Gauley Fest 2016

OVERVIEW

GAULEY FEST 2016

“Thousands of paddlers from all over the world make their way to West Virginia the third Saturday of September to partake in the largest whitewater festival of the year, Gauley Fest. Vendors from all over the country will be there selling and giving away stuff, along with about 3000 people, kayakers and groupies alike.”

Here’s the link to the American Whitewater website for the festival: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:events_gauley
(includes destination info)

KAYAKING: Most of the rivers commonly run during this weekend require at least strong intermediate level skills – which include but are not limited to: reliable combat roll and supreme river reading & bracing skills. These river sections include the Upper and Lower Gauley:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2378
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2379
If you are unsure if you are able to kayak either of these sections, send me an email when you sign up. There are also flat-water kayaking options nearby, but I won’t be coordinating transportation or leadership for these activities. If we have enough beginners interested in coming out to the festival, I may be able to set something up for you.
RAFTING:
I will not personally be coordinating a rafting trip, but anyone who wants to guarantee themselves an opportunity to raft The Upper Gauley and/or Lower Gauley should make their own arrangements with a Commercial outfitter (Let me know if that is your intent – and I’ll put like-minded folks in contact with each other… Upper G trips start at about $140).

CAMPING/FESTIVAL:
The plan is to camp just outside the fenced in area where the festival is held (so stumbling distance away, but far enough where everyone should be able to get some sleep). Festival entrance is included in the camping fee:
-Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: $30
-Friday and Saturday: $25
-Saturday only: $20
The club only reimburses $10 of the camping fee per night, so plan accordingly. Always safer to bring extra cash –especially with all the sweet deals on boats/gear going on. I’m setting the fee to $5, but that won’t be paid to me.

There are also volunteering opportunities at the festival, contact the festival organizers directly if you wish to volunteer.

TIMES/RIDES:
I personally won’t be able to leave until Friday afternoon and plan on paddling Saturday and Sunday, but it’s always an option to drive up Thursday night and paddle Friday/Saturday/Sunday. I plan on heading back to Cville Sunday after paddling, but some may need to leave early. Please indicate your schedule preferences when signing up so we can try to coordinate rides as much as possible.

FOOD:
The club does not reimburse food, so either pack a cooler with food for the weekend or bring $$. There’s food available for sale at the festival itself and the nearby town of Summersville.

YOU PROVIDE: kayaking gear if you have it, tent/sleeping bag/stove/camping stuff if you have it, clothes (for on and off the river, especially warm clothes, it’s usually colder in WV than in Cville right now), water, your own knife, fork, spoon, cup, plate, bowel and extra $$ for all the awesome kayaking gear that will be on sale. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET A SWEET DEAL ON A BOAT!

CLUB PROVIDES: kayaking gear if you need it, camping gear if you need it, camping fees, gas $$ up to $150/vehicle.

DISCLAIMER / LEGAL:
I am NOT “leading” on any rivers during Gauley Fest, I am only coordinating some logistics and transportation to the rivers and festival site, you are responsible for your own safety and the activities you choose to participate in while on this trip, and you agree to have read and will abide by the American Whitewater Safety Codehttp://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start?
Those with the appropriate skills may join as “Common Adventurers”