Boating: Activities for 2016

For 2016, the WSC boating group is planning one regular club outing per month from May through October, alternating between flat water (lakes or bays) and moving water (rivers). Exact dates and locations will be posted as the season gets under way depending on weather and water levels at the time.

Besides to the trips listed here, we will announce a number of impromptu outings. Sign up for the WSC newsletters so you'll not miss anything.

In most cases we pack a lunch and picnic somewhere along the shore and then, after paddling, gather for a social hour and dinner at a nearby restaurant.

The club owns a six-boat trailer and we have one loaner canoe, and two sit-in kayaks (first-come-first-served).

Where moving water is concerned, we do not undertake anything more challenging than Class II (mild rapids), and we plan river outings on weekdays to avoid the rafting and tubing crowds. Canoe & kayak livery services are available on some trips. Personal floatation vests are strongly recommended, helmets are always a good precaution on moving water.

The 2016 dates here are tentative. Get the details on how to join these trips by subscribing to the free WSC email newsletters and checking "boating" on your interests. Questions? Suggestions? Email Jerry Rendich at jerryrendich@aol.com

May 14
- Walnut Creek Lake: Located in Southern Albemarle County, Walnut Creek Lake (flat water) is smaller than most other nearby reservoirs but it is very attractive  - a pleasant place to paddle and picnic. The park also offers a Frisbee golf course and two beach area for swimming and sunbathing. Canoe (only) rentals are available. This is an excellent venue for beginners.

June 15-16
- Chincoteague Island: There are so many boating (and fishing) opportunities in this area that it’s difficult to know where to start! Pristine salt marshes, quaint shoreside villages, tidal creeks, hiking, shopping, sightseeing, dining, wild pony watching – something of interest for everyone. This will be an over-nighter.

July 19-20
- South Fork Shenandoah River: Bealer’s Ferry to Burner’s Ford section. This is probably our favorite paddle in this part of the state! Gorgeous scenery with numerous class I rapids and – just before the end – an exciting (but not difficult) class II roller coaster ride through Compton’s Rapids. Livery services are available from Shenandoah River Outfitters. If there is sufficient interest, we could plan an overnighter with 2 days of paddling.

August 13
- Rivanna Reservoir: This is a flat water paddle, great for beginners. Despite the fact that the reservoir is located within the city of Charlottesville, it is remarkably remote and scenic. Launch near the water treatment plant and paddle 5 miles to the head of the reservoir.  No livery service

September 7-8
- Upper James River:  Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan or Buchanan to Alpine sections. The Upper James is beautifully scenic and with rapids generally in the class I-II range, a fairly easy paddle with just enough bumps and wave fields to keep it interesting. Livery services are available at Twin River Outfitters. Again, if there is sufficient interest, this could be a 2-day outing.

October 2
- Smith Mountain Lake: clogged with speedboats and water skiers in the high season, SML is quiet and beautiful in the fall, especially when the leaves start to turn. Paddle the lake then join together for a cookout at Neil and Mary Carlson’s  afterward.

Questions? Email boating@wtgsportingclub.org