iPaddleUtah!

Havasu Heat Paddle Race is hosted by Lake Havasu Outrigger Canoe Club, and is a cool little fundraiser for their club. It's warmer, much warmer in Lake Havasu City, Arizona during March than it is anywhere in Utah, so we love to head down and support the event.

Registration and full event schedule here: https://racehubhq.com/races/7thAnnualHavasuHeatRaceMarch28LakeHavasuCity2026/schedule

Register early for the $30 rate. Day-of registration is $50.

Distances vary, from just 2 miles for beginners (or anybody that just wants to do short distance) to 5 miles, to 9-11 miles for the more elite paddlers. Most of our people do the 5 mile or the 2 mile, which is where the variety of paddle craft classes are: kayak, surfski, SUP, inflatable SUP, etc.

Setup is easy; the beach is clean sand, bathrooms are nearby, and everybody is super-friendly. So, if you've never been before, it's a great event to cut your teeth on competition. It's like a combo of a mayor's walk, 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, and full marathon for paddling. Anybody can participate and have a great time.

It's not expensive, at just $30 for individual entries. They'll have swag on hand, food truck on site (plenny good grinds in the area - you can paddle across the channel and walk up the parking lot to 3-4 restaurants, or you can just walk up the paved trail to 5-6 other restaurants, if the food truck(s) don't satisfy. You can also just pack a cooler.

We like to get there on Friday, if we can. There are camping resorts on the island for tent and/or RV/trailer camping, and it's always fun to do a group paddle to the bridge after the event on Saturday. If anyone wants to carpool, camp, split a hotel, or share an Airbnb/VRBO, feel free to leave comments below and sort it out.

We have some fast gear at Dig Paddlesports, but it's first-come, first-served. Are you a Dig Paddle Club member? We will haul your preferred hard paddleboard, surfski, or kayak to/from the event for just $25. We are limited to about 10-12 total, depending on the gear. Inflatable SUPs are just $10 for Club members. We'll also take care of required decontamination (Quagga Mussel) on the way back to Utah waters. You also have the option to use better paddles that range from ~$200-$500 retail, and of course, PFDs are always included.

If you are a Paddle Club member and want to haul your own selected gear, no additional charge. Please take the time to decontaminate the gear and return it to our shop on Monday following the event.

If you are not a Dig Paddle Club member, price is $75 for the rental for the weekend, including transportation to/from the event, and the decontamination service. Paddle and PFD included.

Call or text Bill at 435.680.5818 to coordinate and choose your gear, discuss carpool or lodging options, or to ask about our Paddle Club Membership program.

Stoked to kick of 2026 with a fun event! See you at the lake, on the river, or in the sea....:D