Lake Nicol Paddle Fest
About this race
As part of Tuscaloosa’s Lakes Appreciation Month, join us for the Lake Nicol Paddle Race & Fun Float, a celebration of the natural beauty, recreation, and outdoor adventure our lakes provide. Whether you’re an experienced paddler looking for a challenge or simply want to enjoy a relaxing morning on the water, there’s an option for everyone.
Pick your distance
Paddle sports
3-Mile Paddle Race
Test your endurance and speed on a 3-mile course through the calm waters and stunning scenery of Lake Nicol. Paddlers will navigate a marked route featuring the lake’s iconic cliffs, wooded shoreline, and open water stretches before returning to the finish line. Open to both paddleboards and kayaks, this race is designed for participants looking for a fun challenge while experiencing one of Tuscaloosa’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. Awards will be presented to top finishers in each division. All skill levels are welcome. Participants must be at least 15 years old to participate. Participants under the age of 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian and have a signed waiver on file prior to the event. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment; however, complimentary paddle board rentals are available and must be reserved through our contact form.
3-Mile Fun Float
Not interested in racing? Join our 3-Mile Fun Float and enjoy a relaxed paddle through the natural beauty of Lake Nicol. This untimed route follows the same scenic course as the race without the pressure of competition. Whether you’re paddling with friends, family, or simply enjoying a peaceful morning on the water, the Fun Float is a great way to celebrate Tuscaloosa’s lakes and connect with the outdoors. All skill levels are welcome. Participants must be at least 15 years old to participate. Participants under the age of 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian and have a signed waiver on file prior to the event. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment; however, complimentary paddle board rentals are available and must be reserved through our contact form.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 1 year of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Tuscaloosa, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:54 AM and sets at 7:59 PM local time (CDT) in Tuscaloosa on July 18, 2026 — 14h 04m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 13 Tuscaloosa events
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