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O. C. T. Balcony Falls-James River (October 25)

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:56 am
by Shannon
From AW Web page:
With a huge watershed providing year round boatable levels this is THE run for beginner and intermediate paddlers in VA. While people come from all over to paddle this run, during the week you could have the river to yourself. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, but when the level is good (over 4') or after the weather turns cold most of the recreational canoers and fisherman clear out. All in all, this very fun run is mostly class 2 with an easy class three at Balcony Falls. It is a great run for instructing beginners and has enough play (at levels over 4 feet) to keep intermediate paddlers interested as well.


Unless things open up we are unlikely to see 4 feet of water, but it is still boatable and likely to be at the peak of fall color :shock: .

Meeting at the put in at 10 A.M. and will set shuttle from there. Email, PM, or Call if interested.
434-847-4676

Link to AW Page:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_1949_

Link to Directions: (scroll down to James River: Balcony Falls):
http://www.coastals.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1151

Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:08 pm
by Shannon
bump

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:33 pm
by topheavy
Hey Shannon / others --

My friend Alex and I are going to try to make it down on Saturday. He's just starting out and we're still working on finding him some gear to borrow, but I'll let you know if we can make it as soon as we know.

Speaking of borrowing gear ... is there anyone going (or in Cville) with some extra cold weather gear? I was thinking it would be a good idea to lend him my drysuit if I could find a drytop for me. Better suggestions on how to dress for this intermediate weather are eagerly welcomed also (I've always just sweated it out in the drysuit).

Looking forward to it!

Brian

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:04 pm
by bambam
Being a wimpy weather watcher, yes, but I'd be interested in a later run on Saturday, say noonish, if it ain't pouring rain. Or, maybe Sunday noonish, particularly if the rain amounts to anything if anyone is interested.

Some local forecasts are calling for 1" - 2" of rain, "heavy at times" starting Friday night.

Ken Dubel

Time Change

Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:05 pm
by Shannon
Yep, rainy and mid fifties - should be a glorious fall day.

I agree about the time - lets push this back to Meeting at the Put-in at Noon. I will be there rain or shine - unless it is snowing.

As for clothing, I plan to wear my drysuit. My drytop has a tear in the gasket, but I do have a couple of neoprene tops and a splash jacket that I can loan out - I think they are size Large-NRS.

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:47 pm
by topheavy
Gents --

The gear borrowing has not gone well. We thought UVA Rec had whitewater boats to rent, but they don't. Right now we're waiting to find out if Alex can rent a spray skirt for his rec boat.

Shannon, thanks for offering the loaner gear, but with the weather predicted for tomorrow I think I would be violating the "dress for the swim" rule.

Barring a miracle Alex and I won't make it tomorrow. Sunday might work for us, if that's still an option.

Apologies for the lateness and continued ambiguity.

Rec Boat Skirt

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:30 pm
by slo2rol
If anybody's headed out there from Richmond, I have Harmony rec boat skirt that I'll loan you guys. It's not neoprene, but it keeps water out in class II+, has an adjustable bungee and tunnel, stays on if you're upside down - and has a big orange grab loop if you can't roll that rec boat! The only caveat is that you'd have to pick it up from my house since I've only got my two WW boat skirts in my truck here at work.

Let me know if you need it and want to arrange to pick it up and return it.

Brandon
804 9ZO 9ZI7

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:58 pm
by topheavy
Thanks for the offer Brandon, but we won't make it this weekend (Sunday's a no-go too).

Have a good time guys!

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:22 pm
by Barb
Lee and I are interested in a paddle somewhere on sunday - depending on what's up (i.e. how much rain we get tomorrow). Let me know if you decide to paddle somewhere on sunday.

Sorry, Shannon, I'm a wimp when it comes to cold heavy rain forcasts!

Brian, I sent you a pm regarding gear.

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:25 pm
by joey d
Fran & I are interesred in paddling Sunday also.

joey d

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 5:46 pm
by Shannon
I will be still be at noon....

Balcony Falls

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 8:16 pm
by Dake
There seems to be some Sunday interest, mayby a little higher water warmer,no rain...How about noon at the put in..Dake Cassen

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 9:09 pm
by Dan P
Sam P. and I are thinking Sunday also at this point. It will be nice to do the run with some more water. Noon would work for us.

Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 9:52 pm
by Shannon
I can't make Sunday :( , have fun. I will be out there shivering tomorrow.