Events - Event View

This Sunday (5/25/25) we will paddle the Kellys Ford section of the Rappahannock River starting from the Rector Tract launch in Remington, VA, and taking out just past the route 674 Bridge. The run is 4.5 miles and should take 3-4 hours, depending on the flow and the amount of playing in the long final boulder field rapids. The level is predicted to be at 4.2 ft and flow at 780 cfps.

On this run you can expect to see Railroad Rapids right out of the gate, then about three miles of flat water, then 1.5 miles of rock garden. The significant rapids are Sandy Beach (Cl. II+) and Piggly Wiggly (Cl. II+). Sandy Beach has no sneak route, whereas Piggly Wiggly may be avoided. A pool of a couple hundred yards ensues, then comes the meat: the half-mile long rock-garden rapids (Cl. II). Please pack a lunch or snack, there is a nice lunch spot at the bottom of the Sandy Beach Rapid.

We will meet at the Rector Tract Canoe/Kayak Launch (38.52949° N, 77.81157° W) in Remington, VA at 10:30AM, unload our gear, and then set up the shuttle before we launch.

PFDs are required for all. Helmets are required for kayakers using spray skirts and highly recommended for all others. Airbags are strongly encouraged for boats without other means of flotation. If you need safety equipment, please advise the trip coordinator in advance. And finally, be prepared for the predicted temperature for that time of day and bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Dean Hawes at dean@haweslink.net, especially if this is your first time on this run. Or, you can register on the CCA webpage. Last minute paddlers are welcome as well, but please arrive at the meeting spot by 10:30 AM.