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Nov 7, 2026 about 6 miles Parks LA to St Martinville LA - Registration is now open.
Race start 9:00 am on November 7, 2026. Start at 1019 Periou Street Parks, LA @ Cecile R. Poche Memorial Park (paddle dock) in Parks LA
to St Martinville LA paddle Dock, 121 S. New Market Street, St Martinville, LA - Come early to start at 7:30 am to do car shuttle if desired.
The drive from start to finish is about 15 minutes. The paddling distance is about 6 miles.
The 16th Annual Tour du Teche is complete- more about the 17th in 2027 soon.
Premier Event - October 2, 3 & 4, 2026 - complete for 2026 thanks!
Join paddlers from across Louisiana and beyond for the 16th Annual Tour du Teche, a three day, 135 mile paddle race on the historic Bayou Teche from Port Barre to Berwick. The Bayou Teche is Louisiana’s only designated National Water Trail. Kayaks, Canoes, Pirogues and SUP’s welcome.
Whether you are competing solo, tandem, as a relay team, or racing one of our shorter distance events, the Tour du Teche offers a challenge for every paddler.
Early Registration Discount -not available, but registration is still available; join us!
Register by September 1, 2026 and save on your Tour du Teche race entry!
Use promo code: ER during checkout to receive your early registration discount. Valid for all races during Oct 2026.
Don’t wait—register early, save money, and secure your spot for Tour du Teche Race Weekend, October 2–4, 2026.
TDT Race Registration is Open - REGISTER NOW
Choose your 2026 Tour du Teche Fall Series Race:
www.tourduteche.com/volunteers
Tour du Teche Fall Series Race Weekend Schedule of Events
Want to volunteer? Sign up here
Important Safety Information Video
All racers are required (MANDATORY) to review the Tour du Teche Safety Video before race day. Recommended for all support personnel and fans. Video includes information about navigating the Key Stone Locks/portage.
LINK TO WATCHING THE SAFETY VIDEO
Basic Race Requirements
For every race:
• Each boat must have USCG-approved life jacket (PFD)
• Carry a whistle or sound-producing device
• Have a waterproofed cell phone with race official contacts
• Notify race officials if you withdraw from an event
• Follow all race director instructions and sportsmanship standards
• Tour du Teche Command Center official contact Tave Lamperez 630-605-0671
• Complete waiver(s) and obtain boat number before safety meeting
• Each participant must attend safety meeting before start of race
Participants age 17 and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while on the water and in race staging areas.
IMPORTANT DETAILED TDT RACE RULES (updated for 2026)
Why Race the Tour du Teche?
The Tour du Teche is more than a race. It celebrates the culture, history and natural beauty of the Bayou Teche while bringing together paddlers of all experience levels.
Since its founding, the Tour du Teche has helped:
•Promote Bayou Teche as a National Water Trail
•Support local communities and tourism
•Encourage stewardship of Louisiana waterways
•Build a vibrant paddling community
Every mile paddled helps showcase one of Louisiana’s most unique natural and cultural treasures.
Additional Upcoming Events
Petite Tour Du Teche (Youth Races), August 22, 2026 LINK
Youth paddlers ages 5-17 compete in races ranging from 500 yards to 1 mile.
Location: Chitimacha Boat Launch, 3726 Chitimacha Trail 36 Par Rd 117, Charenton LA
2027 Tour du Teche Spring Race Series
Acadian Odyssey 8. 3 Mile Race March 2027
Top of the Teche 7.7 Mile Race April 2027
Chitimacha 10 Mile Race May 2027
Questions?
Contact Race Director Tave Lamperez
Cell Phone: 630-605-0671
Email: lamperez@netscape.net
Follow us on Facebook for race updates, announcements, training opportunities and events.
CLASSES/CATEGORIES
CLASSES/CATEGORIES
(For race registration)
1. Paddle
S — Single Blade
Canoe-style (single-bladed) paddle only
Unlimited boat length unless entered in Recreation
D/S— Single and or Double Blades
Any paddle may be used during the race
Unlimited boat length unless entered in Recreation
2. Paddler
Solo-one paddler
Examples:
SOLO D/S M
SOLO S M
SOLO S F
Tandem-two paddlers
Examples:
TANDEM D/S
TANDEM S
TANDEM S Mixed
Big Boat-three to six paddlers
Examples:
BIG BOAT D/S
BIG BOAT S
3. Gender Categories
Male (M)
Female (F)
Mixed
Mixed teams currently race with Men until participation supports a separate category.
4. Boat
Kayak
Canoe
Pirogue (Cajun canoe)
SUP (Stand-up paddle board)
USCA Canoe/Special canoe category:
-Single blade only
-USCA length and width specifications; USCA specifications apply - uscanoe.org
Tour du Teche 135 mile race Boat Recommendation
The Tour du Teche 135 is a long-distance endurance race designed for experienced paddlers and boats suited for extended river travel. Recreational-class boats (boats 17 feet and under) are not recommended for the 135-mile course due to the distance but are allowed.
Racers choosing to enter a recreational boat must understand the demands of the course and ensure their boat, equipment, and paddling ability are appropriate for this challenge. Safety remains the priority, and race officials reserve the right to address any safety concerns. Preparation and practice before the event are essential.
Class Adjustments
Classes may be combined or split depending on entries.
If more than three similar boats enter a category, additional subclasses may be created.
Changes can be made before race start.
Don’t see your boat selection, select “other.”
Any question, need help, etc.-contact TDT Race Director, Tave Lamperez
Phone: 630-605-0671
Email: lamperez@aol.com
MAPS
MAPS
RULES
RULES
Tour du Teche Relay race rules three days - this is new and really fun and great way to paddle the course but not the whole way!
More Tour du Teche Race Resources (Updated)
new-Quick Reference-TDT Pit Plan/Starts-Checkpoints-Finishes
Pit Plan 2026 Tour du Teche 135 and all Fall events estimated times and finish times (PDF)
Word version of 2026 Pit plan for Updating and customization (docx) version of the PDF file above (download and change)
TECHE Project Paddle Trail Planner PDF
Video of 2025 three-day Tour du Teche race focused on the winners Texas Young Guns (YouTube)
Tour du Teche 135 Driving Guide from TDTIII - one big correction, checkpoint of day 1 shows Breaux Bridge instead of Poche Bridge (mile 30)
Prior TDT Race Videos
2025 TDT 135 - Texas Young Guns Video by Annika Garcia
2025 TDT 135 - Texas Young Guns Video by Sandy Yonley
2024 TDT - Day 2 Key Stone Locks Portage Video by D. Herrick
Lodging and Accommodations
Host Hotel Forest Best Western located in Franklin, LA great for end of day 2 for Saturday night events For 2026 Oct 3 mention Group "Tour du Teche" for $85.00 price before taxes use Hotel Direct Number (337) 828-1810
Lodging one page summary with links for TDT 135 - 2026
Primitive camping option for TDT 135 - 2026
Link to st Martinville camping https://campingonthebayou.com/
Page updated
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