GENERAL INFO
The California River Quest is back in May 2025. Please read all info below as some rules have changed!
Overview
The California River Quest is a marathon/ultramarathon paddling race on the Sacramento River in Northern California. Racers may choose 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile courses. We welcome all types of paddling craft, including canoes, kayaks, SUPs, OCs, surfskis, and prone paddleboards.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Friends of the River – California’s only statewide river conservation organization that drives protection and restoration of rivers to support sustainable water solutions through advocacy and education.
$100 for event registration
Race Courses
- 25 miles (Redding to Andersen, CA)
- 50 miles (Redding to Red Bluff, CA)
- 75 miles (Redding to Corning, CA)
- 100 miles (Redding to Chico, CA)
Note that we are avoiding paddling after dark, and will have a cutoff at Checkpoint 3 for the 100 mile course. Racers that reach the checkpoint after the cutoff will be moved to the 75 mile course and recorded as a completion.
Boat and board classes
- Solo Kayak
- Double Kayak
- Surfski
- Double Surfski
- OC-1
- OC-2
- Solo Canoe (Touring and Tripper Canoes)
- Tandem Canoe (Touring and Tripper Canoes)
- Marathon Canoe (USCA Pro Boats - J20X etc)
- Tandem Marathon Canoe (USCA Pro Boats)
- SUP (12'6, 14', UL)
- Tandem SUP
- Prone Paddleboard (stock, 14', and unlimited)
- Other (if you do not see your preferred boat/board class listed here, please email us! info@californiariverquest.com)
Relay Teams
Relay is a fun way to experience the race! We have 2-person and 4-person relay categories for the 100-mile course, and 2-person relay for the 50-mile course.
Safety
All race courses take place on the Sacramento River, which has rapids, swift current, and water hazards. All racers must be capable of self-rescue in their race craft in these conditions.
Required Experience
Racers must have sufficient river experience, be able to navigate rapids, be able to remount their vessel in the event of capsize, and must be strong swimmers. Attendance at our clinics can help build your river experience.
Key Dates
Race registration closes -- Saturday, May 10, 2025
Race registration and boat inspection -- Saturday, May 24, 2025
Race -- Sunday, May 24, 2025