FOLAR has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2023 Paddle Battle. The weather forecast for Saturday, September 23rd is not optimal for paddling and river activities. Rain does not typically halt the event, however, the forecasted high wind and storm surge is potentially dangerous for attendees, paddlers, and volunteers.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. FOLAR has had to cancel the event only one other time due to similar dangerous forecasted weather.
Paddle Battle event t-shirts and pre-orders will be available for pick up at FOLAR’s office on the following days/times:
Tue. 9/26 & Wed. 9/27, 3pm-6pmSat. 9/30 10am-11amFOLAR Office
1964 Wakefield Ave
Petersburg, VA 23805
Or stop by our booth at the Festival of Grapes and Hops (a ticketed event):
Saturday 9/30 Festival of Grapes and HopsOld Towne Petersburg Harbor
277 River St
Petersburg, VA 23803
If you have any question or concerns, please feel free to e-mail us at [email protected].-------------------------------------
DOMINION ENERGY presents the 15th PADDLE-or-BATTLE on the scenic Appomattox River! This section of river is flatwater and tidal, and this year we're paddling
DOWNSTREAM, winding through beautiful marshy areas with lots of wildlife. We welcome paddlers of ALL LEVELS, and you have a choice of a 10-Mile Leisure Paddle, a 10-Mile Race (the battle!), or 2-Mile Shorty.
Registration includes shuttle, morning snacks, lunch, t-shirt, and handcrafted awards! Finish line activities include lunch with a scenic view at the pavilion overlooking the Hopewell City Marina where we are selling beer from Trapezium Brewing Co, King of Pops popsicles, and new fun merchandise!
Event proceeds support
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) conservation and stewardship programs.
NEW FREE Community Paddle! Come by the Finish Line Festivities at the Hopewell City Marina to experience one of the biggest sources of fun our region has to offer. Outdoor rec experts from
RVA Paddlesports will offer a variety of free paddling experiences appropriate for all ages and skill levels.
KAYAK RENTALS available. This year the race is going
DOWNSTREAM with the outgoing tide. Register today! The registration fee will increase $10 for day-of registrations.
Properly worn PFD's are required. All participants are required to complete liability waiver. Parent/Guardian signature required for all persons under 18 years of age. Under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE: The safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff is our primary concern. As such, FOLAR reserves the right to cancel any event at any time if we feel that the weather or conditions present an unsafe situation. In the event of inclement weather, the Paddle Battle is RAIN OR SHINE and will continue under the following circumstances:
• Rain - the event will NOT be cancelled due to rain showers alone.
• High Winds and or High Water Warning - The event will be canceled in the event of a warning.
• Lightning - If thunderstorms/lightning is forecasted for the event start, the event will be subject to cancellation.
The day prior to the event, Friday 9/22, an inclement weather update will be emailed to participants by noon. Day of event updates will be available on the registration website, Facebook, and Instagram page. If the event is canceled, an email notification will be sent regarding the pickup arrangements for event T-shirts and merchandise purchased.
Please stay aware of the weather and dress accordingly.