Events

* Denotes an official Rapids Riders event.
All other events belong to the listed organization and are posted here for paddlers' convenience
Wausau Rec Release
Jun
6
to Jun 7

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

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Charles City Challenge
Jun
12
to Jun 14

Charles City Challenge

Charles City Challenge is an fun event for the entire family; from spectating to kayak, and river surfing. They have events for people of all skill levels, and everyone leaves happy. This is a naturally flowing white water park so flows changes year to year.

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Wausau Rec Release
Jun
20
to Jun 21

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

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2026 ACA North American Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Championships
Jun
24
to Jun 29

2026 ACA North American Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Championships

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Jim Falls Rec Release
Jun
27
to Jun 28

Jim Falls Rec Release

Water is released 10:00am-3:00pm each day of the release. Please don’t forget to sign in at the put-in!

Jim Falls is a fantastic Class II river to hone basic river skills, practice stern squirts, attainments, etc. Multiple laps possible in a day!

Jim Falls Whitewater on Facebook

Xcel Energy Jim Falls Whitewater Brochure

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Wausau Rec Release
Jul
11
to Jul 12

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

View Event →
Jim Falls Rec Release
Jul
18
to Jul 19

Jim Falls Rec Release

Water is released 10:00am-3:00pm each day of the release. Please don’t forget to sign in at the put-in!

Jim Falls is a fantastic Class II river to hone basic river skills, practice stern squirts, attainments, etc. Multiple laps possible in a day!

Jim Falls Whitewater on Facebook

Xcel Energy Jim Falls Whitewater Brochure

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Wausau Rec Release
Aug
1
to Aug 2

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

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Jackson Freestyle Clinics @ Wausau
Aug
13
to Aug 14

Jackson Freestyle Clinics @ Wausau

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Midwest Freestyle Championship @ Wausau
Aug
15
to Aug 16

Midwest Freestyle Championship @ Wausau

See Wausau Whitewater event page for full details

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Jim Falls Rec Release
Aug
22
to Aug 23

Jim Falls Rec Release

Water is released 10:00am-3:00pm each day of the release. Please don’t forget to sign in at the put-in!

Jim Falls is a fantastic Class II river to hone basic river skills, practice stern squirts, attainments, etc. Multiple laps possible in a day!

Jim Falls Whitewater on Facebook

Xcel Energy Jim Falls Whitewater Brochure

View Event →
Wausau Rec Release
Aug
29
to Aug 30

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

View Event →
Wausau Rec Release
Sep
19
to Sep 20

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

View Event →
Vermillion River Clean Up
Sep
27

Vermillion River Clean Up

Come join Rapids Riders volunteers for a morning of cleaning up your favorite local Twin Cities Run - The Vermillion! Pizza will be provided for lunch after the clean up is complete.

Dress to get wet and dirty as we pick up trash, debris, bikes, shopping carts, and whatever other random stuff horrible people have thrown into the river over time.

Trash bags will be provided. Bring utility work gloves if you have them.

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Wausau Rec Release
Oct
3
to Oct 4

Wausau Rec Release

Paddling is available 10AM-4PM on Sat and Sun. All participants must purchase either a one or two day pass.

Free camping is available Fri and Saturday on site.

This is a superb location to work on basic to advanced river running skills, surfing, and playboating! Also great fun with other paddlers throughout the region! Check the website for lesson availability.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

View Event →
Holiday Party 2026 *
Dec
5

Holiday Party 2026 *

  • 8816 West River Road Brooklyn Park, MN, 55444 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Rapids Riders Annual Holiday Party at the Walter J. Breckenridge Chapter Izaak Walton League of America historic cabin!


Open to all people interested in whitewater.
From Past Canoe U students to people interested in classes next season
Come hang out and talk boating, trips, and such.
Bring an food item to share and your own beer or drink. (Sharing is optional on your drink)

Look forward to seeing people and hanging out around the fire.
Location: 8816 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Time: 6pm or so, till you leave.

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Grandfather Falls
May
30

Grandfather Falls

  • n5059 WI-107 Merrill, WI, 54452 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grandfather Falls is a fun short section of river that only releases in the spring for a small window one day. More information can be found at the following two links.

https://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/company/grandfatherfalls

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2867/main

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CanoeU 2026 - Weekend 2 *
May
30
to May 31

CanoeU 2026 - Weekend 2 *

Weekend 2 of CanoeU 2026. See CanoeU FAQ and class description page for full info.

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Grandfather Falls
May
16

Grandfather Falls

  • n5059 WI-107 Merrill, WI, 54452 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grandfather Falls is a fun short section of river that only releases in the spring for a small window one day. More information can be found at the following two links.

https://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/company/grandfatherfalls

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2867/main

View Event →
CanoeU 2026 - Weekend 1 *
May
16
to May 17

CanoeU 2026 - Weekend 1 *

  • Saint Croix State Park - Norway Point Group Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Weekend 1 of CanoeU 2026. See CanoeU FAQ and class description page for full info.

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Wausau Clean Up Weekend
May
9
to May 10

Wausau Clean Up Weekend

This is a clean up weekend. Please check out Wausau White waters web page for more info.

Full details available at Wausau Whitewater.

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Grandfather Falls
May
9

Grandfather Falls

  • n5059 WI-107 Merrill, WI, 54452 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grandfather Falls is a fun short section of river that only releases in the spring for a small window one day. More information can be found at the following two links.

https://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/company/grandfatherfalls

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/2867/main

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Kettle Fest! AKA Kettle River Paddle Festival
May
2
to May 3

Kettle Fest! AKA Kettle River Paddle Festival

  • Robinson Park, Sandstone, MN 55072 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kettle River Paddle Festival is a classic Midwestern river event!
If you don’t know the kettle river it’s a beautiful class 2-3 run. This is a good event to meet up with old friends or make new ones. Camping is in Sandstone at Robinson park. For this event camping is free

Facebook page
Event Website

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Board Meeting*
Apr
15

Board Meeting*

Rapids Riders Board Meeting. Open to All!

6:30- Pizza and quality conversation

7pm- Board Meeting Start

If you want to be included in the free pizza please email:
kayla.joachim@rapidsriders.org
Everyone is welcome to attend.

View Event →
Open Pool*
Mar
29

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Mar
22

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Board Meeting*
Mar
18

Board Meeting*

Rapids Riders Board Meeting. Open to All!

6:30- Pizza and quality conversation

7pm- Board Meeting Start

If you want to be included in the free pizza please email:
kayla.joachim@rapidsriders.org
Everyone is welcome to attend.

View Event →
Open Pool*
Mar
15

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Paddling Film Festival*
Mar
10

Paddling Film Festival*

Join your hosts, Rapids Riders and The Wild River Conservancy in the MN premier of The Paddling Film Festival. Tickets available HERE!

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Open Pool*
Mar
8

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Mar
1

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Feb
22

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Board Meeting*
Feb
18

Board Meeting*

Rapids Riders Board Meeting. Open to All!

6:30- Pizza and quality conversation

7pm- Board Meeting Start

If you want to be included in the free pizza please email:
kayla.joachim@rapidsriders.org
Everyone is welcome to attend.

View Event →
Open Pool*
Feb
15

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Feb
8

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Feb
1

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Jan
25

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Jan
18

Open Pool*

NOTE: New for 2026, We are now hosted at Hopkins North Middle School and are doing two time slots, 6:30-8 and 8-9:30pm.

Registration only available online at Pool Sessions.
$10 per person, per time slot. Rental boats and gear are also available.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Board Meeting*
Jan
14

Board Meeting*

Rapids Riders Board Meeting. Open to All.

PLEASE NOTE: location has changed to Davanni’s in Golden Valley, 663 Winnetka Ave North, Golden Valley, MN 55427

6:30- Pizza and chatting

7pm- Board Meeting Start

If you want to be included in the free pizza please email:
kayla.joachim@rapidsriders.org
Everyone is welcome to attend.

View Event →
Open Pool* CANCELED
Dec
28

Open Pool* CANCELED

*The Brooklyn Center Community Center is closed due to weather so we will not be having the pool session.*

NOTE: Pool hours are 6pm to 8pm.

We must be out of the building by 8:30pm
$10 per pool session. For now, we can only accept cash so please plan ahead.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Dec
21

Open Pool*

NOTE: Pool hours are 6pm to 8pm.

We must be out of the building by 8:30pm
$10 per pool session. For now, we can only accept cash so please plan ahead.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Dec
14

Open Pool*

NOTE: Pool hours are 6pm to 8pm.

We must be out of the building by 8:30pm
$10 per pool session. For now, we can only accept cash so please plan ahead.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Open Pool*
Dec
7

Open Pool*

NOTE: Pool hours are 6pm to 8pm.

We must be out of the building by 8:30pm
$10 per pool session. For now, we can only accept cash so please plan ahead.

Come work on your rolls, flatwater freestyle, and other boating skills! Informal help is usually available based on volunteers present.

Ensure your boat is clean and debris-free

View Event →
Holiday Party 2025 *
Dec
6

Holiday Party 2025 *

  • 8816 West River Road Brooklyn Park, MN, 55444 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Rapids Riders Annual Holiday Party at the Walter J. Breckenridge Chapter Izaak Walton League of America historic cabin!


Open to all people active or interested in whitewater.
From Past Canoe U students to people interested in classes next season.
Come hang out and talk boating, trips, or just catch up with those you missed on the river this year.
Bring a food item to share and your own beverage (adult beverages permitted) and a gift for the White Elephant Gift exchange.

Look forward to seeing people and hanging out around the fire.
Location: 8816 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Time: 6pm or so, till you leave.

View Event →