Stretching over 6,500 acres in Indiana’s scenic hills, Lake James presents a paddleboarding experience unlike any other—the Poker Paddle. This event marries the thrill of open water with a game of chance, where paddlers navigate marked checkpoints across the lake to collect cards and complete winning poker hands. The lake’s surface dares you to skim across its shifting currents, weaving through pockets of forested shoreline that crowd the water’s edge, each bend offering a fresh vantage of the rolling Hoosier terrain.

The Poker Paddle course varies each year but typically covers 3-5 miles, enough to test endurance without exhausting casual adventurers. Elevation gain isn’t a factor on the water, but wind and waves provide their own challenge, pushing you to balance focus with poise. The shoreline paths leading to your launching point invite a brief hike—roughly half a mile of packed earth weaving through thick hardwoods and whispering pines, grounding you before you step into your board.

Timing your paddle is crucial. Early mornings offer calm waters and serene light, perfect for steadying your stroke and scouting card stations. Afternoon winds often swell, demanding more effort but rewarding seasoned paddlers with a rush of speed. Hydration is essential—bring water stored in easily accessible containers, ideally clipped securely to your board. Footwear should be quick-drying and secure; light neoprene booties or sturdy water shoes are wisest choices. A wide-brimmed hat and layered sun protection provide shield as the sun climbs.

Practical preparation complements the exhilaration. Buy or rent a paddleboard appropriate for open-water stability. Check local weather to anticipate swing in wind and temperature. The Poker Paddle is as much a test of strategy as stamina, so keep your hand close but eyes wider—spotting signs, shoreline animals, and fellow competitors sharpens the experience.

Win or lose, the lake responds with energetic ripples, playful breezes, and quiet bays echoing with the calls of herons and kingfishers. It’s an active dialogue between human and nature, encouraging respect and attentiveness if you want to keep pace with the lake’s fierce yet inviting personality. After the event, relax along the shores or hike nearby trails to let your muscles unwind in the shaded coolness, savoring the full spectrum of outdoor engagement.

Lake James’ Poker Paddle offers an adventure that combines water, wilderness, and a wink of chance. It makes for an accessible yet invigorating escape—ideal for casual paddlers ready to test themselves, and for the seasoned who crave a fresh spin on waterborne competition.