Thirteen paddlers met between 8:30 and 9 for a 9:30 am on water start, thanks to two separate start times posted on the CCA website: Tim T, Hendrik V, Bob W, and Ginny Q in OC1s; Allison, Diane, Gus, Laura, Toni, Dan, Barb, Gordy, and Jackie in K1s. A family of three decided not to join us at the last minute, hopefully they will return another day.
Thanks to the good nature of the crew all departed as one at 9:30. Both air and water temperatures were 86 degrees, typical of the Potomac in August.
One new K1'er was reported later to have the grab loop tucked inside at the put-in. Fortunately this was immediately caught by an observant fellow paddler, and would also have been caught at the GW Canal entrance eddy when the boater was asked by the TC 1) if they had practiced a wet exit (yes) and 2) to demonstrate the wet exit steps three times while remaining upright. A review of how to remove a skirt by pinching and pulling on the long side was also covered later. In the future it is highly recommended that this wet exit review occur at the put-in with all new decked boaters.
As for the trip itself, everyone took the standard lines through to Diagonal, which has a reasonably rock free left side run at this level compared to the usual right side run. The group divided below Diagonal with the majority taking the right/Jacuzzi side, the others taking the middle (aka left) channel. Good scouting and boat control are still prerequisites for the right run.
This trip coordinator spotted one swim on an eddy line at the bottom of Exit Rapid, leading to an excellent demonstration by Allison of boat-over-boat emptying.
Hendrik reported an official turtle count of 16.