Paddlesplash

Paddlesplash is a 3-day SUP event held on the American River/Lake Natoma at Black Miner's Bar in Folsom, CA, located in Sacramento County. All levels of paddlers are welcome. 

With multiple distances to choose from ( including our most popular: 2, 5 and 8 mile)  there is a race for everyone! We also offer a "first timer" race, a Grom (kids) short course race, yoga on the water, board demos and paddle clinics. Racers in the 2, 5. 8 mile and spectators can enjoy the action on the sandy beach. A fun weekend on the water for the entire family. We will have a beach/water clean up on Sunday at noon to close our festival. 

Lake Natoma is one of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California and a paddlers paradise! The entire lake is a 5MPH zone, there is no current and both sides of the lake are protected from wind. These water conditions are perfect for the Elite paddler to see how fast they really can go and the beginner paddlers can try out racing in "glass" conditions. 

PFD and leashes required. Bring your own board/paddle for the races and clinics. 

2025 RESULTS 

• Link here

Schedule of Events

All events held at Black Miners Bar (part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area) unless otherwise noted.
Location: Greenback Lane Folsom, CA 95814. Google link

Discover the Innovation Center: Offsite venue for some clinics.   Discover the Innovation Center is located at 909 Morman St. Folsom CA

Friday, September 11, 2026

• 3-4 pm: Water Safety Clinic (Free; must register. ages 8+)
  
  
• 4-5 pm: Injury prevention seminar (at Discover the Innovation Center). ($25; no age or field limit)
  
  
• 5-6:30 pm: SUP Yoga with Spotted Dog (BYOB; $35. Limit 20) Register here
  
  
• Time TBA: Beginner Outrigger lesson (Free; BYOB. Ages 8+)
  
  
• 4-6:30 pm: Poker Paddle (WAR for kids)  -Come out for a fun paddle and collect cards at each station then return to the beach and see how you do against the dealer! Prizes for best hands!  ($40; all ages. BYOB. Includes t-shirt)
  

Saturday, September 12, 2026

• 7 am:  Registration Desk Opens
  
  
• 8:45 am: Racer Meeting
  
  
• 9am:  5 Mile Race Start (BYOB; all ages; includes t-shirt and swag bag if registered by 8/24/26)
  
  
• 9-10:30 am: SUP Yoga - taught by Spotted Dog Yoga (BYOB; $35. Limit 20) Register here
  
  
• 10 am: Pet paddle and Parade (Free; must register. All ages, BYOB)
  
  
• 11 am -12:30 pm:  SUP Yoga - taught by Spotted Dog Yoga (BYOB; $35. Limit 20) Register here
  
  
• 11 am - Noon: Beginning SUP (Free; BYOB. Ages 8+)
  
  
• Noon - 2 pm: Kayak Basics 101 ($15 if BYOB; $25 with kayak (10 available). No field limit)
  

Sunday, September 13, 2026

• 7 am: Registration Desk Opens
  
  
• 8:45 am: Racer Meeting
  
  
• 9 am: 8 Mile Race Start (BYOB; all ages; includes t-shirt and swag bag if registered by 8/24/26)
  
  
• 9-10 am: Wellness Mindfulness and Meditation. Held at Discover the Innovation Center.
  
  
• 9 am: 2 Mile Race Start (BYOB; all ages; includes t-shirt and swag bag if registered by 8/24/26)
  
  
• 11 am: Kids Sprint Race (BYOB; all ages; includes t-shirt and swag bag if registered by 8/24/26)
  
  
• 11:30 am: First Timers Race (BYOB; all ages; includes t-shirt and swag bag if registered by 8/24/26)
  
  
• Noon: 4 Person Relay Races (boards provided; must register. 4 people per team. ages 8+. No limit on number of teams) 
  
  
• 1PM: Beach Clean Up

Entry Fee Discounts Offered:

• Register for both Saturday's 5 Mile, and Sunday's 8 Mile, in the same transaction, and save $10.
• Register for both Saturday's 5 Mile, and Sunday's 2 Mile, in the same transaction, and save $10. 
• Discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Injury Prevention Seminar (Friday, 9/11 from 4-5pm at the Discover the Innovation Center)

The Paddling Injury Prevention Seminar by Salinda Chan, PT, DPT, CSCS, covers key aspects of paddling mechanics, injury risks, and prevention strategies. It highlights the muscles involved in various paddling activities (kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and rafting) and discusses the importance of posture, range of motion, and common injuries such as shoulder and elbow tendinopathy and low back pain. The seminar emphasizes injury prevention through strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and proper warm-up routines. Attendees are encouraged to assess their physical preparedness and invest in both quality gear and personal fitness to enhance performance and reduce injury risks.

Salinda is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who loves to help people find their strength and become the best version of themselves. She has a
broad spectrum of experience in sports biomechanics, orthopedic injuries, an neurologic rehabilitation. She is committed to elevating
the standard of care by providing comprehensive care, education, and expertise tailored to each individual's specific needs. She is
passionate about helping people of all ages make meaningful and lasting changes to their lifestyle, from couch to first 5k to return to
competition. Outside of clinic, Salinda enjoys climbing, CrossFit, and spending time outdoors with her husband and clinic mascot Otis.

Sunday Wellness Meditation (9-10am at Discover the Innovation Center)

Meditation for Connection, Clarity, and Inner Balance: with Nick Clark-owner Spotted Dog SUP & Yoga. Nick will offer a grounded, inspiring meditation session focused on mindfulness, clarity, and personal well‑being. This indoor wellness offering stands alone and is suitable for all experience levels.

Yoga @ Spotted Dog Yoga

Register for all yoga clinics on the Spotted Dog Yoga website here

Parking

State Parks parking fee required at toll booth. Parking fills up early - arrive early for a space. 

About NorCal Groms

This event funds our community outreach programs for Foster/At Risk youth and underserved members of the community. We are a 501c3 Charity promoting Water Safety and access to all through the sport of PaddleBoarding.

Connect With Us on Social Media

Find us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/NORCALSUP 
Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/norcalsup/ 
Hashtags: #paddlesplash #paddlesplashfestival #norcalsupgroms 

Questions?

Any questions please reach out the race director Shelly 916-622-0359 or shelly@norcalsup.com. 

See you on the water.......