Anything That Floats Race
August 16, 2025
Location: Gauley Bridge
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Anything That Floats Race @ Gauley Bridge
Get ready for an adventure on the water at the Anything That Floats Race! On Saturday, August 16th, head to ACE Adventure Gear in Gauley Bridge, WV, for a fun and challenging race where creativity meets paddling. The rules are simple: bring a vessel that will float and paddle it for about half a mile, from our river access spot to the school bus island and back. Whether you’re crafting a raft from recycled materials, a kayak made of unconventional items, or something completely wild, it’s all about having fun on the water. Bring your friends, your best float-building skills, and your competitive spirit for a race like no other!
Event Schedule
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10:00 am
Event Check In
12:00 pm
Race Begins
1:30 pm
Awards Ceremony/Afterparty
Bus Rock
If you’ve ever driven through Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, on U.S. Route 60, you may have spotted a bizarre and unforgettable sight: a colorful Greyhound bus perched on a rock island in the middle of the river, complete with a front porch and an American flag. This one-of-a-kind fishing camp was created in the 1950s by local legend Walter “Bruiser” Cole, who ferried the bus to the island himself and turned it into a quiet riverside retreat where the New and Gauley rivers meet to form the Kanawha. Though it looks like it’s on the riverbank, it actually sits about 100 yards from shore—a true #WildAndWonderful West Virginia landmark.
What Do I Paddle
For the Anything That Floats Race, if it floats and you can paddle it, you’re good to go! Grab your kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard—or take it to the next level by building your own wild and wacky watercraft. This is your chance to show off not just your paddling skills, but your creativity and marine ingenuity. Whether you’re racing for glory or just floating for fun, the only real rule is: it better stay afloat!
Participant Information
Check-in & Parking
Check-in will take place at ACE Adventure Gear located in Gauley Bridge at 10739 Midland Trail, US-60. Parking Info Coming Soon.
Waivers
All participants MUST complete the ACE Adventure Resort General Liability Waiver. You should complete this waiver online prior to the event check in HERE. Select the date as 8/16/25 then click special events, then click Anything That Floats before entering your personal information.
Awards & Prizes
Awards will be announced at ACE Adventure Gear following the event at 1:30 pm.
- Fastest craft on the water – 1st Place Finisher Overall
- Most Creative/Wild & Wacky Craft
- Best Team Spirit
- Slowest on the Water
Rules & Other Details
1) Competitors and spectators must obey all event parking logistics.
2) Participants are expected to respect themselves, fellow competitors, and the river.
3) Watercraft must be non-motorized.
4) Drug & alcohol use is prohibited at the boat launch & during the competition.
5) Everyone on water must wear a Personal Flotation Device at all times.
6) Craft must float while fully loaded.
7) Craft shall not break apart while underway
8) No littering
Join the Facebook Event Page
Stay up to date with all the event information, special announcements and deals when you follow the Facebook Event page.
A Hidden Gem
Kayak Gauley Bridge & Kanawha Falls began as a simple Facebook group of just eight paddlers coordinating shuttles for the scenic 9-mile float from Jodie and Swiss down to Gauley Bridge. Since then, it has grown into a thriving community of over 2,100 members who share a love for one of the most beautiful flatwater sections in all of West Virginia.
Today, the group prioritizes safety while also sharing fascinating local history and highlighting must-see features along the route. Whether you’re a lake paddler ready to explore moving water or looking for advice on gear, routes, or river reading, this group is an incredible resource for anyone wanting to discover what their kayak can really do.
