Fins may be seen surfacing the waters of Krebs Lake as the 2026 Pascagoula River Paddle Battle celebrates its 10th anniversary.
But don’t worry…it isn’t sharks. It is just some enthusiastic paddlers paying homage to Pascagoula’s native son, Jimmy Buffett, with a little fin action during this annual event.
Registration is open for this exciting paddling event on the Gulf Coast where up to 100 participants battle the Pascagoula River. To honor Buffett and the 10th anniversary of this event, participants may choose to participate in a “Fins Up” sprint. The sprint is an two-mile race that will circle Krebs Lake, starting and ending at the La Pointe Krebs Launch.
Paddlers will begin the 11-mile course on October 3, 2026, at Little River Marina at 8 a.m. and continue downward before sliding ashore at the historic La Pointe Krebs House located on the shores of Krebs Lake in Pascagoula. 
The Pascagoula River is one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s officially designated water trails and features a uniquely adventurous perspective of the region’s natural beauty and native flora and fauna. The Pascagoula River, also known as the “Singing River”, is the largest free flowing (unimpeded) river system in the contiguous United States.
Jimmy Krebs, one of the event coordinators said the paddle was developed along with the beginning of the Pascagoula River Blueway discussion. He said it was a great opportunity to showcase the Pascagoula River.
“Who at the beginning of the plan for the blueway ever imagined that an event of this type and size would showcase the river for so many to enjoy,” he said. “Volunteers jumped at this chance.”
The Pascagoula River Paddle Battle welcomes all types of human powered paddle craft. Racers will drop their paddle craft at Little River Marina in Moss Point and then park their vehicles at the La Pointe Krebs House in Pascagoula. Shuttles will be provided back to the race start.
The registration fee for the Pascagoula River Paddle Battle is $50 per person through August 31, and $60 from September 1 to 30. After September 30, registration is $70. The registration fee for the “Fins Up” Sprint is $45 through September 30, and $55 after September 30. Click here for more information.
Eric Richards, one of the original coordinators and an avid paddler, said this race has always had the goal of showcasing the Pascagoula River, and unlike other events, features gorgeous native scenery.
“This has been our goal for the past 10 years,” Richards said. “Besides the competition aspect of racing the 11.5 mile course, many participants enjoy the scenery, camaraderie with other like-minded participants, and the feeling of accomplishment with completing the course.”
Paddlers should collect registration packets on Friday, October 2, between 5 and 7 p.m. at the La Pointe Krebs House located at 4602 Fort Street in Pascagoula where special Krebs Lake activities are being planned.
Swag bag and event t-shirt guaranteed if registered by September 15. Registered members of the American Canoe Association will receive a $10 registration discount. Registration Fees are Non-refundable, and last day registration is allowed but only in person on October 2. Registration will not be allowed on race day.
Prizes will be awarded in each category along with an engraved cypress disc will be issued to each person who finishes first, second or third in their respective categories. The signature cypress discs with an engraved logo and award plate will also be issued for first, second and third place overall in the male and female categories only.
Cash Prizes will be:
Pascagoula River Paddle Battle: 1st overall male and female = $100 each, 2nd overall male and female = $50 each, and 3rd place overall male and female = $25 each.
Fins Up Sprint: 1st overall male and female = $50 each, and 2nd overall male and female = $25 each.
If one of the winners for either race is in a tandem kayak the prize shall be split between the paddlers. If one of the winners is a tandem “mixed” kayak, the male prize will be given to the paddlers.
Lunch will be served as paddlers finish the battle.
*All photos are courtesy of the PB website.
