Gauley Animal Race

Get ready for the wildest river competition of the season—the Gauley Animal Race! Taking place on the Upper Gauley River, this adrenaline-packed event will push paddlers to their limits across a challenging 9.8-mile stretch of continuous class IV/IV+ whitewater. With multiple craft categories including kayaks and rafts, racers will charge into the river from the lower put-in of Summersville Dam in a chaotic mass start. From there, it’s a fierce battle of endurance, skill, and speed as they race downriver toward the finish line at Postage Due Rock in Sweets Falls Rapid.

Dubbed the “Beast of the East”, the Gauley River demands respect and mastery. Participants will need bracing, stamina, precision, and big-water experience to navigate its powerful rapids and avoid trouble along the way. This race isn’t just about speed—it’s about survival, skill, and mastering one of the East Coast’s most notorious rivers.

Whether you’re racing or spectating, come be part of the action and experience the energy of Gauley Season like never before!

Shuttle is provided for racers the day of the event. Here is what you should do; the morning of the race head to Fat Eddie’s, Check-in (or register), pick-up your bib and packet, and DROP YOUR BOAT at the Dam. Then drive to Mason’s Branch, where an ACE shuttle will meet you to bring you (not your boat!) back to the dam. Keep in mind, there is overflow parking up the hill from Mason’s Branch, but it’s a trek, so carpooling is encouraged.

Regardless of pre-registration numbers, paddlers will be grouped based on boat material (Composite, Plastic, and Inflatable PVC or Hypalon) to ensure fairness in competition. In addition, the fastest man and fastest woman will be named King and Queen of the Gauley receiving awards and recognition.

Further breakdowns of awarded classes will be determined based on pre-registration which will close on Thursday, September 14th at midnight. Classes will be further specified by, gender, boat size, and age based on the following pre-registration requirements:

• If 3 in a class ONLY 1st place will be awarded
• If 3-6 in a class 1st and 2nd place will be awarded
• If 7+ in a class 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded

Paddlers will have the opportunity for day of registration in one of the pre-determined classes, but new classes cannot be added day-of due to timing logistics.

Raft Teams
Raft Teams greater than 1 person need to register as a team. R1’s need to register individually.
R2 – $80 (Race Day Registration Add $25)
R3/R4 – $120 (Race Day Registration Add $25)
R5/R6 – $160 (Race Day Registration Add $25)

The Awards and After-party will take place at a TBD location. Stay tuned for more details.

Get all the rapid beta at GauleyRiverRapids.com