No need to keep your arms inside the vehicle at all times—the Muddy Water Paddle Company and the Baton Rouge Paddle Club present the third annual Big River Regional, a race along the largest river in North America beginning in the heart of our own city. Starting at 8 a.m. on the river at Florida Street downtown, more than 250 racers from all over the United States will kayak, canoe and ski down the waterway 13 miles to L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, where spectators can watch them finish.

Big River Regional will also hold a raffle for a YOLO board and a Hobie kayak, with all proceeds going to the Louisiana chapter of Heroes on the Water, a nonprofit that offers the therapeutic benefits of kayaking and fishing to military veterans. Check-in and a pre-party will take place Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, and the race begins Saturday, Aug. 29, at 8 a.m. An award ceremony will follow the race.