New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC)
Sunday, July 28th, 2024
Connecticut River Conservancy eagerly welcomes the return of the NEPC – New England Paddlesports Championship – for its 45th year! Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast compete for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers choose to run the 12-mile competitive course or the 5-mile recreational course. The course laps the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheer on competitors. NEPC is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series. (Storm date: August 4th)
On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina
Hinsdale, NH – just over the river from Brattleboro, VT
(rain date: the following Sunday, August 4th)
with media sponsor:
Photos courtesy Kelly Fletcher Photography
12-Mile Competitive Course
Competitive paddlers on canoe, kayak, and surf ski will lap the mid-river island three times on a 12-mile competitive “marathon” course.
5-Mile Recreational Course
Competitive SUP paddlers will lap a 5-mile course. Recreation Class paddlers, including adult-youth boats, can participate in the 5-mile looped course.
1-Mile Community Challenge
A 1-mile Community Challenge is open to all two-person canoe teams. This event is BYOC, bring your own canoe! Ideal for small groups or families.
Schedule of the Day
9:00 Racer arrival
10:00 On-site activities begin
10:30 Competetive & Recreational Races begin
10:45 Community Challenge begins
11-3 Food Trucks!
1:30 Awards Ceremony
3:00 See you next year!
The morning begins with the races, where over 60 racers will compete in 12-mile and 5-mile loops right off the shore from Norm’s Marina. All are welcome to join in the 1-mile Community Challenge. CRC and local partner organizations will offer on-site activities and info booths for spectators. Plus food & beverage trucks to keep you satiated. Stay tuned here for updates.
Where to Watch
The shores of the river at Norm’s Marina provide great views of the race and access. On the Brattleboro side of the river, the deck of  Whetstone Station Restaurant on Bridge Street (Rte. 119) offers a great viewing platform.
Parking
Ample parking is available to racers, specatators, and Riverfest participants at Norm’s Marina. Overflow parking will be available at the Runnings-George’s Field parking lot across the street.
Local Partner
Interested in 2024 Sponsorship?
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors above. NEPC and its summer-long promotion offer local and interested businesses a high-value, multi-channel association across the 4-state watershed and beyond. For more information, see our NEPC Sponsorship Packet or contact Brett Morrison, Development Director: bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or (802) 375-4519.
Thanks to our 2023 Sponsors:
​
Media Sponsor
Brattleboro Reformer
​
Lead Sponsor
Berkshire Blanket & Home Co.
​
Main Stem Sponsor
Northstar VT Yankee Decomissioning
​
River Sponsors
New Belgium Brewing
Savings Bank of Walpole
Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors
802 Credit Union
Reed & Reed
​
Brook Sponsors
Hamshaw Lumber
The Richards Group
​
Ripple Sponsors
Brattleboro Area Realty
C&S Wholesale Grocers
For questions about race registration, volunteering or the overall event, contact Stacey at slennard - at - ctriver.org. For interest in sponsorship, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org.