High water paddling on the James in Richmond

KNeal · Post by **KNeal** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:54 am

I'm gonna take advantage of all this high water on the James and go boat Friday late afternoon. Anyone who wants to make a run can respond to this post, PM me, or call me at 804-405-3767.

You MUST have good advanced boater skills. The river is at flood right now (75,000 cfs) and will retain a LOT of volume through tomorrow (50,000 cfs). This means that the river is wide and FAST. It's basically a big water run. The benefits at this level include LOTS of good surfing and choice hole playing in many places (including Pony Pasture, "5-0" wave, 10-boat hole, and many many many play spots in between and toward the takeout.

I'm targeting around 4:00, but can launch later if needed.

KNeal

squeakyknee · Post by **squeakyknee** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:40 am

I could be at Reedy creek about 5pm
You'll have to knock me out of Ten Boat

TOO much fun.
And yes,It is BIG out there. Lot's less wood today.
Z-dam was a dream @ 15.7 this afternoon. I took the Wheelboy out today and came off the water with the perma-grin

Ferrying wasn't a problem cause you're pretty much surfing your way over.
The eddies behind the train pylons were terrifying

As always,everyone be safe out there with this awsome excess of H2O. Things come up on you fast,i.e. wood. You don't want to backsurf for too long with out a buddy lookin out. I saw logs and other assorted wood get stood up by submerged rocks and stand straight up in front of you randomly.Scary stuff.
(I'll get some pictures up soon.)
Shawn

squeakyknee · Post by **squeakyknee** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:49 am

Some Pictures of Z-Dam on the upper James @ 15.5 ft.
http://www.julesagogo.coastals.org/pics ... P1352.html
http://www.julesagogo.coastals.org/pics ... P1380.html
http://www.julesagogo.coastals.org/pics ... P1381.html
http://www.julesagogo.coastals.org/pics ... P1382.html
http://www.julesagogo.coastals.org/pics ... P1394.html

The wave is gone now

,but a ton of play has opened up for this weekend below 9 ft

billcanoes · Post by **billcanoes** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 2:26 pm

Sweet looking surfs

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:47 pm

DUDE! I'm heading north to Richmond the next time this happens

Thanks for sharing the photos!

squeakyknee · Post by **squeakyknee** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:27 am

Mike W. wrote:DUDE! I'm heading north to Richmond the next time this happens Thanks for sharing the photos!

You should

There's another Hole/Wave call 10 Boat Hole that has great eddy service between 10-12.5 ft.It's about 60ft wide and horseshoe shaped.You can sit in it all day.
I'll definately call you next time,you just have to pay 10$ for a high water permit(good for 2 years)
Should have more pics of the Upper James soon.
Shawn

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:55 am

Thanks. I had forgotten about the permit.

Alden · Post by **Alden** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 7:47 pm

great pictures, thanks for posting!
Alden

KNeal · Post by **KNeal** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:48 pm

Ditto to what Shawn said. The "5-O" wave was not there at 12 feet, but we definitely had a LOT of play n' surf features and we took full advantage of them. Definitely redemption for me after my poor showing at the boatercross. Mike W., you oughta remember them from when you joined Mike Elsea and I a few years back when the Xterra triathlon swim was canceled due to the James at 11 feet. I paddled your Viper and you were in your Cascade.

KNeal

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:56 am

About all that I remember from that trip was trying to stay within sight of you guys in the trees of the dries

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High water paddling on the James in Richmond

High water paddling on the James in Richmond

Pictures

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