James River Paddling (Kayaking & Canoeing)

OVERVIEW

This will be a bit of a multicraft paddling adventure – on some segment of the James River Watershed that’s not too scary for canoes, and not terribly boring for whitewater kayaks (i.e. Balcony Falls). I’ll pick the section based on flow conditions the day of, but would expect it to be within a 1.5 hour radius or so of Cville, and a 6-10 mile float or so. Indicate your time constraints in the Q&A.
REQUIREMENTS:
You MUST KNOW HOW TO SWIM to come on this trip. Previous river paddling experience would be helpful, but not essential. Nevertheless, everyone should plan for the worst and be open to the idea of their craft capsizing and being ejected from the boat. Since there’s a shuttle involved, I’ll need one extra driver (roof rack not required) and I’ll have to put everyone on the waitlist until said driver signs up.
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 Code http://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”.
THE WATERCRAFTS & SOME LOGISTICS:
This trip is slightly geared towards canoeing and float fishing, but that doesn’t mean other crafts can’t join in on the fun:
Whitewater Kayaks: If you wish to paddle a club whitewater kayak, you must have taken the intro course from Me, Dave Clark, or someone else, and be comfortable self guiding and picking your own lines thru Class II+ rapids.
Canoes work best when paddled by pairs of people, so I’m going to also strive to have an even numbered trip roster. The club also has 1 tandem sit on top kayak that I hear needs to get its river cherry popped!
Put in the Q&A which craft you would like to paddle, or if you have a river worthy craft of your own to bring.
Everyone gets wait listed till I screen your skills and find a driver.
I’ll assess where everyone lives/who needs rides and send out final meetup details Saturday evening. This trip may get canceled for (but not limited to): Lack of 1+ student, lack of drivers, lack of interest, high or really low water, high probability of thunderstorms.
FISHING:
I personally intend to also spin rod fish from the canoe on this trip for Smallmouth Bass or whatever else feels like biting, and the James will hopefully be at a constructive level for fishing… Join in the fun and bring a fishing pole and tackle if you have it (email me for bait suggestions or other fishin questions). If you’re highly proficient with a fly rod and promise not to hook the other person in your canoe, you could check out one of clubs and try your luck with that.
YOU BRING:
Bathing suit, sun glasses, sunblock, Hat, Food, Beverages, Towel, NON-COTTON LAYERS, footwear that can get wet and will stay on, Fishing Rod and License, Any personal watercraft you may have, and any other trinkets you may need for several hours on the river, $ for a possible food stops on the way there or back.
CLUB PROVIDES:
Canoes, Kayaks, PFD’s, Paddles, Helmets, Skirts, Ride in a vehicle, Ga$, limited selection of river footwear and cold water gear if you want it.