17th annual Paddle Battle coming to Appomattox River in September

Aug 28, 2025 - 12:25

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PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Central Virginia residents and visitors have the chance to get active and enjoy the scenic Appomattox River, all while supporting its conservation during the 17th annual Paddle Battle in late September.

17th annual Paddle Battle

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) will host the 17th annual Paddle Battle from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, on the Appomattox River. The event is open to those of all levels.

Attendees have the option to participate in either a 10-mile Race, a 10-mile Leisure Paddle, or a 2-mile Guided Paddle.

All attendees will paddle downstream and will begin at Rotary Park on Pocahontas Island in Petersburg.

Two-mile guided paddle participants -- whose gear and equipment will be provided -- will end their paddle at Roslyn Landing Park, while 10-miler participants in both events will finish at the Hopewell City Marina.

Registration includes shuttle rides to and from parking areas, morning snacks, lunch, a Paddle Battle t-shirt and a wristband. Handcrafted awards will be given to race winners.

16th annual Paddle Battle on the Appomattox River in 2024 (Photo: Julia Broberg/8News)

PREVIOUSLY: Paddle Battle 2024 on the Appomattox

Schedule

From 7 to 8:30 a.m., shuttle rides will take attendees from the parking area at Hopewell City Marina to the check-in race area in Petersburg.

Also from 7 to 8:30 a.m., attendees can check in at Rotary Park at Pocahontas Island in Petersburg. Parking is available here.

At 9 a.m., the 10-mile Leisure Paddle will begin.

At 10 a.m., the 10-mile Race will begin.

At 11 a.m., the Guided Paddle will begin.

At noon, the awards ceremony will be held, and lunch will be served. FOLAR will also be selling merchandise, and folks can purchase drinks from Trapezium Brewing Co.

From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., shuttle rides will take participants back to Petersburg to pick up personal boats that are being transported via trailer down the river, if needed.

Additional information

All proceeds from the event support FOLAR's conservation and stewardship programs.

Kayak rentals are available for participants in the 10-mile Leisure Paddle, and they will be provided to all 2-mile guided paddlers.

Discounted registration is available for youth, military members, first responders and educators. Folks can email FOLAR's communications and marketing manager, Jackie, at jvari@folar-va.org to receive their coupon code.

For additional information about the event and to register, visit FOLAR's website.