River Festival: Paddleboard (SUP) Fun Race

Join your fellow paddleboarders for a fun race through the heart of Bedford; in a mile-long challenge, capping off an incredible day at river festival. A relaxing chilled race. DATE: 19/07/2…

Level: Grade 0 flat river with water safety on hand

Meet at 11am at the Watersports Arena, race starts at the suspension bridge at 12noon
£15 entry

19th July 2026
12 noon
Duration: As fast as you want, we have the river for 1 Hour

SUP FUN Race along Bedford's iconic Embankment, the jewel in the crown in front of 300,000 people.

Options: BYO or Hire a board and kit (please let us know in advance )

What's Included

Bank Based Briefing

Join your fellow paddleboarders for a fun race through the heart of Bedford; in a mile-long challenge, capping off an incredible day at river festival. A relaxing chilled race.

DATE: 19/07/2026

Time 12.00 - 13.00 | Location Bedford River Fest - Watersports Arena - Canoe Trail Stand

The ever-popular Bedford River Festival takes place in July every other year, and will be back bigger and better for 2026.

Canoe Trail will be running many activities during the weekend, and will cap it off with the Paddleboard race, sponsored by Red Paddle Co. Over a mile course through the heart of the town, you'll be cheered on by thousands of attendees as you compete against your fellow paddleboarders to finish in your best time.

There's a big prize for getting on the podium, so bring your A-game!

Full Prize List to be confirmed...

Red Paddle Co Dry Robe
Bamboo Clothing vouchers
...and more!

We also have spot prizes for random fun includes best dressed, waggiest tail and most style.

thanks to Canoe Trail, Red Paddle Co and BAM clothing for 2 x £50 clothing vouchers from our friends at https://bambooclothing.co.uk/

What do you need to bring?
Bring a towel and a change of clothes (just in case!) and your paddleboard if you have one, otherwise you can rent one of ours!

Important Information

Children (under 18) are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
The council have taken independent laboratory water samples which have passed the water quality as excellent. Canoe Trail test independently daily and also have water quality results which are passing. (for reference and assurance we have over 30 years of water testing experience)
Kit/ boards can be stored at the Canoe Trail Watersports Arena, during the day if you wish to go and enjoy the festival during the day.
We can hire you a board on a first come first served basis including the Red Paddle Co Dragons (4 person teams)
Participants must arrive at the watersports arena a minimum of 1 hour before the start.
Participants must wear a buoyancy aid to take part in the FUN SUP race

We look forward to seeing you on the water.

As always, the River Festival is free to attend and offers something for everyone – including live entertainment and activities, a funfair, raft and dragon boat races, plus the heritage village, sports village and water sports arena. This year the Bedford Festival of Motoring will also be taking over the High Street to present one hundred unique and interesting vehicles.

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.

Location

Bedford Embankment at Bedford River Festival, meet at the watersports Arena at 11am

SUP Fun Race at Bedford River Festival

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River Festival: Paddleboard (SUP) Fun Race

What's Included

Hire FAQ's

Location

SUP Fun Race at Bedford River Festival

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