Welcome to the 5th Annual BIG RIVER presented by YOLO BOARD
Big River is a paddle championship race on the Mississippi River that is point to point from downtown Baton Rouge to L'auberge Casino Resort. The event will be approximately 13.1 miles on the largest river in America, the Mighty Mississippi.
Growing from 69 paddler in 2013, to 149 in 2014, 205 in 2015, 2016 we cancelled due to the historic floods in La and back for 2017 we had 175+ so register early for one of the nations best races!
WARNING:
***Big River should not be your first long paddle! You should be a seasoned paddler. If you do not have significant experience managing currents and paddling obstacles then BRR is not a race for you. Failure to properly assess your own ability could result in Injury or Death to you or others.
Racer Cap:
We are capping the total number of all vessels at 150.
Spread the word...this will be a sellout!
Sponsors:
YOLO BOARD - presenting sponsor
Gerry Lane Buick+GMC
Mockler Beverage Company
L'auberge Casino + Resort
LATE REGISTRATIONS!
All Registrations that register after Aug 29th run the risk of receiving projected guessing shirt sizes that unregistered racers may need. Contrary to belief...we are not wizards and do not own a crystal ball for predicting shirt sizes. This is a good lesson to please register EARLY!
Thanks for understanding! :)
Safety:
Safety is our top priority at the Big River and being that this river can be very powerful and contain large vessels that can create ocean like swells. We will require that all contestants have a whistle, a leash and a Type III or higher life jacket on at all times. We will provide six safety boats to patrol the race and have one checkpoint that must be passed to qualify for a finish. The Coast Guard will insure that river traffic is shut down for the duration of the Big River to insure the course is as safe as possible.
Weekend Itinerary:
Friday, Aug 31st
6:00pm-8:00pm
Welcoming Packet Pickup/Registration (NO Saturday Morning Packet Pickups!)
- Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
- Board/Boat Drop immediately following packet pickup
6:00pm-8:00pm
Vessel Drop (Following Packet Pickup!)
- You will be instructed where to drop your vessel at Packet Pickup.
- After dropping your vessel return to hangout!
Saturday, Sept 1st
6:15am SHARP
Shuttle Buses Depart FINISH (L'auberge Casino)
- If you plan to leave your car at the Finish. (No Boat/Board or participant transportation to start location after the race!)
6:00am-7:00am
"MANDATORY" Check-in & Gear Check Mississippi River Front. (Failure to have gear will results in disqualification with no refund!)
7:15am
"MANDATORY" Safety Meeting!
7:25am
Introduction, Prayer and Star Spangled Banner
7:35am
Racers in the water to warm up
8:00am
Mass Start - faster vessels to the front!
10:00am
Finish Festival begins with Cajun Food, drinks, Live Cajun Music by CHOUPIQUE!
12:30pm
Awards and Winners are crowned!
8:00pm
Saturday Night After Party
- After recovering come meet all the racers at The Bengal Tap Room located Downtown Baton Rouge featuring plenty TV's, yummy beer and a full menu for ordering! We will eat, drink, tell stories of the race and watch some college football!
Shuttle To Start:
We will provide shuttles for those that want to drop a car at the finish. Please see Itinerary for times.
"There will be NO transportation of participants or vessels after the race so plan accordingly!"
?Shuttle Location: 30.347828, -91.153628 (copy and paste in search engine)?
Mandatory Gear:
(All gear will be for sale at Packet Pickup.)
-Lifevest - Class 3 or higher
-Whistle
-Leash if on SUP
Hydration Requirements:
All racers must have some means of hydration and a minimum of 20oz.
Please com to the start with your hydration packs or bottles filled
4 Star Accommodations:
We are excited to be back at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, first time since 2015! The Hilton is Baton Rouge's best downtown hotel and only 4 star!
Racers and Families wanting to stay at the official race hotel will need to provide the code (BRR) or ask for the “THE BIG RIVER REGIONAL” group. You will then provide an arrival and departure date to receive the group rate.
Please be aware your group rate is $124.00 (Cutoff date for making reservations at this rate is August 24, 2018.)
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
1-800-955-6962
201 Lafayette St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
If you are told there are no rooms available, please let us know and we will contact the hotel to add rooms to the block.
Refunds or Transfers:
No refunds will be given for any reason.
You may transfer your entry to another racer for $20.00 as long as we are notified of the transfer a minimum of 1 week prior to the race. Also, this transfer will be given any items with particular sizes that the original participants requested.
Weather
If for some reason such as but not limited to weather or natural disasters occur and we are unable to start the race NO refunds or rain checks will be given due to the massive undertaking of hosting a race of this size and caliber.
Awards:
All paddle crafts will be recognized with Custom Large Dog Tags for Top 3 Male & Female*.
Awards will be separted into 2 age divisions:
18-49
50+
*However to be recognized Top 3 that particular craft must have 3 vessels participate.
Places of Interest:
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
201 Lafayette Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
L’Auberge Casino Resort
777 L’Auberge Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70820
The Bengal Tap Room
421 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Mississippi River Front
299 River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Event's current local time: 5:07 AM CT
