WHAT: Canoe Paddle up the New River at the North Carolina New River State Park. A unique experience of this event is that we will paddle via moonlight. You do not need to be an experienced paddler to participate in this event, only an adventuresome spirit.
WHEN: Friday, August 16th. We will leave the Seven Devils Community Center promptly at 5:30 pm and caravan to New River State Park. Participants should eat dinner prior to meet up time. We will meet New River State Park Rangers (our river guides) at the State Park at 7:00 pm and muster for safety instructions and equipment distribution. We will be on the water by 8:00 pm. We should be back at the Seven Devils Community Center by Midnight, depending upon water flow and paddler's performance.
WHERE: Up the New River (one of the few rivers that flows North) at the New River State Park. The New River is a gently flowing river, so we will not encounter any defined rapidsonly
ripples and some rock navigation. New River Park Rangers will accompany us for our safety and education along the river. If we are lucky, fireflies will illuminate the riverbanks. This paddle date is the day before a full moon, so the water should be well lit (subject to weather conditions).
COST: $10.00 per person (for outfitter canoe rental and transportation to the put-in site). This fee will be collected prior to leaving the Community Center.
HOW TO SIGN UP: E-mail the Seven Devils Parks and Recreation Director at parksandrec [at] sevendevilsnc.gov () to sign up. Since we are limited to 10 paddlers (5 canoes), spots will be allocated on a first-to-sign-up basis.
WHAT IS PROVIDED: Canoes; paddles; life jackets.
WHAT TO BRING: Water; headlamp (varieties available at Lowes Home Improvement); change of clothes/towel (for unplanned "spills"); footwear that can get wet; windbreaker; an adventuresome spirit.
NOTE: Prior to leaving the Seven Devils Community Center, all will be asked to complete and sign (one time for all Parks and Recreation activities for the season) a multipurpose form which serves as a: (1) Liability Waiver; (2) Photo Permission; and {3) Emergency Contact Information.