available for reservation. They go fast -- make reservations via the NC State Parks website or by calling (336) 982-5817. What happens if there’s bad weather?
We’re all familiar with the unpredictable weather up here in the mountains, especially those afternoon rain showers! The race will take place rain or shine, but if there is especially bad weather expected (thunderstorms or dangerously high river levels), we may need to postpone the race to a future date or cancel the event. The river has been too high on Race Day only once in 40 years, so we’ve got our fingers crossed for beautiful weather all day! Check out our friends at Ray's Weather for forecasts as Race Day gets closer! My organization would like to have a booth at the finish line. How do we do that?
The finish line field will feature tables from local organizations that want to spread the word about what they do! If you’re interested in reserving a vendor booth, email Sam at NRCanoeRace@gmail.com and let her know your group is interested in having a vendor table! I’m interested in helping out on the day of the race. Can I volunteer?
Who are this year's community sponsors?
We couldn't do it without our sponsors! We want to extend special thanks to: Friends of High Country State Parks Zaloo’s Canoes GoPostal of WJ Footsloggers Be Natural Market RiverGirl Fishing Company Riverhouse Inn & Restaurant SkyLine/SkyBest LifeStore Bank Modern Ford of Boone Farmer’s Rentals Mast General Store Barr Evergreens Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Stick Boy Bread Co Happy Tails Rescue Pat Beaver & Bob White Paula & David Applegate Dianne Littlefield |
