West Virginia Paddling Events

West Virginia paddling events are sponsored throughout most of the state where rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular. Please let us know if you know of an event that should be added.

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2019 West Virginia Paddling Events

Greenbrier River Race
April 27: Marlinton, West Virginia
An annual triathlon that promotes the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, the race consists of a 3.1-mile run, a four-mile paddle, and 10-mile bike route.

Great Buffalo Kayak and Canoe Race
May 4: Mannington, West Virginia
Kayaks and canoes race eight miles downstream on Buffalo Creek from Mannington to Farmington in this fun run being hosted annually since 1966.

Cheat Fest
May 3-4: Albright, West Virginia
A paddling race on 11 miles of the Cheat River’s whitewater anchors this annual two-day festival that boasts art, music, workshops, and a 5K running race. 

Almost Heaven Race
May 18: Summersville, West Virginia
Three-mile, six-mile, and 12-mile races in several boating categories begin and end at the Battle Run Campground on Summersville Lake.

Jack Barker Memorial Race
May 19: Buckhannon, West Virginia
A four-mile paddling race up and back on the Buckhannon River will also be joined by a mile-long sprint race for parent-child combinations.

Float the Fork
May 31-June 1: West Milford, West Virginia
A 5.5-mile paddling race and a float from Goodhope to West Milford highlight this weekend celebration of the West Fork of the Monongahela.

Meet-the-Cheat Community Paddle
June 1: Rowlesburg, West Virginia
Discover the gentle and majestic Cheat River upstream of its renowned whitewater section on the Upper Cheat River Water Trail.

Meet-the-Cheat Community Paddle
June 8: Saint George, West Virginia
Discover the gentle and majestic Cheat River upstream of its renowned whitewater section on the Upper Cheat River Water Trail.

Active SWV Family Triathlon
June 8: Summersville, West Virginia
Focused on beginners and families, this triathlon on Summersville Lake includes a 1.2-mile run, a two-mile bike ride, and a one-mile paddle.

Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival
June date TBA: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Event description: Race Information – Friday evening Attainment Race and Doah Cup Raft Race. Saturday 3.4 trail foot race and Downriver Race.

Tour de Coal River
June 15: Saint Albans, West Virginia
An annual 11-mile float trip from Meadowood Park at Tornado to Saint Albans raises funds for river restoration and Coal River education activities.

Captain Thurmond’s Triathlon
August 3: Fayetteville, West Virginia
An extreme triathlon, this courses over 28.5 miles and includes mountain biking, whitewater paddling, and trail running in the New River Gorge.

Thurmond Family Triathlon
August 4: Thurmond, West Virginia
Families compete together in a gentle triathlon that includes a one-mile bike segment, one-mile paddle segment, and a two-mile run.

Grafton Adventure Fest
August TBA: Grafton, West Virginia
On the Tygart River, biking, running, and kayaking anchor stand-up paddleboard races, a bass fishing tournament, a climbing wall competition, and off-road adventure.

Kanawha River Falls Festival
September 19: Glen Ferris, West Virginia
A whitewater kayak race, a freestyle kayak competition, and a photography competition highlight this celebration of the falls of the Kanawha River.

New River Gorge SUP Race
September 22: Fayetteville, West Virginia
Three stand-up paddleboard competitions anchor this festival on the New River beneath the New River Gorge Bridge.

Gauley River Animal Race
September 23: Mount Nebo, West Virginia
This intense class-V whitewater race runs the Gauley River’s upper whitewater section below Summersville Dam and Summersille Lake.

Capital City Challenge
Date TBA: Charleston, West Virginia
Hosted in West Virginia’s scenic capital city, this triathlon incorporates a 4.2-mile run, a 16.8-mile bike ride, and a 2.2-mile row on the Kanawha River.

Parkersburg Paddlefest
September 13-15: Parkersburg, West Virginia
Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are welcome during this three-day celebration where the Little Kanawha River joins the Ohio.