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33rd Annual New River Canoe Race in Jefferson Held June 7, Same Family-Friendly Race, New Features

May 9, 2014. The 33rd annual New River Canoe Race will be held Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Jefferson, NC on the banks of the New River.

This Ashe County tradition is now sponsored by Friends of High Country State Parks, and it promises to be the same “family friendly”race with a few added features.  The cost to enter remains $10 for the first race.  Those planning to race more than once can enter again for a $5 registration fee.  The first 200 registrants will also receive a T-Shirt with their registration as well as an opportunity to enter for a door prize.

Photo Courtesy of Wahoo’s Adventure
Photo Courtesy of Wahoo’s Adventure

The race begins with registration at Zaloos Canoes in Jefferson.  Gates open 8:30 a.m.  Start times will be any time between 9 am and 1:30 p.m. (1pm for any boats with children).  There is no shotgun start.  Paddlers will end the course at New River State Park, Waganor Access, with an awards ceremony planned at the park for 3p.m.

Make time for a variety of activities that  will be available at New River State Park.  Pack a lunch or find a selection of vegetarian fare from the “Vitality”food truck and stop by  the  Earth Fare  Boone table for some free snacks and water.  There is a picnic area available where you can enjoy your food and listen to the band Redleg Husky play from 12 – 3p.m.

Chair massage will be another low cost option available on site for weary paddlers, along with a free opportunity to “play”in the water on tubes provided by New River State Park.  Need solitude while you wait for race results?  There are miles of pristine hiking trails throughout the park.

An average time for new paddlers is 60 minutes.  Many returning contestants with more advanced skills have completed the race in less than 45 minutes.

Categories for competition include Novice, Expert and Championship with a “Special”category for one person canoes or those with disability.  In addition the race offers a “Family Float”for $25 which allows up to five family members in a boat.  This year the Kayak categories have expanded to separate recreational kayaks from racing or sea kayaks.

On race day Zaloos Canoes offers a discount for boats rented on site by race participants as well as free shuttles.

Raffle tickets will be available on site both at Zaloos and New River State Park for the following:

  • Kayak from Footsloggers, Boone NC
  • Women’s Kelty Daypack stuffed with goodies from Mountain Outfitters, West Jefferson, NC
  • Original work of art by Andrew Atkin, Tilted Moon Fine Arts Studio
  • 2’x2’ aluminum barn quilt square custom designed by “The Quilt Square Girls”, Ashe County

Drawing for the Raffle will be at the end of the awards ceremony.

“The New River Canoe Race has become an early summer tradition for many avid paddlers and families in the High Country region with opportunities for all age ranges and skill levels. For Year 33 registration remains at a low $10 to encourage wide community participation. Our children were small when we first competed in 1981.  Now I look forward to my grandchildren being part of the Race this year,”said Canoe Race Chair Nancy Shannon.

Updated information available on Facebook: New River Canoe Race Sponsored by Friends of High Country State Parks or call race co-chair Nancy Wells Shannon 336-877-5550.

Fore more information about canoeing along the New River, click here.