We’re stoked to announce, the 2nd running of the West Virginia Waterman Challenge!…as part of the 5th Annual Putnam County PaddleFest, & serving as the West Virginia State Paddling Championships!

*On the mighty Kanawha River in #AlmostHeaven, West Virginia*

 This event will offer many FUN activities and distances for ALL ages & abilities…from beginner to pro!!!

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> 10k Paddle Race: 

Launching from the beautiful new boat ramp adjacent to the Winfield Community Center…racers will paddle upstream 3.5 miles, turn around a buoy, and paddle back down-stream to finish at the bridge. (Total 7 miles, Approx. 1-2 hours depending on watercraft, river conditions, and experience level)

> 5k Paddle Race & Community Float: 

5k Paddle Race launching at the same time location and location as the 10k. A beginner-friendly ‘Community Float’ will begin as soon as the racers take off. We encourage the floaters to challenge themselves to paddle 1.5 miles upstream to turn around at Winfield High School, before returning back to the boat ramp (Total: 3 miles, Approx. 1 - 2/12 hours depending on experience)

With our launch-point being just about 1 mile upstream from the Winfield Locks and Dam, there is typically little to no current throughout the Race and Float course...simulating more of a "flat-water lake setting". (pending recent rainfall)

> 15 Mile Bridge to Bridge (The Ultimate Distance Battle: *Must cross-over to river-left among potential barge traffic!*)

*ALL Participants will be REQUIRED to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and remain on the Right Side of the River (on the way upstream) and return safely on that same side of the river when paddling back down-stream. (River-Left)

 **Floaters are requested to hug closer to the river bank to make way for racers paddling closer to the center-channel of the river on their return downstream.

***10% of Proceeds from Race & Float registrations will benefit the Putnam Wellness Coalition … to support them in their mission of “engaging communities within Putnam County in ongoing efforts to eliminate substance abuse by creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment that inform, advocate, and support youth and adults.” (with support from the Putnam County Paddle Cooperative & local sponsors)

Events include:

- Friday night 'Social Paddle' at "Live on the Levee": enjoy music from the water in our Capital City, Charleston WV.

- 5k Paddle Race & Community Float (3 mile loop to Winfield High School & back)

- 10k Paddle Race (Open to all paddle-craft: Kayak, SUP, Canoe, Prone)

- 15 Mile Bridge to Bridge (The Ultimate Distance Battle: *Must cross-over to river-left among potential barge traffic!*)

- FREE Youth & Beginner Race (400 Meter loop course) *Spectator Friendly from overlook @ Community Center

- Elite Sprints after distance races (on 400 Meter loop course) *FREE for registered distance-racers.

- Mega SUP Team Time-Trials (Fits up to 10 Paddlers) a.k.a. #Quaranteam

 - Flatwater Freestyle Competition (Geared toward SUP's : Dock Jump & Trick Contest) *Helmets Required* (Limited # of Helmets will be provided)

- #SUNdayFUNdaySUPday: Follow-Up paddle - SUP Lessons and Demos with Appalachian Boarding Company.

FYI: Instead of hardware (trophies) to takeaway, we’re striving to recruit some media support for this event so you might have your picture in the paper and/or the opportunity for social media to boost your personal brand (to possibly help racers attain sponsorships and/or additional key resources).