in partnership with
Sunday, July 30, 2023
On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina
Brattleboro, VT to Hinsdale, NH
The Race
The 44th year of the New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) will welcome canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast to compete for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers choose to run the 12-mile competitive course or a 5-mile recreation course. The course laps the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheer on competitors. NEPC is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series.
The race will launch from Norm’s Marina, and is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series.
The NEPC Course
Centered on a beautiful stretch of river downstream from the West River confluence and just under NH’s Mount Wantastiquet, racers will lap a mid-river island with spectators amidst the action, cheering from bridges overhead and the shore.
Competitive paddlers on Canoe, Kayak, and Surf Ski will lap the mid-river island twice on a 12-mile competitive “marathon” course. Competitive SUP paddlers will lap a 5-mile course.
Recreation Class paddlers and Novice Adult-Youth boats can choose between the 5-mile looped course or the 1-mile trial loop.
Special Prizes will be available for Novice Youth-Adult boats, encouraging younger paddlers to join us and compete for their own set of prizes.
Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is excited to organize and host the NEPC race for the first time. Having been held on various sections of the Connecticut River for 43 years, CRC will in 2022 amplify the annual race for the northeast’s paddlesports community into a weekend-long river festival welcoming family, friends, and river enthusiasts of all ages.
The “Lampey” Challenge
Two-person canoe teams enter to compete the 1-mile length for bragging rights and the honor of having your names inscribed on the NEPC “Lampey” Challenge trophy. This event is BYOC, bring your own canoe!
Where to watch
Racers will park at and enter the river at Norm’s Marina, just over the Rte. 119 bridge in Hinsdale, NH. Spectator and Riverfest parking will be available at the Runnings-George’s Field parking lot on the NH-side and in various Public Parking areas in downtown Brattleboro. Walking to Whetstone Station Restaurant on Bridge Street (Rte. 119) will put you at the epicenter of Riverfest activities: the Depot Street-Union Station Park across the street from the restaurant and brewery.
Riverfest
Riverfest offers an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities to showcase the many benefits of healthy rivers’ and related recreation options. CRC and Brattleboro Reformer will offer on-site activities – such as live music, food trucks, and a bounce house for kids – as well as guided and independent outdoor recreation options – to include paddling, hiking, nature walks, and more.
DETAILS COMING SOON!
Sponsorship
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
The event and its summer-long promotion offer local and aligned businesses a high-value, multi-channel association across the 4-state watershed and beyond. Click here to learn more about Sponsorship levels and benefits.
For more information about Sponsorship packages, please contact Brett Morrison, Development Director: bmorrison@ctriver.org or (802) 375-4519.
Volunteer
Volunteer roles include planning positions and day-of help. Many ways to be involved and help.
Please note: Life jackets are REQUIRED for all on-river events. Please bring your own life jacket.
Dogs are NOT permitted at Riverfest.