EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN FROM MARCH 1ST TO APRIL 15TH.  

REGISTER EARLY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE REDUCED ENTRY FEE.

Get ready paddle sport enthusiasts & racers!  The Bear Town Paddle Battles are back and set for Saturday, July 26th, 2025.  Come join us on the water in beautiful New Bern, the original capital city of North Carolina.  The best thing is that it supports an exceptional cause!  Event proceeds will benefit HDReach.  So come race, fun paddle, group paddle, or just hang out in the park!  We can't wait to see you there! 

Click HERE to learn more about HDReach.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

FUN PADDLE:  Just bring your vessel of choice and paddle for fun!

GROUP PADDLE:  Would you prefer to paddle in a group?  If so, upon arrival, we will pair you with others for an untimed journey along the race route.  Cheer on the competitors while going at your own pace.

RACE:  See race categories and age groups below.  

2025 BOAT/BOARD CATEGORIES:   

- Kayak (Single)

- Kayak (Tandem)

- Surkski

- SUP 14'

- SUP 12'6 or under

- Canoe (Single: Outrigger or Standard)

- Canoe (Tandem: Outrigger or Standard)

- Other (Prone, Pedal, Etc.)

2025 RACE DIVISIONS:

- Juniors (Under 18)

- 18-49

- 50-59

- 60+

Awards will be handed out to the top three male and female finishers within each age group for single racer boat and SUP divisions.  The tandem boat categories are "open", meaning they are not age or gender-specific. 

Awards will also be handed out to the overall top three male and female finishers within each category, regardless of age.

SOUTHEAST PADDLE SPORTS SERIES (SEP SERIES) POINTS: 

We are a proud member of the SEP Series.   While our official race categories and age groups are slightly different, results are reorganized to support points accumulation for the race series.  Information gathered during registration and on race day will be used to calculate the SEP Series-specific results after the event.  Click HERE to learn more about the SEP Series.

RACE/EVENT INFORMATION: 

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

- Route Grizzly, 6 Mile Race  

- Route Black Bear, 2 Mile Race

- Lazy Bear Fun Paddle

- Group Paddle Along the Race Route

- Arrival & Check-In (subject to change): 

        - 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM for racers and Group Paddle participants

        - 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.  However, limited equipment is available for rent from Bearfoot Kayaks, LLC and some kind paddlers are willing to loan extra equipment for the fun and group paddle events.  Please contact us at beartownpaddlebattles@gmail.com if you are interested in renting or being loaned equipment.  

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.