New River Gorge Race & Rolling Rodeo

Are you the fastest paddler in the New River Gorge? Or maybe you love surfing every wave on the river and seeing how many tricks you can throw in each rapid? This May ACE Adventure Gear and ACE Adventure Resort present the New River Gorge Race & Rolling Rodeo Competition.  As part of the adventure offered at the New River Gorge Festival  it’s your chance to compete with local boaters and legendary paddlers in West Virginia.

The rolling rodeo will consist of a ramp competition, river feature surfing and downriver trick competition scheduled to take place at Cunard to Lower Railroad Rapid on the New River. At flows over 20,000 cfs we will move the event to a primary surf competition on the New River Dries Put-in Waves. Judges will score participants at each location. At the end of the day the judges will meet collectively to review the video and score each competitor again. All scores will be added together with awards going to the highest scoring participants.

The Gorge Race is an intermediate/advanced class IV kayak and raft race in the New River Gorge. The race will feature a mass start from Cunard to Fayette Station, and participants will compete in classes of three or more of their most common paddlers and crafts.

Participants in kayaks, rafts, and any other craft you can competently navigate down the New River, are encouraged to register. Prizes will be awarded to the top three paddlers in each class. Classes will be announced at the close of pre-registration. Above 20,000 cfs the event will move from Stonecliff to Cunard. Details for event check-in, start times, and prizes can be found on this page and additional information will be communicated to participants via e-mail upon registering.

Rolling Rodeo Awards

• 1st Overall: Highest Rodeo Points
• 2nd Overall: Second Highest Rodeo Points
• 3rd Overall: Third Highest Rodeo Points
• Ramp King or Queen: Highest Ramp Score
• Overall Event Winner will be announced considering BOTH Rodeo & Race scores.

New River Gorge Race Awards

• 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
• Overall Event Winner will be announced considering BOTH Rodeo & Race scores.

Prizes

Prize baskets put together by ACE Adventure Gear will be provided to winners. Some of the prizes include:

• 9R Kayak from Pyranha
• NRS Drysuit
• Cooler from Jackson Kayak
• Cotopaxi Swag Bag
• OR Swag Bag
• IR Goodies
• MORE

Racer Perks

• Free 2023 New River Gorge Festival Shirt.
• Event Shuttle to Cunard & from Fayette Station.
• Admission to New River Gorge Festival on Saturday.
• Live Music with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Magnolia Boulevard & more!

Check-In
There are TWO locations available for racer check in on event day.

ACE Adventure Gear
Parking available at TBD locations in Fayetteville.
Driving Directions Here

ACE Adventure Resort
Check-In on the deck of The Lost Paddle off the main parking area when you arrive to the resort.
Driving Directions Here

Shuttle
All event participants MUST ride the free shuttle provided to Cunard. This is a requirement of the NPS event permit due to limited parking at the Cunard River Access.

Leave your car at Fayette Station if you wish and we will pick you up and bring you to ACE Adventure Gear for check in. See the event schedule above for shuttle pickup times. Shuttles will leave promptly at scheduled departure times so BE EARLY!

Waivers
All participants must complete the ACE General Liability Waiver online. Please complete this waiver prior to check in. Find the waiver HERE, enter the date May 13th, click special events then New River Gorge Rodeo & Race to start your waiver.

The New River Gorge Race & Rodeo spans sections of whitewater rapids which require a level of competency in the boat and familiarity with the run. While we provide safety throughout the course for emergency situations, paddlers are expected to be able to confidently paddle the included section of whitewater. By registering for this race you are acknowledging the inherent risk that comes with our sport, and are confirming you have the ability to paddle this section of whitewater.

1. Participants are expected to respect themselves, fellow competitors, and the River.
2. Watercrafts must be non-motorized.
3. Drug & alcohol use is prohibited in the National Park & during the Race & Rodeo.
4. Participants must have the competency in their chosen craft to paddle the included section of Whitewater.
5. Participants must ride the shuttle to Cunard. (Per NPS requirement of our event permit).

Scoring
One judge will be assigned to each feature location for during event scoring. Video of each participant will be available for review if necessary for tie breakers.  All score will be added together, with the highest score winning.