Tuck Fest Events
Event/Competition Registration
- $35 – Registration Available Online through Wednesday, April 17th
- $40 – Competition Day (April 19th, 20th, and 21st)
- Registration fee allows you to participate in as many races as you like throughout the weekend
- Please let us know which events you are planning to participating in during registration
- Each pre-registered participant will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to Floyd Fest. Two winners will be chosen.
- Shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register
Tuck Fest Event Map: 
Additional Event/Competition Info:
- Overall Male and Female winner of each race/competition will receive a free entry into one (1) 2013 Whitewater Race Series race
- Additional awards vary from event to event
- Space is limited in each race – Registration is closed once race sells out
- Due to the large number of events, we will be scoring competitions based on order of completion and not a standard timing system
- If you want your time during any event, keep record personally
- ALL Participants must check in to the main participant check in to obtain a competition bib prior to competing in any event
- You MUST have a race bib to participate in any activity
- Each event will have a separate check in location prior to the event starting
- One race bib per participant. Note: race bib will be used for all events throughout the weekend – you are responsible for your race bib
- Race bib must be visible and worn on the front of shirt to receive an accurate finishing place/score
- One festival shirt per registration
- Festival T-Shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register
- Space is limited in each race – Registration is closed once race sells out
- All participants must sign the USNWC waiver online (during registration) or in person on-site before participating in any event
- Participants must be present to accept awards. Awards will not be mailed
- Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable
- There will be no gear/bag check at the start/finish lines for the events
- Locker rooms and showers are located at the main USNWC River Center
- Headphones, iPods, MP3 players, etc are discouraged for the safety of all participants
- Remain attentive and courteous at all times, trails will be open to other competitors, runners, hikers and bikers throughout the entirety of the festival
- No pets allowed while competing in events
- The USNWC does not conduct trail rescues in the event of an emergency. Participants are encouraged to call 911 THEN notify event staff if an emergency is encountered
Family Obstacle Race, presented by Charlotte Parent – Friday 6:45 p.m.
- A fun and challenging scavenger-type obstacle race for the family throughout the Whitewater center property (see course map)
- Teams of 3 – 6
- Check in: 6:00 p.m. at the Adventure Pavilion (see map for location)
- Majority of the team members must be registered participants. Ex: A team of 3 must have at least 2 members registered. A team of 5 must have at least 3 members registered
- All team members must start and finish together
Twilight Obstacle Race – Friday 6:45 p.m.
- Test your physical/mental strength and coordination after sunset while attempting to complete the scavenger type obstacle race (see course map)
- Teams of 3-6 people
- Check in: 6:00 p.m. at the Adventure Pavilion (see map for location)
- Majority of the team members must be registered participants. Ex: A team of 3 must have at least 2 members registered. A team of 5 must have at least 3 members registered
- All team members must start and finish together
- Team members are encouraged to wear headlamps as a portion of the course will take place after sunset
Giant Kayak Slalom – Friday 8:00 p.m.
- Downhill skiing meets whitewater kayaking in a fast-paced time trial through Big Drop, the largest rapid in the Competition Channel
- All boat designs welcome, two runs per competitor. Best run counts with 1 second penalty per touch
- Check in: 7:00 p.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Limited number of kayaks are available for rent, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
10K Trail Race, presented by Salomon – Saturday 9:00 a.m.
- 10K trail race through the USNWC system (see course map)
- Check in: 8:00 a.m. at the Adventure Pavilion (see map for location)
- See map for course
Half Marathon Trail Race, presented by Salomon – Saturday 9:00 a.m.
- Half Marathon trail race through the USNWC system (see course map)
- Check in: 8:00 a.m. at the Adventure Pavilion (see map for location)
- See map for course
Flatwater SUP Race (2mi/4mi) – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
- A lap-based stand-up paddleboard race on the Catawba River
- Mass start at the Flatwater Dock (see map for location)
- See map for course (see map for location)
- Race will be broken up into two classes: Recreational 2-mile and Pro 4-mile
- Check in: 8:30 a.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Limited number of SUPs available for rent, first come first serve morning of – $20 rental fee
Climbing Challenge & Demo – Saturday 12:00 p.m.
- Bouldering demo followed by climbing competition to the top of the Climbing Center Spire
- Check in: 11:30 a.m. at the Trail Center (see map for location)
Mountain Bike Super G – Saturday 12:00 p.m.
- A short course ski-style slalom race for mountain bikes weaving up & down the Gas Line trail (see course map)
- Check in: 11:30 a.m. at the Trail Center (see map for location)
- See map for course
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Bikes are available for rent at the Trail Center, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Riverboard Head-to-Head – Saturday 1:00 p.m.
- Head-to-head style riverboard race in the Competition Channel with winner advancing to the next round
- Check in: 12:00 p.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants must bring their own gear
Kids Obstacle Race, presented by Charlotte Parent – Saturday 1:00 p.m.
- Timed race for kids through the Obstacle Challenge Course that tests speed and strength
- This race is reserved for kids 45lb and over and ages 16 and under
- Active parental support is encouraged on and off the course
- Check in: 12:30 p.m. at the Trail Center (see map for location)
Whitewater SUP Competition, presented by Glide – Saturday 2:00 p.m.
- Each competitor gets one timed run down the Wilderness Channel.
- Head to Head runs to follow based on rankings from timed run; top two advance
- Check in 1:00 p.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Limited number of SUPs available for rent, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Kids 2K Trail Race, presented by Charlotte Parent – Saturday 2:30 p.m.
- Fun and exciting trail race for kids (see course map)
- This race is reserved for ages 6-16
- Active parental support is encouraged on and off the trail
- Check in: 2:00 p.m. at the Adventure Pavilion (see map for location)
- See map for course
Short-Track Mountain Bike Race – Saturday 3:00 p.m.
- Lap-based alternative mountain bike race throughout the Lake Loop trail (see course map)
- Check in: 2:00 p.m. at the Trail Center (see map for location)
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Bikes are available for rent at the Trail Center, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Riverboard Surf Competition – Saturday 5:00 p.m.
- Riverboard surf-off on various waves throughout the Wilderness Channel
- Check in: 4:30 p.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants must bring their own gear
Riverboard Endurance Race – Saturday 7:00 p.m.
- Endurance challenge looping through both the Wilderness and Competition channels
- Check in: 6:30pm at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants must bring their own gear
Whitewater Kayak Head-to-Head, presented by Lake James Crescent Communities – Saturday 7:15 p.m.
- Each competitor gets one timed run down Competition Channel
- Head to Head runs to follow based on rankings from timed runs, top two advance
- Check in: 6:00pm at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Limited number of kayaks are available for rent, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Whitewater Rafting Head-to-Head, presented by Maravia – Saturday 7:15 p.m.
- Eight-ball style rodeo raft race down Competition Channel
- 3 rafts per heat, two person teams in rodeo rafts, top two advance
- Check in: 6:00pm at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Rafts, PFDs and paddles provided by USNWC
Kids Slalom Exhibition – Sunday 11:00 a.m.
- Slalom race on the Rodeo and Instructional channels
- Beginner slalom on instructional and intermediate slalom on Rodeo
- Play boat and mystery move contest to follow
- Check in: 9:30 a.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- This event is reserved for ages 18 and under
- Active parental support is encouraged in and out of the water
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Kayaks are available for rent, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Dirty Dozen Mountain Bike Race – Sunday 12:00 p.m.
- This 12-mile trail ride is a challenging course weaving through the USNWC Trail System complete with 12 obstacles that will put your endurance and strength to the test (see course map)
- Check in: 11:00 a.m. at the Adventure Pavilion (see map for location)
- See map for course
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear
- Bikes are available for rent at the Trail Center, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Quadzilla Relay Race, presented by NRS – Sunday 2:00 p.m.
- Teams of 2 or 3 paddleboard, kayak, bike and raft to the finish with a team of three (see course map)
- Check in: 1:00 p.m. at the Kayak Center (see map for location)
- Majority of the team members must be a registered participant. Ex: A team of 2 must have at least 1 members registered. A team of 3 must have at least 2 members registered.
- All team members must start and finish together
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment with the exception of the raft
- Limited number of SUPs available for rent, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
- Limited number of kayaks are available for rent, first come first serve day of – $20 rental fee
Sponsors
Is there a medal for completing half marathon?
Hi Kate, Tuck Fest will feature a number of awards throughout the weekend but no specific medal for the half marathon.
I would just like more specific information about the short course mountain bike race. I am a forty something weekend warrior mountain biker, not sure if this event will be too extreme for me? I have been on the trails out at the center before. I am interested in events with mountain biking but I am not hard core or am I trying to win, just want to participate.
Hi Eric, it seems like Tuck Fest will be the perfect weekend for you to try out different mountain biking events. Although not finalized, the short track mountain bike race will be based solely on Hawk Island with a few unique but fun elements. All skill levels are welcome.
I’m considering doing the half marathon and haven’t been able to find the course map that is referenced here. Is it loaded or am I missing something?
Thank you
Jon
Hi Jon, we will be putting Tuck Fest course maps on the website shortly.
Is the $35 fee per event? If I want to compete in 4 events is the entry fee $140?
Hi Kevin, the $35 fee is a flat fee that will be applied to all races throughout the weekend. Participants are welcome to compete in any and all events with that one-time payment of $35. We do ask that participants let us know in which events you’ll be participating to help us keep track of numbers. Thanks!
Any chance that the schedule can be adjusted to provide for a running event on Sunday? If you split up the 10k and the half marathon, runners could participate in both ( and get more for their money ). Thanks.
Hey Andrew, we’d love to add more races throughout the weekend but unfortunately, the schedule has been set for this weekend. Our hope is that this event continues to grow year to year.
I was wondering if you had a place were people can get together as teams. A place were people could become members and create teams. I would like to race in the team events but do not know enough people that have the skills or equipment to race. Would love to help create or build such application if not already available.
Thank you,
Shaun Atkinson
Hey Shaun, we don’t have a place where people can create teams for Tuck Fest events. It may be best to use social media for this as we will certainly have a lot of interest in our races and competitions that weekend.
Is there a fee (other than parking) or pass to come out to see the bands play? We really want to see CCD and the Stringdusters.
Thanks,
Ginni Fender
Hi Ginni, all Tuck Fest performances are non-ticketed and open to the public.
Is the twilight obstacle race similar to a mini-spartan race?
Hi Mark, the Twilight Obstacle Race will be a mix between a scavenger hunt and an adventure race, with obstacles throughout the course.
How long is the Obstacle Race on Friday night? More specifically – how many miles, and how long is it anticipated to take?
Also – do you have to have at least 3 people, or could you have 2?
Thanks!!
Hey Winston, there is no set distance for the Twilight Obstacle Race as the obstacles are spread throughout the facility and can be completed in any order decided by your team. All team must have at least three people.
Is the mountain bike super G just downhill or is there uphill riding also?
Hi Andy, the Mountain Bike Super G will be both uphill and downhill.
Is the registration fee $35 for children? We have a few nine year olds that would like to run the 2K trail run.
Hi Bob, the registration fee for all races is $35. This is a flat-rate and grants access to as many competitions as you’d like.
For the Twilight Obstacle race how long will it take or what is the distance?
Hi Danielle, there is no set distance for the Twilight Obstacle Race as the obstacles are spread throughout the facility and can be completed in any order decided by your team.
What time will Stringdusters play on Sunday?
Hi Ryan, the Infamous Stringdusters will begin their first set at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Thanks for the repsonse. Are dogs allowed on site and in the concert area?
Hi Ryan, we do allow dogs with leashes at the Center.
Is there a different cost if my family and I just want to come see the music? When would the string dusters play?
Hi Jason, the event itself is free and open to the public. A registration fee is required to participate in the races and competitions.
Is there more information on the endurance race and what kind of gear is necessary. Thanks!
Hey Kris, the Riverboard Endurance race will consist of multiple laps on both the Wilderness and Competition channels. Participants will need a helmet, PFD, riverboard and fins. Additional arm and legs pads may be necessary.
Is there a schedule available for band start times? Specifically Chocolate Drops?
Hi Carrie, the band schedule can be found on the full Tuck Fest weekend schedule located here: https://usnwc.org/tuck-fest/
Hey There –
I saw something on Facebook about there being a Cornhole Tournament for this day, but I don’t see it here.
Can you please let me know if one will be hosted during this event?
Hi Krysta, information about the Tuck Fest Cornhole Tournament can be found here: https://usnwc.org/tuck-fest/#cornhole.
If I enter cornhole tourney, can I win a 2014 season pass? Already have a 2013 pass. Thanks
Hi Jeff, unfortunately the prizes are set for 2013 AllSport Season Passes, Smith Optics glasses and vouchers for AllSport Day Passes.
Very interested in the MTB short track and Super G but would really like to find out more about the Super G course before hand. Do you guys have any info on the Super G course? Description? Will it the Super G course be open prior to the race for practice?
THANKS!!!
Hey Charlie, the Super G course will take participants up and down the length of the gas-line right-of-way, which stretches from the Lake Loop to the Catawba River and back. The course will feature fast descents and challenging climbs.
thanks for the info and fast response! Will it be open before the race for practice at all?
Hi Charlie, the courses are always open from dawn til dusk, weather permitting, so you will have the opportunity to check out the course before the race if you’d like.
Will there be T-shirts with event logo to purchase if I decide not to register for anything and instead ride up there for one day.
Hi Gary, t-shirts are only guaranteed for those who pre-register for Tuck Fest competitions.
Several races, including the 10K and Half-marathon trail races, indicate one can view the course by seeing the map. There is no link to a map and I don’t see one on this page. Would you please provide directions to the map?
Hi Andrew, we will be posting the course maps shortly – please be sure to check back.
What about lodging/camping?
Hi Lisa, we do not have on-site camping at the USNWC. The McDowell Nature Preserve is the closest camping site that we recommend. Information can be found here: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Athletics/Outdoors/Pages/Camping.aspx.
Is there any need for volunteers? If so, what ages?
Hi Shantel, we can always use volunteer help! Please contact Adam Bratton at abratton@usnwc.org for specific information about volunteering for Tuck Fest.
Is ther a certan age you have to be to do the events. If so how old
Hi Kyle, we do not have an age minimum for the Tuck Fest events, though certain competitions may require more skills than others.
Is there a cost for people wanting to come and watch/listen to the music and purchase some food? Will visitors need to purchase any kind of a “ticket” or is that only for competing? Thanks!
Hi Brittani, the festival is free to attend if you will not be participating in any races. Race registration is $35 and allows for participation in as many races as you’d like.
Will the t-shirts given to race participants be tech shirts?
Hi Rodney, the t-shirts will be tech shirts and are only guaranteed to those who pre-register.
If you wanted to do what you normally would do there (rafting, biking, ziplining) while doing the racing events is there a seperate fee on top of the $35? I know it is normally $54 for an all sports pass so would there be a $35 charge with that?
Hey James, you’re correct. We will still be offering our Passes at their normal price but participation in Tuck Fest events will be $35.
For the whitewater rafting race will you guys provide everything we need?
ie: raft, helmet, pfd, paddles
Hi Steve, we will provide everything needed for the Whitewater Rafting Head-to-Head.
Once you indicate which events you want to participate in on your online registration form, is your spot reserved in each event or is it just a means for you to estimate total numbers?
Hi Elise, indicating the events in which you’d like to participate will help us to estimate numbers but will not reserve a spot. Participants simply need to check-in for the desired race at the indicated check-in location and time, found on our event map.
Can I bring a lawn chair to listen to the music, or will seating be provided?
Hi Bilbo, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to listen to the music.
I was wondering if we sign up for the tuck fest, does it give us freedom to do whatever we want at the whitewater centre that weekend?
Like would we technically have “day passes” the whole weekend or would we have to pay to do other activities other than the ones in the tuck fest
ie: rafting, ziplining,kayaking.
Hey Steve, the registration for Tuck Fest competitions and races does not allow for participation in all USNWC activities. Our passes will be available to purchase throughout the weekend. Information about each pass can be found here: http://usnwc.org/visit-us/passes/.
Can we bring portable grills to the wwc and have a grill out on the premesis?
Hi Steve, we do not allow outside food and beverage at the Center.
Hi there, will we be able to pick up race packets prior to the day of? If so where and when? (Registered only for half marathon)
Hi Kathryn, our main registration and information site will be open from 5-8 p.m. on Friday night as well as 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday.
I’m thinking about signing up for the family obstacle Friday night. We have a 6 year old so I wanted to ask if the obstalces we age apprpriate for a 6 year old. Can you share any details about the course or obstacles?
Hey Laura, the Family Obstacle race is similar to a scavenger hunt in that each obstacle must be completed by the entire team, in no particular order. The course map can be found here: http://usnwc.org/play/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/TuckFest_FamilyObstacleRace.jpg.
if it rains significantly on friday as they are predicting will you still hold the 10k/half marathon on saturday?
Hey John, we will still be having the 10K and Half Marathon trail races regardless of Friday’s weather.
Will some trails be available for people not participating in Tuck Fest?
Hi Chris, we keep all trails open during race events.
How long will the short track race be? Is it going to be number of laps or time based?
Thanks,
Hi Merlin, the Short-Track Mountain Bike Race is a lap-based race throughout Hawk Island. You can view the course map on the Tuck Fest events page.
I registered for the 10k but would like to do the half marathon instead. How would I go about changing the event? Thanks.
Hi Amanda, your $35 registration fee covers any event that you’d like to do. We ask participants to specify their preferences for our planning purposes only so you can simply run the half without changing anything online. Good luck!
Since there is no bag check at race start/finish lines, is there anywhere else we can leave our valuables while we run?
Hey Winnie, our locker rooms will be available to use. Locker tokens can be purchased for $2 at the main ticket window.
A friend and I signed up for both the Dirty Dozen and the Quadzilla on Sunday. Will we be able to participate in the Quadzilla if the DD overlaps the Quadzilla check in time?
Also, can one person do first and second legs (SUP and kayak) while teammate does third (mtn bike) (both to do raft)?
Hey Peter, as long as you make it to the Quadzilla check-in before the race begins, you should be fine. For the Quadzilla Relay Race, your first teammate may do the first two legs of the race before the second teammate does the third.
Hi,
I clicked on the link regarding the cornhole tournament, but it wasn’t working for me. An empty page comes up. I’m looking for information about registration for that, specifically the time. Thanks
Hey Scott, the link for the Cornhole Tournament registration should be working now. We will also have registration available on-site. The tournament will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Are there still spots open for the 10K tomorrow morning? Can we sign up tonight for the race tomorrow in person?
Hi Lindsay, there is still space available for the 10K Trail Race and you are welcome to register tomorrow morning beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Is there an available schedule of the weekend’s musical acts?
Hi Megan, the Tuck Fest weekend schedule can be found here: http://usnwc.org/tuck-fest/.
For the flatwater standup Paddleboard race, which race will go first? The 2 mile rec. or the 4 mile pro race.
Hi Betsy, both the 2-mile and 4-mile races will begin at the same time. The 2-mile race will be one lap and the 4-mile race will be two laps.
Thanks for a fun weekend. You guys did a great job. We really had a blast!
Hi; I’m interested in the riverboarding results for Tuck Fest 2013. I see a list of all the other Tuck Fest event competitors and results, but the links for the riverboarding events are missing. Are they listed somewhere else? Also, do you know of anywhere there might be a good photo album from the event.
Thanks! Kyle.
Hey Kyle, we did not keep results for or photos of the Riverboarding events as Face Level was the organizer of those events.