The Catawba River Ramble for Recovery

In honor of National Recovery Month, Catawba Nation Behavioral Health and Wellness Departments are hosting the 7th Annual Catawba River Ramble for Recovery, a kayak race to increase awareness and understanding of substance use disorder and to celebrate individuals who are reclaiming their lives through recovery and cultural connectedness. Proceeds generated from the race will benefit the Catawba Nation Tribal Planning Board’s efforts to create a Healing Village, on reservation transitional housing, culturally specific treatment services and recovery support for its citizens. Native American communities are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder and research has found that most evidenced-based treatment modalities are not effective in treating this population. Here, at Catawba Nation, we believe that “Culture is Prevention, Culture is Treatment, and Culture is Healing.” By creating a Healing Village, we will be able to provide culturally relevant treatment and better meet the needs of our citizens as they reconnect with their community and culture. USCG Type III or Type V life jackets are required for paddling on the river; helmets are optional but suggested. Any participant paddling without a life jacket or with an improperly fitted and fastened life jacket will be disqualified from the race.

The Catawba River Ramble for Recovery

Type: 6.5mi kayak race
Date: 9/19/26
Start Time: 11:00am 
Location: Start – Church Farm Property off Cherry Hills Place in Rock Hill, SC; End – Catawba Nation Boat Launch on 1175 Charley Horse Rd in Rock Hill, SC. Last date to register is 9/18/2026 at 11:59PM (EST)

Race Day Schedule:

• Pre-Race Packet Pickup will take place 9/18/26 from 4-6pm at The Lodge
  • 2897 Sturgis Road Rock Hill, SC 29730
• Day of Packet Pickup: Must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to start time for check-in and packet pickup; Race Day 9:00am: Check-In
• 9:30am: Shuttle returns from Finish Location to Start Location
• 10:00am: Opening Ceremonies
• Race Start Time: 11:00am
• 11:00am - 4:00pm at Finish Location: Live cultural performances, music, shopping with vendors, food trucks, access to recovery resources, and more!
• 1:00pm tentatively: Awards Ceremony & Raffles 

Shuttle Service Available for Kayakers! Will leave Finish Location parking area at 9:30am to bring participants back to Start Location after staging equipment.

We will have 12 kayak available to reserve for the event. If you need a kayak, paddle and PFD please contact Kasey Pope or Tolani Franks

Shirts:

First 50 registrants will receive a swag bag, including t-shirt. To be guaranteed your requested t-shirt size, you must register by September 12

Shirt Sizes:

Adult – S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Youth- N/A

Kayak Awards & Age Groups:

1st Overall Male and Female <12' and >12' kayak winners will receive a overall prizes
1st Male and Female per age category of <12' kayak: 18 – 24; 25 – 34; 35 – 44; 45 – 54; 55+

Other Awards:

1st Overall Tandem Canoe

Fees (will have to be paid in person when picking up bib):

• Registration Price 16+ only: $25 non-refundable/non-transferrable (unless event is cancelled by race director due to unsafe conditions)
• Fun Paddle for all ages and untimed (under 18yo must be accompanied by adult): $10

Safety Information:

USCG Type III or Type V life jackets are REQUIRED for paddling on the river; helmets are optional but suggested. Any participant seen paddling without a life jacket or with an improperly fitted and fastened life jacket will be disqualified from the race. Headphones, iPods, MP3 players, etc. are discouraged for the safety of all participants.
All participants are responsible for making their own decisions while on the water including, but not limited to; which equipment to use, which route to take, whether their skill and experience level are appropriate for this experience based on current or anticipated weather/water/trail conditions. Volunteers and rescue personnel (Caroline Dive and Rescue) will be on site during the race; however, all participants are responsible for self-rescue while on the river. First Aid/CPR Certified staff person on site

Pre-Race Packet Pickup Location and Time:

Name of location: The Lodge
Street: 2897 Sturgis Road
City, State, Zip: Rock Hill, SC, 29730
Time of packet pickup: 9/18/26, 4pm – 6pm

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Race Director:

Kasey Pope, kasey.pope@catawba.com, (839) 388-5519
Tolani Franks, tolani.franks@catawba.com, (839) 214-8201

Event special notes:

• Can people listen to music while kayaking? Headphones, iPods, MP3 players, etc. are discouraged for the safety of all participants.
• Are pets welcome? no
• Are there parking restrictions that people should know about? Participants will not be permitted to leave their vehicle at the start location of the race. It is suggested that one person accompany you to stage your equipment at the start of the race and move to the finish location. When parking at Catawba Nation Boat Launch, do not block access to roads or trails. Shuttle Service is available.
• Are there any age restrictions for any of the races? Only 18yo+; Fun Paddle - minors must be accompanied by an adult.