|
Post by Wes Barthwick on Apr 3, 2023 10:33:13 GMT -5
This paddling class is open to beginners who are interested in learning to kayak on whitewater as well as novice paddlers who want to improve or practice their skills. You do not need to be a member to attend the class although you may find it cheaper to become a member. Only one membership is needed per household to get the discount. If you don't have a whitewater boat or equipment, there is a section on the registration page. Fill out that section and we will find equipment for you to use at no cost. Registration Deadline: May 14th Coordinator: Wes Barthwick Instructors: Dan Waller, Wes Barthwick, Carolyn DeVenney, Toni Hartley, Chad Lanham, Kathy Streletzky, Cliff Beck and whomever else I can round up. Date- May 20, 2023. There will be an optional open trip on Sunday for students, trainers and any club members that care to join. Location: Paddling instruction will take place on the Greenbrier River (class I-II) at Greenbrier Campground between Ft. Spring and Alderson. Class Fee: $60 per student ($25 discount for WVWA members) Class Size: Maximum of 15 (minimum of 3) Click Here to Register for the class.Cliff Beck has again offered his farm near Alderson, WV for primitive camping and a pot luck dinner after the class on Saturday. He will give directions as time grows near.(camping can begin on Fri afternoon) Lodging- Several lodging places are near our training site. They include a charming bed and breakfast, The Old Victorian Inn in Alderson. There are several other places within 10 to 15 miles. A Google search of hotels in Alderson, WV will lead you there. There are two area campgrounds. Greenbrier Campground and River Ridge Campground (No tent camping at River Ridge) Greenbrier Campground info, Teaching Subjects- What to expect on the river Wet Exits Hand and paddle signals Hazards River features Paddle Strokes Peel outs, eddy turns, ferries Safety (Equipment) Clothing Hypothermia Instructors/Helpers-Dan, Wes, Carolyn, Toni, Kathy, Cliff, Chad Pot Luck Dinner coordinator- Toni
|
|
Timothy Zima
Novice Forum Member
WVWA Member since 2019
Posts: 33
|
Post by Timothy Zima on Apr 10, 2023 20:03:09 GMT -5
I can help with instruction/safety boating.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on Apr 10, 2023 20:19:48 GMT -5
Thank you Tim. I will add you to the list.
|
|
|
Post by Bill Niemann on Apr 17, 2023 17:03:34 GMT -5
Wes, hope to be there to assist. If so, I can help teach the roll or anything else you need. My daughter gets married the next weekend, so my participation in the clinic depends on getting her permission. I will confirm with you once I know for sure.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on Apr 18, 2023 21:06:34 GMT -5
Thank you Bill. As you are well aware, family comes before the club.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on Apr 27, 2023 19:27:55 GMT -5
I am in need of a Liquid Logic XP 10 or equivalent size to borrow for the beginner kayaking class. I will pick it up and deliver it back and take full responsibility for it. PM me if you like.
Found a Dagger Katana. Ignore post.
|
|
|
Post by James Reeves on Apr 27, 2023 23:28:23 GMT -5
I am in need of a Liquid Logic XP 10 or equivalent size to borrow for the beginner kayaking class. I will pick it up and deliver it back and take full responsibility for it. PM me if you like. Would Ace possibly have a loaner that would work? Found a Dagger Katana. Ignore post. If the Katana falls through, my XP10 would be available. I'll be out of the country, but can coordinate for any necessary arrangements.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on Apr 29, 2023 19:19:45 GMT -5
Thank you for the offer. I will take you up on it if necessary.
|
|
|
Post by Jim Bobbitt on May 3, 2023 10:50:50 GMT -5
Wess,I also have an XP10 if needed. I can help out on Saturday if needed.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Robertson on May 7, 2023 9:05:06 GMT -5
I'm signed up for the class. I'm interested in the primitive camping on that guys farm. Keep me posted on that. I appreciate it! Can't wait!
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 7, 2023 17:05:49 GMT -5
Thanks for signing up James. The primitive camping is at Cliff Beck's house outside of Alderson. There is a good size level area where people camp. he has a bathroom and water. We will be having dinner there after the class on Saturday. Most everyone arrives Friday afternoon/evening. There is a new firepit build a few club members two years ago. Bring what you need for camping. We normally have a scouting run Friday afternoon with the teachers and helpers with dinner at a local small restaurant where we take off the river. The class is at Greenbrier Campground. Cliff will give directions to his place as time grows near. Don't forget your camp chair!
|
|
|
Post by Cliff Beck on May 8, 2023 6:20:34 GMT -5
James, look forward to you joining us. I will be posting directions soon, but if you want to look it up, it is 346 Sawmill Hollow Rd, Alderson WV. Note that 1 map service takes you right there, the other not so much. I am 11 miles NW of Alderson, south of I-64. (Maps on my Apple works.)
|
|
|
Post by Wes Robertson on May 9, 2023 9:18:07 GMT -5
I appreciate the information from both of you! I'm looking forward to it!
|
|
|
Post by Kathy RiverRun on May 10, 2023 5:06:06 GMT -5
James - you'll love the camping at Cliff's! Last year, the scene was so crowded that Mark and I pitched our tent on the "lower" part of Cliff's property and were treated to the most amazing firefly display I've ever seen!
|
|
Bob Anderson
Novice Forum Member
WVWA Members since 1998
Posts: 32
|
Post by Bob Anderson on May 11, 2023 11:40:35 GMT -5
Chris and I are thinking of joining the trip on Sunday. Which section are you planning to paddle and what time could we meet? We would be driving up that morning.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 11, 2023 22:26:08 GMT -5
Bob- We will run from Fort Springs to at least Stewarts. We have in past years run all the way to Alderson. There is a lot of flat water between Stewarts and Alderson. The tradeoff? Easy take out at Alderson, not so at Stewarts. we will be working the river Sunday. Time? I need to look up timing from last year. We will meet at the Wagon Wheel for breakfast on Sunday before shuttling to Fort Springs.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 12, 2023 22:02:34 GMT -5
Directions to camping at Cliffs- See post below
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 12, 2023 22:23:07 GMT -5
What's the schedule?
Here's a tentative schedule
Fri. Go to Cliffs set up camp Fri late afternoon/evening- some of us will make a quick run on the Greenbrier to scout the venue for any new hazards before the class. We will end at Stuarts with dinner at Stuarts (you are welcome to paddle with us if you have prior experience with this stretch of river and Stuarts is certainly an experience in and of itself so join us for unpredictable food, sometimes sketchy service, and a view of the river.
Sat. 10:00 am safety talk and introductions at the Greenbrier River campground Sat: 11:00 instruction begins with wet exits. Paddle strokes, Eddy turns and peel out and ferry practice until lunch.
At this point, if it is a cool day, you may want to put on a second set of dry clothes before leaving to paddle from Fort Springs
Sat: 12:30 lunch on the water Sat: 1:00 to 1:30 Shuttle boats and people to Fort Springs launch area and paddle back to the campground, about 2-1/2 miles Sat: 3:30- 4:00 instruction ends- back to Cliffs Sat: 6:00 hot dogs and hamburgers provided, bring a side and your own beverage Sun. around 8:30 to 9:00 o'clockish Breakfast at the Big Wheel in Alderson Sun. 10:00 am meeting at the put-in Fort Springs (some of us will set shuttle on the way from the Big Wheel) Sun. 3:00 pm we should be on the road back to Cliffs or headed to home (depending upon if you broke camp before leaving Cliffs)
If I've already taken the class can I take it again? Yes, we all benefit from repeatedly practicing strokes, doing eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferries. You can even come back as a "safety boater" and skip the fee.
If you have a question we haven't covered, simply post it up on the forum.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 14, 2023 0:56:01 GMT -5
We will work and talk about this WW kayaking principal a lot during our class. Watch and learn what will happen to your boat in moving water. We will start slow and move up as quickly as you decide you want to test yourself.
|
|
|
Post by Cliff Beck on May 14, 2023 4:35:55 GMT -5
Folks, the following are directions to the primitive camping at my place. It is located south of I-64 and about a 20 minute ride to the river. For those camping, there is a basement bathroom that will be available to you; toilet and sink only.
I will have coffee available starting at 6 am.
Address: 346 Sawmill Hollow Road, Alderson, 24910 Phone: 304-645-6672
These directions cover the easiest route to Sawmill from I-64. There are other options that I will be glad to discuss with anyone.
FROM I-64, TAKE THE ALTA EXIT, #161
Take the Alta, Rte 12 South exit, which is Exit 161. At the stop, turn onto Rte 12 south to Alderson/Pence Springs.
Stay on Rte 12 for about 3.5 miles, to a small community called Asbury.
About a quarter mile past Asbury, make a right on Spring Valley Rd, CR-31.
After 3 and a half miles or so you come to a point where the road ahead is actually Spotted Ridge Rd. Go to the left and cross the little bridge to stay on Spring Valley. A new bridge will soon be in place.
Next you come to a spot where the paved road continues left and straight ahead is a gravel road. Go straight on the gravel to stay on SV Rd. To the left is the Jarrett Cutoff, not wanted.
Less than a mile the stone ends at a stop sign. Go straight onto Blue Sulphur Springs Rd, CR-25.
Less than a mile at a sharp right turn, go straight onto Bennett Mtn Rd, CR-25/3. Immediately hang a left onto Sawmill Hollow Rd.
Half a mile, stay right at the 346 sign. Welcome to the Beck Place.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 17, 2023 8:50:18 GMT -5
Linda and I are going to the Greenbrier Campground on Thursday. We will bring SOME shirts and hoodies. If you want a particular size or color, let me know so I can be sure I load it up. Instructors and helpers and others that are confident on class I-II whitewater are welcome to join in a Friday scout of the river. Meeting at Fort Springs at 4:30 on Friday afternoon. We will then have dinner at Stewarts at about 7: pm. All are welcome to join for dinner.
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 17, 2023 19:42:42 GMT -5
Teachers and helpers- If you have extra splash tops, bring them, it would be nice to have enough for everyone. While it will be warm, chances are it will be wet.
|
|
|
Post by Angela Jeppesen on May 18, 2023 12:06:17 GMT -5
Francine Kirk and Angela Jeppesen are staying in the Greenbrier campground… we rented the Airstream camper they have there. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
|
|
|
Post by Ed Burris on May 18, 2023 16:05:24 GMT -5
If anyone is looking for camping for larger rv I just canceled 2 spots at greenbrier campground. Last minute work issues will keep us from coming up and camping. Just call bev at the campground
|
|
|
Post by Josh Tinnel on May 19, 2023 7:42:37 GMT -5
I have an extra semi-dry top, XL. I plan on getting to camp at Cliff's tonight before dark sometime.
|
|
|
Post by Cliff Beck on May 19, 2023 13:46:33 GMT -5
I will be joining the scout run at 4:30. Should be back at camp by 7:00
|
|
|
Post by Kathy RiverRun on May 19, 2023 16:37:32 GMT -5
Hmmm - y'all must have blown by me - a couple vehicles loaded with boats on Sawmill Rd. Apple directions left me stranded on the road, and I just got back home with 3 lbs of cheese and several boxes of Hershey Bars. Your property is beautiful, Cliff, but I could not find int.
|
|
|
Post by Bill Niemann on May 19, 2023 16:51:23 GMT -5
For those brave enough to eat at Stewart’s, please be advised it’s actually Stuart’s, and officially Stuart’s Seafood and Barbecue (I did not know this). Address is 1738 Highland Trail, Alderson WV.
|
|
|
Post by Kathy RiverRun on May 19, 2023 18:59:07 GMT -5
Anyplace advertising seafood in WV is downright scary! The only seafood I eat here is from Schwann's!
|
|
|
Post by Wes Barthwick on May 19, 2023 21:46:59 GMT -5
Kathy- You should have just come out to the campground
|
|