Presque Isle Poker Paddle
Paddlers of all types and skill levels are invited to join us for a day of fun on the waterways of Presque Isle! The 5.5 mile poker run takes you through the Presque Isle Lagoons, Marina Lake, Presque Isle Bay, Horseshoe Pond, Misery Bay and Graveyard Pond to finish where you started! Prize for the Best 5-card poker hand is $300 and the Worst 5-card hand is $150!
Hosted By Presque Isle Partnership; a non-profit organization supporting the preservation and enhancement of Presque Isle State Park! We rely on your participation and donations to help make Presque Isle the best park it can be!
CLICK TO VIEW & PRINT A DETAILED COURSE MAP
Cost per paddler is $39 and includes:
- players card
- commemorative P.I. Poker Paddle T-shirt
- safety whistle
- post-paddle meal with choice of burger, vege-burger, hotdog, pulled pork sandwich and chips & drink
- door prize ticket for a chance to win some fun paddling related stuff
- and the gratification of knowing that your participation helps bring to life worthwhile projects that enhance Presque Isle State Park!
Event Details
- Participants must arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their selected launch time to unload boats & gear, park your car at Beach 11 and hitch a shuttle ride back to the launch site at the Lagoons Boat Launch.
- After launching, paddlers will follow the 5.5 mile circuit through the Presque Isle Lagoons, Marina Lake, Presque Isle Bay, Horseshoe Pond, Misery Bay and Graveyard Pond to finish where they started.
- There will be 5 "card stops" along the way marked clearly with a large flag saying "CHECKPOINT"
- You will then follow these 5 critical steps at each CHECKPOINT:
- Pull up to card stop location
- Present your players card
- Draw a random card
- Allow a volunteer to mark your players card with the random card chosen
- Be on your way to the next stop
- Direction of travel will alternate with each launch time to prevent congestion
- Participants may earn a maximum of two extra cards by picking up trash along the way and/or purchasing a donation Card before launching or when you return from the paddle.
- At the finish marker (same location as where you started), participants must report their self-determined Best & Worst poker hands.
- Upon completion of the course, stick around for a post-paddle picnic at the Start/Finish location!
- Upon completion of the course, the same shuttle will transport you back to your vehicle at Beach 11.
Bring Your Own Boat OR Rent a Boat
This is a “Bring Your Own Boat” event. What if you want to participate but don’t have a boat? No worries, for an additional fee of $15 you can have a kayak and necessary safety gear waiting for you at the launch.
Reminders
- Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your chosen launch time.
- Upon arrival, check-in and drop off your boat & gear at the Lagoons Boat Launch.
- From there you will park your vehicle at Beach 11 where a shuttle will transport you back to the launch site.
- Upon completion of the course, the same shuttle will transport you back to your vehicle at Beach 11.
- All participants must abide by Pennsylvania Boating Laws
- Each person must possess a whistle and PFD in their boat at all times and is strongly encouraged to wear the PFD during the paddle
- No alcohol is permitted on Presque Isle
- Bring plenty of drinks and snacks
- Wear good water shoes
- Leave a change of clothes in your car
- Bring your waterproof camera
- Pets are not permitted
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray may come in handy
- Presque Isle is a State Park and all participants must abide by all DCNR & PA Fish and Boat Commission laws which can be found at: www.dcnr.state.pa.us and www.fishandboat.com