Join the Florida Competition Paddlers Association for our annual Rainbow River Race in Dunnellon Florida on Saturday, April 7, 2018.  This free race has long and short course options and is open to all paddle craft. 

Registration begins at 9:00 am and the race starts promptly at 10:00 am at Centennial Park on the Withlacoochee River in Dunnellon.  Long course racers will paddle a short distance upstream to the mouth of the Rainbow River, then up to the head spring sign forbidding motor boat traffic and back for a total of approximately 12 miles.  Short course racers will paddle upstream to the dock gazebo with the metal roof and back for a total distance of approximately 6 miles. 

Centennial Park is located on the western portion of City Hall property.  Park amenities include a boat ramp, boat trailer parking, a kayak launch, restrooms and a picnic deck.  Admission is free.  If needed, there is additional parking on Ohio St.  Additional info can be found at: http://dunnellon.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Centennial-Park-and-State-Boat-Ramp-Faci-2.

Following the race, we will meet for lunch and awards across the street at the Blue Gator.

Location of Race: Centennial Park (behind City Hall), 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, FL 34431

Registration: All competitors must register on-site 9-9:45am.  Online preregistration via PaddleGuru or Facebook is appreciated and will help us anticipate the number of participants

Race Start: 10:00 am

POC: POC: John Edwards, canoechamp@aol.com 

The FCPA was formed in 1976 to coordinate and promote the sport of canoe and kayak racing in Florida.  The FCPA hosts approximately fourteen free recreational races across the state of Florida each year.  To be eligible for the annual points championship, you must be an FCPA member which costs $10 annually.  FCPA members receive a free meal at the awards banquet and a monthly email newsletter which contains a race schedule, race results, articles written by members and member classified ads.

FCPA races are very high-stake affairs, with expensive ribbons awarded to winners in each division.  Annual points champions are awarded a coveted T-shirt during the annual meeting/awards banquet (following the Silver Springs Race) in December.  Divisions are established using the USCA age/gender designations and the following boat classifications:

1.      Paddle while standing – Paddleboard

2.      Paddle while sitting:

    a.      With two-blade paddle – Kayak

    b.      With single-blade paddle – Canoe

                    i.     Outrigger or Highkneel Canoe – Unlimited Canoe

NOTE – All participants are responsible for carrying safety equipment required by law.