PADDLE JAM JUNE 6
DOWNWIND CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 29-30
TAHOE LAKE CROSSING SEPTEMBER 18-20
PADDLE JAM JUNE 6 DOWNWIND CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 29-30 TAHOE LAKE CROSSING SEPTEMBER 18-20
Tahoe. Paddle. racing.
Three Races. One Lake. Your Line to Cross.
Iconic Races, Pristine Waters, Unforgettable Challenge
At Tahoe Waterman, we celebrate the spirit of competition and community on Lake Tahoe’s stunning waters. Whether you're chasing personal records or just love paddling with a crew, our race series offers something for every level. Each event is open to the public—no pro status required.
Find Your Line on Lake Tahoe
Three Races. One Series. Built for Every Paddler.
Set on the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Paddle Racing Series brings together paddlers of all levels to train, compete, and connect. With three distinct events—each offering its own distance, conditions, and challenge—you can choose your path: build experience, test your limits, or race at your highest level.
The Lake Crossing is presented by Tahoe Waterman—a paddling community built around a shared passion for paddle sports, health, and adventure. It’s a group that supports one another, celebrates the journey, and values the stories and experiences that come from time on the water.
Tahoe Paddle Jam
May 23, 2026
The Tahoe Paddle Jam brings fast-paced racing to Lake Tahoe with a unique survival format. In 3-mile heats, paddlers race against time cut-offs—continuing on to 6 or 9 miles based on their pace and performance. All levels are welcome, each finding their edge in a dynamic test of strategy, endurance, and grit on Tahoe’s iconic waters.
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Paddle Jam is designed for paddlers of all levels, with a format that naturally matches each athlete to their ideal distance. The event welcomes both newer paddlers and experienced racers. Each competitor progresses through 3-mile heats, continuing on to longer distances based on pace, making it both inclusive and performance-driven.
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Paddle Jam is built around a progressive elimination format designed to challenge both strategy and endurance. The course consists of 3-mile heats paddling from Tahoe Waterman’s Landing to Rocky Point and back along the shoreline.
Each heat has a pre-set time cut-off. To continue racing, paddlers must complete the 3-mile loop within the assigned time. Those who meet the standard advance to the next heat, with the opportunity to reach 6 or 9 total miles, depending on performance.
Time cut-offs will be communicated prior to race day and are set by craft, gender, and heat —ensuring fair and competitive racing across all divisions.
WHAT ATHLETES SHOULD KNOW
This is not just a race—it’s a test of pacing, awareness, and decision-making.
Start smart: Going out too hard can cost you later in the heat.
Know your numbers: Be aware of your required pace to stay within cut-offs.
Drafting matters: Use positioning and group dynamics to conserve energy.
Stay present: Conditions, pacing, and competitors all influence your outcome.
Every heat counts: Each loop is a checkpoint—race with intention.
Whether you're aiming to complete one heat or push all the way through, Paddle Jam rewards athletes who can balance speed, strategy, and endurance.
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The Tahoe Paddle Jam is open to single-craft only: stand-up paddleboards (SUP), prone paddleboards, one-man outrigger canoes (OC1), and single surfskis.
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The race location and start are at Tahoe Waterman's Landing, Carnelian Bay, CA.
There is free parking at the event site. Navigate to Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay. and parking along the streets in the neighborhood is allowed.
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$55 (Race day registration is $65)
The event fee includes a celebration meal from Waterman's Cafe
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JUNIOR 18 and under
OPEN 19-49
MASTER 50-59
SENIOR MASTER 60-69
LEGEND 70+2's, 4's, and 6's OPEN Category
All divisions will be recognized. In categories with five or more participants, awards will be given to the top three finishers. In categories with four or fewer participants, only first place will receive an award.
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LOCATION: Tahoe Waterman’s Landing, Carnelian Bay (Event Headquarters)
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026 – RACE DAY
7:00 AM – Venue Opens
7:30 AM – Registration & Check-In
9:00 AM – Mandatory Race Meeting (Beach)
9:15 AM – Elimination Heats BeginPOST-RACE
Awards Ceremony & Celebration Meal to follow the racing
Afternoon Festivities (weather permitting):
Grom Challenge, Free Outrigger Canoe Rides, and Community AwardsWhether racing or spectating, enjoy a full day at the lake with activities for athletes, families, and friends.
Tahoe Downwind Championship
August 29-30, 2026
This is a legendary bucket list race. It’s a 22-mile (35km) point-to-point open-water crossing of Lake Tahoe—cold, deep, and mentally demanding. You’ll launch into the “Alpine Caribbean,” surrounded by towering mountainous peaks, and commit to a line across one of the most iconic bodies of water in the world. It’s a true bucket-list effort, not about speed, more about resilience, execution, and finishing what you start.
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Because of the length of the race, we apply a cutoff time of 6.5 hours to complete the 22-mile (35km) course. Racers must maintain an average speed of 3.5 miles per hour to complete the distance by the cut-off time. All competitors remaining on the course after the cutoff time will be escorted to the finish venue at Waterman's Landing.
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The Tahoe Cup - Lake Crossing invites most ocean and endurance paddle craft: SUP, prone, OC1/OC2/OC6, surfskis, and rowing shells & marathon Canoe (1x, 2x, 4x). The course is suited and recommended for experienced paddlers.
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Because Tahoe waters demand respect, we run this event with safety first in mind. The race will take place on the best weather window across Friday–Sunday (targeting Saturday). Be prepared to race on any of those days. The final call will be made during race week by Wednesday, based on conditions, to give every paddler the best possible shot at completing the crossing.
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The event venue and the finish line are at Waterman's Landing in Carnelian Bay.
The Crossing starts at El Dorado Beach in South Tahoe and finishes at Waterman's Landing in Carnelian Bay.
Logistics for transportation are being finalized - information will be emailed to the participant as it becomes available
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Individual Participant | Lake Crossing Course: $145
2-Person Teams (SUP, OC2, Double Surf Ski, 2x Rowing Shell) | Lake Crossing $120 per person
4-Person Team (SUP, Rowing Shell) Lake Crossing $300 per crew
6-man Outrigger Crew | Lake Crossing $450 per crew
*Registration fees include a celebration meal and event t-shirt
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JUNIOR 18 and under
OPEN 19-49
MASTER 50-59
SENIOR MASTER 60-69
LEGEND 70+
2's, 4's, and 6's OPEN Category
Tahoe Cup - Lake Crossing
September 18-20, 2026
This is a legendary bucket list race. It’s a 22-mile (35km) point-to-point open-water crossing of Lake Tahoe—cold, deep, and mentally demanding. You’ll launch into the “Alpine Caribbean,” surrounded by towering mountainous peaks, and commit to a line across one of the most iconic bodies of water in the world. It’s a true bucket-list effort, not about speed, more about resilience, execution, and finishing what you start.
-
Because of the length of the race, we apply a cutoff time of 6.5 hours to complete the 22-mile (35km) course. Racers must maintain an average speed of 3.5 miles per hour to complete the distance by the cut-off time. All competitors remaining on the course after the cutoff time will be escorted to the finish venue at Waterman's Landing.
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The Tahoe Cup - Lake Crossing invites most ocean and endurance paddle craft: SUP, prone, OC1/OC2/OC6, surfskis, and rowing shells & marathon Canoe (1x, 2x, 4x). The course is suited and recommended for experienced paddlers.
-
Because Tahoe waters demand respect, we run this event with safety first in mind. The race will take place on the best weather window across Friday–Sunday (targeting Saturday). Be prepared to race on any of those days. The final call will be made during race week by Wednesday, based on conditions, to give every paddler the best possible shot at completing the crossing.
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Race Window: September 18–20, 2026
The race will be held on the best weather day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Final race day will be confirmed during race week.Locations:
Start: El Dorado Beach, South Lake Tahoe
Finish / Event HQ: Waterman’s Landing, Carnelian BayRace Day Schedule
5:00 AM – Venue opens at Waterman’s Landing (finish)
5:30 AM – Recommended departure from North Tahoe to start
6:00 AM – Venue opens at El Dorado Beach (start)
6:00 AM – Athlete check-in at Waterman’s tent
7:00 AM – Mandatory race briefing (all paddlers)7:15 AM – Start: SUP & Prone
8:00 AM – Start: OC1, OC2, Surfskis, Rowing Shells, Marathon Canoe
8:15 AM – Start: OC61:45 PM – Course cutoff (6.5 hours / ~3.5 mph pace)
2:30 PM – Awards ceremony & post-race meal at Waterman’s Landing
Post-Race
Celebrate at the finish with food, community, and lakefront atmosphere. Additional activities will be available for athletes and families throughout race weekend.
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The event venue and the finish line are at Waterman's Landing in Carnelian Bay.
The Crossing starts at El Dorado Beach in South Tahoe and finishes at Waterman's Landing in Carnelian Bay.
Logistics for transportation are being finalized - information will be emailed to the participant as it becomes available
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Individual Participant | Lake Crossing Course: $145
2-Person Teams (SUP, OC2, Double Surf Ski, 2x Rowing Shell) | Lake Crossing $120 per person
4-Person Team (SUP, Rowing Shell) Lake Crossing $300 per crew
6-man Outrigger Crew | Lake Crossing $450 per crew
*Registration fees include a celebration meal and event t-shirt
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JUNIOR 18 and under
OPEN 19-49
MASTER 50-59
SENIOR MASTER 60-69
LEGEND 70+
2's, 4's, and 6's OPEN Category
All divisions will be recognized. In categories with five or more participants, awards will be given to the top three finishers. In categories with four or fewer participants, only the first place will receive an award.
FAQS
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All entries are final. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
If a waitlist is in place and your spot can be filled, a transfer may be accommodated. If not, no refund will be issued.
In the event of cancellation due to weather, fire, or other circumstances beyond our control, refunds will not be provided. A credit toward a future event will be issued instead.
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Additional safety measures will be emailed to you upon registration if necessary.
Lake Tahoe sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft, and conditions can change quickly. Come prepared. Check the forecast, understand wind patterns, and dress for cold water and variable weather.
All paddlers are required to carry a cell phone or an approved tracking device.
The course is supported and divided into two main segments: South Lake Tahoe to Sugar Pine Point (~10 miles), then to Waterman’s Landing (~12 miles). Sugar Pine Point serves as a designated exit option if needed.
If you require assistance, safety teams will transport you to the nearest accessible shoreline. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation from that point unless medical care is required.
In emergency situations, paddle craft may be left on the water and recovered afterward.
Additional safety details will be shared with registered paddlers as needed.
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Tahoe Waterman is a family-owned business rooted on the shores of Lake Tahoe at Waterman’s Landing in Carnelian Bay. As a premier paddle sports hub, it brings together lakefront access, a full-service outfitter, and Tahoe’s only lakefront coffee shop.
The café offers a predominantly organic menu with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, alongside coffee, beer, and wine—supporting a range of dietary preferences and lifestyles. On the water, Tahoe Waterman provides rentals, coaching, lessons, tours, and performance experiences for all levels.
The retail space reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship, offering curated gear and beach essentials for both recreation and performance.
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Watch the video HERE
Because we don’t want to introduce destructive snails or mussels to Tahoe, and we don’t want to transport aquatic weeds that have invaded Lake Tahoe and several of its tributaries, simply Clean, Drain, and Dry our watercraft and gear every time we haul out after use, and properly dispose of any plants or debris we find. It’s easy to add to our regular habits, and it matters for more information.
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CEDAR GLEN LODGE - ENTER PROMO CODE AT CHECKOUT:
CAMPING
GRANITE FLAT CAMPGROUND - HIGHWAY 89 BETWEEN TAHOE CITY AND TRUCKEE
GOOSE MEADOW CAMPGROUND - HIGHWAY 89 BETWEEN TAHOE CITY AND TRUCKEE
SILVER CREEK CAMPGROUND - HIGHWAY 89 BETWEEN TAHOE CITY AND TRUCKEE
LAKESIDE CAMPGROUND - POSSER RESERVOIR TRUCKEE
MOUNT ROSE CAMPGROUND - INCLINE VILLAGE AREA
LAKE FOREST CAMPGROUND - NORTH TAHOE AREA
TAHOE SRA - TAHOE CITY
Coaching
Start training now
If you’re aiming to complete —or push for a fast result—having a clear plan makes all the difference.
Paddle Racing requires steady endurance, efficient technique, and smart pacing. With the right structure and a few key adjustments, you can line up confidently and be prepared to perform at your level.
We offer practical, affordable coaching to help you get there—whether your goal is to finish strong or race fast.
Custom training plans and clinics with Jay Wild are available: jay@tahoewaterman.com
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