New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) & Community Challenge

The 2025 race has been cancelled, pending new organizers.

THANK YOU to all the incredible racers, community partners, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible in 2024. You can see all the race results here and read our 2024 NEPC recap.

2025 cancellation message from CRC:

The Connecticut River Conservancy is undertaking strategic planning in 2025, and as part of this process we are evaluating both internal resources and outward initiatives. Upon consideration of how our mission supports increased access for the full breadth of communities to the Connecticut River, we have determined that we must step down from being the organizers of the New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC). We will strive to find new organizers for the event and will instead focus on other paddling and river recreation activities with such details to be shared when available. The NEPC should be considered cancelled for 2025; however, CRC welcomes and would support interested parties who wish to take over hosting responsibilities.

CRC continues to be dedicated to clean water, healthy habitats, and river recreation for local communities in the Brattleboro/Hinsdale region and beyond, and we look forward to advancing partnerships that promote equitable access and healthy rivers for all!

Connecticut River Conservancy eagerly welcomeed the return of the NEPC – New England Paddlesports Championship – for its 45th year in 2024. Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast competed for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers chose to run the 12-mile competitive course or the 5-mile recreational course. There was also a 1-mile community challenge! The course lapped the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheered on competitors. NEPC is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series.

On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina
1347 Brattleboro Rd, Hinsdale NH – just over the river

(rain date: the following Sunday, August 4th)

with media sponsor:

Photos courtesy Kelly Fletcher Photography

New England Paddlesport Championship NEPC Racers

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.

Two people in a kayak on the Connecticut River with trees all around during New England Paddlesports Championship, photo by Kelly Fletcher.

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

9am – Racer arrival

9am-3pm – Food trucks!

10am – Community partners & on-site fun begins
10:30am – Competitive & Recreational races begin
11am – Community Challenge begins

12:30pm – Crazy Creatures Obstacle Course
2pm – NEPC Awards Ceremony
3pm – 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 (J&B Curbside Café 9-3 and Frisky Cow Gelato 11-3).

Where to Watch

The shores of the river at Norm’s Marina or the Route 119 bridges will provide great views of the race.

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.

Safety Statement: CRC's staff are assessing river conditions as we approach race day in connection with Norm's Marina, Great River Hydro, climate and flood reports, and local experts. The safety of racers, spectators, and communities is of utmost importance, and we will have two rescue boats from Rescue Inc. on standby throughout the duration of the race.

River conditions in the Hinsdale/Brattleboro area are looking good for the 28th. Racers will be notified in the event of any changes to the schedule.

Proceeds will benefit CRC's efforts to support local communities in improving recreational access and river habitat like on the Hinsdale-Brattleboro Island after traffic moves to the new bridge (late fall '24) and Bellows Falls at the Saxtons River confluence after removing the Blake-Higgins Dam under Rte. 5 (fall '24).

Local Partner

2024 Sponsors

Watershed:

River:

Stream:

Community Partners:

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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.