Aloha Paddle Ohana, if you are interested in the GRDP 2024, this is the Link to Follow:
https://paddleguru.com/races/GrandRiverDamPaddleGRDP2024

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This coming Labor Day weekend will be our very first annual GRAND RIVER DAM PADDLE! 

As last year’s runner up in the Last Paddler Standing international SUP competition, I cannot tell you how excited I am to host an event/race on the water where I personally train. 

All skill levels and paddle crafts are welcome! Canoe, kayak, pedal drives, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) to even tandems.  The idea... encourage ALL paddle craft to participate. 

We'll have everything from a Kids’ 1k, a beginner/intermediate 5k, to the 11 mile down & back LONG course.  It'll be a real privelege to share the experience with Grand Lake locals, new faces, and friends from around the paddle community.

BONUS:  The event will take place on one of my favorite stretches of the Grand River. It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles, and you’re guaranteed some of the most breathtaking views below the DAM @ Grand Lake O' The Cherokee!

Mahalo Nui Loa!  
John Knippers

DATE: Labor Day, September 2, 2023

RACES:  Kids 1K, Adults 5K, & Long Course (11 miles of most scenic part of the river!)

BOATS:  Canoe (C1), Kayak (K1), pedal drive, tandem, and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) all welcome

TAKEAWAYS:  T-shirts, race swag, medals, food, a chance to win a new 12'6 SUP touring board, a Quickblade paddle, gift certificates, and more than $1000 of additional prizes!

All registered participants receive: 

• the inaugural GRDP T-Shirt
• a first, annual GRDP finisher's medal, handcrafted out of recycled wood.
• entry to win a new SUP board, Quickblade paddle or other prizes.  Additional raffle tickets may also be purchased by participants and guests.  Must be present to win raffle prizes.
• All Kids 1K racers will receive a candy Lei.

TROPHIES: Race director reserves the right to combine/split divisions if we have small/large amount of entrants in one category.

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each division will receive a trophy 
• GRDP Grand Champion receives
  •  a Solid Cherry Canoe Trophy personally crafted by John Knippers
  • a Haku Lei shipped in from the Big Island in Hawaii.  The Haku Lei is a headpiece worn for special occasions in Hawaiian culture.  

FOOD: Pizzas, Spam Musubi, Brats, Hot Dogs, and Drinks will be available for all participants and families.  

CAMPING:  GRDP attendees in need of a camping area (free/donations appreciated) are welcome to stay in a riverside area 5.5 miles downstream on top of the cliff (Just above the turnaround buoy).  The area is rustic/primitive but has a restroom and shower available, and gorgeous views.  Contact the race administrators (via the link in this site), or John Knippers directly to prearrange or see video.  

All participants must attend the 8am Safety Meeting near the boat ramp and registration area, and must wear a coastguard approved lifejacket/pfd when in/on the water. 

 If unforseeable conditions render the race unsafe/impossible, race will be cancelled, racers notified by email (as submitted on registration), and racers may apply credit to future Grand River Dam Paddle races.