It's such a privilege to be hosting the second annual GRAND RIVER DAM PADDLE below the dam @ Grand Lake O' the Cherokee. 

Once again, it's so exciting to be sharing the stoke with Grand Lake locals, friends, family, and hopefully inspiring some new faces into our paddling community.  We had a really nice turnout last year and are gearing up for an even better one for 2024!

ALL skill levels and paddle crafts welcome!  Canoe, kayak, pedal drives, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) & even tandems.  This event is catered for everyone!  We will have a Kids’ Race (1k) for children, 5k for anyone, & The 11.5 mi. LONG course.

BONUS:  The event takes place on a beautiful stretch of the Grand River, aka my backyard.  It's not uncommon to see bald eagles all throughout the course, but 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, August 31, 2024

RACES:  Kids 1K, Adults 5K, & Long Course (11.5 miles of most scenic part of the river!)

VESSELS:  Canoe, Kayak, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), Pedal Craft, & Tandems

TAKEAWAY: Labor Day Weekend FUN! 

All registered participants receive: 

• An Official 2024 Race T-Shirt
• Swag bag, stickers, gels
• A raffle ticket for a chance to win an ISUP, paddle, gift certificates & more!  *(over $2000 in prizes
  (Additional raffle tickets also available for purchase at the event)  (*must be present to win)
• All Kids will get a candy Lei.

TROPHIES:  

• All finishers will receive an award; and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will receive a handcrafted "Grand River Dam Paddle" Trophy
• GRDP Grand Champion receives
  • their name/names engraved in the Trophy which consists of solid cherry canoes, mahagoni paddles, handcrafted by local artists
  • 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 weather conditions render the race unsafe/impossible, race will be either rescheduled (if possible) to the following day or cancelled; racers will be notified by email (as submitted on registration).