Floatzilla, the Quad Cities annual paddle event, returns next month with a brand new Floatzilla-PALOOZA and other first-time activities and fun for the whole family.
Organizers with River Action announced Friday, July 18, that the PALOOZA will introduce a new kayak obstacle course, a cardboard boat race and a Rubber Duckie Hunt. In addition, this year’s two-day event includes a 10-mile Dam to Dam Race, a first-time competitive kayak and canoe race, and more.
Floatzilla is hosted by Davenport-based nonprofit River Action. It hits the Mississippi River and several riverfront locations Friday-Saturday, Aug. 15-16. Volunteers still are being sought to help in a variety of jobs at sites across the Quad Cities.
The annual paddle festival launches from eight sites across the QC bringing river. Paddle enthusiasts from across the country together for a day on the Mississippi. More than 1,200 participants are expected to float in and take over the river, which will be temporarily closed to commercial watercraft during the event. A total of 39 safety boats and two drones will be in contact throughout the event with the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters at Sunset Marina, Rock Island.
Here’s a look at this year’s schedule, according to River Action:
Friday, Aug. 15
- Packet pickup is from 4-7 p.m. at Credit Island Lodge, 2200 West River Drive, Davenport. (Late pickup is Saturday at the launch sites.)
- Theisen’s Outdoor Expo and Kayak/Canoe Swap will be held during packet pickup.
- Kayak Fishing Tournament will be from 6-8 p.m. at Credit Island. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. and all ages are welcome.
Saturday, Aug. 16
- Floatzilla launch – Participants can choose from eight different launch sites and make their trek to Rock Island’s Lake Potter. Routes range from a leisurely half-mile paddle from Credit Island to an 11-mile trip from East Moline’s Empire Park. Launch times vary by site beginning as early as 7 a.m. upriver.
- PALOOZA events include:
Obstacle Course Duel, 10 a.m.
Cardboard Boat Races, 11 a.m., competitors must build their boat ahead of the race using only corrugated cardboard, duct take and water-based paint. Call or visit River Action to sign up.
Rubber Duckie Hunt, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Midwest Bath Co., 1,000 numbered rubber duckies will be dropped from the Hampton Crane. Paddlers will pick them up for chances to win a kayak and other prizes.
Funktastic 5 will perform from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sunset Marina in Rock Island.
Other main events
- Dam to Dam Races – This inaugural 10-mile competition begins at 9:30 a.m. from Illiniwek Forest Preserve in Hampton and races to the Davenport Sailing Club. Open to kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards.
- Quad Cities Cup – Presented by Navarro Canoe Co., this optional canoe-only race will launch at 9:40 a.m. from Illiniwek Forest Preserve and end at the Davenport Sailing Club. The race is limited to owners of Navarro hand-crafted canoes.
- Group photo – Help River Action break the world record for the largest flotilla by being part of a group photo at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Potter.
Sponsors of Floatzilla 2025 are: McLaughlin Subaru, Theisen’s, Hampton Crane, Roof Drs., East Moline Glass, Navarro Canoe Co., Quad City Area Realtors, Midwest Bath Co., WHBF TV, Quad-City Times, IHMVCU, True Homes and Printers Mark.
To register for the 2025 Floatzilla, visit here. The cost is $45 per person through Monday, Aug. 11, and $50 after that. Registration includes a Floatzilla T-shirt, commemorative boat sticker, registration wrist band, free parking and shuttle bus ride.
Volunteers are needed for several of the activities. An orientation meeting is set for Thursday at Sunset Marina to learn safety protocol and tasks.
For more information, visit www.floatzillaqc.org.
