RVA Paddlesports

Big Splashy Water Levels have returned! Come join us for the best urban whitewater in the country.

🏴‍☠️ Bedlam at Belle Isle: Pirate Rafting Race Returns! 🌊

Racers should join us May 14 at 6 PM at Reedy Creek. Teams of of four will battle it out in a relay-style whitewater rafting race from First Break to Lunch Rock.

Celebrate the kickoff of main raft season with one of Richmond’s favorite community river events. Spectators are welcome at Belle Isle, with racing expected to begin around 7 PM.

Grab your crew, bring your pirate spirit, and come cheer on the chaos! ⚓️🔥

Two down, two to go! If you missed the others, we still have two Paddle in Your Park events coming up to help you ring in summer right. ☀️🛶

🌊May 9th - 1-3pm: PIYP Fest @ Hopewell City Park

Join us at Hopewell City Park on the beautiful Appomattox River for a free day of paddling and fun on the water. Boys to Men Mentoring will be providing goodies and snacks so make sure to stop by and chat with them about how you can get involved. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽

🌊June 21st - 11-3pm: Play All Day @ Lakeview Park

On the summer solstice, we are partnering with Virginia Recreation and Park Society to bring Paddle in Your Park to Colonial Heights! We will be at Lakeview Park from 11 to 3 as part of their Play All Day initiative. With activities set up across the state, it truly is an event you won’t want to miss.🌸

These events are free of charge but we will be accepting donations on behalf of Boys to Men Mentoring Virginia . Pre-register and donate online or walk up day of!

Through the years, newer equipment but the same skills. Swiftwater Rescue training is an integral part of our development for new and seasoned guides. Our spring classes are full but look for more opportunities in June if you are interested in a course.

📍 June 5-6: Sierra Rescue/ACA L4 - Swiftwater Reacue Training

📸 Photos generously provided by MSB of Richmond Raft Company circa 1995

🏙️ Whitewater Kayaking Classes are kicking off!
Join us this spring and elevate your skills.

🛶 Intro to Whitewater Kayaking
Choose a 1-day or 2-day option (4 hours each day) and build a strong foundation on Class I–II rapids of the Upper James. Perfect for beginners ready to get started!

🌊 Fall Line Mastery Course
1st session starts this weekend!
Take it to the next level with our month-long program (8 sessions, 26 total hours). Progress from fundamentals to confidently running Class III rapids on the Lower James.

🌀Roll Clinics
Every Wednesday evening—2-hour sessions focused on refining your strokes and finally nailing that roll.

📈Kayak Progression Sessions
Join us on weeknights on the Lower James to sharpen your skills and get high level coaching that will take your paddling to the next level.

Whether you’re just getting started or pushing into bigger water, we’ve got a course for you. Let’s get you on the river 💪

📍 Spots are limited—sign up now and start your whitewater journey! As always give us a message or call if you have questions or need assistance booking the class that is right for you.

Last weekend of Spring Guide Training and the first weekend of seasonal weather 🥶. The team is really starting to gel and develop.

Warm weather returns Monday & we are stoked to be offering rafting and kayaking trips all week for spring break!

Spring is here, which means Paddle in Your Park is back! These FREE community events are your chance to try paddlesports in your own backyard. 🛶🌸

On April 11th, we will be joining for their Earth Day Festival! Enjoy our boat demonstrations, food trucks, and other activities at Deep Run Park, as we celebrate the planet we call home! 🌎 🤍

Then, on April 25th we are bringing Paddle in Your Park to Forest Hill! Check out the gear swap hosted by .rva and then come on down to the lake to try your hand at kayaking , paddle boarding, or rafting. 🌳🚣🏽‍♂️

The following month, on May 9th, we will be at Hopewell City Park. Join and as we enjoy some time on the Appomattox River, paddling and engaging with the communities around Richmond. 🌊🌿

Pre-register on our website now!

🎄 🚌 🎁 RVA Tacky Light Tour Vibes 🎅 ☃️ 🧝

Give the gift of experience this Holiday Season! Grab one of our custom gift certificates online and we will mail you a physical copy to gift your special someone. Gift certificates are valid for any of our activities including rafting, kayaking, courses, & tacky tours! 🌊 🏄‍♂️ 🎄