Kayaking (Whitewater)
Ray's Campground (Hico, WV)
New River Gorge
**This adventure is part of the “Outdoor Extravaganza at the New River Gorge” trip so you must be signed up for that adventure to go on this one.
The section of the New River above the gorge is a 7 mile stretch from Thurmond to Cunard, WV and has 5 class 2 rapids separated by a bit of calm water and ends with the famous class 3, “Surprise” rapid. This is a great place for beginners-intermediates to get an intro to big water, and work on river skills like reading rapids, ferrying, eddy hopping, and combat rolling. This stretch also serves as a warm-up for intermediates who want to step up their game and run the gorge on Sunday. We’ll start Saturday with a hearty breakfast (I might do camp food, get breakfast from the campsite – Ray makes a mean breakfast – or, most likely, hit Cathedral Cafe – the best pre-adventure meal experience ever!) then pack a lunch and our gear, and get to the water. We might team up with an east coast paddling club called Coastal Canoeists to help with shuttling and guiding. We’ll be on the water for several hours so please be sure to bring plenty of food and water (which the club will provide).
For more info about the river check out:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/4119/
A few important notes:
1. PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. You must have taken the intro to kayaking class with me or have similar experience to go on this trip (and you may need prior river experience, see below). Since I will have to screen your qualifications your name will get added to the waitlist upon signing up, and then moved to the trip list if appropriate.
2. I MIGHT NOT BE YOUR GUIDE. It’s likely that I will be paddling with you but if I find a qualified guide who would love to take you under his/her wing, I might paddle the gorge section instead. Either way, you will have a competent guide and a great day on the water, though I might have to be more strict with your qualifications. For instance, I might have to require prior river experience. This will depend on the water level and your guide. I will let you know well in advance.
3. You will have the opportunity to paddle Saturday and/or Sunday. If a lot of people are interested in paddling, I will set it up to try to get everyone on the water which means you will probably not get to paddle both days (I expect lots of interest).
You should bring: swimwear, footwear that can get wet (though the club has an ample supply of neoprene booties), towel, change of clothes, sunblock, food/snacks, water, your boat and gear if you have it, and lots of courage 🙂
The Club provides: boats, spray skirts, paddles, pfds, helmets, noseplugs, drybags, float bags (limited quantities), neoprene booties, boat transportation, shuttle ride.