JAMES CITY COUNTY — Get your paddles and boards ready. Paddle On of Williamsburg is hosting their first annual Paddle Round the Island Race on June 5 at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
“We’ve been talking about hosting a paddle race for a while, and we knew it would be a lot of work,” said Lori Erwin, who started Paddle On of Williamsburg six years ago. “We’re just thrilled we can finally do it.”
There will be two races available: a 2.5 mile race on Gordon Creek open to paddleboarders and a 7 mile race around Gordon Island that will be open to paddleboarders, kayakers, and surf ski kayakers.
What makes these races challenging is the time of day in which they will take place. High-tide for this area is 10:30 a.m., with the 7 mi race starts at 9 a.m. and the 2.5 mi starting at 9:30. The course is not closed, so additional boater traffic is also a possibility.
This race is open to paddleboarders and kayakers of all levels, ages 16 and up. All participants who register before May 16 will receive a T-shirt.
Awards will be given out for the following categories:
7 mi – Surf Ski Kayaks: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
7 mi – Kayaks: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
7 mi – Paddleboards under 12.6: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
7 mi – Paddleboards 12.6 and over: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
2.5 mi – Paddleboards under 12.6: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
2.5 mi – Paddleboards 12.6 and over: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
To help support and protect local wildlife, the proceeds from the races will benefit the Tidewater Wildlife Rescue. There will also be a raffle benefiting the organization. If you also donate some much needed supplies, you will be given a raffle ticket! Supply donations needed include: dog training pads, bleach, towels, blankets, and disinfecting wipes. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the race, so participants are advised to bring cash.
A post-race awards ceremony and celebration will be held at Billsburg Brewery beginning at 1 p.m. Racers who bring in their race bib can receive a $1 off a beer..
For more information about Paddle Round the Island, visit Paddle On of Williamsburg’s website.
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