The world’s longest annual canoe and kayak race just became even more interesting.

The Yukon River Quest could see stand-up paddleboards join the race fleet in 2016, following a vote by the board yesterday to allow the vessels on an experimental basis.

Paddleboards resemble surfboards and see users maintain an upright stance, employing a long paddle to propel themselves through the water.

Race media director Jeff Brady said the River Quest has received multiple requests from interested stand-up paddleboarders in recent years.

The board agreed to allow as many as 10 stand-up paddleboards in 2016.

Paddleboard participants will be required to carry the required gear on their vessel.

“It’s kind of a new wave,” Brady said this morning, noting entries in the solo category will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Brady admitted the race is looking to boost participation numbers.

“It’s a trial run for one year. We’ll be watching them closely. If it works and we see enough of them finish, then we’ll talk about it again.

“I think it’s doable for sure,” Brady added. “The big concern is if there’s a headwind. It definitely will slow them down. We’ll just see how it goes.”

The 715-kilometre River Quest sees paddlers travel from Whitehorse to Dawson City by way of the Yukon River every year in late June – when daylight seems never-ending.

The race route includes two mandatory rest stops, totalling 10 hours.

The 2016 race is scheduled for June 29 to July 3, complete with its usual prize money purse of $36,500 – based on a full roster of 100 boats.

Last summer, 57 teams from 12 countries took part in the wilderness adventure race, with international kayak duo David Hutchison of Montana and Bob Ross of Ontario earning victory in 44:51:07.

In 2013, two men completed the race route in a rowboat, paddling unassisted as their desire to enter the Yukon odyssey was vetoed by race officials.

At that time, then-race president Carl Rumscheidt said rowboats simply didn’t align with traditional travelling on frontier rivers.

Travelling long distance via paddleboard is not unheard of.

In 2014, two Americans completed the Yukon 1,000 in nine and a half days. The biannual 1,600-km race is the world’s longest paddling race.

Race president Harry Kern introduced the idea at the board meeting, and said he was “very surprised” by the outcome.

“Most people approved it,” he said.

Renegade paddlers have attempted to have River Quest rules altered before.

“There’s always the safety thing to worry about,” Kern said. “We’ve been careful about changing the rules to accept new vessels based on safety and also volunteers. You don’t want to overstress them. As new categories come along, we’ll evaluate those requests. We’re open to any new ideas.”

Kern also noted the board is considering adding a shorter “half marathon” route to Carmacks.