PaddleMania returns to RIVERSPORT July 19

RIVERSPORT’s biggest whitewater event of the year returns Saturday, July 19, with PaddleMania set to deliver an action-packed afternoon of competition and fun from 3 to 8 p.m. at the RIVERSPORT Whitewater Center. 

Now in its third year, PaddleMania will feature five competitive events across RIVERSPORT’s whitewater channels, challenging participants to race, perform freestyle rolls and navigate homemade boats for prizes and bragging rights. 

Admission is free for spectators. Competitors pay $30, regardless of how many events they enter. RIVERSPORT members compete at no cost. 

The PaddleMania competition kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with Lucky Duck, a timed inflatable kayak race from the top to the bottom of the whitewater channel. Open to skilled kayakers ages 12 and up, the race includes two divisions: 16 and under, and 17 and up. 

At 3:45 p.m., teams take to the water for Battle of the Paddles, a whitewater raft race with no practice and no coaching. Teams from RIVERSPORT corporate partners and community groups will compete in a timed challenge for medals. The event is open to ages 8 and up and is a favorite among families. 

Build Your Own Boat (BYOB) and Kayak Cross both begin at 4 p.m. In BYOB, participants design and build homemade boats, then race them through the whitewater course. Entries are judged on creativity, speed and distance traveled. Builders must be 16 or older. For those who prefer not to ride their own creations, RIVERSPORT guides are available to race the boats on their behalf. 

Kayak Cross features head-to-head slalom racing for skilled paddlers. The race starts with a dramatic 10-foot drop from a ramp into the channel. This event is open to experienced kayakers ages 12 and up. 

The competition heats up again at 6:05 p.m. with the Hold My Beer/Roll Challenge, where freestyle kayakers compete to see who can complete the most rolls in 30 seconds. Extra points are awarded for rolling with a drink or without a paddle. The challenge is open to skilled kayakers ages 12 and up. 

“Battle of the Paddles is a family-friendly favorite,” said RIVERSPORT Executive Director Chris Sorensen. “It’s a chance for parents, kids and friends to jump in a raft, race down the rapids and have fun together.” 

At 6:15 p.m., RIVERSPORT will host an awards ceremony to recognize the top performers across all events. Winners will be crowned PaddleManiacs in celebration of their skill, creativity and competitive spirit. 

From 6:30 to 8 p.m., the celebration will continue with an after-party featuring live music by Bruster & Co. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, yard games, freestyle kayaking, rafting and surfing to close out the day. 

“PaddleMania is pure fun on the rapids,” Sorensen said. “Spectators love it too. You never know what will happen once those homemade boats hit the water.” 

Register at riversportokc.org/event/riversport-paddlemania/. Full event details and rules are online.