Cold Whitewater Kayaking – Lower James

OVERVIEW

It’s time to brave the frigid rapids of the James, there’s no better way to feel connected with the Inuit hunters who first made kayaks to hunt seals in the Bering Sea.

This trip to the James is intended mainly for intermediate-level paddlers who have paddled whitewater before or attended some pool sessions. We will be doing the lower section, which is the more difficult of the upper/lower sections of the Falls of the James. The river level won’t be very high but IT WILL BE VERY COLD which will make things more difficult. If you’re looking to get more experience, come to pool sessions (starting February 4th), we have a playboat now so even if you know how to roll, you can learn flatwater tricks!

The lower section (III) through Richmond (https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1952/main).

The river will be at around 5 ft which makes it a medium level for the lower with the ability to play around in a couple of cool spots for more advanced people, nothing will be too difficult or dangerous rapid-wise and we will be able to take our time and scout stuff if need be. The main concern with this trip will be cold water and air temperatures, we will provide warm gear but only sign up if you are comfortable with extremely cold temperatures. Even with gear, it will feel very cold and if you swim, it will not be fun.

Rough Timeline –
1:00 PM – Be at 116 Washington Ave and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
2:15 PM – Arrive at Reedy Creek and set shuttle
3:00 PM – Paddle
5:30 PM – Finish paddling, drive back
6:30 PM – Arrive back in Charlottesville
These are rough estimates, we may be back slightly earlier or later.

What to bring –
A fleece or other warm baselayer to wear under dry gear (please ask if you have questions about this, it will help keep you much warmer)
Shoes that can get wet and won’t fall off in moving water, wool socks
A change of clothes for after
Towel
Bag for wet stuff
Any food and water you may need
Kayak or gear if you have it

What the club will provide –
Kayak
Paddle
Skirt
Helmet
PFD
Splash top and/or wetsuit
Gloves/pogies

Temperature – The air temperature is projected to be in the 40s with water temperatures in the 30s. THIS IS GOING TO BE VERY COLD AND UNCOMFORTABLE. Hypothermia is a real possibility at these temperatures so if you don’t like the cold or don’t have cold water experience, please wait until it gets warmer, we will do plenty more trips!

Notice – Whitewater sports are inherently dangerous. We lead trips at a level where we feel confident about our ability to keep people on our trip safe. Your safety also depends on you and your honest communication of your abilities and state of being, as well as respect towards any safety advice.

Drivers with car space and roof racks (with crossbars) are needed and will receive waitlist priority, gas reimbursed plus tip. The waitlist will be filled in order of signup with the exception of true beginners not being more than 3/6 of the total to keep everyone safe.

Let me know if you have any questions (8049441929).

-John and Will