Canoe Racing in Oscoda
Canoeing has an ancient history on this continent, but Oscoda’s HUP race celebrates the parts about Oscoda’s history and heritage is rooted in the waters of the Au Sable River and canoeing has always been a regular part of life in the region. Canoes provide us with a rare vantage point on the river to savor the natural beauty of the Au Sable landscape and National Scenic Byway. They also provide us with an opportunity for fishing and to put the limits of our strength to the test in one of North America’s most grueling trials. And it also lets us celebrate each other, laugh together, and just have fun. This summer, visit the banks of the Au Sable for the HUP Annual Canoe Race and the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon on July 28th.
The HUP (Hurry Up and Paddle) or Sink! Canoe Race is a fun and exciting way to spend a couple hours outdoors with our community. Experience Oscoda like a local and enjoy the fun being had as these homemade canoes race against the clock as well as each other. Stick around to find out which boat is least leaky and who takes home the “Doesn’t Have a Clue” Award. You can usually tell. The 7th Annual HUP Canoe Race will take place on July 25th, 5:30-7:30PM.
On July 28th, the second race of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing, the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, kicks off (or paddles off?) at 9PM. The paddlers have a 120-mile journey ahead of them, about 50.000 paddle strokes, and a 14-19 hour time span. Nicknamed the World’s Toughest Spectator Sport for the spectators that follow the racers the full 120 miles overnight, we recommend waiting in town at the finish line. You never know; despite the 15 hours of racing, the 2005 marathon came down to a photo finish, with the winner taking first place by one second.
678 W River Road
Oscoda, MI 48750
989.739.7322
