If you ever wanted to discover the fun of paddling and exploring the Appomattox River, then kick off your summer by spending Saturday morning with the Friends of the Appomattox River. After a paddling class, the Friends will float the Farmville Blueway Paddling Trail. At the conclusion of the paddling trail, enjoy lunch and live music at Riverside Park while learning more about other paddling opportunities in the area.

This family-friendly event is brought to you by the Friends of the Appomattox River, an organization with a mission to enhance awareness and stewardship of the Appomattox River watershed. Since 1997, the Friends of the Appomattox River has coordinated litter cleanup, and recreational and educational float trips along local waterways.

With a new membership fee your entire your family will receive paddling instruction at Wilck’s Lake with a certified instructor, a guided float trip along the Farmville Blueway, and lunch at Riverside Park with live music by local musicians. Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at the Wilck’s Lake boat ramp parking lot. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, bring drinking water, sunscreen, and a boat, if you have one.

If you need a kayak or canoe for this event, they can be rented from The Outdoor Adventure Store in downtown Farmville. The rental will include a boat shuttling service to the Wilck’s Lake “put in” and the Riverside Park “takeout.”

Registration is necessary for this paddling event. Call Damien Fehrer at (434) 315-0305 to register or get more information.