Vatten Paddlar
Since 2015, on the second Saturday of every July, the community members on the Eau Claire Lakes and River have come together to host a 5 and 10 mile, canoe, kayak, and SUP race. This year will be the 8th Vatten Paddlar race.
The Vatten Paddlar race provides a platform for everyone to experience a day of togetherness through activity. This event is for those participating competitively, as well as for family and friends to get out on the water, and paddle together. It’s an event that celebrates the outdoors, active lifestyles and healthy competition. Race finishers feel a sense of accomplishment of a worthy challenge completed.
Our event promotes our sponsors and brings visitor traffic to local businesses in the community. The community, the Town of Barnes, the Friends of Eau Claire Lakes Area, and the Eau Claire Lakes Conversation Club have kept this event going with the support of dedicated volunteers.
In 2023, the event drew a record 93 water-crafts, 129 paddlers, countless volunteers, spectators and race supporters. Cowbells and cheers, came from dock ends, boats, bridges, and start and finish line crowds. The energy was high, and the joy of all involved was contagious.
What started with a few a paddlers and a few boats, has grown into a community tradition. A day of togetherness, where neighbors get to know neighbors, local businesses get a boost, and the clear waters of the Eau Claire Lakes and River, are shared with those familiar and new. It is an event the community, participants, supporters, and businesses look forward to year after year.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Vatten Paddlar contact race organizers at infovattenpaddlar@gmail.com