Paddle the Canal Challenge

Welcome & Registration opens at 11:00 AM
Race begins promptly at 1:00 PM, following the Aquavit Street Parade and the sound of our official event horn from the Viking Boat.

This year’s prizes include creations from local artists and other unique items from participating vendors (details coming soon!). Vendors, the Aquavit Grotto (bar), food, and activities will be available from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Come hang out before, during, and after the race! Family members and friends are encouraged to attend as spectators and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Registration Fees
ADULT (18+): $45
CHILD (9–17): $25
Children 8 and under: FREE
🌟 Early Bird Special
Valid through May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Adults: $35
Children: $15
⏰ Registration closes June 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM to allow time for race preparation and logistics. Last year we had 160 paddlers! 

 
What’s Included
✔ Your registration includes a Fjordin Crossin’ logo’d Scandinavian “tophue” (knit beanie)
✔ Event t-shirts available for purchase at the merchandise/registration table for $24
✔ Water station, sliced oranges, medals, and prizes at various crossing levels
✔ A professionally timed race, though many participants choose to paddle leisurely and enjoy the scenery with friends and family

 
Important Details
✔ Family- and pet-friendly event
Parents/guardians must register and sign waivers for participants under 18.
Children under 10 must be in the same vessel as an adult and wearing a life jacket.

✔ Dress up!
Scandinavian themes and team costumes are encouraged. We’ll be awarding prizes for Best Dressed!
Pets must wear a safety vest.

✔ The Crossing
You’ll cross the Fjord — though not the entire way — due to safety, time, and private property considerations. This event honors an old Nordic tradition where Aquavit crossed the equator to the West Indies. For our local twist, replace the West Indies with Hoodsport, following our Viking sailboat as it leads the way! Paddlers should use the Viking sailboat and YSS Dive boat as visual guides for the turnaround point.

✔ Bring Your Own Vessel
Kayaks, SUPs, canoes, or any non-motorized vessel are welcome.
An offloading station will be available at the Port of Hoodsport, with volunteers assisting with safe loading and unloading before parking.

🚗 Parking is NOT available at the Port of Hoodsport.
Washington State Patrol will be on site to assist with safety and summer traffic flow. We will have volunteers to help you offload so that you can move along quickly to find parking. Paddlers are encouraged to park at the Hood Canal Community Church - 81 N. Finch Freek Road, Hoodsport (only a few blocks away from the event). We will have Mason Transit and Hood Canal School buses assisting with shuttling paddlers, vendors and festivalgoers. Our website will be updated soon with more info!

✔ Kayak Rentals
Kayaks may be rented from Hood Canal Adventures (hourly; allow at least 3 hours).
They will be on site with limited inventory — advance reservations are strongly recommended.
📞 (360) 301-6310 — Christina

 
This event is 100% volunteer-run, and we strive to make it extremely fun, safe, and well organized for everyone. We’re grateful for the support of YSS Dive and local Fire Departments, who help ensure safety is our top priority. Registration fees support administrative costs, coordination, and the long-term success of Fjordin Crossin’.

✨ New this year: May 15, 2026 from 5:30-7:30PM is our IPA & Aquavit Release Event. Be the first to sample this year's IPA and NEW Aquavit cocktails for the Grotto at the main event. Check out our merchandise, meet our Board of Directors and simply hang out at The Hardware Distillery and Potlatch Brewing Co in Hoodsport.

After registering, you’ll receive follow-up emails from Kerry London Myers with detailed information on logistics, parking, and the event itinerary — so you’re fully prepared to have FUN. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Cheers!
Kerry London Myers

PH: (360) 710-7452 / info@bethetraveler.com
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The Paddle the Canal Challenge brings an exciting 3.2K to Hoodsport, Washington on June 13, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!