This stretch of the Wisconsin River is fine for beginners with no more than a meandering current. The stretch of the river that flows through Watersmeet Lake may present with spring wind, waves.  In it's entirety it is a gentle, easy paddle. If needed there will be a quick intro to paddling given for each rented craft before departure.

Spring weather in the Northwoods can vary. Not just from day to day, but from hour to hour. So dress in light athletic quick drying layers (you may get a bit damp depending on your paddling skill), extra wind and water resistant layers will ensure your comfort. Please be attentive to the day's weather forecast the morning before you paddle. NOTE:  Kids tend to get colder, so dress them warmly.

Do your best to keep the bottom of your boat from pointing up toward the sky and you should stay reasonably dry. But there are times when you may get a little wet. There may be a little bit of water in the bottom of your kayak, and sometimes a paddlers technique can lead to water running onto the paddler or into the boat.

We CAN provide all necessary equipment. Please look to the registration form to select your preferred style of watercraft. Watercraft rental includes paddles, personal floatation devices, and a dry bag.

The event will go on rain or shine. We do not intend to cancel due to cold, wet or windy weather. However,  severe weather that poses a risk to attendees may lead to a delay or a cancellation of the event. (As all proceeds go to help offset up front event costs and help to feed area children from food insecure homes, no refunds will be issued due to weather.)

Within the event registration you select your paddle time. Availability is based on first come first served with a limited number of participants per time period.

The paddle does not offer refunds or deferred entries for future years as all proceeds go to help offset up front event costs and help to feed area children from food insecure homes.

Firstly, you follow the direction of the river's natural flow. Please scan the River Trip Finish Location QR code to know where you are at all times from start to finish.

Prior to the event you can pick up your packet at the Wildwood Outdoors Adventure Office.

The event was created with families in mind and the segment of the river selected was to ensure an enjoyable day for paddlers of all ages. We’re sorry, but we cannot accommodate nor recommend the event for children under 3 years of age. However, Individuals with their own watercraft can make the decision for their own family.

Yes, but it doesn’t happen very often at all. The kayaks that are rented are relatively stable and are safe even for beginners. The Stand Up Paddle boards are also very wide and stable. As all paddlers must wear a personal floatation device we do not expect such an incident to cause an emergency situation.

The route will be patrolled by the events safety team from start to finish. If  you can not paddle any further, please flag one of them down and they will get you and your boat  to the finish line.

You should finish dropping off your boat 1 hour prior to your scheduled launch time. This will allow you to drive from the boat launch to the Wildwood Outdoors Adventures property, Pick up your paddling packet, and be shuttled back to the launch site.

Yes! We highly recommend booking your slot in advance. This year there will only be room for 210 paddlers. We can not promise any availability on the day of the event. However, there may be slots open. The registration page will show you if there is availability in real time.

Average time to paddle this segment of the Wisconsin River is 2 hours.

Yes, you may bring your pet. Pet's MUST be kept on a leash when on land.

We understand that sometimes plans change. Please read our policy fully. 

Due to the limited nature of this event and our limited availability of paddling time slots we will only offer a refund, (minus a $10,00 service fee) up until May 1st 2025.