2021 Great Lakes Paddle Challenge

June 26, 2021

Our inaugural event in 2019 was amazing and far exceeded our goals.  After a rough 2020 (for obvious reasons), we are stoked to be back, better than ever, for 2021!  We've incorporated some exciting changes and have some flexibility built in to accommodate any possible COVID restrictions!  The addition of more paddle crafts and a revamped schedule will help the event to be even more streamlined and inclusive to everyone!

On June 26th,  join us once again on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan for the Great Lakes Paddle Challenge.  The 10k, 5k, kids race, virtual race, a 1.5 mile “fun paddle”, and several clinics offers something for everyone.  Even if you’re not into racing, you can come to the beach, enjoy the water, listen to some music, and hang out with a great group of stoked paddlers.  The West Michigan paddling community is awesome...come and be part of it!

The races below will be on Lake Michigan...big water.  Paddling on the "big lake" presents many possible challenges (waves, wind, current, temperature, and a constantly changing combination of all of them) and that's where we get our name.  Are you up for the challenge?!?! 

Event Overview:

10k - Race

• Beach Start
• North/South distance course along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with technical buoy turn section
• 2 laps
• Leash and PFD required and enforced (leash only for prone)
• Men's and Women's divisions as well as age groups for SUP
  • SUP - race and surf style
  • Prone
  • Surf Ski
  • OC-1 & OC-2
  • Kayak

5k - Race

• Beach Start
• North/South distance course along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with technical buoy turn section
• 1 lap
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• Men's and Women's divisions
  • SUP - race and surf style
  • Inflatable SUP
  • Prone

Virtual Race

• 10k or 5k
• Will only be competing against those in the virtual race
• Do your virtual race anytime between June 11th and June 23rd
• Track distance and time using Garmin Connect, Paddle Logger, STRAVA, or other GPS solution
• Fill out digital form with time/distance and upload a picture showing the info if possible
• Please do not race in moving water with the current...honor system
• No Midwest Paddle League points awarded for virtual race

1.5-Mile "fun paddle"

• Beach Start
• North/South course along the shoreline of Lake Michigan
• 1/2 lap
• No Midwest Paddle League points awarded for "fun paddle"
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• no divisions, no board restrictions, and no pressure
• all the fun and all of the swag, without the competitive nature of a race

Kids Race

• Beach Start
• Course and length TBD based on conditions and participants
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• No board restrictions

SUP Relay

• more info to come on this fun race

Charity Partner

We are stoked to be partnering with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project for our 2021 event.  The GLSRP has a single goal...TO SAVE LIVES!  Their mission is to eradicate drownings by being the leader of Great Lakes water safety by providing training, public preparedness, and public awareness.  The unfortunate reality is that we are quickly closing in on 1000 drownings on the Great Lakes over the past 10 years, and by far the most occur on Lake Michigan. 

Please join us in helping to support this organization by including a donation during the registration process! 

Where To Stay & Other Things To Do

Windsnest Park is conveniently located 9 miles north of Holland along the shores of Lake Michigan.  If you're looking for a place to stay, check out holland.org for a complete list of hotel options in the area.  In addition to places to stay, they have a ton of information on other things to do while in town...check it out!

Facebook and Instagram:  @greatlakespaddlechallenge

Cancellation Policy:
Athlete safety is of upmost importance to the Great Lakes Paddle Challenge.  We will do everything we can to put on a safe and fun event, but we do take the conditions on Lake Michigan very seriously.  In the event of extreme weather (wind, waves, lightning, etc.) or COVID related mandates, the race director may make the hard decision to delay or cancel all or part of the event.  In the unfortunate situation of a last minute race cancellation, there will be no refunds.  Athletes are still encouraged to pick up swag bags, event shirts, and participate in the raffle and other events.  If cancellation is necessary, announcements will be made as soon as decisions are made and will be communicated over the PA system, as well as the event Facebook page.