Canoe Capital Paddle Palooza

Join us in the Canoe Capital of Virginia for an exhilarating day on the water! With its friendly outfitters, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, Front Royal is the perfect place to embrace your sense of Adventure.

This year we are moving the event to Bentonville and the original location of the canoe races that were held in the 70's and 80's. The marathon distance has been tweaked to 10-miles.  The Paddle Palooza is also running in conjunction with the Bluebell Festival held at Shenandoah River State Park so once you have finished your paddle, you can head next door to the park and enjoy the festival and check out the amazing bluebell trail.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, there's a race for everyone! Test your endurance in the 750m out-and-back sprint, where flat water makes it ideal for newcomers and anyone looking to dip their paddle into water sports for the first time. Feel the energy from the cheering crowds lining the riverbank, giving you that extra boost to cross the finish line!

For those craving a bigger challenge, tackle the long-distance 10-mile race along one of the most stunning stretches of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Surrounded by breathtaking views and fast-flowing water, this race is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Keep your paddle moving as you navigate this peaceful yet powerful section of the river – no time to fish here!

Join us for a day full of excitement, community, and fun! Not a paddler? No problem! Come down to cheer on the competitors and experience the vibrant atmosphere this event brings to our town. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable community celebration!

Get ready for a day of heart-pumping fun, friendly competition, and natural beauty. Register now and see why Front Royal is the ultimate destination for canoe lovers!

C1, C2, and K1 Fees

• Super early registration $50 per person until December 31, 2025.
• Early registration $55 per person until January 31, 2026.
• Regular registration $60 per person until February 28, 2026.
• Late registration $65 per person until close at midnight on April 3, 2026.

Registration platform fees also apply.

Boats will be provided as part of your entry. C1 and C2 will get one canoe.  K1 will get a kayak. Canoes will come with single-blade paddles. Kayaks will come with double-bladed paddles. PFDs will also be supplied. No outside canoes or kayaks are permitted. Outside paddles and PFDs are permitted. Canoes, paddles, and PFDs will be located at the canoe put in. You will not need to portage the canoe for any great distance, and you will not need to carry your paddle gear for any distance. Shuttle service will be available between the finish at Downriver Canoe Company in Bentonville and the put-in locations at Compton.

All water is Class I or II.  There is no water safety on the course. EMS personnel will be available at the finish.

While paddling each racer must have:

• PFD Class III
• Kayak or canoe
• Whistle

Saturday April 4, 2026

07:00 - 08:30 – Packet pickup and registration marathon race

08:00 – 08:30 Shuttle departs to Compton for marathon race

09:00 – Start marathon race at Compton (10 Miles)

08:00 – 09:00 – Packet pickup and registration sprint race

10:00 – 10:30 – First Heat – Sprint distance

10:30 – 11:00 – Second Heat - Sprint distance

11:00 – 11:30 – Third Heat - Sprint distance

11:30 – 13:00 – Finish - Marathon distance

12:30 – 13:00 – Finals - Sprint distance

13:30 - Awards

15:30 – Event close/breakdown

Schedule is preliminary and subject to change

Click here to view the Sprint and Marathon courses.

The heart of a great event is its volunteers. If you have a passion for helping out and are interested in volunteering, we'd love to have you join the fun!  Volunteer signup will be available closer to the race date.

After your morning on the river, take a short ride to Shenandoah River State Park and join the fun at the Bluebell Festival where there are plenty of food trucks and vendors to quench your appetite. Click here for more details.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to help support our local river conservation groups include the Friends of the Shenandoah River and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. Both organizations do outstanding work to help protect our precious waterways.

Click here for information.