Paddle Bayou Lafourche 2024
This event offers an immersive and unique view of Bayou Lafourche and a chance to explore one of the most important waterways of our estuary. We’ll be offering a 15-mile paddle starting in Napoleonville, and a 9.5-mile paddle starting in Labadieville/Thibodaux. Both paddles will end at the Nicholls Bayou Side Park pavilion, where we’ll be hosting a post-event celebration with free food, refreshments, and live music by the Cajun Music Preservation Society. The pavilion is located across the street from the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at 914 E. First St. in Thibodaux.
We’ll be offering a free shuttle service from the pull-out point at the Nicholls Bayou Side pavilion to the two launch sites. The shuttle bus for the 15-mile Napoleonville paddle will leave from the pavilion at 7:15 am for a launch into the bayou at 8 am. The second shuttle to the Labadieville/Thibodaux site will leave at 9:30 am from the pavilion for a launch into the bayou at 10 am. The shuttles will only transport paddlers and will not transport watercraft to the launch sites. All paddlers are responsible for transporting their kayaks/canoes/pirogues to their chosen launch site in time to make their chosen shuttle departure time. Personnel will be present at the launch sites to safeguard watercraft left there prior to launching. The 15-mile Napoleonville site is near the BLFWD Water Control Structure at 3801 LA-308 Napoleonville, 70390. Parking will be on the 308 side of the bayou. Turn onto the bridge, and enter the rock parking lot. The 9.5-mile Labadieville/Thibodaux site is located at the Bayou Rowing Association, 2431 LA-308, Thibodaux, 70301. Both sites will be marked with a “Paddle Bayou Lafourche” banner.
Participants who are not utilizing the shuttle service should still meet at the Nicholls Pavilion prior to their launch time. All participants will check in at the registration table at the pavilion, where you’ll receive your event t-shirt, your wet-dry bag, and a water bottle. If using the shuttle service, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your shuttle departure to ensure enough time to register. Additionally, we will be providing a grab-and-go breakfast, snacks, and water. Please park in the Culinary Institute’s parking lot. All paddlers will need their own life vests and will not be permitted to launch without one.
We anticipate paddlers will arrive back at the Nicholls pavilion around 12 – 1 pm. BTNEP staff will assist paddlers out of the water, and the post-event celebration will begin immediately.
This year’s registration is $50 per paddler, and $20 for paddlers 12 and under. ALL minors (17 and below) must be registered by and accompanied by an adult of 18 years or older. We’re offering a $20 discount to all university/college students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID.
