Let’s go kayaking! This will be a beginner friendly trip. The minimum prerequisite to come on this trip is to have taken an “intro to whitewater kayaking” class with Dave Clark or someone else. The ability to “wet exit” the kayak is essential, oh yeah – and you MUST know how to swim! A roll is NOT required to come …
Announcements
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – the James River Through Downtown Richmond
Richmond offers a unique white water run with its class 3/4 rapids and skyline in the background. We’ll run this section of the James as it flows alongside downtown Richmond with some class 2, 3 and 1 class 4 rapid – area famous Hollywood Rapid. In order to be qualified for this trip you must have taken the intro trip …
Intro to White Water Kayaking – Learning the Basics on a Lake
This class is designed to teach you the very basics of white water kayaking, to prepare you for future river trips. We’ll spend ~2.5 hours on the lake at Walnut Creek Park (~10 miles south of town) learning such skills as the wet exit, how to paddle a white water kayak, T-rescues, and the Eskimo roll. Since I will need …
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – the James River Through Downtown Richmond
Richmond offers a unique white water run with its class 3/4 rapids and skyline in the background. We’ll run this section of the James as it flows alongside downtown Richmond with some class 2, 3 and 1 class 4 rapid – area famous Hollywood Rapid. In order to be qualified for this trip you must have taken the intro trip …
Gauleyfest
Gauleyfest is a huge whitewater festival in Summersville, WV put on as American Whitewater’s largest fundraiser every year. Thousands of boaters gather to paddle, camp out, enjoy the SWAG, vendors and great music. The festival starts friday night, with Saturday being the main event. Most people will be on the river all day Saturday, and head back to the festival …
Gauley Fest
This year I WILL NOT be leading a trip to Gauley Fest, but I will be going. Hopefully another person can lead a trip to Gauley fest. Anybody who went last will tell you that it is a real blast even for those not doing any paddling. My personal trip will be as follows: Leave Thursday night, volunteer all day …
Intermediate White Water Kayaking – the James Through Richmond
**Yes, I realize the east coast is to be ravaged by Hurricane Irene on Sunday, but the current projection is that the eye will “graze” the coast and may or may not affect Richmond. Sunday’s current forecast for Richmond calls for 60% chance of rain with 23 mph winds. Not too shabby. I will cancel if the weather is terrible, …
Nrg Extravaganza: Intermediate – Advanced Ww Kayaking
This adventure is part of the “Outdoor Extravaganza at the New River Gorge” trip so you must be signed up for that adventure to go on this one. The section of the New River in the gorge is a 6.5 mile stretch from Cunard to Fayette Station, WV and according to American Whitewater it has 2 class 2 rapids, 1 …
Nrg Extravaganza: Beginner – Intermediate Ww Kayaking
**This adventure is part of the “Outdoor Extravaganza at the New River Gorge” trip so you must be signed up for that adventure to go on this one. 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 …
Intro to White Water Kayaking – Learning the Basics on a Lake
This class is designed to teach you the very basics of white water kayaking, to prepare you for future river trips. We’ll spend 2 hours on the lake at Walnut Creek Park (~10 miles south of town) learning such skills as the wet exit, how to paddle a white water kayak, T-rescues, and the Eskimo roll. Since I will need …
Whitewater Kayaking (Somewhere Fun – Day 2) *Canceled*
Not partaking in commencement festivities this weekend? Then come with me to my happy place (the TBD whitewater river) and escape the mobs of relatives that are soon to descend on C-ville. (This is the SUNDAY trip, I’m doing a trip on Saturday as well, and something tells me that Saturday’s trip will be the more beginner friendly one, Sunday …
Whitewater Kayaking (Somewhere Fun – Day 1)
Not partaking in commencement festivities this weekend? Then come with me to my happy place (the TBD whitewater river) and escape the mobs of relatives that are soon to descend on C-ville. (This is the Saturday trip, doing another trip on Sunday too, Thou something tells me that Saturday will end up being more beginner friendly than Sunday’s trip, so …
Cheat River Festival (Rafting, Advanced Kayaking & Music)
ACTIVITIES: The emphasis of this trip will be to enjoy whitewater. There is plenty of class III-V whitewater in the area including: The Cheat, Yough, Big Sandy, etc. Priority will be given to those who are interested in paddling or rafting, but there are plenty of other alternative activities available such as the 5K Cheat Race on Saturday morning, hiking, …
Intro to White Water Kayaking – from Flat Water Basics to White Water Rapids
This full day class will start with the basics on flat water, which will include info about kayaks, wet exits, how to paddle and maneuver a white water kayak, T-rescues, and briefly, the Eskimo Roll. After developing those skills for ~2 hours you will then test them in moving water as we navigate through the class 1-2 rapids of the …
Whitewater Kayaking (the Peoples Choice)
UPDATE 4/19: Walnut creek intro session first, meeting at my place at 0900, followed by a river trip (most likely the “Middle/Lower” Maury River) Bring non-cotton layers, bathing suit, towel, and $ for a stop at Sheetz if you want to pickup lunch food there on the way to the river. The rest of my office is taking vacation, so …
Pre-Creekathon Intro to White Water Kayaking
Join me on the water before the 378th Walnut Creekathon this Sunday to learn the basic skills of white water kayaking. This class is designed to prepare you for future river trips. We’ll spend ~2 hours on the lake at Walnut Creek Park (~10 miles south of town) learning such skills as the wet exit, how to paddle a white …
Kayak Roll Practice
Guess what else you can do with rocks besides climb them? You can also ride fluffy clouds of whitewater goodness around and over them! But to maximize your enjoyment of these fluffy clouds of whitewater goodness, a solid roll is highly recommended! Where do you get one of those? Well you start by coming on this trip to the Sweet …
Kayak Canoe Training for the Aca Champanships
With the ACA Champanships fast approaching, lets get out on the water and I will pass on some racing tips. I use to race both slalom and down river (wild water) when I was in college in the UK. I was highly ranked and won several races in both formats. The section of the James River above Richmond offers lots …
Aca Collegiate Canoe and Kayak State Championships
The American Canoe (and Kayak) Association is hosting the annual national collegiate kayaking and canoeing championships! We are going to take a team to compete in as many events as possible. The races will take place on a 5 mile stretch of the Rappahannock River near Fredricksburg, VA. The events are Men’s and Women’s one-person kayaking (K1), one-person canoeing (OC1), …
Intermediate-Advanced Whitewater Kayaking
The river levels are holding well, let’s go kayaking on Saturday. THE WATER WILL BE VERY COLD! This is NOT a beginners trip, you should be comfortable on class III water (Lower James at normal summer levels for example) and have at least a solid roll in the pool and have made some combat rolls. Due to the high water …
Batteauing the Cowpasture and Upper James
Come Float the Cowpasture and Upper James on a replica of a late 18th and early 19th century cargo vessel. The Batteau, a large flat bottomed boat, was designed to navigate the shallow waters of the James and its tributaries and was crutcail to commerce in Virginia before the advent of the canal and railroad systems. My boat is a …
Beginner – Intermediate Kayaking
It appears that the rain gods will be granting local paddler’s wishes this weekend… So lets go kayaking Sunday! THE WATER WILL BE VERY COLD! Therefore, this is NOT a first timers trip, and I’ll be limiting attendance to those who have taken the intro to flat water class with Dave Clark or have similar experience AND have paddled a …
Beginner – Intermediate – Advanced Kayaking
I am trying to get out and kayak this Saturday and make a trip that can accommodate paddlers of all levels. Beginners are those that have been in a white water kayak on flat water or those that have only been down a river a handful of times. Intermediates are those who have been down class 2-3 rivers a handful …
Beginner – Intermediate – Advanced Kayaking
I am trying to get out and kayak this Sunday and make a trip that can accommodate paddlers of all levels. Beginners are those that have been in a white water kayak on flat water or those that have only been down a river a handful of times. Intermediates are those who have been down class 2-3 rivers a handful …
Intermediate-Advanced Ww Kayaking – the James Through Downtown Richmond
Richmond offers a unique white water run with its class 4 rapids and skyline in the background. We’ll run this section of the James as it flows alongside downtown Richmond with some class 2, 3 and 1 class 4 rapid – area famous Hollywood Rapid. In order to be qualified for this trip you must have taken the intro trip …
Beginner White Water Kayaking – the James River Above Richmond
The section of the James River above Richmond offers lots of class 1 and 2 rapids (at current water level) and is a great place to learn and/or practice river skills. This trip is for beginner paddlers: those that have been in a white water kayak on flat water or those that have only been down a river a handful …
Intermediate – Advanced Whitewater Kayaking
This trip is being coordinated with the “Beginner-Intermediate Whitewater Kayak” trip on the section of the James above this one. You must sign up for both if you want to paddle both sections. If you only want to paddle the lower section, we will need to arrange a car to leave Echols to arrive at Reedy Creek at 3:00pm, when …
Beginner – Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking
The section of the James River above Richmond offers lots of class 1 and 2 rapids and is a great place to learn and/or practice river skills. This trip is for beginner – intermediate paddlers looking to improve their river skills: Beginners are those that have been in a white water kayak on flat water or those that have only …
Acorn Bread and Whisperlites (Gathering and Stove Workshop)
Back by popular demand: acorn cooking and backpacking stove workshop! Our club survivalist, Roland, will meet the group at Echols. He will talk about acorns while the groups gather acorns on west campus and on the way to my house near Runk. There we will turn the acorns into something delicious. This is where part 2 comes in – stove …
Beginner – Intermediate Kayaking
Hopefully this past weeks rain will hold the river level up for a trip to a wonderful section of the James River: Balcony Falls. This section of the James is a great place to learn, rapid running, ferrying, eddy hopping, river reading, or work on improving your skills. We’ll stop at several places on the river to go over those …
It’s Raining! Let’s Paddle the Lj! Intermediate – Advanced
DATE MOVED TO WEDNESDAY Now, the forecast is showing the river to crest at 5.5-5.6′ Wednesday afternoon, so I’ll be going then instead For the first time in like 3 months, we’ve gotten enough rain to bring the James up to a fun level. Tomorrow evening, it’s predicted to be between 5 and 6 ft. I’m planning to leave C-ville …
Aca Collegiate Canoe and Kayak National Championships
Looking for a sweet adventure over fall break? The American Canoe (and Kayak) Association is hosting the annual national collegiate kayaking and canoeing championships! We are going to take a team to compete in as many events as possible. The races will take place on a 5 mile stretch of the Tuckaseegee River in mountains of North Carolina. The events …
Gauley Fest
I have had sever requests for different leaving times. Please specify your preference for leaving in the comments section: Choices are: 1) Thursday Evening approx: 6:30pm 2) Friday morning approx: 7:00am 3) Friday early afternoon approx: 1:00pm 4) Friday evening approx: 6:00pm Gauley Fest is the biggest whitewater kayaking festival of the year. Last year pretty much every major kayaking …
Beginner – Intermediate – Advanced Whitewater Kayaking
I am opening up this adventure to “Advanced Beginners” i.e. persons who have done several beginner river trips. Coastal Canoeists Have agreed to allow a few advanced beginners to be shepherded by one of their competent guides on the Thurmond to Cunard section above the gorge, which has lots of class I and II and one easy class III rapid. …
Learn to Be a Trip Leader Workshop #3
Hoping to lead some AWESOME trips this year? Come to our trip leader workshop and learn the ropes!!! We’ll cover a variety of important points about leading trips, including: – How to plan your trips – Tips for making sure adventures run smoothly – What expenses the club will reimburse you for – Benefits of being a trip leader, including …
Learn to Be a Trip Leader Workshop #2
Hoping to lead some AWESOME trips this year? Come to our trip leader workshop and learn the ropes!!! We’ll cover a variety of important points about leading trips, including: – How to plan your trips – Tips for making sure adventures run smoothly – What expenses the club will reimburse you for – Benefits of being a trip leader, including …
Learn to Be a Trip Leader Workshop #1
Hoping to lead some AWESOME trips this year? Come to our trip leader workshop and learn the ropes!!! We’ll cover a variety of important points about leading trips, including: – How to plan your trips – Tips for making sure adventures run smoothly – What expenses the club will reimburse you for – Benefits of being a trip leader, including …
Cheat River Festival!
Whitewater, music, gear, and great folks – could it get any better? Let’s go to the 16th Annual Cheat River Festival! Cheat Fest has been described as “the biggest little river festival in the country”. For more details out the following sites: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/articleid/30719/display/full/ http://cheat.org/festival Activities: The emphasis of this trip will be to enjoy whitewater.There is plenty of class III-V …
Brms Discount Night #2
Hello fellow gearheads, Our discount night at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is coming up fast! Mon April 12th from 8:15-9:15pm you’ll be part of an exclusive 20% sale to Outdoors at UVa members only. **Don’t forget: If you plan on buying gear that you’ll need to get fitted for (e.g. shoes, packs, etc.) you must go in this week prior …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayaking: Somewhere Fun!
Let’s go kayaking! It has rained a ton recently, and as you know, rain + snowmelt = BIG rivers. Where we go is very water-level dependent, options include high-water Balcony Falls, the Maury River (Goshen Pass section), the Lower James, or one of the many creeks in Nelson County if any of them hold enough water. To come on this …
Kayaking Downtown Richmond
If you’re crazy enough to paddle in the winter, you know the deal. There will be a lot of surfing on this trip. Richmond should still be in the 6 foot range, which means a ton of great play waves. Very likely we will be able to bum a shuttle from locals at this level, otherwise I may just jog …
Fete Du Couillons 2010 – Snowshoe Wv – Snow and White Water
***UPDATE*** The paddling part of the trip is canceled since the person who was going to lead it dropped. We can still do it if some one qualified volunteers to lead it. I’m not even close to experienced enough to lead it myself, and besides, I want to ski. One person has expressed interest in fly fishing in case any …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayaking: Somewhere Fun
Its a new semester, let’s go kayaking! We’ll most likely go to the Lower James through Richmond, a short, Class III run with some fun play spots, or possible the Maury or Tye if we get any rain, both class III-IV. Or somewhere else entirely. Lots of options! You must have a solid roll and good boat control to come …
A New Year for Kayaking
Join me on my traditional trip of starting out the new year right with a trip down the James! For the past several years I’ve spent the first weekend of the new year paddling the James River from Pony Pasture (above Richmond) to Mayo Island (downtown Richmond). This stretch of river can be run continuous or split between 2 sections: …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayaking, Somewhere Fun
Take a break from exams and go kayaking! We may go to he Lower James through Richmond, a short, Class III run with some fun play spots. Or we may go to Balcony Falls (Class II-III, but really fun at high water). Or the Maury or Tye, both class III-IV. Lots of options! You must have a solid roll and …
Pre-Thanksgiving Peak
Want to work out at Peak before we gorge ourselves with delicious thanksgiving food? Come climb at Peak Experiences, a huge indoor climbing gym in Richmond. There are climbs ranging from party (the ones kids use at birthday parties) to 5.13+ (MUCH harder than I can climb). The cost to get into the gym is $9, but, depending on how …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayaking on the Maury River!
Let’s go kayaking! The Maury is a sweet Class III-IV run near Lexington, VA. It’s in a beautiful area of Virgina, and the whitewater is lots of fun! To come on this trip you need to have a solid roll and solid boat control in class III water. You must have paddled the Lower James or equivalent at least once …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayaking: Maury River
Let’s go kayaking! The Maury is a sweet Class III-IV run near Lexington, VA. It’s in a beautiful area of Virgina, and the whitewater is lots of fun! To come on this trip you need to have a solid roll and solid boat control in class III water. You must have paddled the Lower James or equivalent at least once …
Bikram Yoga (a.K.a. Hot Yoga)
Check out this awesome way to make you a more agile and flexible athlete! Bikram Yoga 109 5th st. http://www.bikramyogacville.com/ Basic Info: Bikram Yoga is yoga in an intentionally warm room (105-110 degrees) that help relax muscles. Classes are 90 minutes, starts at 9:45 but we’ll try to arrive 20 minutes early for signing up and such. Wear lightweight, close …
Intermediate Kayaking: Somewhere Fun
It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man says go kayaking! There’s been a ton of rain today, and its supposed to keep coming down, so we should have plenty of water tomorrow. Not sure what the destination is yet, it depends on what the river gods decide to do with the water levels and who signs up. Options include: Lower …