New York Paddle Champs 2026

Description

The New York Paddle Champs is an exciting event that brings together racers from all regions to compete for a coveted State Champion Jacket, title of Best Paddling Region in New York, and $5000 in cash and prizes! Organized by passionate and motivated members of the New York paddesport community, this championship event promises a thrilling day of racing on (mostly) flat water. Race participation is not limited to NY based athletes. Anyone can enter and compete for the win in their division, plus cash and swag.

There is no additional charge to register for the second race if you choose to race in both the morning and afternoon. This allows paddlers to compete in multiple disciplines to get the full experience, at a reasonable price. A discount will be applied at checkout.

Prizes The event offers a range of competitive categories for participants, and a State Champion Jacket will be presented to the top performers in each category (men's/woman's/mixed), plus cash, and prizes for select categories. The awards breakdown is as follows.

C1 Open/Stock: Winners of each category will get a State Champion Jacket (men's, and woman's). C2 Open/Stock, and K1 Open/Sport: Winners of each category will get a State Champion Jacket (men's, woman's, and mixed). Top 3 in C2 Open/Stock will win $200, $150, and $100 (men's, women's, and mixed). Top 3 in K1 Open/Sport will win $100, $75, and $50, (men's, and women's). Top 10 overall across all classes will win $100, $90, $80, etc. Placing top 3 in class makes you ineligible for the overall payout, i.e. no double dipping. This is to spread the payout further back into the field. A bonus will also be paid out to age categories. i.e. Masters, Veterans.

Recreational + C4: Timed race, plus podium photo op for top 3 performers

Course Details On site registration opens at 8:30 AM, pre-race briefing at 9:15 AM. The 9:30 AM race will consist of two counterclockwise laps around Klein Island, plus parade laps, for a total of ~5 miles.

The 12 PM race will consist of a parade lap, an up-and-back segment towards Baldwinsville, an optional short portage in the second parade lap, and finishing with a loop around Klein Island. Total distance is ~11 miles.

See Course Maps for detailed info. *Subject to change depending on conditions. Final decision will be announced during the pre-race briefing.*

Whether you're a seasoned paddler looking to prove your prowess or a newcomer eager to join the New York paddlesport community, the New York Paddle Champs event promises an exhilarating day of competition and camaraderie. Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your talents, and also compete for the title M3of the Best Paddler, and Region in New York!

Personalized jackets will be presented at the end of season NYPRA banquet. Total cash prizes subject to change depending on number of entries and sponsorship revenue. You can opt to skip the portage and do a short buoy tour instead.