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WE BUILT IT AND THEY CAME...

“I will personally begin inviting my friends and contacts. Great race. Amazing venue. And wonderful organization. WE WILL BE BACK.”

“I had a very tough race against a young man from Mexico in an ICF C1 and if the course had been 7 miles shorter he would have beaten me.”

“We enjoyed ourselves in the race and on both sides of the border. I sure hope to see more K4s next year and obviously bigger safari boats.”

Laredo, Texas readies for another historic kayak and
canoe event, Laredos RioFest!

In October of 2009, Laredo was the heart of the first ever International Kayak and Canoe Competition sanctioned by Texas Canoe Kayak Racing Association and Federación Mexicana de Canotaje. The bi-national 33-mile race saw the best competitors (USA and World Record Holders) from across America (a few who originally hailed from Europe), Mexico, and Belize who competed for cash prizes in excess of $30,000 making the inaugural event the richest cash prize race in Texas and Mexico. Laredo Morning Times rated the event as one of the top ten stories of 2009.

This year the event is marked for October 15 & 16.

Unlimited. Solo Unlimited. C1. K1. Novice. Champion. Recreational. Kayak. Canoe. No matter the boat type or your skill level, or how many friends you can get into a boat, Laredos RioFest River Race will fit you perfectly and expand your enjoyment of river racing. This year LRF offers a division for every level of competitor—beginner to world record champions – with two distinct races from the 9-mile La Bota River Classic to the enduring 33 Rio Challenge. Fall in Love with the Rio!

According to the competitors...

Tommy Yonley, 1st Place Winner, Solo Unlimited

"I should first mention that this year's race was unquestionably a great event, and everyone that I know had a fun and memorable experience—within a year or two, this race could easily become the biggest, most competitive paddling race in America…I heard that some top US paddlers were considering the Rio Fest, but instead chose to attend the New York Mayor's Cup."

J Brad Pennington, 3rd Place Winner K1 Kayak

"Great race. I love Laredo. It was a unique experience to compete against champions from Mexico."

Debbie Richardson, 1st Place Winner Women's 33 Mile

"Thank you to everyone who worked hard to pull this event together. It was an impressive turnout of support from the TCRA members and local paddling community."

San Antonio Express News