06/14/26 Sunday Paddle – GW Canal Loop
We had 26 paddlers participate on this Sunday morning’s run of the Potomac River/GW Canal. We did the typical loop stating at the put in at Violette’s Lock and returning via the C&O canal to our takeout at Violette’s Lock. After launching, we met in the pool in front of the lock for our trip briefing. The water level was around 3.1 ft according to the LF gauge, and the discharge was about 3,570 cfs. The water temperature was in the low 80s. The day started out warm and eventually reached 100F, Midway through the run I think everyone was starting to feel the heat. The group consisted of Kathleen S., Andrew T., George F., Lisa W., Greg L., Jackie H., Margo R., Steve C., Gayle Z., Robin, Rich C., Michael B., Dan R., Wayne M., Bob H., Greg L., Jason F., Steffan S., Diane H., Eliza B., Ginny Q., Gary Q., Lisa L., Mar S., Toni B., and Dean H. serving as the Trip Coordinator.
Once we completed our introductions and completed a query of everyone’s favorite president from the past, we broke into 3 groups: the “direct” group (the fastest) led by Wayne, the medium speed group led by Lisa L., and the “goof off” group led by the TC. With boats strapped to our butts, paddles in hand, and a song in our hearts, we departed in earnest to cross the Potomac River by about 9:45 and then began our trek down the GW canal.
The direct group had six paddlers - Mikey B, Bob B, Toni, George, Gayle and Wayne. No carnage to report other than the canoe wrapped around the rock at the bottom of 30 Eddy Rapid. A vivid demonstration of the power of moving water, even on the seemingly benign GWC.
The Medium Pace group had 10 paddlers and returned with 10, so success. The group consisted of Margo, Jackie, Robin, Rich, Diane, Ginny, Gary, Bob, Jason, and Lisa. They reported having a great time. Margo got her first attainment in Attainment Rapid and tried all sort of surfs, ferries, etc. It started getting quite hot halfway back up the canal, so they were glad they got off when they did.
The Goof Off group also had 10 people consisting of Greg, Mar, Lisa, Eliza, Dan, Andrew, Steve, Steffan, Kathleen, and Dean. We had a good run with only 3 out of boat experiences. We ended up playing, surfing and attaining quite a bit. We ended up going down the Jacuzzi branch today. One of the highlights is that Eliza successfully executed her first (intentional) combat roll.
We received advance notice from Pam White and Lauren Williams, who had been on this run the day before, of 3 new hazards, all were easy to avoid. A large tree must have fallen with the most recent storm we had right at the first left bend on the GW. There’s room to pass on the far left though but the passage is narrow (1 kayak wide). The next one is down at the pyramid rock where we typically practice the slot move. You can pass on the right or far left. Pic of that one is on CCAs website. Last one is at the bottom of exit rapid on the far right someone wrapped their canoe around a rock last weekend.
In terms of statistics, we had
- 26 happy paddlers
- Water level = 3.1 ft
- CFS = 3,750
- Temp mid 90F to 100F
- 2 PFDs
- 3 out of boat experiences with accompanying yard sales
- 0 injuries
- Couple of damaged egos
- 6 angry turtles
Even with the heat, we’ll call it a pretty darn good day 😊
Submitted by
Dean Hawes