World’s Longest Paddle Race: A Test of Endurance and Survival

If you are skilled in bushcraft, trained in wilderness first aid, and have paddled some long rivers, then this race is for you. If so inclined, you will spend weeks in the wilderness covered in mosquitoes, and truly grasping the longest paddle race in the world. Welcome to the Yokon, for the extreme adventurer.

Competitors left the start in Whitehorse, Yukon, on July 10th for what many say is the world’s toughest paddle race. The Yukon 1000 course challenges athletes to paddle 1000 miles on the Yukon River, from Whitehorse to the Dalton Highway Bridge crossing in Alaska.

While the paddling is challenging, the 1,000-mile section of the Yukon River takes you deep into the wilderness, far from civilization. Each competitor not only needs to have the skills to paddle their craft, but they also need to be competent in outdoor survival skills in a remote and wild backcountry environment.

Thousands of people express interest in participating in this race each year, but only 30 teams, comprising a total of 60 people, are selected annually. The field is heavily screened for the ability to survive in extreme wilderness conditions and be trained in wilderness first aid.