New River: Glade Creek to Quinnimont

Last Sunday, I whitewater kayaked on the New River again from Glade Creek to Quinnimont (Grandview Sandbar). I had a great run. No flips. No swimming. It was wonderful. I have now conquered Class III. Maybe conquered is too strong of a word; so let’s just say there was significant improvement.

New River: Glade Creek to Quinnimont

Yesterday, I went boating on the New River from Glade Creek to Quinnimont. I went with four others from the WVWA. It was my first real whitewater. This particular stretch has two Class III rapids: Grassy Shoals and Quinnimont. Unfortunately, they proved too much for me. I made it almost to the end of both, and then flipped. I have never attemped a roll, not even on flatwater; but I think I will start practicing after this experience. Rolling skills would have been handy. Instead, I had to bail and swim.

The first swim at Grassy Shoals Rapids did not upset me or embarrass me too much. The second one did. I really wanted to make it past Quinnimont to prove myself, but once again I ended up swimming. My companions instinctively went into rescue mode. I could have rescued myself both times, but they rushed over each time to check on me and offer aid. They were really nice people. One was a 67-year-old woman. I guess it was Mother Nature's way of feeding me humble pie.

Despite the two swims, I had a blast and feel like I accomplished something important. That section of the New is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I had a great time on the Class II rapids in the middle. I know this blog is supposed to be about flatwater and Class I-II only, but if you are like me and want a little taste of whitewater, this stretch is the perfect place for that.