For more details visit:
https://cvillepaddlers.com/

Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Race starts promptly at 10am. Mandatory safety briefing at 9:30am after which boats will start putting on the water.

*Please note, your online transaction will be processed through PaddleGuru, but ALL proceeds go to http://www.HopeCville.com, a non-profit organization.

The Rivanna River Canoe & Kayak Race is back!  May 3, 2025

We are reviving the river race that had been an annual tradition for more than 17 years in the Charlottesville area prior to 2024.

Who?

Canoe and kayak paddlers of all sizes and stripes who wish to turn out for a glorious day of fun and camaraderie. You don’t have to be a serious competitor to enjoy this event, but if you are a “floater” who likes to take your good ole time leisurely floating down a river, this might not be the event for you. Out of respect to our volunteers and competitors who will be eager to get everyone safely off the river and get to the awards ceremony after the race, we do ask that you have a serious intention to paddle at least mostly continuously so you don’t hold up the event.

What?

A 6.2-mile paddling race down the Rivanna River in scenic Albemarle County, VA, skirting the city of Charlottesville. This is a mostly gentle section of the river with some Class I and a few Class II – II+rapids, depending upon water levels. Previous river paddling experience is highly suggested.

You will likely encounter contact with rocks at this time of year so only plastic or fiberglass canoes and kayaks are recommended. Race organizers are not responsible for any damage to your watercraft, so you probably want to leave that high-end carbon/Kevlar boat at home unless you don’t mind making what might be a costly repair after the race.

Registration fee is $35 per paddler. If you would like to make an additional, tax-exempt, charitable donation greater than the standard registration fee to support the Hope Is Everything charity, it would be greatly appreciated. Bring extra cash or checks to the starting line to make an extra donation, but all registrations are online this year. You will be required to sign a waiver on the day of the event.

Shuttle is not provided so paddlers are encouraged to work out their own shuttle arrangements for the race or use the buddy system on race morning. Paddlers completing the race are strongly encouraged to ask fellow paddlers if they need a lift and offer shuttles back to the starting line after the race.