Kayaking The Upper James at 8.2 ft (19 MAY 2024)

A run of the Upper James River in Richmond, VA. River level was 8.2ft. Put it at Pony Pasture and took out at Reedy Creek.
Kayak: Liquid Logic RMX 86
Paddle: Werner Stikine
Cameras: Insta360 X4, GoPro Hero12 Black

[@ianroberts5683]

Reckon you could make it through the lower in a sea kayak?

[@michaelwierzbicki5381]

I'd think you'd have a tough time making the turn after Hollywood and not get caught by the kicker on pipeline 3rd drop. Making it is a relative term though of course.

[@ianroberts5683]

@@michaelwierzbicki5381 but just running pony to reedy though, not going to hollywood

[@ianroberts5683]

@@michaelwierzbicki5381 I misspoke, would the upper be navigable in a sea kayak

[@TechyMedic28]

At this water level, yes. You could do the upper. A skirt would be a must. I would also suggest your roll be pretty good. Swimming at this level is tough. I’d say you’d start having trouble below 7ft or so. That’s when the rocks start to come back.

[@michelebasye6084]

Was the oh shit... that ya almost tipped it? Lol

[@TechyMedic28]

Yeah. There were a few of those moments. lol.

[@BushKayakersCampingAustralia]

cool

[@IrishDougal]

Don’t take this as a criticism of your paddling but more of a point for others to learn from. Perhaps there was a legitimate reason for it and If so then awesome however there were only 2 of you on a large wide river when paddling as a beginner perhaps not taking the very centre of the river would have worked better as it will only lead to a much shorter swim and an easier rescue for your partner. Just an observation but I’m glad you’re getting into the sport and having watched a more recent video you’ve clearly made some progression!!

[@TechyMedic28]

@@IrishDougal the river was particularly higher during this run. We were attempting to run a similar line that we do at normal levels. In hindsight, we probably could’ve stayed closer to the bank. Thanks for the observation and thanks for noticing my progress!