Combo Kayak Raft Trip on the Lower James

OVERVIEW

Let’s go kayaking and rafting on the James!

This trip to the James is intended for any level but we will be doing the lower section, which is the more difficult of the upper/lower sections of the Falls of the James. Feel free to sign up even if you’ve never kayaked before, the only prerequisite is the ability to swim, preferably with some moving water experience, although the trip will be more fun if you have some kayaking experience. Everyone come to pool sessions which will be starting in a couple weeks!

We’ll also have Michael guiding a raft down with us. The river is a bit low for rafting but there are still a couple cool spots to do fun stuff. Let me know in the questions if you’d like to raft or kayak, I’m thinking four people in the raft right now.

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

The river will be at around 4 ft which makes it a good beginner level for the lower also with the ability to play around in a couple of cool spots for more advanced people (ENDERS at PIPELINE!), nothing will be too difficult or dangerous and we will be able to take our time and scout stuff if need be.

Rough Timeline –
1:00 PM – Meet at 116 Washington Ave and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
3:00 PM – Arrive, shuttle, start paddling
6:00 PM – Leave
7:00 PM – Arrive back in Charlottesville
Then come out to the ODC party!
These are rough estimates, we may be back slightly earlier or later.

What to bring –
Clothes and shoes that can get wet and are good in moving water
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/Raft
Paddle
Skirt
Helmet
PFD

Temperature – The air temperature is projected to be in the 80s with water temperatures in the 70s. Great conditions!

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 for people and rafts and roof racks (with crossbars) are needed and will receive waitlist priority, gas reimbursed plus tip up to $25.

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

-John