Join the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) for the Fourth Annual Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe (TERC CIRC 4) a fundraising event to support science around the lake and beyond while kayaking Lake Tahoe. This kayaking event will take place over seven days, starting Monday, June 17 and concluding Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Many people have paddled Lake Tahoe, but this event is unique. In addition to each day’s 6-13 miles of spectacular shoreline paddling, you will get to see, share and learn about Lake Tahoe’s ecology, geology and emerging challenges. TERC’s scientific experts will illustrate the science being used to restore Lake Tahoe.

Registration

Come for just a day or two, or join the ranks of the epic few who have completed the entire circumnavigation. Space is limited! A description of each day’s route will be provided during registration.

• Join for a day: $150
• Join for two days: $250
• Join for three days: $350
• Join for four or more: $400

Note: Registration is refundable up to 30 days prior to the event. Eventbrite's fees are nonrefundable.

Paddlers will enjoy:

• Shuttle service from takeout points back to put-in points to retrieve your car.
• Monday, June 17, enjoy a pre-launch coffee/tea and pastries.
• Basic strokes demonstration before each launch.
• A commemorative TERC CIRC 4 gift.
• The unique camaraderie of joining like-minded paddlers in doing a good turn for the lake.
• Sunday afternoon, June 23, a complimentary celebratory party with your fellow paddlers to enjoy food, wine, beer, and other refreshments.

Details

Boat selection

The best watercraft for this event is a sit-inside, long, skinny, sea kayak. The ubiquitous sit-on-top plastic kayaks seen everywhere on the lake will work and be safe, but will require more energy to paddle and will be slower. Likewise for pedal kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes. Whatever your boat, you should be able to paddle five miles in two hours or less.

Route

Each day’s route will be near shore and extend for between 6 and 13 miles. We will stop for a rest on all but one of the days. The odyssey starts at Sand Harbor, NV, and proceeds counterclockwise around the lake. Route details will be provided after registration.

Note: should weather—especially high winds—be a problem on any given day, that day will be canceled and the successive days modified.

Launches and landings

Paddlers will be shuttled in a bus from takeout to put-in each day, to retrieve their cars. Multi-day paddlers will also be provided with onshore boat storage at each takeout.

AIS Requirements

If you are paddling the Nevada side of the lake, you must obtain an Alien Invasive Species (AIS) sticker. This sticker must be displayed on your boat, per instructions. The cost is $6.

If you are paddling the California side, review and certify yourself and your boat on the Tahoe Keepers.

More information available