Last weekend, due to the Heat Advisory and after careful consideration of risks of heat illness to our racers, first responders, and our amazing volunteers who help run the race, we had to cancel the 35th Annual Great River Race. While this event was not possible to reschedule due to the tide and logistics involved, we still encourage exploring the numerous public launch spots for non-motorized boats across the North and South Rivers watershed.
We’ve put together a chart with the best dates and times to paddle the North River, based on the North River high tide. The Paddling Chart, available to download here, outlines a recommended schedule to follow for an enjoyable upstream paddle on the North River. The Paddling Chart route begins at the Marshfield Canoe Launch, paddles past Couch Beach, and ends at the Washington Street Bridge in Hanover – which also follows the Great River Race course! Our Paddling Chart is based on a typical recreational paddling speed, so please be aware that timing may vary per person.
If you’re looking for other areas to launch a non-motorized boat on the North River, visit the Pembroke Canoe Launch or the Hanover Boat Launch. The South River in Marshfield also has a few locations, including the South River Launch or Rexhame Beach, which has paid parking.
When planning your own paddle, it’s especially important to pick the best departure time in order to avoid paddling against the current. Make sure to paddle upriver at an incoming tide or downriver at an outgoing tide. Since high tide varies throughout the rivers, add these time offsets to the Boston high tide to track the incoming flow:
| North River | South River |
| – Damon’s Point → Add 20 minutes | – Sea Street Bridge → Add 30 minutes |
| – Union Street Bridge → Add 1 hour | – Julian Street Bridge → Add 45 minutes |
| – Route 3 Bridge → Add 2 hours | – Willow Street Bridge → Add 2.5-3.5 hours |
| – Hanover Canoe Launch → Add 3-3.5 hours |
Before embarking on a paddle, make sure to bring a personal floatation device and a whistle for safety, as well as water to stay hydrated. Dress for the water temperature, wear proper footwear, and always bring extra sunscreen and a hat. Dry bags can also be helpful for keeping the water out of your wallet, keys, and phone. Always check the weather and wind forecast before departing, and be sure to share your itinerary and expected return time with a friend or family member. We hope you enjoy your paddle!
For more information, download our full Timing the Tides presentation or our Canoe and Kayak Guide. Additional tide information for the North River is available here. Additional tide information for Boston is available here.