Hi everybody,

I'd like to post here on the NANFA forum about a string of really cool events that are going to start soon in the western North Carolina area. The Yadkin Riverkeepers host these events in an effort to introduce people to their local waters. People are encouraged to join group canoeing trips, camping, fishing, and more. There is currently not any NANFA representation at these events, but they are great opportunities for people to have fun outdoors and learn to enjoy and care about the local waters.




Tour de Yadkin (TdY ’14) is Yadkin Riverkeeper’s (YRK) annual signature event, with REI as its major funder. Each year during the month of June, YRK connects people to the water and outdoors with multiple opportunities to paddle, camp, hike, fish, swim, etc. Additionally, TdY affords YRK the opportunity to reach communities and engage citizens about the importance of a clean and healthy Yadkin River, for not only human consumption and use, but aquatic life as well. The Yadkin River serves as the drinking water supply to more than 730,000 people.


Tour de Yadkin 2014 is made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:

River Champion - REI Greensboro 

River Protector - WFDD Public Radio
River Advocates - GET:OUTDOORS, Great Outdoor Provision Co., Foothills Brewing, Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery, Sweetwater Brewing, Raffaldini Vineyard
River Friends - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce, Elkin Valley Trails Association, Winston-Salem Jaycees, Maui Jim, Christine Rucker Photography
Make your plans and join us for any or all parts!
Kick-Off Paddle & Camping, Ferguson to Kerr Scott Lake (3PM)

Friday, June 6

The Tour kicks off on June 6. Yadkin Riverkeeper, Dean Naujoks will begin the annual paddle with dozens of people at for a 9 mile trip on the Upper Yadkin River, above W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, from Ferguson down to Kerr Scott Lake. Camping will be available at Warrior Creek Campground.
Register for June 6 paddle
Family Fun Day! Paddle & Stand Up Paddle Demo on Kerr Scott Lake

Saturday, June 7

On June 7, we will have host a Stand-up Paddle Board (and Kayak) Paddle on Kerr Scott Lake followed by a Tour de Yadkin Launch Celebration at Warrior Creek Amphitheater on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, featuring bluegrass music and camping at Warrior Creek for the entire weekend activities, located in the Highlands of NC. On Sunday June 8 the paddle goes from Tail Waters to Smoot Park.
Register for Stand Up Paddle Demos (10AM)
Register for Kerr Scott Lake Paddle (10AM)
Family Fun (1-5PM) - No Registration Required
Register for Free Dinner at Warrior Creek (6PM)
Tailwaters to Smoot and 3PM Ghost Walk with RG Absher (10AM)

Sunday, June 8

Following the 7.1 mile paddle on June 8 is a Historic Ghost Walk Tour on the Yadkin River Greenway/Over Mountain Victory Trail, hosted by local historian R.G. Absher from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This is a highlight of the Tour de Yadkin with hair-raising tales of apparitions and spooky circumstances where the walk ends at the Old Wilkes Jail.
Camping at Warrior Creek Campground
Register for June 8 paddle
Smoot Park to Church's Rock Paddle (12PM)

Monday, June 9

Continuing on Monday, June 9 is a 5 mile paddle from Smoot Park down to “Churches Rock” overlooking the Yadkin Islands where paddlers will enjoy a primitive overnight camp (accessed by boat only).
Register for June 9 paddle
Paddle Church's Rock to Roaring River (10AM)

Tuesday, June 10

June 10 paddlers will break camp and paddle 4.5 miles down to Roaring River then camping at a beautiful old mill site/waterfall located the Roaring River, owned by Roaring River Outfitters.
Camping at Roaring River Waterfalls
Register for June 10 paddle
Scenic New Roaring River Paddle to Waterfalls (10AM)

Wednesday, June 11

On June 11 paddlers will be shuttled upstream for a (first time offered) 6 mile paddle down the scenic Roaring River to the Yadkin River.
Camping at Roaring River Waterfalls
Register for June 11 paddle
Women on the Water Paddle, Roaring River to Ronda (10AM)

Thursday, June 12

On June 12, we will host the second annual Women on the Water paddle trip from Roaring River to Ronda. Sorry guys, this 5.6 mile trip is just for the ladies (except for through paddlers).
Camping at Roaring River Waterfalls
Register for June 12 paddle
Ronda to Crater Park (3PM)

Friday, June 13

On June 13, it is a Friday the 13th evening paddle starting at 3PM in Ronda and ending 6.8 miles later in Elkin with a first “Night in the Village of Elkin” where local restaurants offer music and a discounted “Paddlers Menu.” Camping available at Crater River Park, located near downtown Elkin.
Register for June 13 paddle
Register for Night in Elkin with music, food, and fun!
Crater Park to Mitchell River (10AM)

Saturday, June 14

On June 14 the 5.7 mile paddle begins in Elkin and ends in Mitchell River at 3PM with a wine tasting and bluegrass music with the Oak Creek Boys at Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery, North Carolina’s first certified organic winery, followed at 5PM by the second Night in the Village and camping at Crater Park.
Register for June 14 paddle
Register for Wine Tasting

Father's Day Paddle, Mitchell River to Yadkin Shores (12PM)

Sunday, June 15

Celebrate Father’s Day on June 15 with the Adventure Guides Program Father’s Day Paddle, a 5-mile trip from Mitchell River to Yadkin Shores at Highway 601 and camp at Rockford on the Yadkin River.
Register for June 15 paddle
Yadkin Shores to Rockford (10AM)

Monday, June 16

Paddlers continue east on June 16th with another 5-mile paddle from Yadkin Shores to Rockford, camping at private river access in Rockford owned and operated by Yadkin River Adventures, within walking distance of the old Rockford General Store.
Register for June 16 paddle
WFDD Listener Paddle Rockford to Pilot Mountain

Tuesday, June 17

Join us and our sponsor WFDD on June 17 for this 11.8 mile stretch from Rockford to Pilot Mountain.
Camping at Pilot Mountain State Park
Register for WFDD June 17 paddle
Pilot Mountain to Donnaha (10AM)

Wednesday, June 18

Paddle 6.9 miles on June 18 from Pilot Mountain to Donnaha.
No camping
Register for June 18 paddle
Donnaha 6.6 mile Paddle

Thursday, June 19

We will start another 6.6 mile paddle the following day from Donnaha to Old 421 River Park on June 19. End the week with a late afternoon Its Friday! After Work Paddle, a 5.4 mile leisure paddle, June 20 (starting at 5:00 p.m.) from Old 421 River Park to Huntsville.
No camping
Register for June 19
Dogs on the Water Paddle, Old 421 Park to Shallowford (4PM)

Friday, June 20

Bring your pup and join the fun in this easy after work paddle.
No camping
Register for June 20
PADDLE-A-THON

Saturday, June 21

Returning again this year on the Summer Solstice June 21, the Tour de Yadkin ANNUAL PADDLE-A-THON, a 10.8 mile fundraiser paddle from Huntsville to Tanglewood Park in Clemmons followed by a Clean Water Celebration where paddlers receive prizes and enjoy a traditional NC Pig Pick’in (sustainably raised of course).
Learn more and Register for Paddle-A-Thon
Below Idols Dam to Highway 64 Access (11AM)

Sunday, June 22

Sunday June 22, Paddlers will head 9 miles downriver from below Idols Dam to the U.S. Highway 64 Access in Davidson County. We willcamp at a private river access, where families can enjoy fishing on a private stocked pond or attempt to land a spawning Flat Head Catfish (up to 80lbs) from the Yadkin River.
REI Employee Camping at Boone's Cave Park
Register for June 22
REI Employee Paddle Day on the Daniel Boone Paddle Trail (10AM)

Monday, June 23

June 23 is a 12.4 mile REI Employee Paddle Day from U.S. Highway 64 down the newly completed Daniel Boone Paddle Trail to Boone’s Cave Park. Legend says that Daniel Boone was only 16 when his family settled on the banks of the Yadkin River in the spring of 1750. Paddlers can explore “the shoals of the Yadkin” where Daniel Boone fished as teenage boy. Daniel Boone Park also includes a small cave thought to be Daniel Boone's hideout. Camping is available at Boone’s Cave Park, but non-campers can take out at the 801 Access at 9.3 miles downstream.
REI Employee Camping at Boone's Cave Park
Register for June 23
Boone's Cave Park to York Hill Paddle (10AM)

Tuesday, June 24

Paddlers continue on June 24 from Boone’s Cave Park to York Hill on High Rock Lake for a 9.5 mile trip, returning to Boones Cave Park for an overnight camp. We will camp again at Boones Cave Park.
Register for June 24
York Hill across High Rock Lake to Tamarac Marina (11AM)

Wednesday, June 25

Then on June 25 is a tough, open water 12 mile paddle from York Hill across High Rock Lake to Tamarac Marina, with a camping option at Tamarac Marina.
Register for June 25
Paddle Tuckertown Reservoir: Bringle Ferry Road to Highway 49 (10AM)

Thursday, June 26

On June 26 the Tour continues with an 8 mile paddle down Tuckertown Reservoir at Bringle Ferry Road Access to N.C. Highway 49 Access which features beautiful views of the Uwharrie Mountains — (the oldest mountains in the world. Primitive camping is available in Uwharrie National Forest, where we will camp on isolated Falls Reservoir (the Yadkin River).
Register for June 26
After-Work Paddle at Gar Creek Access to Badin Lake Boat Access (4PM)

Friday, June 27

June 27 the paddle tour continues for a leisure (round trip) late afternoon Friday paddle on Badin Lake from the Garr Creek Access, plus another night of primitive camping at Falls Reservoir.
Register for June 27
Uwharrie River to Morrow Mountain State Park (10AM)

Saturday, June 28

Tour de Yadkin ends on Saturday June 28 with an 8 mile paddle down the beautiful Uwharrie River as meanders through the Uwharrie Mountains, where it empties into the Yadkin River to form the Great Pee Dee River. Camping is available at beautiful Morrow Mountain State Park.
Register for June 28
Hope to see you on the river!

The Paddle-A-Thon on June 21st is the big event.

THE BIG EVENT! Join Yadkin Riverkeeper for a fun 10.8 mile paddle to Tanglewood Park. Collect to paddle as an individual or team in the 2014 Paddle-a-Thon on Saturday, June 21. Individuals raise $75 by June 21 by asking friends, family and coworkers to sponsor your paddle. If you raise even more money, you will qualify to win some amazing prizes like:
a brand new kayak
REI paddle gear
Maui Jim sunglasses and more!

Register Now: http://yadkinriverke...r?reset=1&id=49

Create a 5-paddler Paddle-a-Thon team and have 5 times the fun. Teams raise $325 to participate. The team that raises the most wins a free wine tasting hosted by Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery.

When you register, we will contact you about your preferred boating arrangement. You'll have the option of either a single kayak or a canoe. If you will be bringing your own boat, we'd like to know that as well! If you prefer to paddle a canoe, your paddling partner must also register for the event (must also raise at least $75 to participate). Children under the age of 10 can paddle for free!

Sponsor a mile: http://yadkinriverke...t?reset=1&id=14

Paddler Pledge Page
After you register, you will receive an email with instructions to create a Paddler Pledge Page — a personalized online page that allows you to easily receive donations from your friends, family and coworkers via Facebook, twitter and emails! If you have already registered and want to create your page now, use this link.
https://yadkinriverk...nent=contribute
can also collect sponsorships in person by clicking and printing this: Paddler Pledge Form.

If you created a Personal Paddle Page for last year's Paddle-a-Thon, use the same email address and username. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it here. http://yadkinriverke...g/user/password

All donations must be collected prior to Paddle-a-Thon and turned in by the beginning of the day.

Itinerary
Celebrate fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water at the post-paddle party with food, drinks, and entertainment at the Tanglewood Band Shell Itinerary
10AM: Meet at Tanglewood Park, at the Yadkin River Access before the bridge located at 4061 Clemmons Road in Clemmons. Paddlers will park in the field down by the Yadkin River, and will be shuttled by the boat outfitters to the put it in Huntsville.
11AM: After unloading at Huntsville, paddlers will be given a brief tutorial on kayaking and canoeing, and prepare to load into their vessels. All paddlers are required to wear personal flotation devices.
3PM: Paddlers start arriving to the Tanglewood River Access, where they will exit their boats and walk over to the Post-Paddle Party located at the Band Shell.

Here is the photo gallery from last year's Paddle-A-Thon: http://yadkinriverke...-13-paddle-thon

Why aren't you representing NANFA Erica? You are involved in various fish clubs. It would seem that you could do this. You obviously like to do research, and try to educate people.

Problem is I'm a recent transplant. I'm about as native to North Carolina as oscars are to Florida, so I couldn't presume to teach the locals about their fish. Fritz and Gerald, you're within driving distance to this, no?

You don't have to be an expert, just enthusiastic. You don't have to be anything more than someone who gets them interested, and then learn with them. That can be a lot of fun, standing on a bank, looking at a fish in a photo tank, Petersons guide in hand, and all working together to establish an ID. Just let them know up front that you are not an expert, but you know that learning about these fish is worthwhile. Nobody will fault you then. Don't let that hold you back.

Exactly like Matt said. I'm fairly certain you already know more about the local fish fauna than most, if not all, of the participants. Go for it!