The Lake Tahoe Paddle Festival is a solstice celebration of human powered watercraft featuring "Ancient Art to State of the Art™" boats, boards and paddles. Our focus is the preservation of indigenous watercraft art and culture. We are hosting the world’s most beautiful standup paddleboard race through amazing C'alitaash (Emerald Bay), one of the nation's most photographed natural features. Interpretive exhibits will highlight sustainable recreation, healthy foods, yoga, healing arts and environmental awareness.

Join us for a weekend of workshops, clinics, fun, food and family entertainment. Try out the world’s fastest growing sport—standup paddling—on a demo, or paddle your canoe or kayak over to learn more about protecting Lake Tahoe’s clarity and efforts to prevent the proliferation of invasive species. Bring the grandparents and kids to learn about building ancient tule reed boats, dugout canoes or “old school” wood boards. There will be something for everyone in the family.

Last year’s event featured historic indigenous blessing and closing ceremonies, leaving the audience forever touched. Spectators became participants in board shaping with world-renown Hawaiian craftsman Tom “Pohaku” Stone. One hard working boy learned the spirit of aloha when Pohaku spontaneously gave him one of his priceless kiko’o boards. Many long time locals said it was one of the best summer events they had participated in. There were raffles, free boat demos and lots of family fun. With the South Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club as partners, come help support the American Youth Paddle Camp, restore the ancient arts, and check out the state of the art watercraft.

If you’ve never been out on the water, or you’re a SUP professional, the Lake Tahoe Paddle Festival is where you’ll want to be to celebrate the summer of 2010.