The Premier Paddle Destination of the Midwest
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant paddling culture of the La Crosse Region and explore its stunning waterways at this exciting weekend-long event!
Join us at the 2024 Paddles & Premiers – La Crosse Region’s Paddle Weekend!
As a premier paddling destination of the Midwest, the La Crosse Region is excited to host a premier showing of the “Mississippi Speed Record” and the “Paddling Film Festival” as part of the World Paddle Tour. Attendees will enjoy an exciting glimpse into the world of paddling through the Paddling Film Premier along with local excursions, trails, and various other event features. Mark your calendar and get ready to experience the premier paddle destination of the Midwest!
Event Sponsors
Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure
Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure captures the journey of four men, Scott Miller, Paul Cox, Wally Werderich and Judson Steinback, who set out to beat the Guinness world record for paddling the entire 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. Join us at the Rivoli Theater on Thursday, August 15th for a premier showing of the full length documentary capturing their journey to success and glory. Stay until the end of the premier where members of the paddling teams and the support crew will be holding a panel to answer any questions about their record breaking adventure. Take a look at the trailer for this exciting film!
Paddling Film Festival World Tour
The Paddling Film Festival happening August 16th at the Rivoli Theater is part of the World Paddling Tour. This free event is an international tour presenting the best paddling films of the year, including 29 inspiring paddling films and the 11 festival category winners. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries and grueling kayak fishing battles. Attracting paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts, audiences can expect a fun, social and entertaining event inspired by compelling films. Come join us!
Free Kayak Excursions
During Paddles & Premiers – The La Crosse Region Paddle Weekends we have partnered with local business to give paddlers a chance to experience La Crosse’s waterways for free! Participating businesses are donating rentals to let you go out on a free DIY paddling excursion. Spots for the excursion are first come, first served so make sure to call ahead to reserve your spot!
Participating business:
Great River Landing (Onalaska Parks & Rec)
10 rentals available for free per day
Address: 101 Irvin St, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: (608) 784-9560
Island Outdoors
6 rentals available for free per day
Address: 1330 Bainbridge St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone: (608)-782-5552
Schafer’s River Rentals
4 rentals available for free (Saturday only)
Address: W7221 N Shore Ln, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: (608)781-3100
Pettibone Park (La Crosse Parks & Rec)
6 rentals available for free (Friday only)
Address: 700 N Pettibone Dr, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608)789-7533
Kayak Kiosk
8 rentals available for reimbursement for free per day
Address: W7305 County Rd Z, Onalaska, WI 54650 In front of the Red Pines Café in the lower parking lot
Phone: (608) 406-0215
Kayak Fishing Tournaments
Great Lakes Kayak Fishing Series (GLFKS), happening on August 17-18, will be held at Pools 7, 8, and 9 in La Crosse, WI. This event runs concurrently with the All American Kayak Series (AAKS) on August 17-18 during Paddles & Premiers – The La Crosse Region Paddle Weekend.
Wander the Region’s Waterways
Paddling in the La Crosse
Region
The waterways of the La Crosse area are an absolute paradise for paddlers of every stripe. Check out this excellent map of canoe launches in the area to find the most convenient access point for you!
Top 6 Trails in The La Crosse Region
Hit the water by canoe or kayak and find trails suited for a relaxing float or ideal for an exciting excursion. If you haven’t tried these trails you must add them to your bucket list this summer!
Paddle Away! Popular Paddle Rentals in La Crosse County
With the Mighty Mississippi and it’s back waters, we have plenty of opportunities for those who seek to explore via paddling. Wondering where you can get equipped for such an experience? These places will hook you up…
Get on the Water in The
La Crosse Region
If there was ever a place for water lovers to unite, this is it! Not only does it sit on the United States’ largest river, it is also home to the Black River, the La Crosse River, Lake Onalaska, Lake Neshonoc, and so much more.