About
The Big Ole PaddleFest is a charitable, adventure paddle on Alexandria's Chain of Lakes and the Long Prairie River. On Sat., July 13th, stand up paddleboarders, kayakers & canoeists paddle scenic lake-to-lake courses of 5, 10 or 17 miles. On Sun., July 14th, the Long Prairie River Cruise is a gorgeous, family-friendly trip down a MN State Water Trail. The Big Ole PaddleFest (BOP) welcomes paddlers of all crafts, skill levels, and children 12+. We donate all profits to our local United Way, and raised $12,214 in 2022!
The BOP kicks off at 8A on Saturday, July 13th with our signature event - the 17 mi Big Ole! The 10 mi SVEN begins at 10A, and the 5 mi LENA starts at 12P. Saturday's courses are well-supported by volunteers with snacks & water, and guide boats are used on larger lakes. Medals are awarded to the 3 fastest men's and women's paddleboarders and kayakers of each event, and all finishers of the Big Ole! Our top fundraisers & volunteers are also recognized at the Post-Paddle Party at Arrowwood Marina. The Long Prairie River Cruise (LPRC) is on Sunday, July 14th. The 8 mi LPRC starts at 9A at the Hwy 29 LPR Access in Carlos and ends at the Belle River bridge.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?
An Alexandria Area Adventure through the Chain of Lakes, or down the Long Prairie River! Paddlers receive a safety whistle, can coozie, water & snacks.
Saturday's Chain of Lakes Courses - 5 mi LENA - $49, $29/kids 12-17; 10 mi SVEN - $69; $49/kids 12-17; 17 mi Big Ole - $89, $69/kids 12-17
Sunday's Long Prairie River Cruise - 8 mi LPRC - $39/adults, $19/kids 12-17
RAISE FUNDS FOR THE UWDP - YOU COULD WIN THE ALOMERE HEALTH SURFTECH SUP! #PADDLE4APURPOSE
The Big Ole PaddleFest supports the Alexandria Lakes Area by raising funds for the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties. We raised over $18,000 in 2023 and most of it came from individual fundraising! Individuals who raise:
- $100, get a $10 gift card to Faction BoardShop
- $200, get a $20 gift card
- $500, get a $50 gift card
- $1,000, get a $100 gift card, etc!
The TOP FUNDRAISER will win the ALOMERE HEALTH SUP. Fundraising deadline is 3:30PM on Saturday, July 13th. The top 10 fundraisers receive medals at Saturday's Post-Paddle Party at Arrowwood. All donations to individual fundraisers are tax-deductible and go directly to UWDP.
2024 BIG OLE PADDLEFEST RULES
1. PARTICIPANTS must be 12 or older and complete the waiver form. Minors 12-17 must have their parent sign their waiver.
2. PARTICIPANTS must possess a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in serviceable condition and suited for their height and weight.
3. PARTICIPANTS must possess the provided clip-on safety whistle.
4. PARTICIPANTS MUST EMPLOY A SAFETY LEASH and wear their PFD if they are greater than 500 m (1640 ft) from shore. This rule applies only to Lake Miltona and Lake Ida.
5. PARTICIPANTS exiting their course prior to finishing must notify a BOP organizer or volunteer.
6. PARTICIPANTS must pass through low culverts while lying face down on their SUP, or crouched low in their craft.
7. PARTICIPANTS must carry a water bottle or hydration pack.
8. Inexperienced paddlers cannot rent paddlecraft to attempt the 17 mi Big Ole.
9. Minors age 12-13 must be in same craft as parent or guardian. Minors 14-15 must paddle same course as parent or guardian. Minors 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
ADVICE & SAFETY TIPS
1. Participants should bring a dry bag for keys & phone. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen & shoes or sandals recommended.
2. Hazards in interlake channels and culverts include currents, eddys, wave trains, rocks & woody debris.
3. Participants are paddling on public waters and must remain aware of their surroundings, especially around boaters.
4. Participants should wear their PFD if paddling in adverse weather.
5. Friday paddlers should bring cash or credit card for a post-paddle meal at Arrowwood's Deck Bar (menu).
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
The Big Ole PaddleFest takes months of planning and over a dozen volunteers. BOP organizers must select a far-off Friday and hope for a calm, sunny day. If unsafe weather conditions such as high winds, thunderstorms or lightning require organizers to deviate from the schedule, postponing start times is the first option. If conditions force the cancellation of Chain of Lake events, alternative events of similar distances will be held on the Long Prairie River.
SPONSORSHIP & VOLUNTEERS
The Big Ole PaddleFest donates all profits to the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties (UWDP). Businesses or individuals can become an event sponsor by making a tax-deductible donation to the UWDP by July 1st! BOP organizers gratuitously thank all of our sponsors on social media and recognize them at Saturday's post-paddle party!
BOP Coordinators are always looking for volunteers. If you would like to get involved, just send us an email!