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Our Story

In April 2014

Patrick Griffin started RVA Paddlesports with six kayaks stored in the back of his apartment. Griffin began teaching customers the basics of kayaking, but little did he know how his company would grow in just a few years. Over the next few years, Griffin added dozens of kayaks, rafts, canoes, paddleboards, and even climbing equipment to his inventory, and he soon purchased a shop to house his growing company.

Today, RVA Paddlesports is the #1 Destination for Outdoor Activities in Richmond, Virginia, offering a wide variety of kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding, and climbing services for customers of all skill levels.

Our growing team of over fifty staff have decades of paddling experience in both the Richmond area and worldwide and are trained extensively to provide the best experiences possible. Every adventure with us is bound to be fun, rewarding, and most importantly, unforgettable!


a group of people on a beach posing for the camera
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When you book with us, you book with a company that cares deeply for the Richmond community. We frequently volunteer with local non-profits to beautify and preserve city parks. We also attend yearly conferences to promote outdoor recreation and education at Virginia colleges and universities.

Additionally, we partner with Beyond Boundaries, a non-profit that provides outdoor experiences for disabled people, veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in recovery programs. We firmly believe that adventure is for everyone, regardless of ability, age, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, and it is our mission to give everyone outdoor experiences they will never forget.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip, become a part of our story, and make memories you will cherish forever!