Friday, April 24, 2009

Dogwood parade float and new promo video

Hey, we'll have a float in the Dogwood Parade on Saturday April 25. Come on out and cheer on the winners from last year who will be riding on the float.

Also, check out the new promo video (click on the photo below):


And don't forget to print out and circulate some copies of the flyer that contains full details about the regatta and race.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Rivanna Rapids

 
 
 

For those of you who will paddle the Rivanna or choose to join the races on May 9, here are some photos of what are probably the most challenging set of rapids on the race route. These rapids are located just up river of and under the train trestle between the Carrsbrook and Bentivar subdivisions along the Rivanna River on the north side of Charlottesville. Depending upon the water conditions, these rapids are easily Class II so they can require a bit of skill to navigate. These photos were taken this past Monday evening with a moderate amount of water coming over the South Rivanna Reservoir dam.
(photos courtesy of Konrad Zeller)
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

2008 Race Winners

 

Join us on May 9, 2009 and YOU could take the place of one of the people in this photo as a winner of the 2009 Rivanna River Regatta and Boat Races!
Posted by Picasa

Friday, April 3, 2009

Help promote this event

Please print out some copies of the flyer for this event and post them around town.

Rivanna River Regatta & Boat Race Saturday, May 9, 2009

What? The 4th annual Rivanna River Regatta and Boat Races
featuring several classes of races including: Open-Solo, Open-Dual,
Parent/Child and Under Age 14. Prizes in each category. No entrance
fee, open to the public. All kayakers and canoers welcome. Adult
races cover 8.2 miles of the Rivanna River and include some Class 2
rapids. Paddle at your own risk.

When? Saturday, May 9, 2009. Adult racers assemble at 9am for
registration, first race starts promptly at 10am. Under Age 14 racers
assemble at Darden Towe Park at 12 noon (more below*). Depending
upon the number of participants, all adult classes and racers may be
started together at 10am sharp.

Where? Adult racers assemble under the Route 29 bridge north of
Charlottesville, just north of the DoubleTree Hotel/Sam’s Club on the
upstream side of the bridge off Rio Mills Road. Race finish line is 8.2
miles later at the boat ramp in Darden Towe Park on the east side of
Charlottesville.
* Under Age 14 Race: Assemble at Darden Towe Park for
registration at Noon, race starts at north end of Darden Towe Park at
1pm. The finish line for this race is also the Darden Towe boat ramp and
is approximately 1 mile in length.

Why? For the thrill of the race and the love of paddling, to meet other
local paddlers and to foster an appreciation of the scenic Rivanna
River.

Contact for more information: Merrill Bishop, Race Coordinator, Tel:
434-975-3072; Email: rambishop@aol.com.

Or join the Rivanna Regatta Group on Facebook to learn more,
ask questions and to simply connect with other local paddlers year-
round.

NEWS RELEASE, 2009 Rivanna River Regatta

Date: March 27, 2009
Contact: Merrill Bishop,Tel.: 434-975-3072; email: RAMBISHOP@aol.com
For Immediate Release

Rivanna River Regatta and Races
Scheduled for Area Canoe and Kayak Paddlers

Charlottesville, VA - The 4th annual Rivanna River Regatta and Races are scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2009. This annual event includes several classes of races and a recreational paddle.

The several classes of races include the highly competitive Open class, a Tandem class, a Parent/Child class and a shorter, less challenging Under Age 14 race with cash prizes in each category up to $100. There is no entrance fee and this event is open to the public on this 8.5 mile stretch of the scenic Rivanna River that skirts Charlottesville from north to east.

Merrill Bishop, Race Coordinator states:
“The purpose of this event is to introduce as many people as possible to the fun of canoeing and kayaking while building an appreciation for the Rivanna River. This is a relatively easy whitewater course so folks without extensive experience can get a taste of the thrill of water sports while meeting local paddling enthusiasts.”

“Many people do not even notice the Rivanna River as they speed over it on a bridge. It is a beautiful river with both slow water and some faster water with low-grade rapids and abundant wildlife including great blue herons, beavers and even some local bald eagles. We want to promote the recreational value of the Rivanna while preserving its natural beauty. There is no better way to preserve the river than to get locals connected with it and appreciate it because we always protect those things that we value and appreciate most.”

Those wishing to participate in the event should assemble under the Route 29 bridge on Rio Mills Road (just north of Sam’s Club on the upstream side of the bridge) between 9-9:30am on May 9 for sign-in. The first race starts promptly at 10am. Sign-in for the shorter, Under Age 14 race will start at 12pm at Darden Towe park and that race will begin at 1pm sharp at the north end of Darden Towe Park. The awards ceremony will be at the Darden Towe boat ramp at 1:30pm. This is also the finish line for all races.

This event is a great way to meet local paddlers and help foster an appreciation of this invaluable, natural resource.

Contact the race coordinator for additional information or visit the ongoing Rivanna River Regatta Group on Facebook to learn more, ask questions, arrange transportation or simply network with local paddlers year-round.
# # #