Beginner-Intermediate White Water Kayaking – the New River from Thurmond to Cunard, Wv

OVERVIEW

The section of the New River above the gorge is a 7 mile stretch from Thurmond to Cunard, WV and has 5 class 2 rapids separated by a bit of calm water and ends with the famous class 3, “Surprise” rapid. This is a great place for beginners-intermediates to get an intro to big water, and work on river skills like reading rapids, ferrying, eddy hopping, and combat rolling. This stretch also serves as a warm-up for intermediates who want to step up their game and run the gorge.
For more info about this river section check out:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/4119/

GENERAL ITINERARY:

Get to the campsite Friday eve, set up camp, get a campfire rolling, eat, drink, and be merry. Rise with the sun on Saturday, eat a hearty breakfast (I might do camp food, get breakfast from the campsite – Ray makes a mean breakfast – or possibly hit the Cathedral Cafe – the best pre-adventure meal experience ever!), pack a lunch and our gear, then set shuttle (drop cars at put-in and take-out). We’ll put-in at Thurmond as early as possible and paddle to Cunard where the beginner types will take-out and shuttle back to the put-in to pick up the other vehicle(s) and then shuttle to Fayette Station, the take-out for the lower section and where the intermediate-advanced crew amongst us will end (which I might set up as a separate trip). I’ll go over the shuttle plan in more detail before the trip.

We’ll be on the water for several hours so please be sure to bring plenty of food and water. After the river run we will zip into Fayetteville for a wonderful post-adventure treat: Pies and Pints (please bring cash or alternative food for your dinner) then head back to Ray’s for one more night of camping. My plan for Sunday is to have a relaxing breakfast at the Cathedral Cafe then head for home. If you have different travel plans please indicate in the adventure questionnaire.

A few important notes:
1. PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. You must have taken the intro to kayaking class with me or have similar experience to go on this trip. Since I will have to screen your qualifications your name will get added to the waitlist upon signing up, and then moved to the trip list if appropriate.

2. DISCLAIMER:
I am NOT “leading” on this river, I am only coordinating some logistics and transportation to the rivers. I will provide advice about each rapid and you are welcome to follow me, however, you are responsible for your own safety and the activities you choose to participate in while on this trip, and you agree to have read, and will abide by, the American Whitewater Safety Code http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start?
Those with the appropriate skills may join as “Common Adventurers”

3. FOOD:
The club is not reimbursing for food expenses for the summer which means you will be responsible for your own food and water. Please bring enough food to sustain yourself, and way more water than you think that you will need.

4. CAMPING:
We’ll be staying at Ray’s Campground: http://www.rayscampground.com/

There is plenty of space, bathrooms/showers, firewood to purchase, and good people. For directions you can follow the link above or the “adventure destination” link posted with this adventure.

The club does not cover camping fees for the summer. It is $9.00 per person per night (cost is reflected in the adventure fee).

5. FEES:
For now I am putting down $30 as the adventure fee. This includes 2 nights of camping plus extra for gas (the club covers up to $100 for this summer which, at least I, will probably exceed).

6. DEPARTURE TIME:
For now I am setting 5pm as a tentative departure time from Echols. That may change slightly depending on what I have going on at work, but will have a better gauge later this week.

THE CLUB PROVIDES: boats, spray skirts, paddles, pfds, helmets, noseplugs, drybags, float bags (limited quantities), neoprene booties, boat transportation, shuttle ride, camping gear (limited), some ga$.

YOU SHOULD BRING: swimwear, footwear that can get wet (though the club has an ample supply of neoprene booties), towel, sunblock, food/snacks, water, your boat and gear if you have it, camping gear (if you have it), swimwear, extra clothes, a way to entertain yourself for when you are not paddling, flashlight, toiletries, money