Event Updates

Last Updated: July 16th

It’s time.  The event is a “Go”.  See you there!

- Online registration has ended.  If you haven’t registered, you can still register at the check-in desk.  

- The race brief has been moved from 9 AM to 8:45 AM.  We will have a welcome brief that kicks off at 8:30 AM.   

- We have received some inquiries regarding kayak and paddleboard rentals and sales at the event.  There will be a limited number of recreational kayaks (singles and 2-person) provided by Bearfoot Kayaks available for rent.  If you or someone you know needs one, please email us ASAP to reserve.  Also, if you want to bring an extra kayak or paddleboard for someone to use or if you are seeking a sale, please feel free to bring!!  Please send us an email with what you have and if you are allowing others to borrow, rent, or possibly buy.

- There may be extra t-shirts available for sale at the event for $20.  Please come prepared to pay with debit/credit card or exact cash amount.  We will have a limited amount of cash available for change.

- T&G Motorsports will be offering pontoon boat rides during the races!!  Please let your families and friends know so they can get out on the water and cheer you on!  People can sign up and pay at their check-in desk at the event.  

Event Overview

Get ready paddle sport enthusiasts & racers!  The 2nd Annual Bear Town Paddle Battles will take place on July 16th, 2022.  Join us for a wonderful day on the water in beautiful New Bern, the original capital city of North Carolina.  Not only are we seeking novice paddlers from around the area interested in participating in their first race, yet this will be an excellent and challenging event for the experienced SUP, kayak, or surfski racer. The best thing is that it supports an exceptional cause!  Event proceeds will benefit Task Force Neuro, an IRS 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, established in the State of North Carolina.  Task Force Neuro, was founded to assist individuals and families affected by a neuromuscular disease or disorder. These diseases include Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's Parkinson's, ALS, Dystonia, and MSA, just to name a few. 

Click HERE for access to our social media, store, and Task Force Neuro website.

New in 2022: We are excited to announce that we have joined the Southeast Paddle Sport Championship Series (www.sepseries.org).  To accommodate this transition, the following changes will be made:

New Boat Categories:  If you are not familiar with these categories or which one is appropriate for your boat or board, please click HERE.  If you cannot locate your vessel on the website, contact us!

- HPK: High Performance Kayak (Kayak, Surkski, and ICF)

- FSK: Fast Sea Kayak (Kayak and Surfski)

- SK: Sea Kayak (Kayak and Surfski)

- REC: Recreational

- OC-1: Outrigger Canoe

- C1: Standard and ICF

- C2: OC-2, Standard and ICF

- K2: Surfski, Standard and ICF

- SUP 14'

- SUP 12'6", SUP 12' or under (surf)

- P1: Pedal

New Age Groups:

- Juniors (Under 18).  Please be advised that the Juniors Group is not affiliated with SEPSeries Points.  To enter a Junior for points, please sign up for the Open.

- Open (All Ages)

- Masters (50-64)

- Masters (65-74)

- Masters (75+)

Gender Divisions:

- Male

- Female

- Mixed (Tandem Boats, C2, K2)

The "Open" is available for all ages:  

If age isn't a factor for you and you want to compete against all ages, enter the Open!!

RACE/EVENT INFORMATION: 

- Event Time: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

- Route Grizzly, 6 Mile Race: $60 after June 1st.  

- Route Black Bear, 2 Mile Race: $60 after June 1st.  

- Lazy Bear Fun Paddle: Free!!  All ages

- Arrival & Check-In: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM for racers.  7:00 AM - 10:00 AM for Lazy Bear participants.

- Races start at 9:30 AM

BOAT SUPPORT:  

We are seeking the help of boaters to monitor our paddlers as they race.  Please contact us at beartownpaddlebattles@gmail.com, if you are willing to help out.

SPONSORSHIP:

Our sponsorship campaign is underway!  If you, your business, or organization are interested in sponsoring this great event, please email us at beartownpaddlebattles@gmail.com.  Thank you! 

Equipment: 

1. Platforms/Vessels:  Racers are to bring their own equipment.   No equipment will be available to borrow or rent for the races.  

2. Required Equipment:  Both state and federal regulations require that a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device in good condition and of appropriate size be accessible for each person onboard a recreational vessel, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized craft. For this event, all racers must wear a CG approved floatation device. Safety is of utmost importance and these rules will be strictly enforced.  For more information, visit: www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/Laws-Safety/Boating-Regulations.

3.  Comfort/Food/Beverages:  Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs if they wish to relax on Jack’s Island during the event.  Water, Gatorade, and Snacks will be available for participants.  

Safety Policies: 

1. Safety First:  Everyone on the water needs to look out for other participants.  If anything appears unsafe, or if someone is in trouble, please disregard the race and provide assistance.  Please seek the assistance of safety vessels along the route, if needed, by waving your paddle in the air.  Racers are encouraged to bring whistles for safety purposes.

2. Open Waterway:   Be advised that the Trent River is an open waterway and other boaters and paddlers can move freely on the water during the race.  The designated racing route will be outside of the navigable waterway in order to avoid direct interference with the majority of boat traffic.   Boaters should be slowing down to prevent wake for paddlers (good boatmanship), however there is no guarantee.  Thus, paddlers should stay out of the marked navigable channel and aware of other boaters.

3. Route Obstructions and Wildlife:  The vast majority of the Trent River is deep enough to not impact paddlers.  However, everyone should be cognizant that the river becomes shallow near the shoreline and marsh areas where this course will be laid out.  Paddlers should stay far enough offshore to not be impacted by stumps, the riverbed, or other protruding objects.  Paddlers should remain clear of boat docks and crab pots.  A variety of wildlife can be found in the Trent River.  Racers should stay clear of all wildlife; including snakes, alligators, and sometimes manatees that make their home in and around the river.  If you spot anything of concern, stay clear and notify safety personnel.

4. Physical Exertion:  Paddling can be a physically-demanding activity and everyone should paddle at a pace that is comfortable and sustainable.  All racers will be paddling at his/her own risk. If a racer is having any issues they should stop and request assistance if needed.

5. Accountability:  The Event Staff will not officially end the races until all racers report back in at the finish line.  Please do not depart the race course before the finish without notifying safety personnel on the route.

6. Inclement Weather:  The Event Staff will track weather conditions and the race is subject to cancellation/postponement if there are any concerns with weather conditions.  If weather forecasts indicate a need to postpone the event 24 hours in advance, the event coordinator will attempt to contact those who have registered via email and social media.