DAUGAVA PADDLING CUP 2026: IMPORTANT LOGISTICS UPDATE! Paddlers, take note! To make your race weekend smoother and your finish line experience even better, we have updated our logistics and changed our final destination to a much warmer and cozier spot.
The New Finish Line:
We’ve moved the finish to the lovely Guest House "Pērsejas" in Koknese! Get ready to celebrate your achievement in a beautiful, relaxing setting.
New Finish Address: Daugavas iela 21, Koknese
Waze Directions & Competition Rules:
Hotel: We highly recommend booking at Hotel Gamma in Līvāni (perfectly located near the 70km marathon start).
Camping: You can also choose to sleep in tents directly at the start area!
Important Race Logistics & Shuttles:
Please read the transportation plan carefully to coordinate your cars and gear:
Boats: Please bring your boats directly to the start line first.
Driver Shuttle: (From Finish to Start): Transport is strictly for car drivers only (to leave your car at the finish and get a ride back to the start). Shuttles will run at these times:
Friday, July 24th at 20:00
Saturday, July 25th morning at 06:00
Luggage & Belongings: No need to worry about your gear on the water! You can put all your personal belongings into the organizers' cars at the start, and we will transport them safely to the finish line for you.
Still not registered?
See you on the water on July 25th!
Conquer the River of Destiny
Are you ready to test your mettle against the pulse of Latvia’s largest waterway? The Daugava Cup isn’t just a race; it’s a high-octane journey through the soul of the, as we call it "River of Destiny." This is where the raw power of nature meets the grit of endurance paddling.
We are inviting experienced athletes—whether you command a kayak, canoe, SUP, or any paddle-driven craft—to navigate 70 kilometers of the most scenic, rapid-rich, and historically significant waters in the Baltics.
Why This Race Is Different
The Daugava is legendary, and this specific stretch is its most dramatic chapter. Forget flat, stagnant water; this route is alive.
- The White Rapid: Conquer at least 10 distinct rapid sections, including the formidable "White Rapid"—the largest and most exhilarating in Latvia.
- The Cliffs of Krusta Bay: Paddle beneath the shadow of Latvia’s longest steep bank. These towering cliffs offer a breathtaking backdrop that few ever get to see from this vantage point.
- The Grand Finale: There is no finish line quite like the Koknese Castle ruins. Gliding toward these medieval stone walls is the ultimate reward for your physical and mental endurance.
Choose Your Challenge
Whether you are an ultra-marathoner or a speed specialist, we have a distance that will push your limits.
Marathon
Līvāni - Koknese
70 km
Start @ 08:00
A true test of stamina for "iron-willed" paddlers
Participation fee - 50 EUR
Sprint
Pļaviņas - Koknese
25 km
Start @ 11:00
High intensity and explosive speed for fast-twitch athletes
Participation fee - 50 EUR
WHEN: The adventure begins at 8:00 AM.
START: The Līvāni Glass and Craft Center (A perfect place to find your focus before hitting the water) for 70 km marathon and Pļaviņas for sprint distance.
FINISH: Boat slip Gundegas in Koknese
The Full Athlete Experience
We know that a great race happens before and after you hit the water. We’ve designed the logistics so you can focus entirely on your performance.
- The Basecamp: Arrive early! Tent City opens on Friday at the start location in Līvāni. Swap stories with fellow paddlers and soak in the pre-race atmosphere.
- Logistics: Forget the stress of vehicle coordination. We provide a passenger bus and dedicated boat trailer service operating on both Friday and Saturday.
- Capture the Moment: Our professional sports photographers will be stationed at the most dramatic rapids to ensure your "hero shot" is immortalized.
- Victory for All: While the fastest take the trophies, every finisher receives a commemorative prize to mark their victory.
Are you ready to write your name into the history of the river?
Join us for the Daugava Cup—where every stroke is a tribute and every rapid is a triumph.
- Pro Tip: Secure your spot early. The Daugava waits for no one!
