30th Annual Green Race – November 1st, 2025 high noon
The Green Race isn’t just a competition—it’s an experience. Each November, many of the world’s best kayakers descend into the Green River Narrows to face Class V whitewater in front of 2,000 fans pressed shoulder-to-shoulder in the gorge. With nearly 200 racers, and national coverage on the likes of CNN and NPR, the Green Race has earned its place as “The Greatest Show in All of Sports.”
2025 Green Race Update – It is on! See you November 1st at high noon!
Don’t Call It A Comeback. The Greatest Show In All Of Sports is back — but this season, we’re rolling with the tides.
The 2025 Green Race will be a course from below Gorilla to the bottom of Rapid Transit through the slides. It will include one gate and racers will get 2 laps with their best time counted. Gates will be set up Friday for practice.
* 10 ft boat maximum for 2025’s race
Immediately after the race 16 athletes will be invited to compete in the Royal Gauntlet. This will be an exhibition race that will start with a seal launch directly into Gorilla. Please check the appropriate box if you would like to be considered for the Gauntlet.
As the Green River transitions to eventual scheduled releases and flows we will collectively decide what the course will be moving forward. For now we have a super fun, spectator friendly race accessible to anyone with class 5 skills. 30th Annual, let’s go!
30th ANNUAL GREEN RACE FESTIVAL
*space is limited-get tickets now
When: Friday October 31st – Sunday November 2nd.
Where: The Green River Ranch, 3851 GREEN RIVER COVE ROAD SALUDA, NC 28773
What: Green Race Festival
Cost:
Friday & Saturday Pass (includes car and camping) $55
Saturday Only Pass (includes car and camping) $35
Saturday Party (no car, no camping) $25
Camper/RV $125
Kids under 12 are free.
The Green Race Festival is where the stoke hits its peak! After the world’s best kayakers throw down in the legendary Green Narrows, the community comes together to celebrate the champions, the wild lines, and the epic stories that make this race unforgettable. With live music by the Late Shifters, cold drinks flowing, and the whole river tribe under one roof, the Green Race Festival isn’t just about who won—it’s about honoring the grit, glory, and pure energy that make the Green Race the most electric event in whitewater.
Spectators
Unless you are an extremely experienced backcountry hiker we DO NOT recommend spectating this event. The Green River Narrows is no place for small children or pets. The rocks are slick, the river is extreme and danger abounds. We have had serious injuries, from concussions to broken legs, resulting from spectators attempting to watch the race. Spectate in this savage arena AT YOUR OWN RISK.
The Green Race is free to spectate and no pass is required to hike in and watch the race.
Green Race Conservation Project
The Green Race Conservation Project fuels real action — restoring the river corridor, rebuilding trails, and supporting nonprofits doing work that matters. Every effort keeps the Green wild, strong, and thriving for the next generation.
