Whitewater Kayaking – Lower James 03/28/2025

OVERVIEW

Well, everyone, it’s finally time. The weather and water are warming up and it’s time to get back out there! Last week I went back to the James with some friends and it was my first lap without any dry gear this year, it was awesome and I will not be putting a drysuit back on until December or until I’m paddling snowmelt…

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

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 –
12:00 PM – Meet at 116 Washington Ave (don’t be late) and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
1:30 PM – Arrive at either Reedy Creek or 14th St, set shuttle, and paddle
4:00 PM – Finish paddling, drive back
5:00 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 and water 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 upper 60s with water temperatures in the upper 50s, 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 super 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!

This is only the first of many trips to the James over the coming weeks and it will only get better as the water warms up, so don’t be too sad if this one doesn’t work out for you, there will be other chances!

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

-John