Coastals

What: 11-Mile Flat Water/Class I-II Relaxed Paddle (3-4 miles/hour paddle with breaks every 2 hours – with a 2 miles/hour for the day average inclusive of breaks) down the historic Stanton River as noted on page 282 of “Classic Virginia Rivers” by Ed Grove 1995… fortunately, rivers don’t change all that much.

Where: ~ 2+ hours Southwest of Richmond. Put In: Long Island Public Boat Ramp (River left – North Side - Railroad Ave, Gladys, VA 24554) - Pull Out: Brookneal Public Boat Ramp – (River left – North Side - Radio Rd, Nathalie, VA 24577)

When:
10:00 All meet @ Brookneal Public Boat Ramp to organize shuttle
10:15 – depart Brookneal Public Boat Ramp to Long Island Boat Ramp (15 miles on road up river)
10:45 – start paddle @ Long Island Boat Ramp
~5:00 – take out at Brookneal Public Boat Ramp
~5:15 – Shuttle to Long Island Boat Ramp to recover cars
~6:00 – Load boats at Bookneal Public Boat Ramp – head home/local eatery for dinner

Who: Coastal Canoeist Members/Family/Friends (future CC members) that are able to paddle Class I-II rapids

Why: FUN!

Weather: Cloudy with 30% chance of rain (as of 8/5/22) – we are a go unless significant change in weather forecast

Per Ed Grove’s book - This pleasant 11-mile Class I-II stretch of the Roanoke/Stanton River is runnable year around as it is fed by an upstream dam. The river has a long history as a colonial key trade route, native American fish traps, fun manmade sluices and towing walls for batteau boats, islands, and fun rock gardens.

Bring snacks, lunch and lots of water to hydrate frequently and often. See full checklist below.

I am a new member to CC, however I am not a newbie to paddling. As a Scout Leader, I have led 15+ Scouting canoe/kayak floats on the Shenandoah River over Class I, II water. I am not an instructor but willing to teach if someone is willing to learn. My wife (a Girl Scout Camp Kayaking Instructor during college) and my 14-year-old son will be a part of the float team. We will be paddling our two Wilderness Systems Pungo 140s (cross between recreational kayak and touring kayak) and a Pungo 125. All Kayaks and canoes are welcome.

Even though this is a relatively easy run, you should be a strong swimmer wearing a PFD at all times. I do not consider this a new beginner run; this is a high beginner/low novice minimum run.

Please respond to this posting directly in the forum or text me directly at 703-627-9922 with your name, experience level, boat type and cell number to let me know you are going no later than 9:00 PM Saturday, 8/6/22. Per CC guidance, do not just show up at the landing.

See you on the river,
Brian AKA… the “PaddleBear”
703-627-9922

Suggested/Optional Check List (you don’t need all of these items):
• PFD
• Paddle
• Whistle
• Knife
• Sunglasses
• Floating Sunglasses Straps
• Eyeglass wipes
• Bilge Pump in case you “swim” and need to pump out your boat
• Sponge to remove water from bottom of boat if wave goes over gunnel during rapid
• Tow line in case you need to line your boat over gravel bed
• Hand towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Gloves to prevent blisters
• Shoes
• Food
• Water
• Small Cooler
• Ice
• Phone
• Phone charging battery stick
• Dry box for phone/wallet and keys
• Dry bag
• Flag
• GPS
• Compass
• Maps
• Directions
• Emergency contact list
• Spray skirt – only if you don’t want to get wet
• Headlamp
• Trash bags – leave no trace – leave it better than you found it
• Hair tie
• First aid kit
• Emergency Hull repair kit
• Gorilla clear waterproof tape
• Matches/Lighter/Flat wood
• Emergency blanket

Like to join you.
Dave Lockledge
434-989-6929

Had great time on Sunday. Dave joined us (3) to share shuttle and great conversation. Weather was mid-80s with a constant upstream breeze to cool us off… and a mix of puffy clouds that offered periodic shade from the sun. River was a little pushy with the recent rains. We remained river left the whole way. Very fun mix of Class-I-II with pools below to relax before the next set of rapids. Definitely not a beginner river as there are several pillows and exposed rocks that required maneuvering. Did not have spray skirt so I took a few waves over the bow in my Pungo 140 but a few quick pumps of the bilge pump and the 1 inch of water was out and we were back under way. Our 14 year old son got a little too adventurous with his Pungo 125 and ended up “swimming” a few times… good practical lessons were learned. Very quiet paddle with no one else on the river until the very end. Then... the end of the trip was punctuated by “helping” some other folks who had paddled up from the Brookneal Boat Ramp…. they had a little too much to drink and had capsized their sit on top kayaks (yard sale of beverages, cell phones, coolers, paddles, boats) at the last set of rapids (upstream from the Brookneal Boat Ramp). Well, as we say in Scouts – “do a good turn daily”… well we did that… and some. Dave was exceptional with his throw bag and T-Rescue skills – a great paddle partner – many thanks Dave! Total time on river was 5.5 hours for 11 miles with good moving water and a lunch break. I would highly recommend this stretch of the Stanton River. I know we will be back. After we said our goodbyes to Dave, we headed back to Richmond and stopped at Magnolia’s Restaurant for a fantastic post paddle meal. Many thanks to Dave for the fun paddle and shuttle share – hope we can do it again sometime soon.

Brian,

Thanks for coordinating this trip as a new member and for the post-trip write-up. Sounds as if you had a good day. Hope you’ll send your trip report to Ginny Newton, our CaNews editor.

Raymond

Raymond - thanks - good time was had by all. Per your recommendation, I have sent a link to Ginny for consideration for inclusion into the newsletter.

See You on the River,

Brian