The weather was nearly perfect on July 25 as 24 boats were competing in the Lazy Beaver Canoe and Kayak Race last Saturday on the Baraboo River between LaValle and Reedsburg. The race attracted paddlers from five states and the largest number of serious racers in the 26 year history of the race.

 First time entrant Robert Michalec of Bark River, Michigan was the fastest paddler, completing the 11+ mile race in two hours and two minutes in his kayak. It was an impressive time, given the fact the river was at its lowest water level ever for the Lazy Beaver. The father-son team of Brad and Stephen Roosma of Lodi, overall champions of the race in 2024 and 2025, paddled the fastest canoe, finishing in two hours, 15 minute and 20 seconds. They also won the Adult/Child Canoe division.

Other division winners were Sharon Page (Women’s Kayak), Marianne Wolda and Derrick DeYarman (Tandem Kayak and Best Decorated), Richard Reinders (Solo Canoe), and Rebecca Cies (Older that Dirt Kayak).   

Sponsored by the Reedsburg Kiwanis, the Lazy Beaver promotes recreation on the Baraboo River and uses proceeds from the race for river-related efforts and youth-oriented environmental projects.

A special THANK YOU to Jeff Seering who has been organizing and making the Lazy Beaver possible for 26 years!