Paddle Fest Information

Welcome to the 6th Annual Vermilion Port Authority

Paddle Fest Poker Run!  Sunday, June 16th, 2024

 

The following information for 2024 Poker Paddlers will be helpful to ensure

everyone has a safe, great experience. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

Start/Finish: Vermilion Port Authority ADA Kayak Launch 777 West River Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089

Registration / Check-In: 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM:

  • Check-in location: Vermilion Port Authority ADA Kayak Launch
  • Pre-registration by June 9th - $20.  June 10-16th - $25.  No Refunds, We go rain or shine.
  • All paddlers are required to check-in on Sunday at the Paddle Fest Poker Run Registration Area.
  • A Vermilion Port Authority Poker Run application and waiver form is required for all paddlers at check in.

At Check-In: All Paddlers Must follow all Covid protocol.

  • Please adhere to all current Federal/State/County Guidelines that pertain to Covid, this includes but is not limited to using hand sanitizer, following signage, and wearing a mask on land.  
  • Due to limited parking space, participants will be directed to leave their boat at the designated drop off area and go to the vehicle parking at the top of the hill or where directed by the Port Authority Staff.
  •  Report to the main registration table where each paddler will receive a Poker “Ziploc Packet & door prize ticket.

FYI: Restroom facilities are located near the north end of the parking lot across from the large boat docks.

Weather / Safety-Related Changes / Announcements:

  • Conditions will be monitored closely throughout the morning of the Poker Paddle.
  • In the event of thunder/lightning, heavy rain or fog (that minimizes visibility), wind/rough water, and/or tornado warning/watch the Poker Paddle may be delayed or cancelled.
  • Up to a one-hour delay in start time is possible, if needed due to weather.
  • There is no inclement-weather date.
  • Any/all changes will be announced the morning of the Poker Paddle

Phone access: Will be available at each stop along the course thanks to volunteers and staff.

Time Limitations: The Poker Paddle course will officially close at 11:45 AM. Prizes awarded at Noon.

Safety Boats / Kayakers: Safety boaters/kayakers (wearing YELLOW T-shirts) will be on the Vermilion River course to guide paddlers in staying on-course and to provide assistance as needed. If you should end up in the water grasp the bow (front) or stern (back) of any assisting kayak...and never grasp the sides.

All Poker Paddle Volunteers will be wearing YELLOW T-Shirts: The Poker Paddle is primarily a volunteer effort. Volunteers are exactly that: people giving of their own time to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Volunteers are not paid. This includes those working at registration, at the start, at the stops, on boats, in kayaks, in the water and at the finish...everyone. It is expected that all participants treat every volunteer with respect.

The Vermilion Port Authority Paddle Fest Poker Run is a non-alcoholic, non-competitive, celebratory, completion event. No official times will be kept. Those who want a record of their approximate time should plan to wear a watch.

Schedule of Events

8:30 AM – 9:15 AM  

  • Offload and position your boat along grassy area.  Vehicles shall be moved to the upper parking lot
  • Check-in @ the registration area (ADA Kayak Launch area) pick up your packet. Make Sure to completely fill in the Official Poker "Info Card" in your Ziploc bag. This will be used to cross reference your safe return.

9 AM and 9:30AM (depending on your start time chosen)

  • Official welcome and pre-Poker Paddle meeting.  Deposit your Door Prize ticket in the container before launching!!
  • Updated information and final instructions given.

9:30 AM - All participants should be on the water.  Have Fun and discover our wonderful river!

11:15 - 11:45 AM - Finish at the Start Location! – Course closes 11:45 AM and all Poker "Sealed Card Envelopes" & Official Poker "Info Card" in your Ziploc bag MUST be turned in to qualify for prizes.

  • Check in at the Judges tables with your Poker "Sealed Card Envelopes" & Official Poker "Info Card" in your Ziploc bag to notify volunteers that you have finished.
  • If you do not complete the paddle for any reason, PLEASE notify a volunteer & Return your Official Poker "Info Card " to cross reference your safe return so we do not have to call the Coast Guard to search for you.

11:30 AM – Noon - Post-Paddle Get Together: Winners announced, Door Prizes & 50/50 at the Launch site.

Rules & Regulations

Boating Laws

  • All participants must abide by Ohio Boating Laws.  Boat registration stickers are mandatory.
  • Each person must have a PFD. It is strongly encouraged to wear them during the Poker Paddle.
  • Please help keep the Vermilion River clean and green by practicing Leave No Trace!

Poker Rules

  • The Official Poker "Info Card" and tokens will be in your Ziploc bag, provided at check-in. Only one hand may be played per person.
  • This is a 5-Card Draw poker event. Each player will draw five cards sealed in an envelope (one at each of five stops).
  • There will be no ‘Jokers’ or ‘Wild’ cards issued for this event.
  • Aces are only low when they are used to complete a wheel straight (i.e., A-2-3-4-5). A Q-K-A-2-3 straight or any variation thereof will not be permitted.

How to Play

  • Each player will paddle to five designated ‘Card Stops’ along the route, turn in one token and receive one Poker "Sealed Card Envelope" from the volunteer. (#1 & 2 on the west bank and #3, 4, 5 on the east bank of the Vermilion River.)
  • The players must place their Poker "Sealed Card Envelope" in their Ziploc to prevent water issues.
  • Any evidence of tampering with the Poker "Sealed Card Envelope" will result in that person’s disqualification and forfeiture of fees.
  • Once you have arrived back at the ADA Kayak Launch you will submit your 5 Poker "Sealed Card Envelopes" in their Ziploc to the judges table.  They will be OPENED at the Judges table.  If any player would happen to draw a duplicate card of the same face value and suit, they shall continue to draw until they get a card that is not matching their opened envelopes.   If you are close to a winning hand you will have the Option to Buy an extra card for $5.
  • All decisions are final!

Prizes

  • First, Second, and Third Prize will be awarded to the top three players with the highest 5-card poker hand. If two or more hands are tied, those players will each draw a card(s) until a winner is determined.
  • Door Prizes: Will be awarded at Noon at the ADA Launch
  • 50/50 Tickets: Will be available for purchase. They will be for sale for: 1 for $1, 6 for $5.
  • You must be present to win all prizes! Winners are responsible for receiving their prize at the time of winning.
  • In the interest of integrity and fairness, the Vermilion Port Authority will retain final judgment on all matters related to this event and the prizes awarded.                                                                            

  

Back to top