As you plan and prepare for Saturday, April 22, here is a quick checklist:

1. Make sure you fill out the American Canoe Association’s Insurance form (The link is also in your registration details email).
2. Get all of your gear together (boat, paddle, personal floatation device, etc.). Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, some small snacks, and a dry bag.
3. Pick up your race packet. 
   1. You can pick up your packet at Rocks River Bridge (the finish line) or Brewton Bridge (the start line) from 6:30-8:30 a.m. on Race Day.
   2. Or, you can pick it up on Friday, April 21, from 2-5 p.m. at Three Tree Coffee Roasters, 441 S. Main St., in downtown Statesboro.

All paddlers need to be present at the start line at 8:45 a.m. for a the required pre-race meeting. The race will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Please be sure to check-in and pick up race packet before the pre-race meeting.

Parking is very limited at the start line. It's appreciated if paddlers have a friend or family member who can drop off racers and move the vehicle to the finish line. For those going solo, there will be a shuttle from the finish line back to the launch after the race.

Racers can also drop their boats and gear off at Brewton Bridge start line, then park vehicle at the finish line. A shuttle will take racers to the start line before the pre-race meeting.

Parking will be available at the finish line at Rocks River Bridge or at overflow parking lot at Claxton Poultry. Parking attendants will be able to direct you to an available space or towards the overflow parking area if needed, and provide information for the shuttle.

As you paddle, you will pass several teams of risk management volunteers. These volunteers will have drinks and snacks, and are equipped with first aid kits/training in the event of an emergency. If you require assistance on the water, these teams will be your safety crew.

ORK have scouted the route a handful of times. We've cleared the way as best as possible but there are some very large downed trees along the race path that cannot be removed. Please know that if the river level remains as is, paddlers will need to climb out of their vessel and carry it past the deadfall. There will be volunteers posted at each location to assist paddlers and make sure everyone is safe.

Race photographers will be out on the water and at the start/finish lines to snag epic shots of each contestant. Race photographs are included as a part of the packet, and will be sent out following the event.

RACING

• Top 3 finishers in a single boat (kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard)
• Top 3 finishers in a tandem boat (kayak or canoe)

FUN CATEGORIES

• Best dressed: Get creative with costumes 
• Most creative boat: Decorate your vessel
• Best paddling duo: For all our tandem paddlers, be coolest team out on the water
• The Lazy River Award: This award goes to our slowest participant

If you are planning on trying to win a fun category, make sure you have your costume, boat decorations, or team name picked out! 

Friends, families, and other spectators will be down at the finish line to watch you paddle in. The race is about 7 miles, so fans should plan to be at Rocks River Landing by 10 a.m. to see the racers to come in. Meanwhile, spectators can enjoy live music, grab treats from food trucks, enter to win amazing raffle prizes, hang out by the river, and enjoy the beauty of the Canoochee. It's recommended that fans bring camp chairs and bug spray while waiting for the awards ceremony.

Thanks to these partners and volunteers for helping ORK bring this event back to Evans County!