Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking – Lower James

OVERVIEW

Warm weather and the water is up, time to hit a couple awesome James laps!

This trip to the James is intended mainly for intermediate-level paddlers who have paddled the James before or equivalent rivers, if you’re unsure about whether this trip is for you, feel free to ask. We will be doing the lower section, which is the more difficult of the upper/lower sections of the Falls of the James. The river level will be around 5.5ft which is probably not a great level for a first time but around average for the year. Keeping this intermediate because of the level, temperature, and because we’ll have a raft alongside, if you’re not at this level yet, don’t worry, I’ll be doing a bunch more trips as it warms up.

The lower section (III) through Richmond (https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1952/main).

The river will be at around 5.5 ft which makes it a middle level for the lower with the ability to play around in a couple of cool spots for more advanced people, nothing will be too difficult or dangerous and we will be able to take our time and scout stuff if need be.

Rough Timeline –
8:45 AM – Be at 116 Washington Ave and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
10:30 AM – Arrive at Reedy Creek and set shuttle
11:30 AM – Paddle (with our raft friends)
1:30 PM – Finish paddling, reset shuttle for lap two
2:00 PM – Lap 2
5:00 PM – Back in Charlottesville
These are rough estimates, we may be back slightly earlier or later.

What to bring –
Shoes that can get wet and won’t fall off in moving water
A change of clothes for after
Towel
Bag for wet stuff
Any food and water you may need
Kayak or gear if you have it

What the club will provide –
Kayak
Paddle
Skirt
Helmet
PFD

Temperature – The air temperature is projected to be in the 80s with water temperatures in the 60s. This is going to be great, I’m not going to wear a wetsuit or dry gear but you can if you want.

Notice – Whitewater sports are inherently dangerous. We lead trips at a level where we feel confident about our ability to keep people on our trip safe. Your safety also depends on you and your honest communication of your abilities and state of being, as well as respect towards any safety advice.

Drivers with car space and roof racks (with crossbars) are needed and will receive waitlist priority, gas reimbursed plus tip.

Let me know if you have any questions (8049441929).

-John