CRQ Whiskeytown Challenge

Join us for the the CRQ Whiskeytown Challenge – September 07, 2024

By popular request, the CRQ Whiskeytown Challenge is back for 2024!  Like 2023, the 2024 race will be a mileage challenge with options for racers at all levels.  Whiskeytown Lake is a gem of Northern California and one of the most amazing places you have never been.  It is a large lake with beautiful clear waters, amazing shores, and numerous islands.  It is an ideal location for a high-mileage event.

The conditions on the lake are variable and provide plenty of challenge, with conditions varying from calm and cool in the morning to choppy and rough in the heat of the mid-day sun.  This venue also allows us to run the race through the night, adding a whole new dimension to the event.

The format of the race will be mileage challenges – the goal is to rack up miles as fast as possible within your allotted time.  There is no set course; racers are free to develop their own strategy and use the conditions to their advantage.  Do downwinders all day, or hide in the wind shadows and log miles.  Each paddler’s mileage will be continuously recorded by GPS and presented to the race officials at the completion of the event.

The 50-Mile Challenge gives racers 12 hours to paddle 50 miles.  The 50-Mile Challenge will just before dawn and conclude just after sunset.  The 25-Mile Challenge gives racers 8 hours to paddle 25 miles.  

The race check-in area will be staffed and will operate throughout the day; family and friends are welcome to hang out with us and enjoy the event.  Campsites are also aplenty at Whiskeytown Lake. We will have a beach party celebration/brunch mid-morning the following day.

Please join us for the Whiskeytown Challenge!

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)