What is PaddleQuest?! This can be a tough question to answer because the event can be different things to different people. Think "last day of summer camp" says PQ Hero Jeanne Salmon. PaddleQuest is a competitive, paddling-based clean up adventure “race” with an ongoing story line that you, the quester, helps to write through your actions. There are elements of a race involved, but the event is not timed. You and your team off two or three will paddle from place to place choosing your own route, and playing the games along the way. You will also have the chance to hunt treasures, complete missions and more.
Some teams paddle at their own pace, enjoying the weather and friendly people. Other teams have a theme, getting super involved in the story and go-for-the-GOLD (not always the pirate gold, but the trophy–you get the point).
How do teams work? Can all female or all male teams play as a team of three? Teams are class A (three people) or class B (two people) may be any arrangement of paddle craft and gender. Only one registration is required per team.
Where do we stay? In 2024 this is totally up to you! Bahamas on The River is offering limited camping and is first come first serve. You may also camp at nearby Jordan Park. Looking for a hotel? Check out the new Cobblestone Hotel in downtown Stevens Point. Some intrepid campers have found a spot on the river and settled in for the night, although you should be aware that at times this could be private property.
What happens Saturday night? The scoring will take place on the river between 4-6 pm - at which time teams should make their way back to Bahamas.
What happens on Sunday? Sunday features an additional paddling challenge, the group alliance games and the ceremony. The events start at 10 and end around 1pm. The outcome of the games on Sunday determine the direction of the story line for the alliances. The games are large style group games, usually with a unique twist.
Where do we get boats? For Stevens Point, check with GO Northward or call Sam at Bahamas Bar or Club 10 bar down the road. Do not forget your life vests as you cannot quest without them! Please do take good care of your rental craft.
Do I need a team to register? No, not at time of registration but it is a good idea to have your team at least loosely arranged. Teams of three are considered Class A and teams of two are Class B. If you team changes the day of the race, you can always become a team of two (class B). Just let the staff know at sign in or scoring.
Can't we just show up to play? You will need to register. We prep materials ahead of time and teams should be prepared for the quest. Registrations ends August 1st. Single paddlers looking for teams may show up at sign in and attempt to join a team.
How do I register? Do I need to register in advance? Yes, register online in advance.
What do we do with all the litter that we collect? Safely collect trash from the water using grabbers or by wearing gloves. Keep a dedicated trash bag secured to your craft (so as not to lose it all when tipped). When you run across the Hoarders, they will give you treasure tokens for river trash. The trash is then recycled if possible or sent away in a dumpster.
How do you win? Each year and event PQ is slightly different, so each year strategies change. There are 1,000 available points and the values for the year will be printed on the back of the map issued at registration. Make it to the checkpoints and try to complete challenges. Ask questions about magic items, maps, and artifacts! Also being on the winning team for the Sunday games is a big factor.
What do you win? Winners take home a traveling trophy that they can then modify to their liking. Sponsors also provide various prizes that vary,
How do you volunteer? If you want to be a character, or help run PQ, apply on the volunteer page or just send a note to: paddlequest_at_gmail.com
What are the challenges
PaddleQuest sends you and your team from place to place to compete in various games and challenges for tokens. Along the way you will meet characters who inhabit the storyline of The Backwaters. Talk to these characters to get maps to totems (see above) and magic items. When you find trash you may turn it into treasure by bringing it to the "Cosmic Hoarder". The team with the most points in each class is named: Protector. There are no "drinking game" type challenges. At no time does PaddleQuest provide alcohol to the participants. During the quest you will be required to find the certain characters who may be a pirate, castaway, island hermit or a hero.
Clean up adventure racing?
That’s right, PaddleQuest is a clean-up adventure race. Along the way, teams are encouraged to pick up trash that they find floating or onshore that they then exchange for additional power stamps from one of the characters in play, usually the Cosmic Hoarder. In 2014 two teams found two old tube TVs! Others have found chairs, bumpers, ancient live traps, cans, baits, and much much more. Trash collection is not mandatory but is encouraged by the additional points earned for hunting down unique trash. After the event we hope that questers will start seeing trash as treasure in their own excursions.
