** The Original Trip Plans Have Been Changed** In the hopes that more people will be able to participate, the planned kayaking trip to the New River has been abbreviated and moved three hours closer. Now the trip will only be Tuesday evening, after classes. We will go to the James River, through Richmond. The James includes an upper section …
Announcements
Ww Kayaking Richmond
There’s still plenty of water flowing through Richmond, should be some good levels still on Friday. This is a Class IV trip, if you don’t have a combat roll then this trip isn’t for you. If the levels are still above 6 feet, we’ll run the downtown section from Reedy Creek to Mayo Island. If the levels are below 6 …
Beginner-Intermediate Kayaking – Balcony Falls
We can still take advantage of this past weekend’s rain with a trip to a wonderful section of the James River: Balcony Falls. I spent much of my earlier paddling days at Balcony, working on rapid running, ferrying, eddy hopping, river reading, and when I wasn’t swimming; surfing. This section of the James is a great place to learn, or …
Intermediate Kayaking: Maury River
In the expectation that rain will keep coming for another day at least, the Maury near Lexington invites us. It is a very fun, constant class iv with a couple of pretty demanding spots, that include trees in the water. mmm. I think we’ll bring a throw rope this time. C’mon… nothing exciting ever happens Tuesday afternoons in grounds. The …
Intro. Kayaking: the Rivanna River or Walnut
I’d like us to go out on the low, slow Rivanna this Thursday, to give folks an opportunity to be on moving water for the first time. It is class II or so, with a couple of fun spots. I always enjoy to experience a different cross-section of southern Albemarle than from I-64, one that is frequently shared with mallards, …
Downtown Paddlin
Its going to be 80 degrees in Richmond and the river is up. The water level should be around 7 feet on Friday, so you need to be an experienced paddler to join up for this one. Class III-IV- rapids. That means you have to have been on class III+ rapids a number of times and be able to roll …
Trip Leader Workshop
At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle trip expenses, what types of trips are allowed, and how to set trips up online. As an incentive to lead, we’ll reimburse your dues after leading four adventures. I’ve only reserved the room for an hour, so that’s the …
Intermediate-Advanced Kayaking – Lower James Through Richmond
Even though this is a class 3 run, it leans toward the class 4 side because of the chilly water. As such, you MUST have a solid combat roll (in rapids), and/or extensive river experience to join this adventure. Richmond paddling is awesome most times of the year, but is especially nice in the winter as the river levels usually …
First ‘Yakin’ of ’07: Balcony Falls
With slight rain and warmer temperature on the forecast, I can’t resist the temptation to plan some kayaking for this weekend. The James River near Glasgow is at a nice class II/III level right now, and should be good for anyone with a reliable roll, who wants to begin warming up their paddlin’ arms for lucky ’07. Also: If good …
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – Balcony Falls
What better way to start 2007 than with a little paddling? We’ll wish a happy new year to the James with either a run down Balcony Falls or through downtown Richmond (depends on water levels), or perhaps even the Maury if we get enough rain on Friday. I’m leaning toward Balcony since the levels look good no matter the weather, …
Trip Leader Workshop 3!
I’ve heard from several of you that you can’t come to the Thursday workshop, so here’s another chance! We’ll learn about trip-leading from 5-6ish, and we’ll finish in plenty of time to attend the Monday Night Gathering at Newcomb. At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle …
Trip Leader Workshop!
Everyone is encouraged to lead trips, and it’s easier than you think! At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle trip expenses, what types of trips are allowed, and how to set trips up online. As an incentive to lead, we’ll reimburse your dues after leading four …
Workshop – Leave No Trace
If you go on day hikes, backpacking trips, outdoor climbing trips or any other trips in the wilderness then you should familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace (LNT) techniques. If you lead trips this is especially important so that you can pass on the proper etiquette for backcountry living. I will cover why LNT is important, the basic principles behind …
Intermediate White Water Kayaking – Balcony Falls
For any intermediate paddlers who aren’t away on fall break, lets paddle the James. The Balcony falls run is a juicy class 2/3 stretch from Glasgow to Snowden, VA (~1.5 hour drive SW from C’ville). It is running at a real fun level right now. If enough people can join at such short notice, and we leave town by 1, …
Fall Break Paddling Weekend (Dates Are Flexible)
For those of you brave enough to take a long car ride with me, I will offer you the best padding weekend of your life. I’m going home for fall break and want to take some good paddlers with me to hit up some rivers local to my home – Asheville, NC. I want to take some sweet movie footage, …
Trip Leader Workshop!
Everyone is encouraged to lead trips, and it’s easier than you think! At this workshop, we’ll talk about how to lead different types of trips, what to do about gear, how to handle trip expenses, what types of trips are allowed, and how to set trips up online. As an incentive to lead, we’ll reimburse your dues after leading four …
Advanced Whitewater: Gauley Fest!
Gauley Fest, the biggest whitewater celebration in the world, is about to happen. Last year the festival only won the title of “biggest celebration” by a slim margin of three partiers, and this spring Gauley archrival Amazonastravaganza increased their attendance and stepped up their efforts to steal the title. Gauleyfest needs your help! Don’t let our beloved West Virginia river …
Paddling Through Downtown Richmond
The James is a little on the low side right now, but there is a chance for rain later this week, so Im crossing my fingers and planning a trip. This section of the James is very unique in that it goes through the middle of a city. Not to mention it has some fun play spots and a great …
“Over the Falls Festival” at Ohiopyle Falls on the Yough
We’re going to head up to SW Pennsylvania for the “Over the Falls Festival”. You can read about it at www.fallsrace.com. If you want to run the falls you need to be a solid class III/IV paddler. The falls themselves are an 18 foot drop (Quintin and I did it about two weeks ago and it was awesome). Normally, this …
Balcony Falls Kayaking
Now that’s some water everybody can enjoy! We’re going to row row row some boats down the James. There is some class 2-3 whitewater, but nothing to cra-cra. This is a perfect river for folks with a basic roll to improve it on moving water. Because if the rapid doesn’t tip you one of your peers will on the sections …
Downtown Paddlin: Intermediate Kayaking on the James
As amazing as Intro to Probability theory is, I think Zoran will understand if I take one day off to paddle. We’re going to meet up around 1:30 and head down to Richmond and the James River. We’ll paddle down this fun stretch of Class III-IV whitewater and if we’re lucky we’ll have two cars and be able to drive …
Intermediate Paddling on the James – Part I: Balcony Falls
As amazing as Intro to Probability theory is, I think Zoran will understand if I take one day off to paddle. We’re going to meet up around 1:30 and head down to the Balcony Falls run on the James River. We’ll paddle down this fun stretch of Class II-III whitewater and if we’re lucky we’ll have two cars and be …
Advanced Kayaking New River Gorge
We will head out this saturday night and paddle the new river gorge on sunday. This should be awesome. This trip is for advanced paddlers only. If you are not solid on class IV, don’t sign up. Keep in mind that the river is at 3.83 feet, which is higher than we’ve paddled this year so far. Note: leaving time …
Class I/Ii Whitewater – Float Down the Rivanna
So pretty much this is just going to be a chill trip down the local river. You can work on your roll or just enjoy the ride as the water pushes you down stream at about .0001 mph. Be aware of the nasty rapids though. There are three and they are … well there aren’t words to describe them. Maybe …
Downtown Paddlin: Intermediate Kayaking
In the words of Michael Esbach (which in light of last week’s trip needs to be emphasized) – “If you can’t roll, you can’t roll with us”. Please don’t sign up if you cannot roll consistently on flat water. We’ll be heading down to the James in Richmond for some Class III paddling (assuming decent weather). Check out http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/1952I for …
Leg 1 of Summer: Vancouver, Bc
I flew threw Vancouver last summer, and I’ve wanted to go back ever since. It’s a pretty spectacular city. Set on a sound, surrounded by the towering Pacific Rockies, to-be host of the 2010 Olympic games. Tickets from Dulles are about 440 right now, and I don’t know how long that will last. I want to get some and go …
Downtown Paddlin: Intermediate Kayaking on the James
We’ll head down to the James River which flows through my hometown Richmond. This 3.5 mile section boasts Class III-IV whitewater(its really just Class III right now). Please don’t sign up unless you can paddle at least class III rapids (I already have my hands full chasing down Quintin’s boat, flip flops, etc and I’m not exactly a kayaking jedi …
Advanced Kayaking on the New
Rejoice! My thesis is done! What better way to celebrate than to spend 2 days paddling the New? We will leave Friday afternoon and camp out at Roger’s (climbers hangout that is close to the put-in). We’ll wake up and set shuttle and get our paddle on. We’ll eat lunch on the river. We’ll then spend another night at Roger’s …
Advanced Kayaking to Somewhere…
Most rivers are running right now and I’m stuck in class. Sign up if you’re interested in paddling rivers that will be around class IV. I’ll ask for what rivers you’ve done and will make the call as to whether you can go. Please realize that most of these rivers are fast moving with very little eddy service. If you …
Advanced White Water Kayaking – the Gauley River
Happy Gauley season! We’ll head out to Swiss Friday night and meet up with Coastal Canoeists and/or a local friend of mine who will guide us down the Lower Gauley on Saturday and possibly the upper G on Sunday. If you’re not ready for the class 5s of the upper section than you can run the lower section again on …
Advanced White Water Kayaking – the Gauley River
Happy Gauley season! We’ll head out to Swiss Friday night and meet up with Coastal Canoeists and/or a local friend of mine who will guide us down the Lower Gauley on Saturday and possibly the upper G on Sunday. If you’re not ready for the class 5s of the upper section than you can run the lower section again on …
Paddlin’ Downtown Richmond
How about some after work fun on the downtown-Richmond section of the James? This 3.5 mile section offers a white water roller coaster ride through class 2/3 rapids and 1 class 4. We’ll start from Reedy Creek at around 5:30, warm up at ‘first break’ for a little while, run ‘Hollywood’ (class 4) once or twice, then stop at pipeline …
Hollywood…Pipeline…Legends!
If you are an intermediate-advanced white water kayaker who has been through at least class 3 rapids, join me this Wednesday for a late afternoon/early evening paddling adventure through downtown Richmond on the James. We’ll hit Hollywood for a nice class 4 drop, play at Pipeline for a while, then enjoy the fine local brew at Legends (of course, only …
Updated: Intermediate – Advanced Kayaking, Balcony Falls
Anyone around and want to come kayaking Wednesday? We’ll be heading out around 9am to Balcony Falls in Glasgow to have fun surfing, playing, and mastering the combat roll. To join this trip you must have paddled class three rapids and be entirely self-sufficient in white water. We’ll stay until we are exhausted and return to C-ville before dark. Club …
Intermediate-Advanced White Water Kayaking – Downtown Richmond
The 3.5 mile section of the James through Richmond offers some class III rapids, a long class III-IV, and a solid class IV. This trip is for intermediate-advanced paddlers, so do NOT sign up unless you have that level of experience. Call (962-9737) or email (dclark@virginia.edu)me if you are not sure if you are qualified. A solid roll is strongly …
Beginner Kayaking – James Richmond Near Richmond
Come celebrate the end of the semester (whether you’re a student or not…you townies know what I’m talking about!) 🙂 and join me on an easy paddling trip on the James above Richmond. This section 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 …
Mid-Week Paddlin’ in Downtown Richmond
Richmond boasts as one of only a handful of cities in the states that has class 4 rapids within city limits. This section is a great run, but should only be attempted by experienced paddlers. Do not sign up unless you have paddled at least class 3 rapids and are confident in your paddling skills. You should be able to …
Kayaking, Dinner, and a Movie
I never thought I could find anything better than kayaking downtown Richmond followed by wings and brew at Legends. Oh yeah, I’ve done it!: Kayaking Richmond, then eating wings and drinking Legends brew while watching “The Shawshank Redemption”. Every Tuesday at 8:30pm Legends rolls down the screen and projects a movie, and this weekend it’s Shawshank! Sweeeet. The rules: 1. …
Spring Paddling on the James
With the beuatiful weather we are supposed to have and all the rain we are supposed get next week, it’s time for a kayak trip. I’m going to head down to the James River this coming Saturday (April 2nd) and do the Richmond section. This is an amazing section of river because you get to paddle some fun whitewater with …
Sw Virginia: a River and Mountain Extravaganza
This trip will be an exploration of southwest virginia. The intent is to make the club’s first runs down Russell Fork river which has two sections, the first section is a nice intermediate class II-III, the next section has some pretty burly drops, rated at IV-V. We’ll get there tomorrow night after about a 5 hour drive, camp and have …
Beginner-Intermediate White Water Kayaking – Fall Foliage View from the James River
The leaves should be peaking in the mountains this weekend, and what better way to see from the river? The James at Balcony Falls (Class 3 baby!!) is running at a nice, low, beginner-intermediate style, level. The river cuts through a valley there, offering spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Do NOT sign up unless you have taken the …
Intermediate-advanced Ww Kayaking – Downtown Richmond
We won’t have many more chances to leave work/class early during the week to run the James in Richmond. The James through this section at current level should only be run by intermediate-advanced paddlers. You should have paddled in atleast class 3 rapids numerous times, and should be able to hit your roll in flat water. If you are not …
Beginner – Advanced White Water Kayaking
Not sure where we’ll go quite yet, depends on the river levels. But I can promise we’ll find white water suitable for beginners. By tomorrow most of the recent local river volume increase should have flown downstream and into the James, eventually making its way to Richmond. So hopefully, the James through Richmond will be nice and white (and not …
Advanced Kayaking — Upper James
The James is pumping through Richmond — running at 8 feet. You must bring: wet clothes, snacks The club provides: boat, gear, transportation
Kayaking — Beginner/Intermediate
Ok, so I have no Friday classes. Its been raining a lot and paddling needs to be done. If you have no friday classes, or have classes that start at 12 or later, please sign up (only if you want to go, of course). The start time that I put below is not necessarily when we will leave — i …
Beginner-Intermediate White Water Kayaking – Moorman’s River
The Moorman’s River rarely runs this time of year. This swift, shallow creek-like river comes up after heavy rain fall (YAY! rain!!), then quickly drops, so should be at a fun level tomorrow afternoon if the forecast holds. To go on this trip, you should have some river experience, but it is not required. The only requirement is that you …
Kayak Roll Class
Being able to roll your kayak back up after you tip over is essential to getting over the beginner level of white water kayaking. This class will teach you the mechanics of the eskimo roll, with several variations. I’ll provide instructions, as well as pictures from the book that tought me. This class is for experienced paddlers who want to …
Intro to White Water Kayaking
This trip is a two-day introductory course on how to white water kayak. It begins Friday night at 8 at my place with a brief pre-trip meeting to pick out and organize gear. Saturday morning at 10 we’ll leave my place and head to Beaver Creek (~7 miles west, just before Crozet) to familiarize ourselves with the boats, learn basic …
Intro to White Water Kayaking II
This trip is a two-day introductory course on how to white water kayak. It begins Saturday morning at 10 at my place where each person will pick out their boat and organize their gear. We’ll then head to Walnut Creek (~10 miles south) to familiarize ourselves with the boats, learn basic paddling techniques and maneuvers, and practice T-rescues, wet exits, …
Advanced Kayaking to WV
This will be an advanced kayaking trip to the New River in WV. You need to be confident on class IV rapids and need to have some experience on class V rapids. The water is running pretty high… higher than levels that I know, so we will try to meet people at a local kayaking shop once there. We will …