River Races

The Main Events at RiverFest

River Races

The Uncompaghre River and its flow determine which equipment to bring this year. Typically, duckies (rubber kayaks) and play boats (short hardshell kayaks) are best for a year with this level of drought. Standup paddleboards are welcome but the exposed rocks may require more advanced skills and more sitting or kneeling. Inner tubes are also welcome though they don’t generally have the speed to beat other racers. Rafts and canoes are likely not possible this year.

The 2026 races will be at 11 a.m. to noon, with registration, check in, safety talk, and the start at Rollans Park in Ridgway. The race takeout will be determined on race day, depending on flows.

The winners of the River Races win a prized RiverFest award, handcrafted by local artists.

NOTE: Racers are required to bring their own Watercraft, PFD, Helmet, and Appropriate Footwear, plus Registration Fee.

Junk of the Unc

Thrills and spills await brave boaters as they maneuver their junk craft through the Uncompahgre River at Rollans Park toward the finish line, about a quarter mile downstream. Winners must cross the line with most of their junk intact and having floated most (if not all) of he way. During low flows, Junk competitors should plan for the possibility of carrying their craft through the low water to get to the end of the course! Get tips and lots of information (including rules) on what it takes to compete in this wacky race on the Junk of the Unc page.

The Junk of the Unc competitors will be split between those with inflatable and boat-equipment-adjacent crafts and those with the most reused, non-boat parts. As always there will be four trophies for Junk of the Unc-ers winners. Plus, additional prizes will be announced before the festival.

The winners of the Junk of the Unc win a prized RiverFest award, handcrafted by local artists. One or more winners will also receive a special prize, to be announced in June.

The 2026 Junk of the Unc start will be at 4 p.m.

See bottom of page for registration info.

River Races

This is a casual community race where camaraderie and fun are more important than winning! However, original art trophies will be presented to the top two finishers in each of the three categories.

Race Registration

New race registration will be online by May 1. Please check back. You can also email Claire at ridgwayriverfest@gmail.com.

Registration Fees

The 2026 registration fee is $20 per person for both the river races and the Junk of the Unc, with no discounts for more than one person in a boat. Each registered person gets a festival shirt (value $25) and a free drink (beer, margarita, or soda – value $3-$8).