PADDLE TO THE PIER 2026
15 Mile paddle down the St. Joseph river ending at North Pier Brewing.
All levels of paddlers are welcome. Single or Multi Canoes, Kayaks, Sups, Outrigger and Prone.
Start: Jasper Dairy Boat Launch - St. Joseph MI
Finish: North Pier Brewing - Benton Harbor MI
Registration includes:
Box lunch and beer (or soda) on the brewery's patio for all racers at the finish.
Water Bottle and Tee Shirt
Note: we cannot guarantee shirt sizes for entries after June 1
Vehicles:
Paddlers are responsible for getting their vehicles to the finish at North Pier.
Vehicles may be parked in North Pier's large lot any time. 725 North Shore Dr.
North Pier to Jasper Dairy start is ~20 min drive one way.
Spectators:
Best spot, about halfway is Riverview Park - St. Joseph, MI
The bridge on North Shore Dr. next to North Pier Brewing is the finish line and
spectators can see paddlers for the last 1/2 mile or so
Racer River Notes:
Mile 8 stick to the left, boats pull skiers and tubes in this area
Mile 12 center to left bank.... The right bank has charter traffic. This is the start of the no wake zone.
Do not go down Morrison channel to the left
Mile 13, cross from left bank to right, just before the bridge. Be careful crossing, lots of traffic. Then hard right into Paw paw river at mile 13.25 (look for support boat)
Weather:
This is a rain or shine event. We are unable to issue refunds based on weather.
Schedule:
7:30 am Vessel Drop
8:30 am Race Meeting
9:00 am Singles Start
9:30 am Multi Start
Directions:
From I-94 (most common – Benton Harbor / St. Joe)
Westbound or Eastbound I-94
Take Exit 28 – M-139 (Niles / Benton Harbor)
Head south on M-139 toward Berrien Springs
Drive ~5–6 miles
Turn left (east) onto Jasper Dairy Rd
Follow ~1 mile → dead ends at launch
