Events - Month View

Please have all articles to me today. We need to make a quick turn-around to get it out before the postponed Potomac Downriver Race, Thank-you.

This Thursday Mark Brenneman will lead a Carderock attainment trip, paddling upstream to Offut Island and possibly beyond. Meet at the Carderock parking lot (the ball fields and pavilion lot to the left) at 10:00. The forecasted level will be roughly 4.0’. Bring your fast / long boat if you have one. If you are planning to come, please contact Mark at mabrenneman@verizon.net . He can also be reached on his cell at 240-343-0096.New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Thursday Trips please send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

Seneca Creek -do you have a new boat to try or family members to introduce to paddling? Have you just been wanting to get on the water? Are you unsure if your boat works in whitewater? Does your boat need additional outfitting? Do you need safety equipment? Paddling with the CCA on easier water is the safe way to answer these questions. We will either paddle down the canal to Pennyfield and back or paddle over to Riley’s Lock and Seneca Creek. On the way we will work on boat control and forward strokes. Please advise trip coordinator Barb Brown (301-452-8655, PotomacB3@gmail.com if you are coming – limited to 10 paddlers. New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send and email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

George Washington canal - this is a Class I-II trip. We will cross the Potomac to the George Washington canal on the Virginia side, run the canal, come back across the Potomac and return to Violettes Lock via either the flatwater C&O canal or attaining up Seneca Breaks, thus avoiding the need for a shuttle. Total trip length is about three miles. If there are ten or more paddlers we will endeavor to divide into groups. PFDs are required for all; helmets are highly recommended, especially for kayakers. If you need safety equipment, please advise your trip coordinator. The predicted water level is 4.0‘ on the Little Falls gauge, a high level for this section of river. In order to facilitate trip planning please be sure to advise trip coordinator Wayne McDaniel at macinmd1@gmail.com or 443 542 8779 if you are planning to join.

New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send and email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

Larry Lempert will coordinate a Thursday morning or early afternoon bridge-to-bridge trip on the Staircase, where participants can either walk or bike a 2-mile shuttle between the Potoma Wayside takeout and the Harpers Ferry put-in. Predicted level: 2.8 feet. The Harpers Ferry weather forecast (as of Weds. 10:00 a.m.) is for temps in the 70s with a chance of thunderstorms of 65-85% depending on time of day. If you‘d like to join this trip, email Larry (Larry.7313@verizon.net) before 8:00 pm Wednesday evening, please. Logistical details will be sent to participants.

Even if you contact Larry, be prepared for changes or cancellations due to the weather.

New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Thursday Trips please send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

Tim Tilson will lead a trip down the Seneca breaks. The Little Falls gauge is projected to be 3.2 The group will meet at the Violette’s Lock parking lot at 10:00 am. The weather forecast is for a high of 80 with a 52% chance of rain. If interested contact Tim at hmslydia@msn.com, home phone of 703-273-9436 or cell phone after 900 am Thursday of 703-864-0802.

CCA invites you to a paddle down the GW Canal on Sunday, September 13th, at 9 am. We recommend you arrive at the meeting place, Violettes Lock, at 8:30 am to get parking and give yourself time to prepare to be on the river by 9 am. If there are more than 10 paddlers, we‘ll consider breaking up the group into two groups.

We‘ll paddle across the Potomac to the Virginia side, run the GW canal, and paddle back to Maryland side to paddle up the C&O canal back to Violettes. You may also attain back up the Seneca Breaks if you so desire. Predicted Level: 3.4. Sunny day, Temps~ 80. Water Temp:Slightly cooler bathtub.

Please contact Peter Ryan at mozartk299@gmail.com if you plan to come. If you want to be considered as a sweep or 2nd leader if needed, please indicate so in your response.

This trip is a class I/II Trip. PFDs are required and helmets are strongly encouraged (especially for kayakers). Please let us know if you need safety equipment. Folks new to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips on this TRIPS Tab under "Trip Guidelines" and the American Whitewater‘s Safety Code, CCA Handbook pages 18-25 or at American Whitewater Safety Code If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

Seneca Creek -do you have a new boat to try or family members to introduce to paddling? Have you just been wanting to get on the water? Are you unsure if your boat works in whitewater? Does your boat need additional outfitting? Do you need safety equipment? Paddling with the CCA on easier water is the safe way to answer these questions. We will either paddle down the canal to Pennyfield and back or paddle over to Riley’s Lock and Seneca Creek. On the way we will work on boat control and forward strokes. Please advise trip coordinator Barb Brown (301-452-8655, PotomacB3@gmail.com if you are coming – limited to 10 paddlers. New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

On Zoom

Gus Anderson will coordinate a paddle on Little Falls. The level is projected to be 3.0’ with high tide at 9:00am. We will meet on the Feeder Canal (by Lock 6) above the Z Channel at 11:00am, ready to paddle. Contact Gus at gusanderson@aol.com if you plan to join.

Bob Maxey will lead a trip on the Lower Yough. Please contact Bob at boater3@gmail.com, by Sept. 14 if you plan on attending.New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Thursday Trips please send an email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

This Sunday we‘ll again do the Violettes Lock loop. Depending on interest and number of people, there may be options to run the Breaks. We‘ll paddle across the Potomac to the Virginia side, run the GW canal, and paddle back to Maryland side to paddle up the C&O canal back to Violettes. There may be some interested in attaining back up the Seneca Breaks instead of paddling up the C&O canal. Predicted water level at Little Falls is 2.9 ft. Weather forecast is sunny and in the 50s. Please dress for the cooler weather. Water temperatures will probably be below 70 so consider a warm dry change of clothes in case you take a swim.

This trip is a class I/II Trip. PFDs are required and helmets are strongly encouraged (especially for kayakers). Please let us know if you need safety equipment.

Folks new to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips on this TRIPS Tab under "Trip Guidelines" and the American Whitewater‘s Safety Code, CCA Handbook pages 18-25 or at American Whitewater website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start?

Contact Ginny Quam at ginny.quam@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send and email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

Seneca Creek -do you have a new boat to try or family members to introduce to paddling? Have you just been wanting to get on the water? Are you unsure if your boat works in whitewater? Does your boat need additional outfitting? Do you need safety equipment? Paddling with the CCA on easier water is the safe way to answer these questions. We will either paddle down the canal to Pennyfield and back or paddle over to Riley’s Lock and Seneca Creek. On the way we will work on boat control and forward strokes. Please advise trip coordinator Barb Brown (301-452-8655, PotomacB3@gmail.com if you are coming – limited to 10 paddlers. New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send and email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

John Snitzer & Gus Anderson will meet at Lock 6 at 10:30 / 11:00 on the water at the Feeder Canal / slalom gates to run Little Falls - River level predicted at 2.9 ft. High tide at 11:30. The Canal is below zero, and to avoid the carry back from Dalecarlia Intake to Lock 5, paddlers may wish to set up a covid-compliant shuttle*** from Fletchers. All, please contact Gus - please do not just show up. / / / gusanderson@aol.com
/
If you are new to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips on this TRIPS Tab under "Trip Guidelines" and the American Whitewater‘s Safety Code, CCA Handbook pages 18-25 or at American Whitewater Safety Code

*** For COVID auto shuttles - please see the NEW guidelines here: https://canoecruisers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=394800&module_id=223946

Kim Buttleman and Jenny Thomas are planning a return trip to the Lower Yough this Thursday! The river Gods (aka the Corps of Engineers) seem to be in a good mood and it looks like the water level should be between 1.8 and 1.9 feet. The weather will be a high of 75 degrees, partly cloudy with no chance of rain.


Because of potential Covid-19 concerns, there are a few options for running the river. The first is simply a regular run of the river with car shuttles and participants (ideally two people per vehicle) wearing masks with windows open. For those who might not be comfortable with a car shuttle, other options include running the Loop and walking about 1/2 mile back to your car or doing a bicycle shuttle from Bruner’s run back to the put-in either before or after running the river.


Kim and Jenny propose meeting at the put-in (in the former bath house parking lot) at 11 am to be ready to shuttle by 11:30 am. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Kim via email at kpbva1@gmail.com. Should any problems or changes occur Thursday morning, please call Jenny at (703) 907-9771. In the event that the Corps decides to significantly cut back on the release, the trip will be relocated to Little Falls.

Please see the CCA shuttle guidelines in Trip Guidelines under the Trips and Events tab.

Wayne McDaniel will coordinate a paddle to Little Falls. The level is projected to be 3.0’ with low tide at 9:15am. We will meet on the Feeder Canal above the Z Channel at 11:00am, ready to paddle. Please email Wayne at macinmd1@gmail.com or 443 542 8779 if you plan to join this trip.

The C&O canal below Lock 5 has been dewatered so a loop trip is not possible unless you are prepared to make the long carry to the Lock 5 parking lot. Accordingly, a shuttle from Fletcher’s Cove will likely be the preference for most paddlers. The shuttle will be conducted in accordance with CCA guidelines adopted for the COVID-19 era (see below). We will meet in the upper parking lot.at Fletcher’s at 10:15am to arrange shuttles. Please feel free to contact a shuttle buddy ahead of time to make your own arrangements. Do not just show up at Fletcher’s and expect to be accommodated.

Please the CCA shuttle guidelines, in Trip Guidelines, under the Trips and Events tab.

Please join the historic CCA Downriver Race this year, Saturday Sept 26th.
The CCA Potomac Downriver Race is hosted by Sycamore Island and co-sponsored by Potomac Whitewater Racing Center. It is the 2nd longest continuously running whitewater race in the nation (run every year since 1956), but this year it will move into the 1st place position! And, you can be a part of this historic race - and, get the t-shirt to prove it!

For CCA members that would like to register and run the CCA Downriver Race, Jen Sass will be leading an early bird group of registered race participants. Please come join us!

Please register on the CCA Calendar for this early bird group (free), AND register for the race (pay the fee, sign the ACA online waiver).

We early birds will meet at Sycamore Island Parking Lot (Clara Barton Pkwy) at 7:30 AM. We will set a SHORT SHUTTLE up to the Anglers parking lot, for the race start. YOU WILL NEED A PROPERLY FITTED FACE MASK to participate in the shuttle, and be prepared to ride or drive with some passengers sitting by open windows (one window per person, no middle-seat passengers).

WE EARLY BIRDS WILL START RACING AT 8:30 AM from the Anglers Beach. For those not participating in the shuttle, you can meet us at Anglers Beach at that time, ready to race.

At the Finish Line, CCA will take our self-reported race time, give us a race t-shirt (yay!), and provide help carrying our boat up to the parking lot if needed (thanks to Star and her Marine friends!).

Please note - this is NOT a novice race. The race course is 6 miles long, and includes some Class III rapids. To join, you must have the stamina for a 2 hour paddle, with some whitewater. Racers must have proper helmets and pfds, and all boats must have air bags. Everyone should have their own drinking water and snacks as needed for this long race.

TO PARTICIPATE, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED AND PAID-UP IN ADVANCE FOR THE RACE. Please do this online on the CCA website. THANK YOU!

THERE WILL BE NO ON-WATER SAFETY, NO SHUTTLE, AND NO POST-RACE GATHERING. THIS IS A SELF-START, AND SELF-TIMED EVENT. REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 5:00 PM FRIDAY!

The CCA Potomac Downriver Race has been run every year since 1956. Registration is Online Only. No cash will be accepted on day of race. Register online and pay with your credit card before race day. Tandem teams must register and pay separately, and list their partner. All racers must wear PFDs (life jackets) and helmets. All boats must have flotation. No exceptions.

CCA IS NOT PROVIDING ON-WATER SAFETY FOR THIS EVENT. By participating, you are agreeing to be responsible for your own safety, which includes being familiar with the race course, and well within your abilities to paddle it at the race-day levels and conditions. This is not an event for beginners.

REVIEW THE 2020 DOWNRIVER RACE PLAN FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The 16th Annual Team River Runner Biathlon has gone virtual! Now you can join us from anywhere in the world to run/walk/handcycle 3 miles + kayak/SUP 1 mile anytime between Sunday, September 27 - Monday, October 5, 2020. If you do not have access to a kayak or SUP, please consider running 1 extra mile or add another activity that you enjoy. Race your own race!

Same Old, Same Old - Please be on time - 8:30 - ready to paddle at 9:00. Weather looks fine - and river to be at a modest 2.9 ft.
Please email me at alfcooley@gmail.com if you will participate.
/////// New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also see American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please email trips@canoecruisers.org. [posted 22nd]

Seneca Creek - do you have a new boat to try or family members to introduce to paddling? Have you just been wanting to get on the water? Are you unsure if your boat works in whitewater? Does your boat need additional outfitting? Do you need safety equipment? Paddling with the CCA on easier water is the safe way to answer these questions. We will either paddle down the canal to Pennyfield and back or paddle over to Riley’s Lock and Seneca Creek. On the way we will work on boat control and forward strokes. Please advise trip coordinator Barb Brown (301-452-8655, PotomacB3@gmail.com if you are coming – limited to 10 paddlers. New folks to our trips, please read CCA‘s Covid Tips (on this Trips Tab under Trip Guidelines.) Also American Whitewater‘s Safety Code in the CCA Handbook (not the annual Roster) pp. 18-25 - or on their website at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start? If you would like to be included on the mailing list for Sunday Trips please send and email to trips@canoecruisers.org.

Gus Anderson will coordinate a paddle on Little Falls this Sunday, 9/27. The level is projected to be 2.9’ with low tide at 12:45pm. He will meet on the Feeder Canal above the Z Channel at 11:00am, ready to paddle. Please email gusanderson@aol.com if you plan to join. He can help coordinate a shuttle once he knows who is coming.

The C&O canal below Lock 5 has been dewatered so a loop trip is not possible unless you are prepared to make the long carry to the Lock 5 parking lot. Accordingly, a shuttle from Fletcher’s Cove will likely be the preference for most paddlers. The shuttle will be conducted in accordance with CCA guidelines adopted for the COVID-19 era (see below).

CCA Shuttle Guidelines
The CCA is provisionally allowing trip coordinators to post trips that use auto shuttles. Such trips will use the following Covid safety guidelines. Trip coordinators have the authority to impose further measures as well.
Masks worn while in shuttle vehicles
Windows open to allow air circulation
Maximum shuttle time of 30 minutes
Each person should have their own open window (no middle seat passengers, or people crammed into those little jump seats in a truck cab, etc)
Do not attend if you think that you may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past two weeks, or if you have any of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea. Please call your medical provider for any symptoms that are concerning to you.
All participants must have a face mask to be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained. Maryland requires face coverings be worn in outdoor public areas whenever it is not possible to maintain 6+ feet of physical distancing. Your face mask must comply with CDC recommendations—it must: fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the

The 16th Annual Team River Runner Biathlon has gone virtual! Now you can join us from anywhere in the world to run/walk/handcycle 3 miles + kayak/SUP 1 mile anytime between Sunday, September 27 - Monday, October 5, 2020. If you do not have access to a kayak or SUP, please consider running 1 extra mile or add another activity that you enjoy. Race your own race!

The 16th Annual Team River Runner Biathlon has gone virtual! Now you can join us from anywhere in the world to run/walk/handcycle 3 miles + kayak/SUP 1 mile anytime between Sunday, September 27 - Monday, October 5, 2020. If you do not have access to a kayak or SUP, please consider running 1 extra mile or add another activity that you enjoy. Race your own race!

The 16th Annual Team River Runner Biathlon has gone virtual! Now you can join us from anywhere in the world to run/walk/handcycle 3 miles + kayak/SUP 1 mile anytime between Sunday, September 27 - Monday, October 5, 2020. If you do not have access to a kayak or SUP, please consider running 1 extra mile or add another activity that you enjoy. Race your own race!