Lower James Whitewater Kayaking

OVERVIEW

Leaves are changing and so are we… into vests and skirts to go kayaking!!!!

This trip to the James is intended mainly for intermediate-level paddlers who have paddled whitewater (such as the upper James) before or attended some pool sessions, 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 3.5ft which is a great level for a first descent.

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

The river will be at around 3.5 ft which makes it a perfect level with nothing too gnarly or too scrapy.

Rough Timeline –
11:00 AM – Be at 116 Washington Ave and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
1:00 PM – Arrive at Reedy Creek and set shuttle
1:30 PM – Paddle
5:00 PM – Finish paddling, drive back
6:30 PM – Arrive 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 about 25C with a water temperature 24C (those are mid 70s F for all those that prefer the ‘murican system).

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.

Let me know if you have any questions (703-963-7324).

-George