Now that the Clinic is over, it's time to start thinking about the quasi-annual "n00bs on the New" trip.

The trip will consist of two days on the Thurmond to Cunard section of the New River in West Virginia. This is a great opportunity for those of you who have developed some skills both before and during the Clinic to put those skills to the test, and get a taste of some bigger water. The section we will be paddling is mostly Class II, with one Class III, Surprise Rapid. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to come along; however, for safety's sake, I will limit the group size to 12 n00bs. In addition, I'd like to have at least 2 or 3 chase boaters.

I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in this trip to at least have a pool roll, if not a decent combat roll. The only reason for this is that the New is a very wide river, and swims to the shore can take some time. Inflatables are a very viable option, and arrangements can possibly be made to obtain a couple of those, if necessary.

In addition to paddling, we will have the opportunity to visit a historic railroad depot at the town of Thurmond, and there is a possibility of a side-hike during the trip on either day to an old mansion foundation with some unique qualities. We usually reserve a few sites at one of the local campgrounds, and on Saturday evening, we usually have dinner at Smokey's on the Gorge at Class VI Outfitters, a great open-air gourmet buffet restaurant located on the rim of the New River Gorge.

Right now, I'm looking at early to mid-June. A couple of prior trips have been skunked due to low water levels (hence the "quasi-annual" status), and I'm trying to avoid that possibility by having the trip earlier in the summer.

Details will follow; anyone interested should either post here, or get in touch with me by e-mail at the address found by clicking on my username above.

todd

I might be interested in being a chase boater/swimming instructer. When you nail down a date I'll let you know for sure.

Brandon

I think it's a great idea and would like to participate; that was the first section of anything I ever paddled, would love to return to see where I'm at roughly one year later. Surprise Drop, the closest I came to dying... stay off the rock, ride the green tongue.

Hey Todd
Thanks again for doing this. To all the n00bs, this is an outstanding experience. Go if you can. The New is great, the history there is fascinating, the Cathedral Cafe is really cool (as are some other Fayetteville eateries), Riftrafters is a great campground, and Todd is an outstanding trip leader!
This time I'd like to be a bona fide chase boater. I promise not to swim at Surprise, so I can help with any rescues needed there. (Although, having swum there twice, I must say it is quite a comfortable swim.)
Chris S

Chris Schardl

russellh Wrote:
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> ...the closest I came to dying..

Uh, just a figure of speech! Right, russellh?
Really, a warm comfortable swim (but rolling is better).

Chris Schardl

Actually, it helps if you smile Case in point, my son Ben, at Surprise.

Chris Schardl

I'm all in as long as the dates work out for me.
Thanks for putting this together Todd.

sidenote:
Is there any way we could use some BWA resources to create a lavish BWA dog kennel? That would really help me out a lot for all of these trips ; )

bethany

I 2nd that sidenote. Not because I have dogs, but some of my teammates seem to be struggling with this single parent paddling addiction.

In addition to the New, I can suggest the Pigeon for those ready to step up from the Nanty and Elkhorn level of paddling. It is class II-III, but mostly pushy class II. There is an easy stretch below the takeout for true beginners. It only runs on Sat. during the weekend is the drawback, so a Sunday trip can head to the Nanty or the Ocoee (or for some of our friends - the Green Narrows). We can camp at our place and have a party at night. If anyone is interested in organizing folks and a date, I am at their disposal.
Brent

Brent, could the Tuckasegee be an option for Noobs in that area?