DART FEST 2026
WHAT IS DART FEST?
Dart Fest is a not for profit whitewater kayaking festival aimed at celebrating the sport of whitewater kayaking and the community that surrounds it, as well as honouring those who protect the river Dart watershed. Dart Fest works with the following goals:
1. Promote the epic sport of whitewater kayaking
2. Encourage new people into the sport
3. Create a place for the community to get together and compete in racing and freestyle over all abilities
4. Celebrate those who protect the watershed both socially and environmentally
5. One day bring a boat library to provide equipment and knowledge to enable new people from all backgrounds into the sport
Prepare Your Paddles
27 / 28 / 29 NOV 2026
The Countdown Has Begun
Everything You Need to Know About Dart Fest
When?
27 / 28 / 29 November 2026
Friday
1800-2000: Registration/check in
2000: Talk from the Southwest Peatland Partnership on the peat bogs and how they benefit the river
2045: Talk from Etienne Scott, activist and Olympic gold medalist in the C2 at London 2012.
Saturday
0730-0830: Registration at RDCP
0830-0900: Safety briefing at RDCP
1030-1200: Palm Upper Dart experts race
1030-1200: Lower Dart White water SUP race
1300-1400: NRS Newbridge Drops amateur race/Whetman Equipment Top Wave freestyle
1400-1500: Intro to kayaking at RDCP lake (open to all ages)
1500-1600: Pyranha Evo race – Holne Weir Flats
1630: Bar opens at River Dart Country Park
17:30: Buffet opens at River Dart Country Park
18:30: Talk 1 - Dartmoor Search and Rescue
19:00: Talk 2 - Heidi Walsh
19:30: Prize giving & Raffle
Sunday
09:00: Coaching sessions on the river from 5 different local coaches. Sessions running at either Dartmeet car park, NB car park or River Dart Country Park
10:00: The family float, meet NB car park
17:00: Event ends / clear River Dart Country Park.
Where?
River Dart Country Park
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7NP
Our Proud Sponsors
Email: dartfest2026@gmail.com