Paddlemania is an annual event where whitewater paddlers from around the region and nation come together to enjoy the beauty and the challenge of the St. Louis River. Paddlemania is also for those interested in getting into whitewater paddling and for those folks that enjoy watching whitewater paddling.

Blast to the Bridge is a whitewater kayak downriver race. Watch expert kayakers paddle the steep and technical rapids of the lower St. Louis River through the heart of Jay Cooke St. Park. Best time wins!

Watch expert paddlers, learn about whitewater kayaking, or get a team of four together for team rafting!

12:30pm to 1pm Racer Check In. Kayakers Must register to race.

1pm Race Safety Staff Meeting

1:15pm Racer Meeting

1:30pm Boaters head to Start

1:45 pm Kayak Races Start! First Kayaker launches for Phase 1. Phase 2 immediately follows the end of Phase 1, after safety team has shifted to next positions.

4:20pm Slot Machine Showcase Showdown

7:00pm Grill Out and Awards

Phase 1: Watch expert kayakers navigate class III to IV+ rapids as they race down the lower St. Louis River through the Octopus Rapid, technical class IV rapid. Winner will be crowned Octi Champion!

Phase 2 Kayakers start above Left slot rapids through Fin Falls. This technical class IV/IV+ section will challenge the expert kayaker. Only the best will be crowned the Fin Falls Fanatic Champ!

Slot Machine Showcase Showdown: A narrow falls that can be tricky to negotiate without getting stuck in the bottom. Watch as expert paddlers take a gamble by either beating the odds and clearing the base of the falls or letting the house win by getting stuck.

Everyone must register to race. Entry Fee is $15 for ACA members and $20 for nonmembers.

This race is for Experts only. If you can’t confidently run the ‘Octopus Rapid’ then this is not the race for you. ‘Expert’ status will determined by our Safety Team. Paddlers must be competent class IV-V boaters and have a minimum of 2 years experience paddling rivers of the class IV-V range in difficulty.