KAYAK RACE

Join us on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Rowing Dock on beautiful Lady Bird Lake for a fun and family-friendly kayak race benefiting the Austin Community College Foundation! Registration is now open, with Early Bird pricing through August 20.

The event will feature a 2-mile intermediate course, a 1-mile novice course and a 500-yard kids’ course to accommodate all skill levels – even if you’ve never been on a kayak before. Single kayaks for individuals and double kayaks for teams of two are available and will row in separate heats. All kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided by the Rowing Dock.

Please note: life jackets will be required to ensure the safety of every participant, and no personal kayaks will be allowed for this friendly competition.

Spectators are able to watch the race, for free, from the Mopac Pedestrian Bridge for the best view of the start and finish line. Binoculars are encouraged for viewing the race on Lady Bird Lake. There will also be a limited number of kayaks available to watch the races on the water – first come, first served! You must sign a waiver and wear a life jacket (provided by the Rowing Dock) to use a kayak.

Restrooms are located around the lake on the Hike and Bike trail.

RACE DETAILS

Location: Rowing Dock | 2418 Stratford Drive

Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021, 8:00am to 3:00pm

Participant arrival and check-in: 8:00am

First racers on the water: 9:00am

Last racers off the water: 11:30am

After party: 11:00am to 3:00pm

 

COURSE OPTIONS

All courses include separate heats for individual racers in single kayaks and teams of two in double kayaks: 

∙ 2-mile intermediate course
∙ 1-mile novice course
∙ 500-yard kids’ course

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COURSE MAP

PRIZES

Prizes will be given to the top three finishers in each category.

Winners will be recognized and presented with their prize packages at the after party.

REGISTRATION FEES

All race registrations include your kayak, paddle and life jacket – no personal equipment required! – as well as a ticket to the after party, which will feature complimentary food, an open bar and live music by local bands including Buenos Diaz, The Tiarra Girls and the School of Rock’s B-Team band. All proceeds benefit the Austin Community College Foundation.

Registration is now open, with Early Bird pricing through August 20:

VENUE

The kayak race will be held at Rowing Dock, located on the south side of Lady Bird Lake, just west of Mopac.

PARKING

Free parking will be available underneath the Mopac bridge and along Stratford Drive and Veterans Drive.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What actions are being taken around safety and sanitation at the kayak race?

The safety of our participants, volunteers and staff is our top priority. The Riverbat Paddle Battle kayak race will continue to adhere to all local, state and CDC guidelines. As we approach the event date, we will finalize safe measures in accordance with these guidelines, which may include temperature checks, social distancing and masks requirements. Currently, masks are strongly encouraged at the Rowing Dock. Participants may remove their masks once they are loaded in their kayaks. Please stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. 

How much does the kayak race cost?

Registration fees vary based on whether you plan to register as an individual or a team of two, and whether you are an adult or registering for someone under the age of 18. All race registrations include your kayak, paddle and life jacket – no personal equipment required! – and a ticket to the after party. All proceeds benefit the Austin Community College Foundation.

Is there an age limit for kids to race?

No one under the age of 8 will be allowed to participate in the race. Racers age 8 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult by purchasing a family double registration. Racers age 12 to 18 may participate as individuals or in teams of two. All participants, including adults, will be required to wear a life vest.

Are dogs/pets permitted?

We love your furry friend too but please leave all pets at home. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

The event will be held rain or shine. We will work closely with the team at Rowing Dock to monitor the weather; in the event it is unsafe to be on the water we will notify kayak race participants as early as possible.

If the race is cancelled due to inclement weather, will I receive a refund?

No refunds will be issued even if the race is cancelled, but all participants will receive a pass for one free hour of kayaking at Rowing Dock in this situation, as well as a participant swag bag. All proceeds benefit the Austin Community College Foundation.

What if I’m a spectator? Do I have to pay to watch the race? Can I buy a ticket for the after party only?

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer on participants at the kayak race. You can watch the race from the Mopac Pedestrian Bridge for free, which will have the best view of the start / finish line. Binoculars are encouraged. 

There will also be a limited number of kayaks available to watch the races on the water – first come, first serve! You must sign a waiver and wear a life jacket (provided by the Rowing Dock) to use a kayak.

You can also purchase a ticket to the after party only, which costs $50 for adults and $20 for children under the age of 18 and includes complimentary food and drinks. All proceeds benefit the Austin Community College Foundation.

How much do tickets for the after party cost?

All race registrations include a ticket to the after party.

Individual tickets for the after party cost $50 for adults and $20 for children under the age of 18, which includes complimentary food and drinks. All proceeds benefit the Austin Community College Foundation.