Ultra Long Distance Racing the Yukon, the Red River Challenge and more by Rise and Glide Podcast

Red River Paddle Challenge race director Brad Friesen chats all things paddling and of course the Red River Paddle Challenge on latest episode of the Rise and Glide podcast. Have a listen!

From the show notes:

Brad Friesen has completed some incredible feats and shares with us his journey into endurance paddling from river surfing and white water paddling. His background in canoeing, kayaking, and mountaineering led him to discover stand up paddle boarding. Brad talks about his experience with endurance events such as the Yukon River Quest and the Yukon 1000, and the mental and physical challenges they present.

Brad shares his passion for the sport and the dedication he has for his role as a race director for the Red River Challenge. We chat about the importance of training, rest, nutrition and hydration for ultra long distance paddling, how kids racing is crucial for growing the sport and fostering the next generation of paddlers, and how to work your way up to longer distances and more difficult paddling challenges. Brad also shares tips for training in cold weather and alternative activities like cross-country skiing and fat biking. He talks about his preferred gear and equipment, and why we should all really be carrying spare paddles.

Brad highlights the supportive and empowering community of ultra paddlers and invites listeners to participate in the Red River Challenge in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Mississippi River 140 Endurance Paddling Race

Mississippi River 140 Canoe and Kayak Endurance Paddling Race MR 140All right, whose up for a little cross border endurance paddling adventure?

The inaugural Mississippi River 140 Canoe and Kayak Race (aka the “MR 140”) is scheduled for June 10-12, 2022. The MR 140 is a 140-mile (225 km) ultra endurance paddling race from the great north woods of Minnesota to the Twin Cities. Beginning at 5pm on Friday, June 10th, 2022, paddlers (racing solo, tandem or in teams) have 48 hours to make it to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Using canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or any kind of self-powered boat, racers navigate through six checkpoints, each of which must be reached by a designated “cut-off” time. The race is designed to be a grand adventure, filled with challenges and excitement!

And don’t worry if you’re not up for the full 140 miles, there are also shorter distances to choose from, including 48, 25, 10, and 7.5 miles in length.

Please see their website or Facebook page for full details. Hope to see you in Minnesota this June!