About The Event
The wild over derby has been hosted by the Shortsville-Manchester Chamber of Commerce for over 50 years! Get your friends together and sign up for this Year's Wild Water Derby where you will ride down the Canandaigua Outlet in a Raft, canoe, or whatever you can make float! Come participate in this wild adventure or bring your family to come and watch. There will be fun, food and a good time for all. Join us the last weekend in April where to watch the race starting in Historic Littleville (hopewell), and racing through Shortsville and Manchester.
Teams
Event Schedule
This is the schedule. It is subject to change based on weather conditions. Check back frequently.
Breakfast at the American Legion
Enjoy an amazing breakfast with fellow racers.
Breakfast has been cancelled
Vendor Craft Show Setup Water Street/Budd Park
Craft show/vendors go the duration of the Derby
Raft Parade
From high school to starting line.
First Launch Littleville
Rafters will be launched one at a time.
Duck DerbyWater Street/Budd Park
Have A Duck in the Race.
You can get a great dinner at The Depot or Jack's kitchen in Shortsville.
Event Venue
Shortsville, NY
The race starts off on the Canandaigua Outlet in historic Littleville (Hopewell),
continues Budd Park in Shortsville,
and ends in Manchester just before the New York State Thruway.
Spectators watch all along the waterfront with the biggest watching at Budd Park in Shortsville. Vendors will be on the lawn out side the Red Jacket school.
Rules
Raft Construction Rules
- Each raft must have a launch rope tied to the end that is 20’ long and strong enough to pull the water out of the Outlet at the end of the raise.
- If any wood screws are used, they must be completely screwed into 2X type material with no exposed tips that could cut anyone.
- Where bolts are used, extra long bolts located near paddlers shall be shortened to prevent injury.
- Rafts and raft items that are not pulled out by the recovery team at the end of the course must be removed by the rafting team within two weeks after the race (water level will be lowered to assist you).
Other than that, be imaginative.
Safety Rules for Derby Participants
- There are no age restrictions. Historically, we have had children as young as 12 years old on rafts with parents. However, the insurance liability for a minor must be signed by a parent at the registration table.
- PDF’s and helmets are required, which we have available for free use at the starting line.
- There is no limit to the number of people on a raft or canoe. However, every one on the raft must be registered
- FYI, at the rapids, you will always be in full view by members of our multiple swift water rescue teams.
Safety and fun are number 1!
Gallery
Check our gallery from past Wild Water Derbys
F.A.Q
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Do I have to wear a lifejacket or PFD?
Yes as well as an helmet. For more details Check out the safety section.
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How many people can I have on my team?
You can have as mean as you would please but all members going in the boat must be registered.
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Is there an age limit?
There are no age restrictions. Historically, we have had children as young as 12 years old on rafts with parents. However, the insurance liability for a minor must be signed by a parent at the registration table.
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Do I need to provide my own PFD and Helmet?
We have some available for free use at the starting line.
Weather Forecast
Today
Racer Registration
$500 Cash Prize goes to the winner
Thank you to everyone who raced and cheered everyone on!
See you in 2027 for another great year of the Wild Water Derby!
Registration is now open for the 2026 Derby!
Thank you to everyone who has pre-registered so far!
Good luck racers!
Vendor Registration
Thank you to everyone who raced and cheered everyone on!
See you in 2026 for another great year of the Wild Water Derby!
Vendor Registration is now open for the 2026 Derby!
You will receive an email when approved.