The Float
Fishermen of Virginia (FFV) is a statewide organization of canoeists, kayakers, rafters
and other boaters which started in 1969. Together, we float the rivers, streams and
waterways of Virginia and work to preserve and protect these important natural resources.
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FFV
Former Prez Roc Cooper and
Barbara Green on Balcony Falls |
There are chapters
throughout Virginia, and each has its own personality. One chapter may paddle mostly
whitewater; another may do mostly flat water fishing. But all pull together when it comes
to protecting waterways.
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SKC Prez Bill Chambers and
wife Tammie (with fish) on Tye River |
Yearly
Events:
We gather together statewide six
times a year. Our official float season starts in March with the Highland Maple Sugar
Festival and trips on nearby rivers.
Warmer weather heralds New Members Float
- a weekend for newcomers to learn some floating and fishing techniques from some of the
old timers.
A Memorial Day weekend float and meeting
gets the summer going with a bang! This is always one of our most popular floats.
Our most important event is the VIP float
in June. On this weekend we host Virginia's legislators and their families for a float
that calls attention to a fine Virginia stream that may be in need of legislative action,
or, perhaps one already protected by law.
The official FFV season winds down with
our Labor Day weekend float and meeting.
In early winter, a general membership
meeting is held to plan for the upcoming year.
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New River Upper Railroad Rapid
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Meetings,
Floats & Such:
Some FFV chapters meet monthly and
plan many more trips in-between our statewide events. Chapters also arrange river
clean-ups, promote local conservation efforts, and help expedite scenic river designation.
Some chapters also run rivers in nearby
states, and, occasionally, may do major floats like the Grand Canyon or other western
rivers.
Some chapters hold training classes for
kayak rolling, canoeing or even raft guide training.
Important safety techniques are covered
at meetings through talks, films and exchanging current information on rivers.
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A great day on the Tye River
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Membership:
Membership in FFV does not require
purchasing a fishing license.
Members receive the FFV's quarterly
newsletter, "Fishin' Pole, Pack & Paddle" that keeps them informed of
upcoming events, water-related news, and river savvy, with an occasional touch of humor
thrown in, too.
FFV members also have access to
information of river gauges, dangerous rapids, access to put-ins, owner relations, and the
latest rescue techniques.
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Upper Gauley Pillow Rock
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Randy
Carter Memorial Award:
FFV is affiliated with the Virginia
Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Rivers of Virginia (FORVA) and the Conservation
Council of Virginia.
Each year, in conjunction with the
Virginia Wildlife Federation, FFV recognizes the year's best river conservationist with
the Randy Carter Memorial Award, begun by FFV in 1974.
The Randy Carter Memorial Award is given
for "outstanding efforts to protect Virginia's free-flowing streams for their
recreational and environmental value, for significant contributions to the growth of
Virginia Scenic Rivers System, or for promoting a greater appreciation of our rivers among
the citizens of our state.
