(Beg)Intermediate kayaker looking for other paddlers

str8_70s · Post by **str8_70s** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:20 am

Hey folks, I'm just getting back into paddling. I'd call myself an über-advanced beginner, or perhaps an intermediate, but I don't have much for comparison.

Right now, I'd be perfectly comfortable throwing myself into up to Class III (knowing I'd likely not succeed at my combat roll if necessary), but would be very wary of Class IV. That said, if told that there weren't any true dangers in that Class IV, other than the compulsory embarrassment waiting underwater for me, I'd jump in.

I own a Wave Sport Ace, can roll with 2/3 reliability in flat water, have a strong stroke, good bracing, and good general handling skill, and am perfectly comfortable underwater, possibly waiting for my T-rescue.

If you'd like some company, and don't mind a stranger in your party, please give a shout!

I live just East of Charlottesville, have a flexible schedule, and am perfectly happy to travel and carpool (have pickup and car with roof rack).

Peace

DJeffSmith · Post by **DJeffSmith** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:00 am

Welcome, welcome!

We have lots of stuff going on just about everyday now so PLEASE jump right in.

"Want to paddle now?" Forum - is just that - folks throw out that they are doing an informal paddle and welcoming others to join. Hit them up on the forum, or drop them a PM and let them know you are coming. They'll give you the low down on where to meet.

If you bounce back to our main page you'll find our Trips page. These are planned in advance and more formally organized paddles. Lots of times on these let the organizer know you are coming - is all it takes.

Hit me up on email and I'll give you my number. It's my name on here @ AOL. I should be here this weekend and am happy to point you in the right directions.

Again, welcome!

Jeff

str8_70s · Post by **str8_70s** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:55 am

Thanks, Jeff. I appreciate the tips, and I hope to meet you soon.

Be well

Turbo_D · Post by **Turbo_D** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:16 am

Yes Welcome!!

As Jeff said, keep your eye on the 'Paddle Now' forum!
I am usually at the river, so you can keep your eye open on me posting! I would be more then happy showing you down the river!!
Feel free to contact me, as well. Just shoot me a PM or an email.
Hope to paddle with ya soon!

qsjones · Post by **qsjones** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:44 am

Hello and welcome back to the boating world. We are going to paddle Balcony tomorrow (7/6) if you would like to join. It's a low level but still some stuff to do. 9am at the takeout. I'm going to make a separate post for the trip -Quentin

str8_70s · Post by **str8_70s** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:31 pm

Hey Quentin, thanks very much for the heads-up. I don't think I could make tomorrow happen, as I'd need to leave home at about 7:00 (wake up at 6:00), and I'd have to be back in Charlottesville by 2:00 at the latest. I'll shoot for the next round.

Peace

Bubberella · Post by **Bubberella** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:23 pm

I've been paddling for about three years and just finished a 5-day ww class at Nantahala Outdoor Center last week. I'm hoping to meet people who want to do Class I and II and gain more experience in Class III. I live in Richmond and work in Petersburg, can travel on weekends and can also help transport and shuttle.

open boater · Post by **open boater** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:43 am

Welcome to the club! With low summertime levels, the lower James in Richmond is a good place to sharpen your skills. There are regular groups that paddle Wednesdays around 5pm and Sunday at 11am. There are many folks that will be glad to offer advise or pointers if you're interested.
When the river comes up, the upper James will offer the same type of practice opportunities. I've always said that we hone our skills during the summer so we can enjoy the river in the winter when the levels are high

DJeffSmith · Post by **DJeffSmith** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:43 am

Now Jerry has a Lower James Paddle, up for 4:45 today. Take a look at American Whitewater and assess your skills for this section at the lower end of the run-able range. When you are looking at it, know that you can scout & walk Hollywood & Pipeline. I might join you all.

Jeff

str8_70s · Post by **str8_70s** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 10:05 am

Thanks very much for all the info.

I can't join today due to prior plans (that were already rescheduled to allow me to go mountain biking!). This weekend's out. But next week is good before Thursday. I've already got the Wednesday paddle in my calendar.

I feel it's relevant to say this: my schedule changes rapidly due to work (certified massage therapist). Where Monday evening is open now, if a client says "hey, how's Monday at 5?" I have to change that availability, usually. I'm too poor to turn down clients! I'll also be that guy wearing gloves on the river, no matter the conditions. Gotta protect my hands!

I'm planning on next Wednesday for sure, and would love to meet you folks! Where's the meeting spot?

And @Jeff, by the American Whitewater site, according to the current levels and rapids classifications, I'm perfectly comfortable going through the LJ. If someone's there to say, "hey, don't take that line, you'll get eaten," I'm down with I-III. Maybe someone offers a T-rescue if my roll isn't feeling me at that moment.

Bubberella · Post by **Bubberella** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 11:16 am

Thanks for the info. I have no problem porting around a rapid if I can't work up enough saliva to spit. I'm going to try Sunday at 11. Where's the put-in?

DJeffSmith · Post by **DJeffSmith** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 12:55 pm

we meet up at the 14th St. Northside Takeout: Check out this Groovy Googlemap that Jules made - the takeout is marked right on it!

http://www.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&layer ... a6bc&msa=0

Bubberella · Post by **Bubberella** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 1:46 pm

Thanks!

Coastals