|
Post by Tony Daniel on Apr 29, 2013 21:37:25 GMT -5
If you've got friends or you want to get out on the water and don't have much whitewater experience then the beginner clinic is a great opportunity to learn how to paddle. Check out the Beginners Clinic webpage for more info. The Sunday trip is open to all (Glade Creek to the Sandbar). I'll be camping at Army Camp that weekend so come on and join the fun. What do ya say, how about a potluck campfire dinner Saturday night? We'll need some volunteers to help lead pods. Right now we just have four paddlers signed up but that number should grow as we get closer to the event.
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 15, 2013 21:28:21 GMT -5
Currently there are six people registered and one more registration should be arriving shortly- so seven folks all together. As I posted earlier I'll be camping (well actually parking in my camper van) that weekend at army camp. Camping is free and first come first serve. I'm thinkin' a community campfire, potluck for those sticking around on Sat. night. Bring a dish to cook on the fire, to share.. I'm encouraging folks to paddle the next day (Sunday) to use their new found skills on the club trip located on the Glade Creek to Sandbar stretch of the New. If the New River gets blown out with high water then we'll probably move the clinic to the Greenbrier River Campground on Saturday and paddle from the campground to Alderson on Sunday. We will decided this a day or two before the event and you'll be contacted by phone if you are signed up for the clinic or planning to help. They do charge for camping at the Greenbrier Campground, they are a private operation. I think its about 25.00 per night. It might be less for a tent or if you share a site.
I've got a number of people who are unsure about the fee structure of the clinic. So I'll try to explain it. You need to be a wvwa member ($20.00). You need to pay the 20.00 clinic fee. This money is used to cover expenses. We have to have a statement of insurance (provided by the ACA) and a permit (with the Natl. Park Service) to conduct the clinic in the New River Gorge. We also have ACA liability waivers that both participants and instructors sign. You can print out your own using the link on the clinic webpage or fill one out at the clinic, I'll bring plenty of extras. You do not have to be a member of the ACA to participate in the clinic. An "event" membership with ACA is covered in your clinic registration. If you sent me a check for the ACA ($30.00) because you want to join as a full fledged ACA paddle america club member then I'm holding it and will send it in after the clinic, when I have the event registration/liability waiver forms. There's a box you can check on the liability waiver for the full membership if you desire it with the ACA. I hope that helps with any confusion you have about fees.
A number of you have asked about gear or boats and as of right now I've got everything covered with the exception of one spray skirt that fits a remix. If your planning on helping out or instructing with the clinic lets see what we can come up, including a skirt. Brad at Ace is supplying the boat but we need to come up with the skirt to make that remix work. If you have extra gear that's in good shape, and a beginner friendly boat then bring them. We never know how everything fits until its time to hit the water.
I'm looking forward to a great weekend. I've really enjoyed this event the last couple of years and have enjoyed paddling with everyone. Thanks, Tony questions? post or call 304 469-3719 home, 304 575-9449 cell
|
|
John Brady
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2014
Posts: 70
|
Post by John Brady on May 16, 2013 9:51:27 GMT -5
I have an extra skirt that fits Jackson Kayaks keyhole in a size medium waist. I can also get a couple NRS Drylander skirts in waist size Large and Medium with a size Large keyhole.
|
|
|
Post by Tom Connelly on May 16, 2013 12:42:34 GMT -5
Bridget and I will be there for the camping, clinic, Saturday potluck, and Sunday run. Will probably come up Friday evening. We'll bring a little extra gear, but don't think we have an extra skirt that will fit a Remix. (Will bring a pool skirt that will fit as a backup).
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 16, 2013 17:23:26 GMT -5
the remix requires a "large" deck size with a snapdragon, immersion r. sprayskirt according to the nrs website. The sprayskirt I use on Mason's Y (Chuck's old boat) is a snapdragon and it is a large (both deck and tunnel). If we get in a fix we could use it. I had planned on using the Y since I already was committed to loaning out the xp but I can boat somethin' else in my fleet if need be or use Tom's pool skirt on the Y. Not sure how Jackson boat sprayskirts fit on wavesport boats?
|
|
Matt Tucker
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2018
Posts: 973
|
Post by Matt Tucker on May 16, 2013 17:56:07 GMT -5
in an effort to get friends of mine on the water I have asked them if they would be interested in the clinic. I haven't heard anything yet and I am planning on signing up myself. I will post more once I get some answers from them and let you know also tony. also, what resources do we need ie boats, gear, etc???? curious if we ask some retailers for assistance if it would be there...just a thought
|
|
Matt Thompson
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2011-2015
Posts: 336
|
Post by Matt Thompson on May 16, 2013 22:33:29 GMT -5
Ace will let anyone demo a boat, but they can't provide other gear. It would put them in the "outfitter" category and change their insurance status (I believe). I'm not trying to volunteer anyone for anything but the the club is able to outfit about 50 science campers every year. Matt, if you rally some interest I'm sure gear can be made available.
I also have a friend who may be interested. Taking him on Nanty next weekend. I don't know if you've all heard but.... I'm a pretty big deal on the Nantahala.
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 17, 2013 6:25:42 GMT -5
Matt Thompson, it is always good to be the big fish in the small pond errr I meant creek. We've been good as a club to share boats for science camper, beginner clinic, or whatever function when we've needed them. A little bit of advanced warning helps. Last minute sign ups often mean last minute phone calls trying to track down gear. I've been on the recieving end of that phone call a couple of times and even showed up for the event. Thats how ya end up getting "promoted" to coordinator status. Like I tell my kindergarten kiddies at school. You get what you get and don't throw a fit. Bein' flexible is the key, that and skinny jeans.
|
|
Matt Thompson
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2011-2015
Posts: 336
|
Post by Matt Thompson on May 17, 2013 7:12:52 GMT -5
For sure Tony. The stories of last minute scrambles for no shows, not cool!
|
|
John Brady
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2014
Posts: 70
|
Post by John Brady on May 17, 2013 8:26:03 GMT -5
Most Jackson boats take an NRS Large skirt, I'll bring what I can. If necessary, I may be able to scrouge up another boat. I have several friends that have extra gear which is how I got started in the first place.
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 17, 2013 13:11:07 GMT -5
that would be great John! I just got call today for two more boats and helmets- paddler one: Large tunnel, 185 pounds, 5'11" paddler two: XL tunnel, 210 lbs, 5'9" (I'm thinkin' Jim McClure's xp might work good for this paddler)
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 17, 2013 13:32:02 GMT -5
Tony,
I have a spare Diesel 75 and a helmet. I'll have to check about the sprayskirt. It should all fit paddler one.
Chuck
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 17, 2013 21:08:36 GMT -5
thanks Chuck, that just leaves one boater to go for a boat.
|
|
Jim McClure
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2007-2019
Storm Troopers Coming
Posts: 860
|
Post by Jim McClure on May 17, 2013 21:33:53 GMT -5
Tony, let me know what ya need if any thing and well get r. I'm hoping to help out with the clinic but can't commit for another week. So..., yea
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 18, 2013 8:18:06 GMT -5
Jim, like I said, I thought your xp would make a nice boat for paddler two. Lets see how your plans workout, there are probably some other options as well.
|
|
|
Post by Angie Rosser on May 18, 2013 12:13:51 GMT -5
Tony, my check and paperwork is in the mail to be reenrolled...maybe I can even re-enroll my roll. Have all my gear this year Count me in for the fireside potluck!
|
|
|
Post by Annie Balthazar on May 22, 2013 15:29:17 GMT -5
Hey Tony,
Ed and I are looking forward to the weekend. Hope to hang out Saturday evening for potluck and meet everyone. Dessert dish okay for those with a sweet tooth??? Hoping to get to a few roll sessions before then. We figure whitewater is our new backyard and are really excited about taking on another extreme sport!
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 22, 2013 15:38:02 GMT -5
dessert sounds tasty!
|
|
Matt Tucker
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2018
Posts: 973
|
Post by Matt Tucker on May 23, 2013 19:28:40 GMT -5
I will submit my info tomorrow when I get back n town. Work has drained me this last week n this week I need hard boat time....
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 25, 2013 6:32:40 GMT -5
it looks like we are up to 12 or 13 participants. I'm thinking we have some paddlers with some "runs" under their belts, errr skirts, so we'll make some "advanced" beginner pods.
|
|
John Brady
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2014
Posts: 70
|
Post by John Brady on May 26, 2013 21:53:41 GMT -5
At some point this week can you post or send out a timeline? I want to make sure that I am not late or at the wrong place. Looking forward to this.
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 27, 2013 7:36:28 GMT -5
Sure John. Plan A, if things go as planned, and they probably will. We will meet on Sat. in the NPS Army Camp campground (first come first serve) located near Prince WV at 9:00 to officially begin the clinic. Some of us will be camping on Fri night as well as Sat. Night. At Prince there is a height and weight limit on the bridge so large vehicles, semis and larger motorhomes are unable to cross the New River there. My camper van should have no problems as should most other vehicles that are "normal" sized. The first couple of hours are a bit of sitting. General tips and safety. If you have a comfortable camp chair I would bring it because the picnic table benches get kind of hard to sit on after a wee bit. After sizing boats we practice wet exits. A great way to start the activities- sopping wet. We practice ferries, eddy turns, and peel outs and then break for lunch. You're on your own- so bring a lunch, along with plenty of water to drink. We'll go practice some more before loading up the boats and taking a min trip- from the Grandview Sandbar to Army Camp. On this two mile stretch you can try out your new skills. The clinic officially ends at five. (our permit says so)). Folks that are staying for the club trip on Sun. and camping at Army Camp are having a campfire potluck dinner. You'll want to bring sunscreen, dry and wet shoes also.
Plan B, in case the water level doesn't drop. We'll meet on Sat. at 9:00 at the Greenbrier River Campground located a few miles upstream of Alderson WV. If we end up doing this I'll decide wed evening. So I can call folks to give them a heads up on Thursday and Friday. I've looked into my crystal ball and I think the New is going to drop down some this week so I''m thinkin we'll be at Army Camp. The clinic will happen rain or shine, high or low water, we'll just move to a different spot if we need to.
|
|
|
Post by Lauren Beyer on May 28, 2013 13:32:01 GMT -5
The Beginners Clinic is this weekend!! I'm excited, I will be there to instruct & can't wait to meet our new kayakers this year. 13 of 20 spots in the clinic have been filled... that means there are 7 spots left, so if you've been on the fence about joining or procrastinating, now's the time to sign up! Click Here (and read on in this thread) for more info on the clinic & contact Tony so he knows to count you in... (If you haven't mailed in your paperwork yet, at this point it might be best to just let Tony know you'll be joining us & then bring your paperwork & money to the clinic... but check with Tony on that when you talk to him.) This clinic is a wonderful introduction to whitewater paddling, to get you started right by building a good foundation of skills to learn, practice, & advance upon. See ya there!!!
|
|
Matt Tucker
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2018
Posts: 973
|
Post by Matt Tucker on May 28, 2013 18:23:08 GMT -5
ill b meeting u guys on Saturday morning....look forward seeing everyone
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 28, 2013 19:08:26 GMT -5
I'm sending this out to participants via email but for the folks I don't have forms from yet, here it is:
Beginner Clinic Info
When: 9:00 am this saturday
Where: Most likely Army Camp, our back up is the Greenbrier Campground located on the Greenbrier River near Alderson if the New River doesn't drop any more by tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. I will drive down to Army Camp and inspect the river before making my final decision Wednesday night. I will post the clinic location on the message board, please respond so I know you have read the message. I will email and call as is necessary to folks who don't respond.
What to bring: water bottle, sunscreen, wet (swimsuit, synthetic clothing - no cotton) and dry clothes, wet and dry shoes, hat, eyeglass straps, the boating gear you have, a comfortable folding camp chair to sit in, lunch.
If you’re staying for the potluck, bring a dish you can cook or heat up on a campfire.
If you’re camping, bring plenty of potable water. I don’t remember there being a water spigot at Army Camp.
What to expect before lunch: lots of listening- safety, trip and risk management, basic paddle strokes, fitting boats to paddlers, wet exits, and basic paddle strokes
After lunch: peel outs, eddy turns, ferries, mini trip back to Army Camp
Questions: evenings (304) 469-3719 / daytime (304) 575-9449
Thanks, Tony
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 29, 2013 19:21:46 GMT -5
I checked out the river tonight at army camp and we can make that work for this years beginner clinic. So we will be meeting at Army Camp on the New River at 9:00 on Saturday. If you're helping out with one of the pods or bringing an extra boat plan on showing up around 10:00. Another good practice spot could be where mill creek joins the New River between the Grandview Sandbar and Glade Creek. I'm looking forward to the weekend. See you there! Thanks, Tony
|
|
John Brady
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2014
Posts: 70
|
Post by John Brady on May 29, 2013 19:32:39 GMT -5
10-4 see you at the old army camp.
|
|
|
Post by Chuck Brabec on May 29, 2013 19:54:48 GMT -5
Tony, Nancy and I will be at Army Camp about 8:30 am Saturday. We will not be staying for dinner Saturday evening.
|
|
Matt Tucker
WVWA FORUM GUEST
Former WVWA Member 2013-2018
Posts: 973
|
Post by Matt Tucker on May 29, 2013 20:55:04 GMT -5
See you all then. I will be leaving from the Charleston area Saturday morning and meeting up with everyone that AM. Is there an easy way someone can tell me how to get to Army Camp? please post if so as I've never been there. Super familiar with the Glade area but again, not sure where Army is.....see everyone this weekend.
|
|
|
Post by Tony Daniel on May 29, 2013 21:17:10 GMT -5
Matt when you come to the Glade Creek road don't take it. Cross the bridge over the New River (9ft clearance posted) and take an immediate left turn at the end of the bridge. You'll pass numerous "camps" or second homes on this gravel road. When you come to the end of the road you are at Army Camp.
|
|