2022 FALL PADDLE SEASON
Friends of Dragon Run (FODR) welcomes you to one of the most beautiful rivers in Virginia. We are dedicated to preserving this waterway and excited for you to see how beautiful it is in autumn! The bald cypress trees take on a rust color and the silky dogwood and winterberry bushes provide lots of red along the banks of the Dragon. Migrating birds stop to feed on the bright red berries which are high in fat and provide the nutrients that the birds need during migration. We thank you for your interest in Dragon Run and look forward to meeting you on the day of your paddle trip.
The 2022 Fall Season will take place from October 20th through November 2nd by reservation only. We will host paddles on all of the dates listed; using a roundtrip route from Big Island, and we will take COVID-19 vaccinated guests (adding other COVID 19 precautions if required by the Virginia Department of Health or the CDC).
Here are the details:
Vaccinations required: We ask that everyone be vaccinated. Please do not make a reservation unless you are fully vaccinated. Wearing masks especially on land and when close to others on the water may help prevent the spread of infection even for those who are fully vaccinated.
Dates: October 20th through November 2nd, weather permitting.
Limited group size: 8 Guests maximum each day. Group reservations will be permitted, but the
maximum group size is 8. Every paddler must be at least 18 years old.
Route: We will launch from Big Island and return after about 2.5 to 3 hours. We will paddle sometimes against the current, so this paddle may be more strenuous than our pre-Covid paddle trips.
Start times and place: We will meet at our Big Island Complex. The meeting time for all the paddlers is 9:00 a.m. We will be off the water by 12:00. Directions and a map are provided below.
No Radios: We will not use individual radios or headsets or earpieces.
No lunch break: We will not stop for an extended group lunch break, but we will take several
short breaks for folks to hydrate, so bring water and snacks. No alcoholic beverages permitted.
Reservations: Reservations will open on 9/1/22 at 9 am. Go to www.dragonrun.org and click to Register. We have a new registration format! You will need to enter your cell phone number, email, and address information. The contact information for all paddlers in your party will also need to be entered at the time of sign-up (please be prepared with all the contact info for your party - the system does not allow repeats). This information is an important tool for assisting guests if they are late to the event or if there is a weather-related issue! Donations must be paid by online credit card transaction at the time of reservation. The suggested amount is $50. per person.
The 2022 Fall Season will take place from October 20th through November 2nd by reservation only. We will host paddles on all of the dates listed; using a roundtrip route from Big Island, and we will take COVID-19 vaccinated guests (adding other COVID 19 precautions if required by the Virginia Department of Health or the CDC).
Here are the details:
Vaccinations required: We ask that everyone be vaccinated. Please do not make a reservation unless you are fully vaccinated. Wearing masks especially on land and when close to others on the water may help prevent the spread of infection even for those who are fully vaccinated.
Dates: October 20th through November 2nd, weather permitting.
Limited group size: 8 Guests maximum each day. Group reservations will be permitted, but the
maximum group size is 8. Every paddler must be at least 18 years old.
Route: We will launch from Big Island and return after about 2.5 to 3 hours. We will paddle sometimes against the current, so this paddle may be more strenuous than our pre-Covid paddle trips.
Start times and place: We will meet at our Big Island Complex. The meeting time for all the paddlers is 9:00 a.m. We will be off the water by 12:00. Directions and a map are provided below.
No Radios: We will not use individual radios or headsets or earpieces.
No lunch break: We will not stop for an extended group lunch break, but we will take several
short breaks for folks to hydrate, so bring water and snacks. No alcoholic beverages permitted.
Reservations: Reservations will open on 9/1/22 at 9 am. Go to www.dragonrun.org and click to Register. We have a new registration format! You will need to enter your cell phone number, email, and address information. The contact information for all paddlers in your party will also need to be entered at the time of sign-up (please be prepared with all the contact info for your party - the system does not allow repeats). This information is an important tool for assisting guests if they are late to the event or if there is a weather-related issue! Donations must be paid by online credit card transaction at the time of reservation. The suggested amount is $50. per person.
REFUND POLICY
Refunds will be offered if FODR cancels the paddle trip due to weather or if a paddler is ill. Many paddlers whose trips have been canceled by FODR or who have changed their plans do not ask for a refund. Since this is our principal fundraising activity, we hope that you will take advantage of this option.
If we cancel a paddle trip or make any changes, we will call the phone number that you give us when you make your reservation. If you are part of a group, please give your mobile phone number to your group. It will be the group leader’s responsibility to notify everyone in the group of changes.
Tax Deductions: IRS requires that a receipt be provided to any donor upon request, and that a contemporaneous receipt be issued at the time of a donation of $250 or more. FODR will provide a receipt if requested. The receipt will disclose that the trip is valued at $15, and that any donation in excess of $15 may be considered a donation to Friends of Dragon Run, a 501c (3) organization. We recommend you consult your tax advisor about tax deductions.
What to expect: We provide a kayak, paddle, and a life vest for each paddler. Do not bring your own boat. The kayaks we use are sturdy, 9.5-foot, flatwater kayaks ideally suited for navigating the Dragon’s narrow, twisting channels. We will adjust your kayak to ensure your comfort.
You may bring your own paddle and life vest. However, your life vest must be a standard Coastguard approved PFD, not inflated by a cartridge.
WE REQUIRE LIFE VESTS TO BE WORN, ZIPPED, AND BUCKLED AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE WATER.
We will be on the water about between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on water levels and the overall ability of the paddlers. Trips usually end around noon. However, because of the uncertainty of when the trip will end, we advise you not to schedule other events on the day of the paddle.
Parts of the trip will require paddling upstream against a current and are a bit more strenuous. Spills can and do occur; so, be prepared to get wet. Dress for the weather on the day of your paddle. Bring rain gear and a jacket if rain is forecast. Layers of clothing will be appropriate if the weather is breezy or chilly. Other items to bring include paddling gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
There are port-a-johns at the launch and takeout. However, there are NO facilities of any kind along the paddle route. Bring enough food and water for the day. No potable water is available along the route. We will take frequent water and snack breaks; but we will not stop for lunch. Pack your food and water in a small, soft-sided bag that will fit in the kayak; the storage area is only about 12 inches wide. Secure cameras, binoculars, phone, and other expensive items in waterproof bags that you can tether to the kayak or wear around your neck. Waterproof phone and key bags are available for loan at the launch site.
Note: We recommend that persons with heart problems or other serious medical conditions consider carefully whether they should make the trip. Remember, we will be in the wilderness. Medical help and transportation are a significant time and miles away. If you have a physical condition that would require treatment while you are on the water, be sure to bring necessary medications and equipment you use to treat the condition. If you are allergic to stings, be sure to bring the medication you use to counteract a reaction. Notify your crew leader if you have an existing medical condition that we should know about.
Although insects are seldom a problem, it is wise to bring insect repellent. If you are allergic to stings, be sure to bring the medication you use to counteract a reaction.
What about bad weather? We will cancel in case of thunderstorms or if the river is running too fast or the water level is too low or too high. We usually cannot make the decision to go or not to go until the morning of the paddle. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a telephone number where you can be reached the night before and early on the morning of your paddle. At or before 6:00 a.m., we will notify everyone with an individual reservation or the leader of a group reservation. If you are part of a group trip, be sure to give your group leader your contact information.
If you feel ill on the day of your paddle, stay home! And, if you have to cancel for any reason, let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your seat with someone else.
Merchandise sales: We will sell FODR merchandise each day after the paddle. We have T-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve solar vapor shirts, quarter-zip long-sleeve performance t-shirts, long-sleeve performance hoodies, hooded sweatshirts, caps, and bucket hats for sale. All proceeds benefit FODR. We will also sell limited edition prints of the Dragon by a local artist ($60 / $90 framed). We accept cash, checks, or credit cards.
Liability Waiver: You must complete, sign, and submit the the Friends of Dragon Run Liability Waiver. If you are making arrangements for a group, be sure every member of the group completes, signs, and submits the form (one person for each form). Be sure to initial the middle paragraph. Bring the form(s) to the launch site on the day of your paddle.
Questions: If you have questions, email us at PaddleMasterDragonRun@gmail.com.
If we cancel a paddle trip or make any changes, we will call the phone number that you give us when you make your reservation. If you are part of a group, please give your mobile phone number to your group. It will be the group leader’s responsibility to notify everyone in the group of changes.
Tax Deductions: IRS requires that a receipt be provided to any donor upon request, and that a contemporaneous receipt be issued at the time of a donation of $250 or more. FODR will provide a receipt if requested. The receipt will disclose that the trip is valued at $15, and that any donation in excess of $15 may be considered a donation to Friends of Dragon Run, a 501c (3) organization. We recommend you consult your tax advisor about tax deductions.
What to expect: We provide a kayak, paddle, and a life vest for each paddler. Do not bring your own boat. The kayaks we use are sturdy, 9.5-foot, flatwater kayaks ideally suited for navigating the Dragon’s narrow, twisting channels. We will adjust your kayak to ensure your comfort.
You may bring your own paddle and life vest. However, your life vest must be a standard Coastguard approved PFD, not inflated by a cartridge.
WE REQUIRE LIFE VESTS TO BE WORN, ZIPPED, AND BUCKLED AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE WATER.
We will be on the water about between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on water levels and the overall ability of the paddlers. Trips usually end around noon. However, because of the uncertainty of when the trip will end, we advise you not to schedule other events on the day of the paddle.
Parts of the trip will require paddling upstream against a current and are a bit more strenuous. Spills can and do occur; so, be prepared to get wet. Dress for the weather on the day of your paddle. Bring rain gear and a jacket if rain is forecast. Layers of clothing will be appropriate if the weather is breezy or chilly. Other items to bring include paddling gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
There are port-a-johns at the launch and takeout. However, there are NO facilities of any kind along the paddle route. Bring enough food and water for the day. No potable water is available along the route. We will take frequent water and snack breaks; but we will not stop for lunch. Pack your food and water in a small, soft-sided bag that will fit in the kayak; the storage area is only about 12 inches wide. Secure cameras, binoculars, phone, and other expensive items in waterproof bags that you can tether to the kayak or wear around your neck. Waterproof phone and key bags are available for loan at the launch site.
Note: We recommend that persons with heart problems or other serious medical conditions consider carefully whether they should make the trip. Remember, we will be in the wilderness. Medical help and transportation are a significant time and miles away. If you have a physical condition that would require treatment while you are on the water, be sure to bring necessary medications and equipment you use to treat the condition. If you are allergic to stings, be sure to bring the medication you use to counteract a reaction. Notify your crew leader if you have an existing medical condition that we should know about.
Although insects are seldom a problem, it is wise to bring insect repellent. If you are allergic to stings, be sure to bring the medication you use to counteract a reaction.
What about bad weather? We will cancel in case of thunderstorms or if the river is running too fast or the water level is too low or too high. We usually cannot make the decision to go or not to go until the morning of the paddle. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a telephone number where you can be reached the night before and early on the morning of your paddle. At or before 6:00 a.m., we will notify everyone with an individual reservation or the leader of a group reservation. If you are part of a group trip, be sure to give your group leader your contact information.
If you feel ill on the day of your paddle, stay home! And, if you have to cancel for any reason, let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your seat with someone else.
Merchandise sales: We will sell FODR merchandise each day after the paddle. We have T-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve solar vapor shirts, quarter-zip long-sleeve performance t-shirts, long-sleeve performance hoodies, hooded sweatshirts, caps, and bucket hats for sale. All proceeds benefit FODR. We will also sell limited edition prints of the Dragon by a local artist ($60 / $90 framed). We accept cash, checks, or credit cards.
Liability Waiver: You must complete, sign, and submit the the Friends of Dragon Run Liability Waiver. If you are making arrangements for a group, be sure every member of the group completes, signs, and submits the form (one person for each form). Be sure to initial the middle paragraph. Bring the form(s) to the launch site on the day of your paddle.
Questions: If you have questions, email us at PaddleMasterDragonRun@gmail.com.
We look forward to escorting you on this exciting adventure.