Click here for Race Updates
Event time: Saturday, August 17, 2024, 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2 mile race registration click here
6 mile race registration click here
6 mile race tandem kayak registration click here
Capture the Swag Fun Paddle - Entry Only registration click here
Youth race registration click here
Kids race registration
Ages:12 years & over on own craft.Guests 6-11 years old can participate, but MUST be on a craft with an adult. The craft MUST be manufactured for multiple paddlers. Guests 6-11 years WON'T be permitted to participate without an adult in their craft during the event. This will be checked at registration.
Bring completed waiver to registration the morning of the race.
Celebrate the 10thAnnual Whiskey Island Paddlefest! Grab your stand up paddleboard or kayak, and register for the 6-mile elite race (3 laps) (14 years & over only), 2-mile challenge (1 lap) (12 years & over only), youth (9-11 years only), a short kids’ course (6 – 8 years), or Capture the Swag Fun Paddle (2 miles) (12 years & over on your own craft; 6 years & over if youth 6-11 years old are on the same craft as an adult-craft must be suitable for multiple paddlers). The course is perfect for both beginners and advanced paddlers. Enjoy free stand up paddleboarding and kayaking try-its; visit vendors; and celebrate all things paddlesports as you experience the Lake Erie Water Trail!
Race Distances and Categories
This race is intended for all skill levels, and while this event is competitive in nature, the focus is on a fun race experience. All pre-registered guests 12 years & over will receive a dry bag. The top 3 finishers in each category will receive a medal. For the 2 mile & 6 mile races, there will be male and female categories for each. For the Youth, Kids, and 6-mile Tandem Kayak races, there will be one category.
SUP Race Categories
14’ & under (6 miles)
12’1-14' Race (2 miles)
12’ & under, any style (2 miles)
Youth 9-11 years - two short laps
Kids 6-8 years - one short lap
Kayak Race Categories
Surf Skis or Sea Kayaks 15' or more (6 miles only)
Kayaks less than 15’ (2 miles or 6 miles)
Tandem (6 miles only)
Kids 9-11 years -two short laps
Kids 6-8 years - one short lap
Race Lengths
6-miles (3 laps): 14 years & over
2-miles (1 lap): 12 years & over
Youth Race: 9-11 years (2 short laps, about ½ mile)
Kids’ Race: 6-8 years (1 short lap, about ¼ mile)
Maximum race time is 2 hours. Any racers left on the course after 2 hours will be asked to return to the finish line.
Capture the Swag Fun Paddle
Age: 12+ on own craft; 6+ if on craft with adult-craft must be suitable for multiple paddlers
There are 2 registrations for this year:
1. Capture the Swag Fun Paddle – Package, $30 (includes entry, lunch, and dry bag)
2. Capture the Swag Fun Paddle – Entry Only, $10 (ONLY includes Fun Paddle; NO lunch or dry bag provided)
Not into competitive races? No problem. Join us for Capture the Swag Fun Paddle. Paddlers will choose their own adventure during this fun paddle that increases their chances of earning some sweet swag.
How do you capture the swag? Simple. All Capture the Swag Fun Paddle participants will paddle to set destinations in the inner harbor of Lake Erie behind the breakwall and collect additional tickets to enter into the door prize drawing. Paddlers can choose to collect 1 or all of the additional tickets. You choose your adventure!
All Capture the Swag Fun Paddle and Whiskey Island Paddlefest racers are automatically entered into the door prize drawing with 1 ticket. Capture the Swag Fun Paddle participants have the opportunity to increase their chances of winning more swag. You MUST be present to win swag. Drawing around 12:30 p.m. Door Prize Drawing Rules.
Paddle craft for Capture the Swag Fun Paddle include:
- A vessel that is operated by human-powered paddling. No sails permitted.
- Cleveland Metroparks reserves the right to deny entry of any paddle craft deemed unsafe or inappropriate. Please contact the Outdoor Recreation office if you have any questions regarding the safety or suitability of your paddle craft.
Capture the Swag Fun Paddle Challenge & Map
Expected Door Prizes
- Dry Bag
- Throw Rope
- Water Bottle
- Zoo Passes
- Gift Certificates
- Vendor give-aways
- And More!!!
Fee (Race fees are per person. Tandems will be x2)
Race (Ages: 12 and over)
• $40 (includes lunch & dry bag while supplies last and entry into Fun Paddle)
• Day of registration: $50
Youth Race (Ages: 9-11)
• Free (includes awards only)
Kids Race (Ages: 6-8)
• Free (includes awards only)
Capture the Swag Fun Paddle (Ages: 12+ on own craft; 6+ if on craft with adult-craft must be suitable for multiple paddlers)
• Package
• $30 (includes lunch and dry bag while supplies last)
• No Day of registration
• Entry Only
• $10 (ONLY includes entry; NO lunch or dry bag)
• Day of registration: $10
Online registration closes at noon on August 16. If there is a shortage of dry bags, those who register first will receive priority.
Day of registration available online starting at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17. When you come to check-in onsite you will tell us your race category and get your bib number. Please come prepared with your registration confirmation email - showing us on your phone or printing it out will work. Online registration will also be available on-site Saturday morning via your phone or our ipad starting at 7:30 a.m. Day of registration for the Youth and Kids Fun Race will be in person at Wendy Park.
Route
Routes utilize a closed, buoyed course contained within the breakwall of the inner harbor.