Sunday, July 28th, 2024
On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina
Hinsdale, NH – just over the river from Brattleboro, VT
This event is FREE thanks to our generous sponsors
The Race
After a rained-out year in 2023, Connecticut River Conservancy eagerly welcomes the return of the NEPC – New England Paddlesports Championship – for its 45th year! Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast 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 the 5-mile recreational 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 course is centered on a beautiful stretch of river downstream from the West River confluence and just under NH’s Mount Wantastiquet.
- Competitive paddlers on canoe, kayak, and surf ski will lap the mid-river island three times on a 12-mile competitive “marathon” course.
- Competitive SUP paddlers will lap a 5-mile course.
- Recreation Class paddlers, including adult-youth boats, can participate in the 5-mile looped course.
- A 1-mile Community Challenge is open to all two-person canoe teams! This event is BYOC, bring your own canoe! Highly recommended for small businesses, professional groups, or families.
Community Fun
The morning begins with the races, where over 60 racers will compete in 12-mile and 5-mile loops right off the shore from Norm’s Marina. All are welcome to join in the 1-mile Community Challenge. Spectators can join in the action from the shoreline with activities & displays presented by CRC and our community partners. Enjoy a day of free, family-friendly activities to showcase the many benefits of healthy rivers and related recreation options. CRC, Brattleboro Reformer, and local partner organizations will offer on-site activities and info booths. Plus food & beverage trucks to keep you satiated. Stay tuned here for updates.
Schedule of the Day
Subject to change
10:00 On-site activities begin
10:30 Competetive & Recreational Races begin
10:45 Community Challenge begins
11-3 Food Trucks!
1:30 Awards Ceremony
3:00 See you next year!
Where to watch
The shores of the river at Norm’s Marina provide great views of the race and access to all of the fun of Riverfest. On the Brattleboro side of the river, the deck of Whetstone Station Restaurant on Bridge Street (Rte. 119) offers a great viewing platform.
Parking
Ample parking is available to racers, specatators, and Riverfest participants at Norm’s Marina. Overflow parking will be available at the Runnings-George’s Field parking lot across the street.
Sponsorship
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
This event is available to the community at no cost thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, which can be seen to the left of this page on desktop, and below on mobile. Riverfest and its summer-long promotion offer local and interested 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.
Special thanks to our 2023 Sponsors!
Media Sponsor
Brattleboro Reformer
Lead Sponsor
Berkshire Blanket & Home Co.
Main Stem Sponsor
Northstart VT Yankee Decomissioning
River Sponsors
New Belgium Brewing
Savings Bank of Walpole
Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors
802 Credit Union
Reed & Reed
Brook Sponsors
Hamshaw Lumber
The Richards Group
Ripple Sponsors
Brattleboro Area Realty
C&S Wholesale Grocers
Volunteer
There are many ways to be involved with this dynamic event. More details will be posted. Contact Stacey: slennard(at)ctriver.org.