Paddle Riverbend Park

For those of us in-town for the weekend let's have a fun paddle in a rocky park we love to explore. The water will be a bit warmer but may still require Hydroskin, etc. Water temp to follow closer to date.

Please join us for a paddle at Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA, on the morning of Saturday 5-25-13 at 10:45 am. We will put in at 11 am. We will paddle about 3 hours and then head over to the Old Brogue in Great Falls VA for lunch and beverages on their terrace or in the dining room.

Paddle description:

This park is a gem, it is rocky and shady and green with much hidden beauty, something new to discover with each turn. While there is no "white water" here the water may move slowly or with more force depending on where one approaches. There are many chutes and narrow passages. This paddle is appropriate for rec boats. Be prepared to "paddle hard," newer paddlers will find this park a workout.

The rocks will scrape our boats so we recommend plastic boats, shorter boats are fine. We use our 12 foot Tsunamis (day touring boats). I suggest plastic/aluminum paddles too.

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Details:

Fees: 5 bucks per boat to drop in the "honor box," next to the boat ramp. Exact change!

This paddle will be 2 to 3 hours but will probably only total 6 to 8 miles.

Rentals are available through the park system however one has to be a card-carrying certified paddler, having gone through their certification process. We've never had any luck with the rentals, so my advice is: don't plan to rent unless you've confirmed with someone at the park service that they will accommodate you.

Link to the park:

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverben.. (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/riverinfo.htm)

We need the river to be running at 2.50 feet at least. Here is a link to the river gauge.

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/marfc/potomac.shtml

The bathrooms are large enough to change in at the visitors center where we will put in and take out.

Water Level:

Check Little Falls, the closest location on the gauge to the park. The paddle will be canceled if the gauge does not fall between 2.50 and 4.5 feet. Below 2.50 there isn't enough water, and at 4.60 the park closes the ramp and the river gets dangerous. There is a dam one mile south of the put in.

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Our standard safety warnings:

Marine Law on the Potomac requires that you wear a PFD. You must also have a sound making device, such as a whistle. The law also requires a light source such as a flash light if on the river near dusk or at dark.

As on all group paddling trips, EACH INDIVIDUAL PADDLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER OWN SAFETY and we assume no liability.