Canoe Race Womens Division 2026

Event Summary

Big Sioux Recreation Area Canoe Races

Saturday of Labor Day Weekend 1:45pm start

Join us on Saturday at the Big Sioux Recreation Area for our Canoe Races! Grab a partner, hop in a canoe, and paddle your way to the finish line! Boats and paddles are provided. Life jackets are required and will be available at check-in. Whether you're racing for the win or just looking for some friendly competition, come out and enjoy an afternoon on the water! Participation is FREE and admission to Big Sioux Recreation Area is free for both participants and spectators during the event. Pre-registration is encouraged to help with race day organization. Day of registration will be accepted during check in. 

Event Schedule

1:45pm – Check in for all three Divisions

2:00ish- Race begins following the completion and cleanup of the Cardboard Boat Races starting at 1:00

Teams (2 people)

Participants should be capable swimmers.

Pre-registration is encouraged on mycountyparks.com/Sioux to help with race day organization.

Multiple heats possible in the following divisions: Women’s Division-two female participants, Kids Division-two participants ages 12-16, and Men’s Division- two male participants.

Race Format

Safety & Attire

·         Life jackets are required for ALL participants. Life jackets will be available at check-in.

·         Participants may not be intoxicated.

·         This is a family-friendly event. Profanity or inappropriate language or attire is not permitted.

Race Conduct

·         Participants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship. No blocking another boat No hitting or ramming another boat No puncturing or damaging another vessel No unsportsmanlike conduct

The Launch (5 minutes):

First horn: A 4-minute warning for announced division-heat to move to the Start/Finish line.

Second horn: A 1-minute warning before the race begins. 

Third horn: Race Starts!

Race

Teams carry their boat to water edge and launch vessel.

Teams paddle around the marked buoy, turn around and paddle back towards shore.

Your time stops when your canoe is beached on shore and both members cross the marked finish line.

Winner-The team with the fastest time in each division wins! If multiple heats are needed, the fastest times across the heats will determine the division winners.

Awards

🥇 1st Place – Women's Division

🥇 1st Place – Kids Division

🥇 1st Place – Men's Division

Entry is FREE!

Free admission to Big Sioux Recreation Area for participants and spectators during the event.

Free registration for the Canoe Race. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets provided.

Category

Special Events