The Water Was In Richmond All Along! – Int WW Kayaking

OVERVIEW

Soooo… Didn’t end up going to Pisgah. NBD. there’s hella water up here in Central VA. Plan here is to run the James River in Richmond on Saturday. Water will be up up, like probably 8 or 9 feet on the gauge (see link below) so this will be a definite intermediate trip. You should have at least been whitewater kayaking before, have or are pretty darn close to a solid roll, and be a strong swimmer. James Brown demands skills.

We’ll run the Upper section (class II-III at these levels) which, juiced as it is, will have some great waves, surfing, and other features for the intermediate paddler. Many will find it chill to stop here but more advanced paddlers could continue into the Lower (class III+IV) if water levels and people’s skills are looking appropriate. We’ll likely have two cars and one containing just Upper runners could jet out after their lap back to Cville while the other stays and likely laps the lower. Let me know in the questionnaire some info about your paddling experience and what you’d like to do and we’ll work out a plan. Check the gauge and the Upper and Lower James AW pages below for more beta.

https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=rmdv2&wfo=akq
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1952/main
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1951/main

Timeline
– meet at shrack 9am saturday – finalize plans, maybe get gear
– go paddling
– one car back to cville after upper james lap?
– more paddling
– all cars back to cville for friday night plans

What to Bring
– Kit! Helmet, PFD, Skirt, Paddle, Watercraft, throwbag if ur cool
– it will be chilly! drytop, drysuit, wetsuit, clothes that will be warm when wet
– a lunch/snacks? – potential stop at great cafe on the shuttle drive, water for sure
– a bag for dry stuff if you’re into that
– change of clothes and towel if you’re into that
– money for food maybe
If you don’t have those kayaking things or warm things, that’s ok. Just let us know and we’ll make sure you get em.

If you have any questions please text Mitch (8049558990)
See you on the river!