Sioux Empire Paddlers

Sunday, March 25, 2018

2018 Sioux Empire Paddlers Raffle

Time for Whitewater in Sioux Falls South Dakota

Sioux Empire Paddlers are running a fundraiser for our whitewater (River Revitalization) project. A few years ago we had River Restoration from Carbondale Colorado come up and provide us with a feasibility study for a whitewater park. Information from the feasibility study helped us make the decision where to pursue the possibility of a whitewater park in Sioux Falls. We raised enough money in our 2016 raffle to have a Conceptual design made. Now we are working on getting the rest of the funds for engineering, permits, and all designs.

For more information on our Sioux Falls River Revitalization Project select ~HERE~

Improving river banks along with added in river features

Raffle begins 02/01/2018 and ends 03/30/2018
Drawing will be held on 03/31/2018

The link below is a link to our Facebook Drawing Event. If you bought tickets or plan to buy tickets please confirm you are going. Once we go live on 3/31/2018 you will get a notification and we will draw the raffle winners: “Event is a Facebook LIVE event only”

Facebook Live Drawing Event

Cost of Raffle Tickets:
1 for $3.00
2 for $5.00
5 for $10.00
12 for $20.00
24 for $40.00

Prizes:
Grand Prize: Perception 12 foot kayak, Bending Branch Paddle and $50 Scheels Gift Card forlife jacket purchase
2nd Prize: Stainless Cooler
3rd-7th Prize: Kayak Education Class performed by Certified Instructor
8th-17th Prize: 1 year Sioux Empire Paddler Membership

On March 31, 2018 we will draw the winners via video. We will draw grand prize and work our way down to the 12th prize.

Good Luck and Thank You for Supporting Sioux Empire Paddlers and our Sioux Falls River Revitalization Project.

Sioux Empire Paddlers 2018 Raffle Rules and Regulations

1. Must be 18 years or older to participate

2. Raffle starts 12:00AM 02/01/2018 and ends 11:59PM 03/30/2018

3. We will randomly draw winners on 03/31/2018 via video or live stream (event for live stream FACEBOOK LIVE DRAWING EVENT )

4. Only one prize allowed per raffle ticket.

5. In order to be eligible to win multiple prizes, multiple tickets will need to be purchased.

6. Prizes will be drawn in this order: “Kayak, Paddle and $50 Scheels Gift Card package”, “Cooler package”, “kayak classes”, and “memberships”.

7. Do not need to be present to win.

8. Prizes must be claimed in six (6) months from drawing date 03/31/2018 or items will be donated to the organization.

9. No refunds on ticket purchases.

10. By purchasing a ticket, purchaser agrees to release Sioux Empire Paddlers, its Board and members, from any and all liability for damages or injury resulting from participation in this raffle.

11. By purchasing a ticket, purchaser agrees to allow Sioux Empire Paddlers to use purchaser’s name and image without compensation for any promotional activity related to this or any future raffle. Sioux Empire Paddlers will not share purchaser’s address or contact information.

Sioux Empire Paddlers Summer 2018 Kayak Classes

Sioux Empire Paddlers are proud to announce our 2018 kayak class summer schedule. Sioux Empire Paddlers have been working with the Sioux Falls School DistrictCommunity Education to make it possible for youth kayak classes, teen kayak classes, and adult kayak classes in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

Classes are hosted by an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor with years of paddling experience. Youth, Teen and Adult Kayak Classes are hosted at Covell Lake at Terrace Park in Sioux Falls SD, Northwest side of the pond. Our classes are small in size to make sure we can give each student the attention needed.

SIGN UP:
Select link below
Enter “kayak” in course search
Select date of classes and age requirement
(DATES ALSO BELOW)

Sioux Falls School District Kayak Classes

Classes may entail but not limited to:
Strokes
Sweeps
Draws
Edging
Wet exits
In water reentry
Life Jacket Safety
Parts of the kayak
Games to improve new skills (Youth and Teen Classes)

Items we provide:
Life Jackets
Paddle
Kayak (special sized kayaks for youth)

Things you will want to bring:
Sun Screen
Water
Clothing that can get wet (swim suit)
Hat to block sun
Foot wear that you can swim in or get wet

Dates:
Youth Ages 7-12 under 115 lbs: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

6/13/2018

6/20/2018

6/25/2018

6/27/2018

7/9/2018

7/11/2018

Teen and Adults 13+: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

6/5/2018

6/12/2018

7/24/2018

7/31/2018

8/7/2018

SIGN UP:
Select link below
Enter “kayak” in course search
Select date of classes and age requirement

Sioux Falls School District Kayak Classes

If you have any questions you can contact Sioux Empire Paddlers HERE

Become a Sioux Empire Paddler Member!

Monday, March 6, 2017

2nd Annual Sioux Empire Paddlers Poker Paddle 2017

2nd Annual Sioux Empire Paddlers Poker Paddle 2017

Sioux Empire Paddlers is hosting their Second Annual Poker Paddle to help raise funds for our nonprofit organization. This will be a fun event for the whole family. Prizes for winners of the Poker Paddle and for the person that cleans the most trash out of the river.

SIGN UP HERE
2nd Annual Sioux Empire Paddlers Poker Paddle 2017 Rules/Regulations:
1. June 17, 2017 2:00PM-5:00PM (come early if you need a shuttle)
2. Event will start at Farmfield Canoe/Kayak launch on the Big Sioux River (near 57th and Western Ave in Sioux Falls South Dakota).
3. Registration, shuttling, signing of the waivers and picking up your first card will be from 10:30 am to 1:45 pm. (participants under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature and accompanied by an adult at all times)
4. No shuttles will be made after the event
5. Every participant must sign a waiver in order to participate in event.
6. All paddlers must wear a life jacket at all times on the water.
7. Participants must supply their own watercraft. Rentals available at 605-400-1007, SunNFun and Nyberg's Ace.
8. Absolutely NO ALCOHOL allowed before event or on the water. (Cold beverages will be offered at the award ceremony at Falls Landing Downtown.)
9. Participants may use kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards.
10. Paddlers will get in the water at 2:00 pm to start the poker paddle.
11. Each paddler will start with one card at the beginning. From there you will pick up three other cards at random checkpoints along the Big Sioux River, and at the end, you will receive your last card. The night before we will randomly draw a card as the winning card. We will open the envelope at the end (Falls Landing Bar and Restaurant) to announce the winning cards. The person with that card in hand will be announced the winner of the 2nd Annual Poker Paddle and be awarded the grand prize and a plaque. We will also be doing a cleanup competition. The person that end with the most trash picked up from the river wins a prize and plaque.
12. Event will end at Falls Landing Downtown Sioux Falls (Between 6th and 8th Street)
13. Cost is $25.00 for nonmembers and $15.00 for Sioux Empire Paddlers Members. “no refunds” (Registration must be made online; Sioux Empire Paddlers will not accept payment or registration at the event)
14. RAIN OUT DATE: June 24, 2016 15. HAVE FUN

Winners/Prizes:
1st place Prize TBD and a 2nd Annual Poker Paddle plaque (winning card will be randomly drawn and put in an envelope the night before)

2nd place will be the person that collects the most trash from the river. Prize: $100.00 Gift Card to Nyberg's Ace and a plaque. Nyberg's Ace Sponsor of the Poker Paddle

If you have any questions please email us at info@siouxempirepaddlers.org

If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact Mitchell at 605-759-5665

To Become a Sioux Empire Paddler member go to http://siouxempirepaddlers.org/membership/

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Sioux Empire Paddlers March Madness 2017

That is right its March Madness time. Let us see your support this month.

Sioux Empire Paddler Board Members decided not do any raffles this year for our whitewater park project. Instead, we are going to take all funds received from memberships from March 1st to the 31st and put 100% of those funds towards our whitewater project. So if you support our club and want to see a whitewater park in Sioux Falls? This is the time to sign up. You still get all the benefits of being a member and you know 100% of your funds went towards our whitewater project.

Now you may not have heard a lot about the whitewater project lately. That does not mean we are not pushing for one. We are currently coming up with funding ideas since engineering cost are quite high and construction of a park is more than our current yearly revenue. Our goal is to construct a FREE to use whitewater park project using $0.00 tax dollars. We want this park funded by the people that support our project and want to improve the Big Sioux River. This is why it is very important that we get your support.

Become a member today!

We now offer 12 easy payments monthly for lifetime memberships!

Please remember that all paid members will be added to the April 5, 2017 giveaway drawing. INFO HERE MARCH MADNESS 2017 100% of Membership Funds are put towards our Whitewater Park Project March 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017 Thank you Sioux Empire Paddlers President

A little about Sioux Empire Paddlers:

Sioux Empire Paddlers is a membership based 501(c)3 club in the Sioux Falls South Dakota surrounding area. Our main goal is paddling education and safety. We offer paddling classes throughout the year for youth, teens and adults. All of our classes are conducted by an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor to make sure our students our getting quality education. Our hope is to offer more classes with moving water once the Whitewater Park is built. The Whitewater Park will be a great safe place to host classes on faster moving water and swift water rescue.

Our club has many membership events throughout the year also. We want to get our members involved in safe kayaking and get together to share paddling stories. Our events are winter pool sessions, potlucks, annual poker paddle, river clean ups and just fun paddling trips.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Sioux Falls Kayak Rental – Sioux Falls South Dakota

Phone: 605-310-2070
Kayak Rental: $50.00 Delivery and Pick Up
Kayak Rental Website

Well there is a new kayak rental in town. There are a few reasons we choose to do a separate blog on them.

Reason one. They will bring the kayak to your starting point and pick you up at your endpoint. This makes it great if you are in a hurry or you do not have the correct vehicle to transport boats. I believe there are some restriction on distance out of Sioux Falls but sounds as if they will accommodate most lakes and rivers close to Sioux Falls. This right here is total worth the low price of $50.00 per rental!

Reason two. This company has an agreement with Sioux Empire Paddlers to donate a percentage of funds from rentals to the nonprofit organization. WOW, just WOW! This is amazing to have a company do this. Now the company will decide where the funds go but either way Sioux Empire Paddlers welcomes the funds into their education fund or whitewater fund.

Reason three. The owner is certified in CPR, First Aid, ACA Kayak Instructor, and knows the waterways around Sioux Falls like the back of his hand. He understands safety both on life jacket fit and on current water flows. If you are taking a cruise down the big Sioux, he will tell you what to watch out for. He will tell you where bathroom stops are. He will also be an emergency contact if you do not show up at the end.

Call 605-310-2070 for rental information and available dates

Remember to support your local paddling club by becoming a member:

SIOUX EMPIRE PADDLERS MEMBERSHIP HERE

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Sioux Empire Paddlers Summer 2017 Kayak Classes

Sioux Empire Paddlers are proud to announce our 2017 kayak class summer schedule. Sioux Empire Paddlers have been working with the Sioux Falls School District Community Education to make it possible for youth kayak classes, teen kayak classes, adult kayak classes and kayak tours down the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

Classes are hosted by an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor with years of paddling experience. Youth, Teen and Adult Kayak Classes are hosted at Covell Lake at Terrace Park in Sioux Falls SD, Northwest side of the pond. Big Sioux River Kayak Tours start at Farmfield Park (corner of 57th Street and Western) and ends at Rotary Park (26th Street) . Our classes are small in size to make sure we can give each student the attention needed.

SIGN UP: Select link below Enter “kayak” in course search Select date of classes and age requirement (DATES ALSO BELOW)

Sioux Falls School District Kayak Classes

Classes may entail but not limited to:

Strokes

Sweeps

Draws

Edging

Wet exits

In water reentry

Life Jacket Safety

Parts of the kayak

Games to improve new skills (Youth and Teen Classes)

Items we provide:

Life Jackets Paddle Kayak (special sized kayaks for youth)

Things you will want to bring:

Sun Screen

Water Clothing that can get wet (swim suit)

Hat to block sun Foot wear that you can swim in or get wet

Dates: Youth Ages 7-12: 6:30pm to 8:00pm 6-6-17, 6-14-17, 6-22-17, 6-27-17, 7-5-17, 7-13-17, 7-18-17, 7-26-17, 8-3-17, 8-8-17, 8-16-17, 8-24-17, and 8-29-17

Teens Ages 13-18: 6:30pm to 8:00pm 6-7-17, 6-15-17, 6-20-17, 6-28-17, 7-6-17, 7-11-17, 7-19-17, 7-27-17, 8-1-17, 8-9-17, 8-17-17, 8-22-17, and 8-30-17

Adults 18+: 6:30pm to 8:00pm 6-5-17, 6-8-17, 6-12-17, 6-19-17, 6-21-17, 6-26-17, 6-29-17, 7-10-17, 7-12-17, 7-17-17, 7-20-17, 7-24-17, 8-7-17, 8-14-17, 8-21-17, 8-23-17, 8-28-17, and 8-31-17

Big Sioux River Kayak Tours Ages 16+ 1:00pm to 3:30pm (depending on water levels) 6-5-17, 6-19-17, 7-10-17, 7-24-17, 8-14-17, and 8-28-17

SIGN UP: Select link below Enter “kayak” in course search Select date of classes and age requirement

Sioux Falls School District Kayak Classes

If you have any questions you can contact Sioux Empire Paddlers HERE

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Sioux Empire Paddlers 2016-2017 Membership Giveaway

It’s that season again! With the cold weather moving in, Sioux Empire Paddlers would like to keep their membership giveaway tradition. To show our appreciation to our members, we will be doing another membership giveaway this year. Last year we had some great prizes but I think this year will top it.

Besides the regular benefits of being a Sioux Empire Paddlers member we want to do a little something extra. This year we will be giving away some great items to get you ready for the upcoming paddling and camping season. We might be adding prizes down the road but this is what we have for you so far.

Prize 1: One - RTIC 20qt Cooler – This 10 day cooler is made tough for those long paddling trips down the river or for everyday use.
Prize 2-4: Three - RTIC 30oz Tumbler – These tumblers are very well known and very popular in the past years. These tumblers have been known to be great insulators for cold and hot drinks.
Prize 5-7: Three - RTIC Can Holders – One of my favorite items in the summer. These can coolers keep your drink cold for hours on end.
Prize 8-9: Two – Selfie Sticks – Why, because everyone one needs a selfie stick on the river!

Rules: There are just a few rules but we want to keep it simple.

Must be a current Sioux Empire Paddler Member by the day of the drawing
We will draw members names on 04/05/2017 7:00 pm CT
Individual memberships get one name put in for the drawing
Family memberships get two names put in for the drawing
Individual and Family Lifetime memberships get five names put in for the drawing
Each member can only win one prize (includes individual and family memberships)
Winners will be drawn in order of prizes (example: First name drawn gets prize one, second name drawn gets prize 2, etc.)
Winners have 7 days to reply back to us about pick up arrangements (winners will be contacted by all routes possible: Phone, email, social media, text, or in person)
This membership giveaway is for new and existing members

If you have any questions about when your membership expires or questions about the membership giveaway 2016-2017, please email us at info@siouxempirepaddlers.org.

Click here to become a member today: Sioux Empire Paddler Membership

Some of the benefits of being a Sioux Empire Paddlers Member:

FREE winter pool sessions (have six scheduled for 2016-2017 winter)
FREE Sioux Empire Paddlers decal
FREE labor on kayak repairs
Discounts on ACA memberships
Access to Certified ACA Instructors to help improve your paddling skills or develop new skills
Option to become a Board Member, Education Committee or Membership Committee
Organized paddles
Discount at local retailers (Nybergs Ace and SunNFun)
Discount for annual Poker Paddle
FREE Sioux Empire Paddlers Members Events (Coming summer 2017)
Special pricing on scheduled paddling education classes, tours and rentals (Coming summer 2017)
Opportunities to become an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor or Certified Kayak Instructor Assistant through Sioux Empire Paddlers

Sioux Empire Paddlers Membership

Sioux Empire Paddlers Membership Fees:

1 Year Individual Membership $25.00

1 Year Family Membership $45.00

Lifetime Individual Membership $250.00

Lifetime Family Membership $450.00

**SEP members can use their current membership fee to get a discount on lifetime memberships**

We now offer a 12 month payment plan for lifetime memberships!