Welcome to Paddle Round the Island 2023!!!

NOTE ON AIR QUALITY: We're so excited to host our third annual Paddle Round the Island race at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Before we dive into the detailed racer and safety information, we wanted to address the current air quality situation. We have been religiously tracking the status of our local air quality in relation to the Canadian wildfires using the airnow.gov mapping, as well as various weather apps. For our area, we have generally moved between the yellow (moderate) and orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) conditions, with a few dips into the red (unhealthy), with particulates being the biggest issue. At this time, we are planning to move forward with the race on Saturday morning, as this issue is changing hourly and completely dependent on weather conditions. We advise every racer and volunteer to consider their own health before tackling/volunteering for this race, based on the conditions on Saturday morning. If predictive factors are showing that air quality conditions will be unsafe on race day, then we will unfortunately have to postpone and/or cancel the race. We will make any FINAL decisions by 5 AM on Saturday (please check your emails and/or our social media pages for any updates). Please know that we are hopeful that this will not happen, as this race is 100%-volunteer led, all proceeds benefit Tidewater Wildlife Rescue and Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge, and we are ready to race!
Your race committee,
Jenn, Lori, and Tricia

NOTE: REGISTRATION CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 AT 11:45 PM!!

Sure, paddling against your fellow competitors is fun and exciting, but why not kick it up a notch by racing against the tides?

Paddle On of Williamsburg presents our Third Annual Paddle Round the Island Race on June 10, 2023, at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. There will be 2 races: a 2.25-mile race on Gordon Creek (starting at 8:40 am) and a 7-mile race around Gordon Island (starting at 8:30/8:35 am depending on your paddle craft). High-tide for this area is 6:51 am so be ready to tackle those tides! (Race times may be adjusted as we get closer to race day.)

Note: This is NOT a closed course, so there will be boat traffic.

This beautiful wetland course offers amazing wildlife scenery as well as an athletic challenge. To help support and protect our local wildlife, the proceeds from the race will benefit the Tidewater Wildlife Rescue (a subsidiary of Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge). There will also be a raffle benefiting the organization, and if you bring them some much needed supplies you will earn a raffle ticket!  Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase on race day so don't forget your cash.

This race is open to paddlers of all levels ages 16+. 

Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be given out for male and female in the following categories:
7 mi - Surfski Kayak
7 mi - Kayak
7 mi - OC-1
7 mi - OC-2*
7 mi - SUP under 12'6"
7 mi - SUP 12'6" and over
7 mi - Prone
2.5 mi - SUP under 12'6"
2.5 mi - SUP 12'6" and over
2.5 mi - Kayak
2.5 mi - Prone

*awarded as a mixed category only

A post-race awards ceremony & celebration will be held at Billsburg Brewery starting at 11:00am. There is plenty of parking and you are always allowed to bring in your own chairs and blankets. The raffle will continue at Billsburg, so bring your CASH!!! The awards ceremony will start around 12 - that should give everyone time to grab a beer and some food from the food trucks. 

Camping is available at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, so make it a race weekend vacation by reserving a campsite at the following link https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/2769/Camping and enjoy all the attractions that the Historic Triangle has to offer.

NEW THIS YEAR: Pre-race day events on Friday, June 9, including a social paddle, SUP yoga, and early packet pick-up party at Billsburg Brewery. Even more fun reasons to make it a race weekend! Stay tuned for details!

Pricing Details: Early bird pricing opens on January 2, 2023

Jan 2 - Feb 2: $45
Feb 3 - May 13: $55
May 14 - June 7: $65 (t-shirt/tank top not guaranteed - register early and save some cash!)

Your registration comes with a t-shirt or tank top (please specify when you register) and an awesome day of fun!

***RACE IS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF MOTHER NATURE AND WILL BE CANCELLED IN CASE OF DANGEROUS WEATHER (THREAT OF LIGHTNING, DANGEROUS CURRENTS, OR HIGH WINDS). AS THIS IS A 100% VOLUNTEER-LED RACE, THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS ISSUED. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO RESCHEDULE THE RACE IF POSSIBLE. DETAILS WILL BE IN PRE-RACE EMAIL.***

For us, it's not just about winning a race, it's about creating community and enjoying nature together. Join us and create a beautiful memory!

Schedule of Events 

Friday, June 9 - Billsburg Brewery/James City County Marina

4-5:30 PM Social Paddle Meet-up, Billsburg Brewery/James City County Marina paddle craft launch

5-9 PM Pre-race Packet Pick-up party at Billsburg Brewery with music by Barry Manilow's Wardrobe (80s alternative) from 6-9 PM 

We will have the registration/check-in set up outside at Billsburg (look for the flags). Stop by to confirm your race length and paddle craft, drop off or sign the waiver, ask us questions, and pick up your race bib and t-shirt (for those that registered prior to May 30). You can also pick up your race packet on Saturday morning at the race.

Bring Cash! To raise even more money for Tidewater Wildlife Rescue (a subsidiary of Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge), we are selling raffle tickets onsite for some amazing prizes. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or 5 for $20.

Saturday, June 10- RACE DAY - Chickahominy Riverfront Park!!

7-8 AM Registration/Check-in 

PLEASE NOTE: All racers MUST stop by the check-in tent on Saturday to receive your racer wristband. (This is a change from the previously sent schedule.) For those racers that did not come to Billsburg on Friday, you will need to register/check-in to confirm your race length and paddle craft, drop off or sign the waiver, ask us any questions, and to pick up your race bib and t-shirt (for those that registered prior to May 30).

8:15 AM Racer Safety Meeting (can be on the water)

8:30 AM 7-mile START (kayaks, surfskis, OCs)

8:35 AM 7-mile START (SUPS)

8:40 AM 2.5-mile START (SUPS, kayaks)

11 AM Post-race Party at Billsburg Brewery

12 PM Awards and Raffle Prizes Announced

**All racers must clear the course by 11:30 AM**

Race Day Information

1. All racers MUST check-in at the registration tent by 8:15 AM to receive their racer wristband (even if you were at the packet pickup on Friday night, you must still stop by the check-in tent Saturday morning).

2. Race bibs must be worn on the course for timing to count. Please wear your race number on the left side of your body so time-keepers can easily see the number as you cross the finish. Because of our location change, please shout your race number as you cross the finish.

3. Arrive Early! Parking is first-come, first-serve and there is a bike race happening at the same time in the park. We are in the boat parking area this year, so be aware of the change. Parking volunteers will help direct you. Late arrivals will need to drop off their board at the unloading area and then park in the field on the opposite side of the road. You may keep your paddle craft and equipment with your vehicle or in the staging area. If you need help transporting your equipment to the launch areas, please ask a volunteer for assistance.

4. Bring Cash! To raise even more money for Tidewater Wildlife Rescue (a subsidiary of Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge), we are selling raffle tickets onsite for some amazing prizes. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket.

5. Raffle prizes will be drawn and Race Medals will be announced at the post-race party at Billsburg Brewery (2054 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA - about 10 minutes from the park). You do not need to be present to win a prize or collect your medal, but items will not be mailed (unless it's a digital gift certificate). (Due to the time differences on the courses and the lag time from start to finish, medals may be provided to the winners as soon as they are determined - if you need to leave early.)

6. The 7-mile race has two starts depending on your paddle craft: kayakers, surfskis, and outrigger canoes start at 8:30 AM and SUPs start at 8:35 AM. The 2.5-mile race starts at 8:40 AM. You will be given a 1-minute warning prior to race start and then a 10-second countdown. Please make sure that you start with the correct race!!

7. Water and snacks will be available onsite. On-the-water volunteers may also have water and Gatorade, if needed.

8. Restrooms are available onsite at the adjacent Bathhouse/Restroom noted on the map.

Racer Safety

1. All paddlers must have a PFD and signaling device (whistle) on board. Waist PFDs MUST be worn, while vest PFDs can be on your paddle craft (I encourage everyone to wear their PFDs!). All paddleboarders must wear a leash. The Coast Guard will be present on-site so please follow these standard paddling safety requirements.

2. Once you check-in and have received your racer wristband, please feel free to enter the water whenever you are ready.

3. All racers MUST attend the pre-race safety meeting at 8:15 am. We will review the water conditions (wind/weather/tides/depth concerns) and any other pertinent details related to the courses. You can be in the water during the safety meeting (we will have a megaphone).

4. Launching will take place at both beach areas. Those in the 2.5-mile race should hang back closer to the fishing pier area until the 7 milers have cleared the area. 

5. This is a shot-gun start. Please make sure to start with the correct race and be in the water and ready to go! The 7-mile race starts at 8:30 AM for kayakers/surf skis/outrigger canoes and 8:35 AM for SUPs. The 2.5-mile starts at 8:40 AM for kayaks and SUPs. 

6. Please review the course maps prior to race day. Racers following the 7-mile course will circle Gordon Island counterclockwise, as indicated on the map (Chickahominy River to Gordon Creek to Nayses Bay to Nettles Creek to Chickahominy River). Buoys and race volunteers will help mark the course. Watch out for shallow spots within Nayses Bay (the white PVC pipes mark the channel) and at the junction of Nettles Creek with the Chick River (stay in the middle, don't go too close to the wetland shores).

7. The 2.5-mile course will head up the Chickahominy River, turn into Gordon Creek, and then turn around at the yellow buoy just past the floating dock. You must go around the buoy (keeping it on your left side) and then return to the start to complete the 2.5 miles.

8. This is NOT A CLOSED COURSE. All racers must abide by water safety guidelines and rules of right-of-way. You MUST generally paddle on the right-hand side/half of the course waterway (except where noted or when safely passing another racer or when following the flow of Nettles Creek), and you MUST give way to all other watercraft (including rowers). 

9. Racers may cross over to the left-hand side of the course on Gordon Creek, as they near the Chickahominy River, after passing the concrete boat ramp AND the final No Wake Zone marker.

10. High tide is at 6:59 AM, so you will be paddling against the tide for the first half of your race. You have been warned! :)

11. Please bring water with you on the course, especially the 7-mile course. Electrolytes are highly recommended for the 7-milers, especially if we have a sunny and hot day.

12. There will be a sweep boat following along on the 7-mile course. Other boats and paddlers will be stationed along the 7-mile course as well in case you need help. 

13. If you experience a problem, please notify the first on-the-water volunteer you see or raise your paddle immediately if you cannot continue. You can also call me at 757-879-2458 if you have your phone. Safety volunteers can assist you by towing or contacting boat support if needed.

14. Please remember that we all have a duty to respond if a fellow paddler is in need. This is not an Olympic trial - the safety of our fellow paddlers is much more important. Please help them to safety first, and then continue to race.

15. Unfortunately we are subject to Mother Nature. The race will proceed as planned, rain or shine, as long as conditions are safe for racers (i.e., no lightning, no extreme winds/waves, air quality is unsafe). 

16. AIR QUALITY: We have been religiously tracking the status of our local air quality in relation to the Canadian wildfires using the airnow.gov mapping, as well as various weather apps. For our area, we have generally moved between the yellow (moderate) and orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) conditions, with a few dips into the red (unhealthy), with particulates being the biggest issue. At this time, we are planning to move forward with the race on Saturday morning, as this issue is changing hourly and completely dependent on weather conditions.We advise every racer and volunteer to consider their own health before tackling/volunteering for this race, based on the conditions on Saturday morning. If predictive factors are showing that air quality conditions will be unsafe on race day, then we will unfortunately have to postpone and/or cancel the race. We will make any FINAL decisions by 5 AM on Saturday (please check your emails and/or our social media pages for any updates). Please know that we are hopeful that this will not happen, as this race is 100%-volunteer led, all proceeds benefit Tidewater Wildlife Rescue and Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge, and we are ready to race!