HISTORY
The Black River
The Black River is one of the greatest and least-known natural treasures on South Carolina’s East Coast. Its biological diversity is unsurpassed, with banks that are lined with stirring ancient cypress and tupelo trees that clean the river while infusing its translucent waters with dark, organic tannins. For centuries, the river was a conduit for economic vitality, spanning from the early 1700s Native American trading posts, and to the prosperous antebellum water-dependent rice industry.
It is said that at one point there were more than 2,000 pirates in the area at the height of the era that included the infamous Blackbeard, along with Anne Bonney, Mary Read and Calico Jack Rackham. Sailing into the deep waters of the Black River, these swashbucklers were known to dye their sails in the tea-colored waters to aid their stealth in approaching ships at night.
This area is loaded with historical significance and historical figures, including local planter Francis Marion, the legendary "Swamp Fox", along with a ragged band of followers, who almost single-handedly defeated the British in this area.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
JOIN US!
REGISTRATION OPEN:
DISTANCES
This race will take place on the Black River from the Boundary Waters Paddlesports location.
ALL PADDLE CRAFTS WELCOME!
Kayak, surf ski, SUP, outrigger canoe, dragon boat, voyageur canoe......if you can paddle it, you can race it!
1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals will be provided for each category determined by registrations
Must be a minimum of 16 years of age on race day to participate & guardian signature on waiver.
2025 Race Distances Include:
Short Distances
- 5 Mile Women's SUP
- 10 Mile Women's SUP
- 10 Mile Men's SUP
- 10 Mile Men's OC1
- 10 Mile Women's OC1
- 10 Mile Men's Solo Kayak
Long Distances:
- 15-Mile Women's Solo Kayak
- 15-Mile Men's Solo Kayak
- 15-Mile Men's Prone
- 15-Mile Men's SUP
- 30-Mile Men's Solo Kayak
- 30-Mile Men's Solo Canoe
- 30-Mile Men's SUP
DISTANCES
REGISTRATION OPEN:
DISTANCES
- 5 mile
- 10 mile
- 15 mile
- 30 mile
All distances are out and back, returning to the venue. We will have a boat stationed at each distance turn around along with a chase boat to follow the paddlers.
AGENDA - October 10th:
7:00 - 8:30 am
Participant Check-in & Race Packet Pick-Up.
Drop gear off at the launch areas with parking at the Black River State Park Headquarters. Beach, dock, and a kayak launch available.
8:30 - 8:45 am
Race & Safety Meeting With Message from Jayson Sellers, Blaack River State Park Manager
9:00 am
15 & 30 Mile Crafts on Water & Race Start
10:00 am
5 & 10 Mile Crafts on Water & Race Start
MEDALS: 5 & 10-mile race medals will be presented once the final paddler arrives for the shorter distances.
Racers are welcome and encouraged to stay for the final medal presentations.
15 & 30-mile race medals will be presented once the final paddler arrives for the longer distances.
REGISTRATION OPEN:
REGISTRATION OPEN:
REGISTRATION OPEN:
Come out and join the fun!
$75 per Participant for the
5 & 10 Mile Race
$100 per Participant for the
15 & 30 Mile Race
Registration for all distances includes optional lunch and a commemorative event t-shirt
Paddlers 16 to 18 years of age paddler FREE. Use coupon code "YOUTH" at registration.
GEAR SWAP:
Bring your extra race gear to sell or trade. You can leave it in your vehicle at the park until after racing, or you are welcome to tag items with your name and cost, as a volunteer will be at the table throughout the day.
VENDORS WELCOME: Contact us for more information at boundarywaterspaddlesports@gmail.com
A light lunch will be provided by the Georgetown Scouts, Troop 300, as a fundraiser for their winter camp. All racers and volunteers will receive a meal ticket as we will donate the cost of the meal; however, feel free to donate to these awesome Scouts!
Supporters are welcome and encouraged to purchase a meal.
Book Your Stay for Race Day!
Backwoods Quail Club. 10 minute drive from race venue. Has RV sites with water and power. https://www.backwoodsquailclub.com/
Hidden Marina Campground, Georgetown. 35 minute drive from race venue. Small cabins for rent. https://hiddenmarinacampground.com/
Morgan Inn & Suites, Andrews. 15 minute drive. https://morganinnsuites.com/
The George Hotel, Georgetown. 25 minute drive from race venue. https://www.thegeorgehotelsc.com/
Hampton Inn Georgetown Marina, Georgetown. 25 minute drive to race venue. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gtnschx-hampton-georgetown-marina
Quality Inn & Suites, Georgetown. 25 minute drive to race venue.
www.choicehotels.com/south-carolina/georgetown/quality-inn-hotels/
VRBO lists 7-8 vacation rental homes within 20 minutes of the race venue. Search VRBO near Backwoods Quail Club
5 & 10 Mile Medal Winners 2024
Paddle Craft Rentals Available for Race
Single & Double Crafts
Sea Kayak
6 Single. 2 Wilderness System, 1 P&H Scorpio, 1 Tornak Necky & 2 Carolina Perceptions. All come with paddle, PFD, pump, sponge and dry bag.
OC1
1 Nelo WWR. Comes with PFD, leash and paddle.
OC1
2 Doubles. 1 Tempest and 1 Gemini. Comes with PFD, leash and paddles.
Wilderness Canoe
2 Double. 1 Wenonah and 1 Prospector. Comes with PFD's and paddles.
Big Boats
Add a description about this category
OC6
1 Force 5. Comes with PFD's and paddles.
Voyageur Canoe
1 Clipper Langley. Comes with PFD's, paddles, and is fully outfitted. Must provide own experienced steers. Call for lessons prior.
Dragon Boat
2. 1 10- person Champion and 1 20-person BuK. Comes with paddles & PFD's and is fully outfitted. Must provide own experienced steers.
Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. All rentals must be finalized and paid in full prior to October 1st to ensure on-site usage.
The 3rd Annual Black River Rumble River Race Oct. 10/26
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Boundary Waters Paddlesports
3827 Center Road, Georgetown, South Carolina 29440, United States
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