Beginner-Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking

OVERVIEW

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 on this trip, hence swim team tryouts are OK.

Most likely we’ll be doing The James River from Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek, but Balcony Falls or Lower Maury are always a possibility (If you have a suggestion – indicate it in the Q&A section) Exact venue will be determined the morning of based on flow conditions, but the times should remain about the same. Presuming we end up in Richmond, I may consider leading one or two qualified boaters down the “lower james” afterwards.
Everyone gets waitlisted till I get additional drivers. The trip may be expanded if additional advanced boaters sign up – thou the club only has 5 drytops, so that may be the limiting factor. This trip may also get canceled by 8 AM Sunday due to insufficient interest, unfavorable river conditions, etc.

Bring whatever gear you have, club provides boats and gear if you need them including wetsuits / semi-drytops.
Indicate in the Q&A Section if you remember a particular boat that fit you well during previous trips.
Looks like fall is here, so bring non-cotton layers (i.e. underarmor coldgear) for a base layer as water will be in 60’s, air is TBD.
Bring sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, Lunch/snacks (or $ to procure them on the way), and your ID incase we pass a quality watering hole on the way back from the river.

I’ll be in Blacksburg all day Saturday 10/1, and I’ve got a “dumb phone” without internet access, hence if its something important i.e. lame withdrawal notices, call and/or text me (in addition to emailing) at 540-239-0874. Signup early so that I can fix the roster before I head to the burg!

Last but not least – DON’T BAIL THE MORNING OF! Anticipate all factors which may inhibit you from being able to attend the day of including but not limited to: vehicle ailments, hangovers, homework, etc and sign up accordingly! (Not only might you be depriving a waitlistee from going, but Lugging around unused/excess kayaks for no-shows is annoying at the very least, and would needlessly increase this trip’s carbon footprint!).

If you’re still waitlisted on Saturday – Check your email early Sunday morning for last minute roster additions.