Intermediate/Advanced Whitewater Kayaking-Not Swiss Fest 2014

OVERVIEW

This is a weekend multi-skill level (but not beginner) paddling trip to the Gauley River and “Not Swiss Fest” – (which is the relocated version of “Swiss Fest” -an informal gathering of local VA paddlers) that used to take place at the Swiss takeout on the first release weekend every year till the NPS bought the takeout and outlawed camping – The Swiss Fest refugees have now relocated to a quasi-secret location.
TIMES/PLAN:
I hope to leave around 5 PM on Friday and return Sunday by 9 PM at the latest. Times may vary, depending on who signs up, how many vehicles we have, and what people’s schedules are. Please include any scheduling preferences when signing up!
THE PADDLING:
The crowd at “NOT Swiss Fest” will have a diverse skill set, and trips on all segments of the Gauley (and maybe the New River) will likely go out Saturday & Sunday.
Lower Gauley:https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2379/
Upper Gauley: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2378/
Lower New: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2418/
These sections are meant for intermediate/advanced boaters. You should at least be an intermediate paddler with previous class III-IV experience with a reliable combat roll. If you are unsure if you have the skillset to paddle any of these sections, please feel free to contact me with questions. I’ll be asking you to list paddling experience when signing up for this trip so that I can screen skill level before adding you to the list.
FOOD:
The club no longer reimburses for food, so plan on packing lunches and snacks for the weekend (we will also have time to stop at gas stations/local shops to get food) and possibly eating out for breakfasts and dinners. This should be the only cost of the trip –but should not be paid to me so I’m not listing it as a fee. I’m estimating $30 for the weekend, but plan to bring more if you think its necessary.
CAMPING:
“Not Swiss Fest” will not not be at: http://tawneyfarm.com/ Camping fees will be covered by the club. If you need any camping gear (tents/sleeping bags/sleeping pads) please indicate when signing up.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Entertainment includes: “The Band Wagon” http://www.reverbnation.com/pamstratton , The Echo Canyon Players, and Pilgrim, starting Friday night.
CLUB PROVIDES: Boats & Gear if you need them, camping gear if you need it, gas $.
YOU PROVIDE: Any paddling and camping gear you already have, sunblock, water, lunch/snacks, food $, river apparel, warm layers because the nights do get very chilly!
DISCLAIMER/LEGAL:
I am NOT “leading” any river trips, I am only coordinating some transportation and logistics. YOU are responsible for your own safety and the activities you choose to participate in while on this trip. Additionally, all participants must have read and must agree to abide by the American Whitewater Safety Codehttp://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? for the duration of the trip.
All who participate on this trip agree to participate as “Common Adventurers”.