California River Quest

Overview

The California River Quest is a marathon/ultramarathon paddling race on the Sacramento River in Northern California. Racers may choose 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile courses. We welcome all types of paddling craft, including canoes, kayaks, SUPs, OCs, surfskis, and prone paddleboards.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Friends of the River – California’s only statewide river conservation organization that drives protection and restoration of rivers to support sustainable water solutions through advocacy and education.

$100 for event registration

Race Courses

25 miles (Redding to Andersen, CA)
50 miles (Redding to Red Bluff, CA)
75 miles (Redding to Corning, CA)
100 miles (Redding to Chico, CA)
Note that we are avoiding paddling after dark, and will have a cutoff at Checkpoint 3 for the 100 mile course. Racers that reach the checkpoint after the cutoff will be moved to the 75 mile course and recorded as a completion.

Boat and board classes

Solo Kayak
Double Kayak
Surfski
Double Surfski
OC-1
OC-2
Marathon Canoe (USCA Pro Boats – J20X etc)
Tandem Marathon Canoe (USCA Pro Boats)
Solo Canoe (Touring and Tripper Canoes)
Tandem Canoe (Touring and Tripper Canoes)
SUP (12’6, 14′, UL)
Tandem SUP
Prone Paddleboard (stock, 14′, and unlimited)
Other (if you do not see your preferred boat/board class listed here, please email us! info@californiariverquest.com)

Relay Teams

Relay is a fun way to experience the race! We have 2-person and 4-person relay categories for the 100-mile course, and 2-person relay for the 50-mile course.

Safety

All race courses take place on the Sacramento River, which has rapids, swift current, and water hazards. All racers must be capable of self-rescue in their race craft in these conditions.

Key Dates

Race registration closes — Friday, May 10, 2024

Race registration and boat inspection — Saturday, May 25, 2024

Race — Sunday, May 26, 2024