Former Paddle participants, we want to know what you think about your experiences in past Paddle to the Headwaters events! Please check out our survey!

Kayak and canoe - Paddle 2009 to be Postponed

Unfortunately, canoe and kayak paddlers will have to wait another year to participate in Paddle to the Headwaters. 

The decision to put off the event for another year was not made easily.  In the end, lack of volunteer power and a very tight timeline made the decision necessary.

The Paddle to the Headwaters committee plans to put an end to this two year hiatus by bringing back the race in 2010.  There’s some excitement out there in paddle-land to have us back.  Paddlers really do love this event and the Eel.

The seven-year-old event is traditionally held in early April and encompassed two days of water sport contests: a 30-mile river marathon, 10 mile race, boat demonstrations, children’s races and exhibition sprints.

Check back to this site as plans are made for the return of Paddle to the Headwaters in 2010!

The PALCO Paddle to the Headwaters marathon is open to both the serious racer and the recreational canoeist. Whether you are canoeing to compete or just paddling for pleasure, Paddle to the Headwaters is the canoe-kayak event you are looking for!

This year our entry fees enable us to contribute to salmon habitat restoration on the Eel River. Paddle to the Headwaters has been generously underwritten by PALCO, a good corporate neighbor. Thanks to their contribution, proceeds from your registration will go to the California Conservation Corps (CCC's) to help pay for a restoration project on a tributary of the Eel River. You can get more information by linking to The Cause.

Call for Volunteers! The Paddle to the Headwaters committee needs your help! If you are in the Humboldt Area and can help with: working on the planning committee, working either the start of the ten-mile or thirty-mile races, working as one of our timers/scorekeepers, running posters to northern Humboldt and beyond, helping inside the River Lodge after the races or at Saturday's pre-race set-up, and several other jobs, WE NEED YOU! Email eventstaff@paddletothheadwaters.com, or call 725-9261.

2006 Race Results

2007 Race Results

Boat Classes