Intro to BIG DROPS – Whitewater Kayaking – Lower James River

OVERVIEW

This is a bit of a special trip to the James, instead of taking the normal line alongside Belle Isle and doing Hollywood rapid, we’ll paddle across the river and run the Hollywood dam drop. This is about a 15-foot drop/steep slide into a pool below (see the trip photo). This is the largest single drop on the lower section of the river. It’s nice and deep at the bottom and as long as you keep the boat straight at the lip, very easy and fun. We can set up a rope to climb back up and run it as many times as you want. Check out this video of the last time I tried this drop on a SUP (https://www.instagram.com/p/CDg1-MQFygQ/),

This trip to the James is an intermediate-level trip as we will be doing the lower section, which is the more difficult of the upper/lower sections of the Falls of the James. The most important prerequisite is the ability to swim, with some moving water swimming experience, although waitlist preference will be given to people who have attended roll sessions.

Everyone should come to roll sessions, we have a playboat now so even if you know how to roll, you can learn flatwater tricks!!

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

The river will be at around 5 ft which makes it a good beginner/intermediate level for the lower also with the ability to play around in a couple of cool spots for more advanced people or those looking to challenge themselves, nothing will be too difficult or dangerous and we will be able to take our time and scout stuff if need be.

Rough Timeline –
10:00 AM – Meet at 116 Washington Ave (don’t be late) and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
11:30 AM – Arrive at either Reedy Creek or 14th St, set shuttle, and paddle
3:30 PM – Finish paddling, drive back
4:30 PM – Arrive back in Charlottesville
These are rough estimates, we may be back slightly earlier or later.

What to bring –
Clothes and shoes that won’t fall off in the water and can get wet (non-cotton base layer)
A change of clothes for after
Towel
Bag for wet stuff
Any food, water, sunscreen, etc. you may need
Kayak or gear if you have it

What the club will provide –
Kayak
Paddle
Skirt
Helmet
PFD
Splash top or wetsuit if you would like

Temperature – The air temperature is projected to be in the 80s with water temperatures in the 60s, the general benchmark for needing a wetsuit is if the air and water temperatures combine to equal less than 120. I will not be wearing any cold gear but if you are not experienced with cold water, we will get you some.

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. Waitlist preference will be given to people who have attended pool sessions, they’ve been putting in the work all winter and now is when it pays off!

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

-John