***Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/5ZExP91dyyQvo7Dq6

The Jess Cup (formally Not-NPFF) is a whitewater kayaking race held each February in Kentucky.

12th Annual Race - Feb. 20

The race begins at 12:30 p.m. below the dam (possibly former dam) rapid
February 20, 2020
Elkhorn Creek, Kentucky

Meet at American Whitewater Elkhorn Acres River Access by 11:00 a.m. to complete registration.

EVENT OVERVIEW

The Great Ohio River Odyssey is one of the longest-running paddlesports racing events in Kentucky! Paddlers will have the opportunity to take on three unique courses on waterways in the Greater Louisville Area: The Westport to Downtown Louisville 22 Mile Race, 7 Mile Captains Quarters to Downtown Open Race, & the Harrods Creek Run 2.5 Mile Run.

3 GREAT THINGS TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER HITTING THE WATER IN LOUISVILLE

1. Walk across the Ohio River via the Big Four Bridge.

2. Visit the Slugger Museum.

3. Coming soon!

PRICE THROUGH 1/1/2020

Westport to Downtown Louisville 22 Mile Race: $50

7 Mile Captains Quarters to Downtown Race: $45

HOST

The Explore Kentucky Initiative

BOTTOM OUT RISK

No

BODY OF WATER

Ohio River

EVENT OVERVIEW

TBA

3 GREAT THINGS TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER HITTING THE WATER

TBA

Price

TBA

HOST

Appalachian Boarding Company

BOTTOM OUT RISK

No

BODY OF WATER

Kanawha River

Event Overview

This summer grab a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and head to Burkesville, Kentucky for the 4th annual Mighty Cumberland River Run! This stretch of the Cumberland River is truly one of the most beautiful float trips in the region. Limestone cliffs extend out, as bald eagles fly above, and the water is crystal clear. The river is often shrouded in a beautiful early morning fog and was used extensively as steamboat's transported goods and services in the rivers early days. As the course meanders south, you'll be cooled by the always constant year-round river temps in the mid-'50s. It's guaranteed to keep you from getting too hot as you paddle to the take-out. Burkesville is a quiet little river town nestled in the hills of Cumberland County, with plenty of area history, down-home country charm and some of the most beautiful scenery. It is Kentucky's best-kept secret. For the folks who want more of a fitness challenge - take on the 7 miles Short Stroke Race or the 12 Mile Long Stroke Race. If you can’t BYOB (Bring your own boat), don’t fret Mutt e Waters River Rentals will have plenty of canoes and kayaks for rent!The event is a part of the Burkesville's River Festivus, a weekend event with riverside camping, live music, and other fun activities. Proceeds go to benefit the Cumberland County Rescue Squad - an integral part of keeping our rivers and waterways safe and enjoyable.

Price

TBA

HOST

City of Burkesville

BOTTOM OUT RISK

No

BODY OF WATER

Cumberland River

EVENT OVERVIEW

The Ohio River Paddlefest is recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration with over 2,000 participants traveling 9 miles through downtown Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks, and other human-powered craft.

3 GREAT THINGS TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER HITTING THE WATER in Cincinnati

1. Visit the National Underground Railroad Museum

2. Learn the dark secrets of the Queen City in a revealing underground tour.

3. Hike the steps of Cincinnati- Cincy is often referred to as the “ city of hills “. Before the advent of the automobile, a system of stairways provided pedestrians important and convenient access to and from their hilltop homes. Nowadays they serve as a scenic attraction for tourists and fitness challenge for locals.

Price

Race to the Roebling $55 until July 27 | $65 On-site: July 29-31

Seven Bridges Race: $65 until July 27 | $75 On-site: July 29-31

BOTTOM OUT RISK

No

BODY OF WATER

Ohio River

Event Overview

Blazing Paddles is a celebration of how the Cuyahoga River has risen like a phoenix since the 1969 fire ignited the environmental movement. Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes will navigate either the 2-mile Carl Stokes Memorial, the 5.7-mile Ruth Patrick Memorial or 13 mile Rachel Carson Memorial (fast canoe/kayak/surf ski only) urban courses that flow past a unique mix of riverfront sites where iconic bridges and pyramids of sand and stone stand in contrast to paved paths and green-spaces. Blazing Paddles' turnaround point at the former Jefferson St. bridge serves as a physical metaphor for the turnaround of the Cuyahoga River and the turnaround of our nation's relationship with its national resources. At one time in American history, hundreds of rivers were used as sewers for the byproducts of industrial processes. Yet the Cuyahoga River stands alone as the symbol for the ravages of a bygone era. More rigorous environmental regulations and engaged citizen stewardship have helped fuel the recovery of tributaries that now support not only a widening array of fish and wildlife species, but they also serve as a sustainable economic driver for their regions: tourism and recreation. When you participate in Blazing Paddles and recreate on the Cuyahoga River, you’ll be making a national statement about the value of protecting our nation’s natural resources.

3 Great Things to do before or after hitting the water

TBA

Price

TBA

HOST

Share The River

BOTTOM OUT RISK

No

BODY OF WATER

Cuyahoga River

Event Overview

The Bluegrass River Run has risen to become the most well attended and all-inclusive paddling event in Kentucky with nearly 400 attendees in 2019! Participants launch from Fort Boonesborough State Park paddling along pool 9 of the Kentucky River, which is located just south of Lexington. The journey allows you to take in the incredible beauty of the 60+ ft cliffs of the palisades and the camaraderie of floating with people from all across the region. At the 6-mile finish line at Clay's Ferry, you'll be greeted with music from a headliner, as well as the scrumptious food from Proud Mary BBQ. There will also be an outdoor recreational festival with tons of activities for all ages. For the folks who want more of a fitness challenge, they launch first before the hundreds of floaters hit the water with your choice of the 19 Mile Lock 10 to Lock 9 Challenge or the 6 Mile Boonesborough Beach to Proud Mary Dash canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard races. If you can’t BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat), don’t fret there will have plenty of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs for rent.

3 Great Things to do before or after hitting the water

1. Tour Fort Boonesborough State Park. Fort Boonesborough was founded by none other than the legendary Daniel Boone and his men following their crossing of the Kentucky River 1775. The settlement they founded, known as Boonesborough, Kentucky, is Kentucky’s second-oldest European-American settlement. The fort has been reconstructed as a working fort complete with cabins, blockhouses and furnishings. Resident artisans perform craft demonstrations and give modern-day visitors a true sense of what life was like for pioneers in Kentucky.

2. Visit the Red River Gorge —just 45 minutes away by car. The Red River Gorge National Geological Area and adjacent Clifty Wilderness Area is 40,000 acre + swath of land known for its sea of hemlock, beech, pine trees, patches of wildflowers, miles of limestone cliff line carved out by the once-mighty Red River. The Red is Kentucky’s top outdoor playground with miles of hiking trails, front & backcountry camping opportunities, contains the state’s only National Wild and Scenic River, and is an international destination for rock climbing.

3. Tour the Bourbon Trail. 95% of the world’s Bourbon is produced in Kentucky. In 1999 The Kentucky Distiller’s Association created the road trip-style experience for bourbon lovers to visit the Bluegrass State’s signature distilleries. We suggest starting at Town Branch Distillery in nearby Lexington, KY.

Prices through 3/15/2020

• 19 Mile Lock 9 to Lock 10 Challenge: $50 plus sales tax & processing fee

• 6 Mile Boonesborough Beach to Proud Mary Dash: $45 plus sales tax & processing fee

• 6 Mile Pickin and Grinning Paddle: $30 plus sales tax & processing fee

Host

The Explore Kentucky Initiative

Bottom Out Risk

No

Body Of Water

Kentucky River

EVENT OVERVIEW

Youghness Monster 22 Paddlesports Race is a 22 mile down river race with Class II & II water depending on river levels. The water level is controlled by the U.S. Corp of Engineers at the Youghiogheny Dam. You will be able to race any type of Canoe, Kayak, or SUP. The race starts in Connellsville, PA at the Connellsville Boat Ramp. Finishes at Cedar Creek County Park. The race main sponsor is Performance Kayak Inc and Stellar Kayaks & Surfskis. Come join the fun May 3rd 2020. May 2nd you will have a chance to run the course. Registration and packet pickup will be at Connellsville Boat Ramp May 2nd at 3pm-6pm.

3 GREAT THINGS TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER HITTING THE WATER

1. Visit the Laurel Highlands, a popular area for camping, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, boating, trout fishing, wildlife viewing, and skiing.

2. Visit Pittsburgh, PA

3. Bike the Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail

PRICES THROUGH 4/1/2020

$40-$70

HOST

Performance Kayak

BOTTOM OUT RISK:

Very Slight (river level is controlled and usually safe for any layup)

BODY OF WATER

Youghiogheny River

Event Overview

Expedition Frankfort: Run | Bike | Paddle is back again for 2020! This exhilarating triathlon was designed to showcase Kentucky’s capital city of Frankfort (our base camp) as the ultimate adventure town. The event consists of a 4-mile run that starts right in front of the state capitol, 6-mile MTB shred session, and 4-mile paddle on the Kentucky River. Don’t want it to go at it solo, don’t fret, there is a team option as well! There also is a 6-mile paddle-only race!

3 Great Things To Do Before Or After Hitting the Water

1. Visit local distilleries which include the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery and Castle & Key Distillery.

2. Tour Frankfort. You’re in Kentucky capital city of Frankfort which contains an awesome historic downtown district, the State Capitol which is open for tours, the Kentucky History Museum, great eateries, breweries, and much more.

3. Paddle the Elkhorn Creek, one of the state’s best-known streams for floating, whitewater, and fishing!

Price through 3/15/2020

$65 for Adventure Triathlon

45$ for Paddle-Only Race

Bottom Out Risk

No

Body Of Water

Kentucky River

Event Overview

The Not NPFF Race is a Class II whitewater race event hosted by the Vikings Canoe Club. There will be several boat classes but most importantly, there will also be a club championship. Any "whitewater club" with 5 racers can join! Club teams need at least 5 members to qualify. Bring a cool item to throw in the prize pool for the winners as your entry fee.

3 GREAT THINGS TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER HITTING THE WATER

1. Attend the National Paddling Film Festival, For 38 years the NPFF has been hosting an annual competition to determine the best in paddle sport videos and images to support American Whitewater and river conservation. Since 1981 they have raised $175,000 in donations. Held at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the event combines world-renown guest hosts, a comfortable atmosphere, a Chili Cook-off and the opportunity to score some serious swag at the Silent Auction and/or multiple raffles.

2. Visit local distilleries which include the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery and Castle & Key Distillery.

3. Tour Frankfort. You’re in Kentucky capital city of Frankfort which contains an awesome historic downtown district, the State Capitol which is open for tours, the Kentucky History Museum, great eateries, breweries, and much more!

Price

Free

HOST

Viking Canoe Club + The Explore Kentucky Initiative

BOTTOM OUT RISK

Yes

BODY OF WATER

Elkhorn Creek