The 2016 boating season was very successful. Member participation was up more than triple 2015 and water levels were the best we’ve seen in many years.

This section of the river is very scenic as it winds its way north and east through majestic gorges and quiet campgrounds.

Six WSC members made the trip to Virginia Chincoteague Island to explore the salt water from a kayaker’s point of view. The view was terrific! 

The Waynesboro Water Trail cannot be recommend because of the difficult portage and a very dangerous strainer.

Jerry Rendich reports that the Waynesboro Water Trail is now open and the Rivanna River Company in open for business in Charlottesville.

Note: Much of the information here was taken from RiverFacts, an online resource. This appears to have been compiled without personal knowledge or experience on the part of the website publisher. The accuracy cannot be verified. 

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. Additional to the trips listed here, we will announce a number of impromptu outings from time to time.

The boating activities listed may change depending on weather and water levels. As in the past, we plan to have a picnic lunch somewhere along the shore and, after paddling, meet for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Reminder: The club owns a trailer and can transport up to 6 boats. We also have 2 sit-in kayaks and 2 canoes available on a first-come-first-served basis. We will announce the time and place to meet for each event.

WSC typically holds to nothing more challenging than class II or II+. That said, it’s important to note that the water depth at any given time is a major factor in determining the difficulty level. What’s listed as class II could easily become class III following a heavy rainstorm.

Years ago, when we first became interested (and didn’t know a kayak from a tug boat), we first yaks were in the 9-10 foot range, with very rounded/rocker hulls. They were probably more suited to stunt and white-water kayaking but we didn’t know the difference and we had fun with them. 

In hindsight, there were several downsides:

Six events are currently planned, more coming