ATX Paddle Dash

You're Invited: ATX Paddle Dash

Calling outdoors enthusiasts and the outdoor-curious, alike! Join in on Austin's newest tradition – The ATX Paddle Dash, a first-of-its-kind kayak race on Lady Bird Lake, followed by a social hour, with food and drinks provided. All proceeds from this event will support Explore Austin and its mission of empowering youth through leadership, mentoring, and outdoor adventure.

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Competitive Division (3.5 Miles)

The race begins at 9:00am. At 3.5 miles roundtrip, this heat is for racers who have experience with kayak races, and are interested in a highly competitive style format (route map). Racers in this division will be responsible for bringing their own boats! Includes food and refreshments post race. Note, if you are interested in participating in this division but you do not have your own boat, you can use a Rowing Dock vessel, but would be at a disadvantage. Reach out to info@rowingdock.com if interested.

 $35 PER PERSON
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Open Division (2 Miles)

The race begins at 10:00am. At two miles roundtrip, this heat is great for individuals and families of all experience levels who are interested in a fun challenge! Participants will have the option to race in a single kayak which seats 1 or a double kayak, which seats 2 (route map). The watercraft, life jacket(s) and paddles will be provided by Rowing Dock. Includes food and refreshments post paddle.

   $30 PER PERSON
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Kids Division (1 MILE)

The race begins at 11:00am. At one mile roundtrip, this heat is for Austin's youth, ages 8 - 12. Participants will have the option to race in a single kayak which seats 1 or a double kayak which seats 2 (route map). The watercraft, life jacket(s) and paddles will be provided by Rowing Dock. Includes food and refreshments post paddle.

 $15 PER PERSON
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General Admission

This ticket item is for families who would like to participate in the overall ATX Paddle Dash experience. Participants will be able to enjoy food and refreshments on-site, as well as be able to paddle on the water. Check in for this experience is from 11:00am to 12:00pm.

  $15 PER PERSON
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PRIZES

Competitive Division

A $500 cash prize will be awarded for 1st place winners of every class.

Open Division

Prizes will be awarded to single and double 1st and 2nd place winners. Items awarded will range in value between $100 - $300.

Kids Division

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Items awarded will range in value between $50 - $200.

Location

2418 Stratford Drive, Austin 78746

The ATX Paddle Dash will kick off at Rowing Dock. For those driving, please park under Mopac and walk down to Rowing Dock. If you are a part of the Competitive Division, you will have the opportunity to unload on-site and park in the nose-end parking area. 

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the explore austin mission

Through outdoor adventure and long-term mentorship, Explore Austin supports adventurous youth from economically disadvantaged communities as they develop into confident and courageous adults.

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can't make it to the race?

You can still support Explore Austin and have a great time while you're at it with the purchase of one of Rowing Dock's Regular's Cards, which grants you 10 hours of paddling. 100% of profits from your purchase will go back toward Explore Austin.

Event FAQ

Is there an age minimum for this event?

While all ages are welcome to watch the race and participate in activities following the race, the minimum age for kids to race is 8 years old. If you have a child that would like to participate but is younger than 8, we would recommend they join an adult in the Open Division in a double kayak.

What will be provided?

All racers will receive race packets ahead of time, which will include their race bibs, wrist bands, and other important race info. If you are participating in the Open and Kids Divisions, you will be provided with watercraft, paddles and life jackets.Food and refreshments will also be provided in the afternoon.

I am racing in the competitive division. When should I arrive?

Check in for the competitive division will run from 8:00am – 8:30am. Please note, if you arrive past the final load-in time of 8:30am, you will not be able to compete and participate in the race. The race will begin at 9:00am and will conclude no later than 9:45am.

I am racing in the Open division. When should I arrive?

The check in period for single and double kayak racers in the Open division is from 8:30am - 9:30am. If you arrive past the final check in time of 9:30am you will not be able to compete and participate in the race.

My child is racing in the Kids division. When should we arrive?

Registration and check in opens at 9:30am. All racers must arrive and check in by 10:30am. If you arrive past this time, you will not be able to compete and participate in the race. The kick off time of the race is 11:00am.

Do I get to choose my own boat?

For those racing in the Open and Kids division, you will have the option to select from a single or double kayak. Outside of that, we will do our best to put you in your boat of choice but can not guarantee specific boats.

Where should I unload my boat if I am participating in the Competitive Heat?

Rowing Dock is located at 2418 Stratford Drive. Upon arrival, please park in the nose-in parking west of the dock. Staff members will be ready to assist you with unloading your boat, and staging it in the appropriate area.

Where should I park?

For those that are participating in the Competitive Division, you will park at the nose in parking West of Rowing Dock on Stratford Drive. For those participating in all other divisions and those interested in general admission, please park under Mopac Bridge and walk down to Rowing Dock. Please make sure you do not leave any valuables or bags in your car.

Can I bring my own boat and still participate?

All individuals participating in the competitive division will bring their own boat, life jacket and paddles. Individuals, families and children participating in the open division must use Rowing Dock boats, paddles and life jackets.

When is race packet pick up?

Packet pick up will occur on Friday (10/20) at Rowing Dock from 9am - 8pm. Your bib and wrist band will be included in your packet, as well as race details, so please make sure to carve out time for pick up.

Where should I store my valuables?

We encourage you to leave all valuables at home. For credit cards, ID and cell phone, we recommend bringing a dry bag. Please DO NOT leave any valuables or any items that could be perceived as valuables in your car.

Sponsors

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Austin Subaru
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Manifold Real Estate, CBRE, Flynn Construction Inc., HID, Live Oak, and Studio8 Architects

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