Annual Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle returns to Buckhannon River May 24

The 23rd Annual Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, featuring races, clinics, music, food and community activities, will take place May 24 on the Buckhannon River to honor Jack Barker and support local clean water efforts.

News Release
May 2, 2025

It’s time to get the kayaks and stand up paddle boards out of winter storage. Buckhannon River Watershed Association invites the community to participate in and support the 23rd Annual Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle on Saturday, May 24 on the Buckhannon River.

“This event honors the life and legacy of Jack Barker, an avid canoe paddler and national-caliber racer. On any given day from March to October, you could find Jack paddling the Buckhannon River. He paddled with numerous partners and brought an interest and love for the sport to friends, family, and the Buckhannon area,” said Jessica Bryzek, AmeriCorps VISTA representing the Buckhannon River Watershed Association. Mary Helen Barker, Jack’s loving wife, and the Barker family organized this annual event for nearly two decades in his honor. This year, the Buckhannon River Watershed Association is organizing the event to keep the tradition alive and well.

Registration for this family-friendly event will begin at 10am at the Buckhannon Riverwalk Park Boat Ramp. Buckhannon River Watershed Association will host a Beginner Paddler Clinic from 11am to inspire and educate the next generation of paddlers on the Buckhannon River. The Kids Paddle and a second Beginner Paddle Clinic will begin around 1:30 p.m. from Buckhannon Riverwalk Boat Ramp to the bridge on Poe Street, totalling one-and-a-half miles with a celebration and participation awards to follow for the children.

Beginning at 12pm, Big Paddle – a four-mile round trip race – will launch from the Buckhannon Riverwalk Boat Ramp to the Tennerton Street Bridge and return to the finish line at the Riverwalk Boat Ramp. The top three finishers of the Big Paddle will receive awards with a brief celebration to follow.

Leisure paddlers and competitive racers of any experience level are all welcome to attend on their personal kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Several kayaks will be available to rent for the day. Kayaks for youth paddlers are free. Please note: kayak rentals are limited. Pre-registration is required to secure your watercraft.

Each paddler is required to purchase an event ticket of only $10, which includes insurance coverage through the American Canoe Association. Each participant will then receive a unique commemorative event sticker at time of check-in to add to your boat or favorite travel water bottle!

“We have many fun events planned this summer to celebrate and promote the Buckhannon River, but the Jack Barker Memorial Paddle is special because of the focus on families and sharing our passion for paddling with our loved ones,” Bryzek said.

Not a water bug? No problem! The local community is invited to gather on shore in support of the racers, beginners and the importance of clean water in Buckhannon. Porkers BBQ will serve delicious barbeque favorites as the Buckhannon Community Band performs spirited music beginning at 1pm.

Donations toward the BRWA clean water projects are not expected, but are greatly appreciated. All proceeds from the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle will contribute to our vision of a healthy and clean Buckhannon River. Racers, leisure paddlers and supporters are also encouraged to donate canned food items to benefit the Upshur County Parish House.

Buckhannon River Watershed Association would like to offer a special thank you to event sponsors, donors and vendors:

Trubie Run Outfitters, a self guided kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board rental company based in Buckhannon that offers gear and shuttle services on the Buckhannon River, Middle Fork River, and Stonecoal Lake. Trubie Run has donated their kayaks for the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle event.
Yak Shak, a kayak rental company in Belington, serves the local north-central West Virginia region. Yak Shak will be bringing two stand up paddle boards for people to try out for free.
Final Grade Excavation Services is an excavation and demolition contractor who specializes in small to medium projects.
Harry Green 7 Acres, a trusted local destination for new and used cars for over 65 years. Whether you’re searching for a brand-new vehicle, a reliable pre-owned car, or need expert service for your current ride, Harry Green has got you covered. Family-owned and operated, they have been proudly serving our community with integrity, excellence, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Endo Solutions, a family-owned business dedicated to quality cannabis, mushroom and other health and wellness products from local vendors.

Event merchandise can be purchased prior to the memorial race through the BRWA online store.