Since 2015, on the second Saturday of every July, the community members on the Eau Claire Lakes and River, local non-profits, clubs, businesses and the Town of Barnes have come together to host a 5 and 10-mile, canoe, kayak, and SUP race.
The Vatten Paddlar race provides a platform for everyone to experience a day of togetherness through activity. This event is for those participating competitively, as well as for family and friends to get out on the water, and paddle together. It's an event that celebrates the outdoors, active lifestyles and healthy competition. Finishers feel a sense of accomplishment of a worthy challenge completed.
Our event promotes our sponsors, local businesses in the community, and partners with other nonprofits to support them and their cause. The community and the Town of Barnes have kept this event going with the support of volunteers, local clubs and businesses. In 2022, the event drew 81 watercrafts, 107 paddlers, over 80 volunteers, countless spectators and race supporters. Cowbells and cheers, came from dock ends, boats, bridges, and start and finish line crowds. The energy was high, and the joy of all involved was contagious.
What started in 2015 with a few a paddlers and a few boats, has grown into a community tradition. A day of togetherness, where neighbors get to know neighbors, local businesses get a boost, and the clear waters of the Eau Claire Lakes and River, are shared with those familiar and new. It is an event the community, participants, supporters, and businesses look forward to year after year. It is an event enjoyed by residents, part-time residents, and those traveling to the area again or for the first-time.
Please email infovattenpaddlar@gmail.com to receive a detailed informational sponsorship package on how you can partner with Vatten Paddlar to highlight your brand, business or organization to the outdoor community in the Northwoods, as well as the thousands of part-time and full-time community members on the Eau Claire Chain of 9 lakes.
Please have pledges in by May 19th, to be included on event print advertising.
We encourage you to check us out, on Facebook, as Vatten Paddlar, (with 400+ followers and growing) and at www.vattenpaddlar.com.
Have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kelly Knaus 612-251-1106, volunteer race coordinator of the 2023 Vatten Paddlar.