Pioneer Paddle: Black River Kayak Race

Celebrate Croswell Pioneer Days on the Black River for the Pioneer Paddle kayak race.   Paddlers can choose between two distances: 1 mile out-and-back from Sanborn Road Bridge to Harrington Road Bridge and Back, or a 5K route from the Swinging Bridge to PL Graham Park and Back. Each race will have a competitive heat and a relaxed heat. 

Sponsored by the Croswell Library, this family-friendly race welcomes beginners, casual paddlers, and competitive racers alike, with giveaways, prizes, and a festive atmosphere at the finish line.

Everyone who signs up will get a T-Shirt and everyone who finishes will get a medal. 

FAQ

1. Do I need my own kayak?

• Yes, participants must provide their own kayak.

2. Do I need to wear a lifejacket?

• Yes, you need a US Coast Guard approved wearable flotation device.

3. Can I use a canoe, raft, or other type of paddling water craft?

• For competitive heats, you must use a single person kayak. If you are entering the noncompetitive heat, you may use whatever you want as long as it's propelled by paddles. Anything homemade should be reserved for the Cardboard Boat Race.

This map shows some notable points on the race. All paddlers will enter the water from the Kayak Launch in Lower Riverbend Park (accessed from Nim Street).

1 Mile racers will start at Sanborn Bridge, they will head north and turn around at Harrington Bridge and head back and finish at the Swinging Bridge.

5K racers will start at the Swinging Bridge and head north past Harrington Bridge and go up to PL Graham Park and turnaround and finish at the Swinging Bridge.

There will be volunteers and a floating buoy at all turnaround spots. Racers must go around the buoy counterclockwise or they will be disqualified. 

All registrants will receive a Pioneer Paddle T-Shirt. Shirts are a unisex soft cotton blend.

All finishers will receive a custom kayak medal.