Welcome to the 2026
Come and join us in one of the most unique, challenging, and fun events in the country. The National White River Canoe and Kayak Race will take you down some of the most scenic country in America. The race is an adventure of over a hundred miles from the heart of the Ozark Mountains near Bull Shoals Lake to the foothills of Batesville, Arkansas.
In 1966 I was a junior at North Little Rock High School (Arkansas) and in my younger days had been a Boy Scout and when Sea Scout Ship 107 was organized and sponsored by the North Little Rock Yacht Club I immediately became a member. The adult leader of the Ship was Mr. Jay Robison.
Read StoryIn the early months of 1968 the Lion’s Club of Cabot decided that, in addition to their work with the sight impaired, they wanted to assist some of the local youth. They eventually approached me, the new football coach, about starting an Explorer Scout group.
Read StoryI went to Boy Scout summer camp a thousand years ago (mid-60s) and learned to paddle a canoe. For me it was the best part of camp. I "graduated" to Explorer scouting (Post 385 North Little Rock, AR) and in 1968 I heard about the White River Canoe Race for Explorer scouts.
Read StoryThirty years ago the White River Canoe Race was the highlight of my life. At the time, all of my best friends were members of a canoeing Explorer Post in Las Cruces, New Mexico. We raced anywhere there was water, but primarily in New Mexico and Texas.
Read StoryIt was cold, the sun was out and I couldn't be more ready. As I stood almost knee deep in the cold water of the White River, I waited for our team to come around the bend. It was the first day of the race, and everyone was watching with anticipation.
Read StoryIt was a dark and stormy morning; each team was timidly getting their boat set up for the 18 mile leg of the 40th annual White River Canoe Race. Ruth and I were busy filling our camelbacks, zipping our PFDs, and making sure our boat didn't fill up with water before we even began paddling.
Read StoryLast year was my sixth year to participate in the Explorer/Venturer White River Canoe Race. Many things have changed over those years, from the people participating in the race to the race course itself.
Read StoryI woke up at sunrise on the second day of the 120 mile White River canoe race. The morning air was thick with mist and the lingering wet scent of fire from the night before. I peered through the mesh window of the tent out toward the river.
Read StoryThe Minnesota boy s team was extremely excited for some real competition at the Arkansas Canoe Race this past summer. Throughout the first few legs of the race, the Russellville boys team and the Minnesota boys team were neck and neck in overall time.
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