Watertown Recreation will host a paddling event on the Charles River open to all ages and abilities. See more details provided by the City of Watertown, below.
Join Watertown Recreation on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a morning of community fun featuring an on-water competition and family-friendly shore activities, highlighting the amazing resource that is the Charles River.
Choose the Cookie Chase Family Fun Race or the 5-Mile Community Paddle.
Boat Rentals: Canoes and kayaks are available to rent through Paddle Boston. Visit: https://paddleboston.com/rentals/events/watertown-community-paddle/
About the Cookie Chase
The Cookie Chase is a ½-mile paddle up to the Galen Street Bridge and back to the starting line. Designed for young, novice, and non-competitive paddlers looking to test themselves on a short course; all participants win a delicious prize!
Event Details
- Race: Cookie Chase (Family Fun)
- Check-In: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
- Race Meeting (required): 10:30 AM
- Race Start: 11:00 AM
- Awards: by 11:45 AM
- Where: The Braille Trail at Watertown Riverfront Park, 147 Charles River Rd, Watertown, MA
- Boats Eligible: Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP), Kayaks, and Canoes
- Fees: $20 Pre-Registration per person | $25 On-Site Registration per person
- Boat Rentals: Available with pre-registration
- Amenities: Vendors, restrooms, first aid
About the 5 Mile Out-and-Back
This exciting course takes paddlers downstream, around a buoy, and back to the starting line. Designed for paddlers of all ages looking for a fun and competitive short course; standard race classes and top finishers in each class win a prize!
Event Details
- Race: 5 Mile Out-and-Back
- Check-In: 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
- Race Meeting (required): 9:00 AM
- Race Start: 9:30 AM
- Awards: by 11:30 AM
- Where: The Braille Trail at Watertown Riverfront Park, 147 Charles River Rd, Watertown, MA
- Races: 5 Mile Out-and-Back
- NECKRA: Sanctioned race but not points eligible; current NECKRA rules apply
- Boats Eligible: Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP), Kayaks, and Canoes
- Fees: $20 Pre-Registration per person | $25 On-Site Registration per person
- Amenities: Vendors, restrooms, first aid