Rivanna River Regatta Charlottesville - Race Information
Charlottesville area recreational canoe and kayak paddlers who support the annual Rivanna River Regatta canoe and kayak races. Our goal is to promote recreation, conservation, and sportsmanship through paddling on the Rivanna.
All information about the May 12, 2018 Rivanna Canoe & Kayak Race has moved over to CvillePaddlers.com this year.
Here is a link directly to the information page where you may register online and also print out the ACA Waiver and bring it with you on race day.
http://www.cvillepaddlers.com/2018race.html
The information on this blog will stay up for historical purposes.
This will be an ACA sanctioned event and we highly encourage you to join ACA.
Our Race Coordinator is retiring this year so we are looking for volunteers to help with this year's event and we are also seeking sponsors willing to make donations to help offset expenses and/or donate prizes, door prizes, etc. We are very flexible and liberal with the exposure we can give you on all our race materials.
If interested, please contact race [at} cvillepaddlers {dot} com
"My name is Kristin Bartschi and I'm a volunteer with TheNatureConservancy. TNC is partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to hold a Clean the Bay Day in the Charlottesville area on Saturday, June 3rd. I'm
reaching out to you to see if CVille Paddlers would be interested in
volunteering for this event. (The Reservoir cleanup site is kayak/canoe
friendly!) An event description and link to register is below.
Clean the Bay Day, Saturday, June 3: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its partners throughout the Commonwealth invite you to help save the Bay by picking up shoreline, waterway, and watershed litter during the 29th Annual Clean the Bay Day on June 3, 2017. Join thousands of fellow Virginians in removing unhealthy debris from cherished waterways throughout the Commonwealth.
By boat or on foot, gather your family, friends, neighbours, groups,
and co-workers for a fun day and a worthwhile way to help Save the Bay.
Update: 7:48pm Friday...The race section was paddled after work and it is clear of obstacles! Flow and level is normal for this time of year and there are still a few rocks that can be bumped. Just a couple things to note that will be covered at the safety briefing at the starting line. River is at a good level, the water is clear, and we'll have a great morning on the river tomorrow! Come on out!!
As of now the race is still a "go" for Saturday. The river level is near perfect!
The Race Coordinator is monitoring the weather closely and will make an announcement here if anything changes.
Rain is in the forecast but unless there is lightning at race time or the river rises to remarkably high levels, we will run this race in the rain.
Please note, Rivanna River Company is providing a free shuttle BEFORE the race from Darden Towe Park back to the starting line, so get there early enough to drop your boat and gear at the starting line and take your car to Darden Towe Park and catch a shuttle back.
Alternatively, we always have volunteers who will drive you back to the starting line to get your car after the race.
Friday 5/17 update, 9:20am. ~~Still a "go"~~
Word from the Race Coordinator:
"We'll go rain or shine with two, 'No Go' reasons:
1. If there are thunder storms close by with lightning
2
If the river is above 2-3 ft above normal spring flow. Right now, it
looks OK."
River level, 9:20am Friday, May 12, Palmyra. 712cfs-A great level!
Merrill Bishop and Charlottesville Area Paddlers present the 12th Annual Rivanna River Regatta Canoe and Kayak Races, Saturday, May 13 on the Rivanna River in Charlottesville, VA.
The 6.2-mile downriver race will continue in its tradition of determining and recognizing the area's fastest paddlers.
Racers should assemble under the Rt. 29 bridge at Rio Mills Rd.(just north of Sam's Club & Brown Automotive) beginning at 8:30am and be prepared to start the first heat at 10am. There will be a mandatory safety meeting at 9:15am. The finish line will be the Darden Towe Park boat ramp and the fastest racers could cross the finish line by 10:45-10:55am, depending upon the water level on race day.
Medals awarded to top paddlers in several canoe and kayak categories.
$20 per paddler, max $40 per craft to cover insurance & logistics.* All kayakers and canoers welcome. Race course includes Class II—II+ rapids. Paddle at your own risk. (Signed waiver forms required.) It is highly recommended you paddle this section of river prior to race day to familiarize yourself with it.
Bring your canoe or kayak and join in the fun or just come out for a picnic and enjoy meeting local paddlers and watching the races.
Rivanna River Co. can supply rental boats at the race put-in. These will need to be pre-arranged by emailing or calling us with the desired craft type and number. Options are solo kayak, tandem kayak, and canoe. We will discount our usual rental rates to $25 for a solo kayak and $33 for a tandem kayak or canoe. Email RivannaRiverCompany@gmail.com or call (434) 218-2052.
We will also provide complimentary shuttle rides for all racers who want to park at Darden Towe before the race so come early and drop your boat at the starting line and then head to Darden Towe.
Thank you to all who paddled and/or volunteered to make this year's race a success! We had a record number of paddlers this year and, as always, we ask for your feedback on how this race can be improved.
We especially thank members of the George Dickel Chapter of the Float Fishermen of Virginia who volunteered both on land and in the water as safety boaters. They did a great job ensuring we all remained safe and helped keep things running smoothly.
On May 4, Wednesday at 10 am we'll be sending
a debris and sweep clearing crew down this stretch of the river. If
you can help, please come. We'll likely need a chainsaw (or two) to
shorten some of the sweeps and we'll pick-up trash along the way. Gabe
Silver will be there with his trailer load of canoes and kayaks so if
you want to use one, then, e-mail RivannaRiverCompany@gmail.com and make your needs known. Bring a few large trash bags, leather gloves, perhaps a shovel, and I'll throw in a coil of rope.
On May 7, Saturday at 9 am,
we'll have an orientation flotilla headed down this 6.2 mile course
departing from the 29 North Put-In right there at the stoplight at 29
North and Rio Mills Rd. We'll have a number of "newbys" exploring this
stretch of the river for the first time. I've also invited some of the
"press" to "paddle" along and possibly get some "action" shots in the
two, Class II rapids. Please respond so we'll be able to arrange photo
Ops for them. If you need a canoe, again, contact Gabe.
The 11th annual Rivanna River Regatta Canoe & Kayak Races will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016. Racers to assemble starting ~8:00am for registration. First race starts promptly at 10am. Mandatory safety meeting at 9am.
Racers may be started together at 10am sharp or there may be several heats. Race Coordinator reserves the right to combine or eliminate categories depending upon the number of paddlers in each category on race day.
Where? Paddlers assemble at registration/start line 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 6.2 miles later at the boat ramp in Darden Towe Park on the east side of Charlottesville. First place paddlers may finish by approx. 10:45am. Awards ceremony will be held at Darden Towe boat ramp shortly after the last racer completes the race (estimated 12:30-1pm.)
$20 entrance fee per adult, $10 age 13-18, $5 kids under 13. All kayakers and canoers welcome. Race course includes Class II—II+ rapids. Paddle at your own risk. (Signed waiver forms required.) Public spectators welcomed and encouraged at the finish line at Darden Towe Park.
Boat rentals ($10) and free shuttle provided by Rivanna River Company. Please contact them directly before the end of business, Thursday, May 12 to make arrangements.
www.RivannaRiverCompany.com
(434) 218-2052
RivannaRiverCompany@gmail.com
Contact for more information:
Merrill Bishop, Race Coordinator
Tel: 434-975-3072; Email: rambishop1@gmail.com
Visit www.CvillePaddlers.com
For more information, links, and photos & videos from previous races
Categories will be consistent with previous years, pending the number and types of crafts that enter on race day. Canoeists may only use single-blade paddles for competition. Approved PFD's must be worn.
Preparation/Test Runs: On
the afternoon of May 1 through just before dark on May 3, the gate to this 29
North Put-In will be open and paddlers are encourage to make this 6.2 mile run
to get acquainted with the rapids. On
Saturday May 2, a flotilla of veteran paddlers/workers will start down at 10:00
am with their primary “duty” to clear any fallen trees or other obstructions to
river navigation. This is a great time
of beginners to accompany these veterans down this stretch of the river. They may even want to pick up their craft,
carry it back up stream and make additional runs through the different
rapids.