09.18.26 – 09.20.26
TAHOE CUP Lake Crossing-Tahoe Waterman Paddle Racing 2026
Tahoe Waterman's Landing, North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA, USA
THE TAHOE CUP – LAKE CROSSING
WHERE: Lake Tahoe Waterman’s Landing
WHEN: September 18,19,20, 2026 – THREE-DAY EVENT WITH A WEATHER WINDOW FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY
RACE DAY will be announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Due to the ordering deadline, athletes who do not register by Monday, August 1, are not guaranteed the race jersey.
DISTANCES: 22-mile (35km) point-to-point course across Lake Tahoe.
CUT-OFF TIME (6.5 Hours – You need an average of 3.5 miles per hour paddling speed)
NEW IN 2025 – OPEN WATER ROWING SHELL CATEGORIES
Tahoe Cup / Lake Crossing is set apart from other paddle races by its 22-mile length (35km). The majestic paddle across Lake Tahoe, nicknamed the Alpine Caribbean, is surrounded by 2000′ peaks and is a bucket list for most. Lake Tahoe is known worldwide as a skier’s paradise; the alpine destination is one of the largest flat-water paddle venues in the world, where the serenity of the deep blue water will challenge your paddling mindset and imprint inspiring memories. The crossing is open to all crafts: stand-up paddleboards, prone paddleboards, outrigger canoes (OC2, OC2, OC6), surfskis and rowing shells (1x, 2x, 4x)
Because this is a major bucket list event for most athletes and have paddlers from far and beyond the region, making sure the weather is showing signs for a safe voyage on Tahoe, we are reserving three days to run the race safely; the race will start either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the preferred day is Saturday. So be prepared to race on any given day – make accommodation or obligation arrangements accordingly. We will check the weather forecast during the race week and provide updates as the week progresses. This new format will support all paddlers in reaching their goals of paddling across Lake Tahoe and prevent cancellations. The race day will be announced between Monday and Wednesday, the week of the race.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL AND CRAFT TYPES
The Tahoe Cup – Lake Crossing invites all crafts Outriggers (OC1, OC2, OC6), Surfskis (1 and 2-person), Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), Prone Paddleboards, and Rowing Shells (1x, 2x, and 4x). Because it’s an unusual race distance, 22 miles (35km), the course is suited and recommended to experienced paddlers.
Because of the length of the race, we apply a cutoff time of 6.5 hours to complete the 22-mile (35km) course. Racers must maintain an average speed of 3.5 miles per hour to complete the distance by the cut-off time. All competitors remaining on the course after the cutoff time will be escorted to the finish venue at Waterman’s Landing.
START TRAINING NOW
Because there are a few little tricks that you will want to know, and we want to help you reach your goals with effective & affordable options. Please get in touch with us to talk about getting a custom training plan or booking a clinic with Jay Wild – JAY@TAHOEWATERMAN.COM
LOCATION
The event venue and the finish line are at Watermans Landing in Carnelian Bay.
The Crossing starts at El Dorado Beach South Tahoe and finishes at Waterman’s Landing in Carnelian Bay.
RENTALS / STORAGE
Rent your race craft, SUP, surfski, utrigger canoe, or prone paddleboard. Reserve your racecraft HERE
Paddle craft storage is available for the weekend; spaces are limited; reserve your spot upon registration.
visit www.tahoewaterman.com
FORMAT
LAKE CROSSING SOLO (22 Miles – 35km)
The distance calls for paddlers with a bucket list who have committed to their training and are inspired to pursue their endurance and adventure paddling spirit. The course requires some preparation, but it will be a fun, rewarding, and memorable experience. Tahoe Waterman is a paddling community of people who come together to commemorate a true love for paddle sports and adventure. They inspire one another, cheer each other on, and at the end of the day, they revel in the beauty of a shared victory.
SPECIAL SAFETY NOTE
Additional safety measures will be emailed to you upon registration if necessary.
Lake Tahoe is an alpine mountain lake at 6000 feet of elevation, and we suggest practicing smart mountain safety. Plan to check weather conditions for race day temperature and winds. Plan to dress appropriately.
All paddlers must paddle with their cell phones or tracking devices.
For added safety, the racecourse is divided into approximately two sections: South Lake Tahoe to Sugarpine Point State Park (10 miles buoy) and Waterman’s Landing (12 miles). Sugarpine Point Beach can be an exit point for athletes in need.
Athletes rescued from the water will be dropped off at the closest convenient lake public access (unless immediate medical assistance is required), and they will be responsible for their transport from that point on.
In an emergency rescue, paddle craft could be left afloat in the Lake and recuperated later.
REGISTRATION – LAST DAY Thursday, September 18, 2026
Register online (here at PaddleGuru). The registration cutoff day is Wednesday, September 11, 2024. We have a limited number of participants allowed on the course, and this event will sell quickly. There is no registration past the Wednesday of the race.
PARKING
All athletes are responsible for their shuttling to the start. There is no shuttle available for this event. There is free parking at the event site. Navigate to Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay, and along the streets in the neighborhood. Parking is available at El Dorado Beach South Lake Tahoe if you drive yourself or get dropped off at the start. All 6-man outrigger crews will be responsible for their transportation and the transportation of their Canoe.
RACE FEE
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Individual Participant | Lake Crossing Course: $145
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2-Person Teams (SUP, OC2, Double Surf Ski, 2x Rowing Shell) | Lake Crossing $100 per person – OPEN category
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4-Person Team (SUP, Rowing Shell) Lake Crossing $300 per crew – OPEN category only
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6-man Outrigger Crew | Lake Crossing $300 per crew – OPEN category only
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Registration fees include a celebration meal from Waterman’s Cafe
CATEGORIES
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JUNIOR 18 and under
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OPEN 19-49
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MASTER 50-59
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SENIOR MASTER 60-69
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LEGEND 70+
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2’s, 4’s, and 6’s OPEN Category
AWARDS
- All categories will be awarded; the top 3 will be awarded a prize.
LIMITS OF RACE ENTRY
For safety reasons, we limit this race to 120 paddle craft on the water. Register early, as there is a good chance it will sell out.
ABOUT US
The Lake Crossing is presented by Tahoe Waterman, a paddling community celebrating a true love for paddle sports, health, and adventure. Members inspire, cheer each other on, and embrace storytelling and shared experiences.
BOARD / BOAT RENTALS
Rent your race craft, SUP, surfski, outrigger canoe, or prone paddleboard. Reserve your racecraft HERE; visit www.tahoewaterman.com
BOAT INSPECTION – Watch the video HERE
Because we don’t want to introduce destructive snails or mussels to Tahoe, and we don’t want to transport aquatic weeds that have invaded Lake Tahoe and several of its tributaries, simply Clean, Drain, and Dry our watercraft and gear every time we haul out after use, and properly Dispose of any plants or debris we find. It’s easy to add to our regular habits, and it matters for more information.
COFFEE, BREAKFAST, AND LUNCH
Tahoe Watermans Cafe is located on-site and offers a healthy organic menu with breakfast and lunch served all day, a coffee bar, beer, and wine, and exclusive access to a public beach, free parking, a public beach club facility, and the beach is dog-friendly (one of the only summertime “dog beaches” in the Lake Tahoe area).
REFUND
Except for wait-list transfers, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. If we do not have paddlers on the waiting list willing to accept a race entry, then, unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund. If the race is canceled due to extreme weather, fire, or some other unforeseeable event outside of our control, WE CANNOT OFFER REFUNDS, and a credit for a future event will be issued.
Register Now