Whitewater Kayaking on Election Day – Lower James

OVERVIEW

It’s time for some election-day kayaking!

This trip to the James is intended for any level but we will be doing the lower section, which is the more difficult of the upper/lower sections of the Falls of the James. Feel free to sign up even if you’ve never kayaked before though, the only prerequisite is the ability to swim, preferably with some moving water experience, although the trip will be more fun if you have some kayaking experience. Everyone come to pool sessions, we have a playboat now so even if you know how to roll, you can learn flatwater tricks!!

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

The river will be at around 4 ft which makes it a good beginner level for the lower also with the ability to play around in a couple of cool spots for more advanced people (ENDERS at PIPELINE!), nothing will be too difficult or dangerous and we will be able to take our time and scout stuff if need be.

Rough Timeline –
9:00 AM – Meet at 116 Washington Ave and drive to the whitewater locker to get boats and gear
10:45 AM – Arrive at Reedy Creek and set shuttle
11:30 AM – Paddle
3:30 PM – Finish paddling, drive back
4:30 PM – Arrive back in Charlottesville
These are rough estimates, we may be back slightly earlier or later.

What to bring –
Clothes and shoes that can get wet and are good 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
Splash top or wetsuit if you would like

Temperature – The air temperature is projected to be in the upper 70s with water temperatures in the 60s, 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 worried, we can 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. The waitlist will be filled in order of signup with the exception of true beginners (never paddled before) not being more than 4/6 of the total to keep everyone safe.

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

-John and Will