NEW for 2010!
Sit on top kayak trips down the Potomac River just a few minutes from DC !
Sit On Top Kayaking Trips on the Potomac !
We’re excited to offer this new trip for 2010. Take a scenic and exciting trip down the Potomac River on a Jackson sit on top kayak. Valley Mill is proud to be the only school in the DC area to offer this type of adventure. We use the Jackson Riviera sit on top kayak for this trip.
Quite possibly the simplest to use kayak on the market, the Rivera was inspired by a group of outfitters who wanted a kayak that was very stable, easy to paddle, comfortable, required no maintenance, and fit paddlers of almost any size. These same features make the Riviera just the ticket for those who want an easy to use, hassle free kayak for just having fun on the water.
The Riviera features a super comfy molded-in seat, four carry handles, and skid plate at the very rear of the boat…perfect for those who tend to drag rather than carry.
The beauty of paddling this type of kayak, is that if you fall off, you just climb back on! There’s no feeling of claustrophobia that you sometimes get by paddling a closed-deck whitewater kayak.
The trip starts by meeting at the C & O park across from Old Anglers Inn at 10801 Macarthur Blvd. From there you will have three options. Paddle down river to Carderock Park( Option 1), or up river to Rocky Island(Option 2). For the more adventurous type, there is the Mather Gorge from S-Turn down to Anglers(Option 3) :this option requires a portage of about 400 yards, where you will be required to carry your kayaks over a stretch of the tow path to the putin at S-Turn).
Along the way you will learn some strokes, and learn how to climb back on the Riviera from the water, and learn some river running concepts .
You will get to run some easy class 2 and 2+ rapids such as Offutt Island and Yellow Falls (Anglers to Carderock trip), or Rocky Island, Wet Bottom Chute, and Maryland Chute( Anglers to Rocky, and back) or option three (S-Turn, Rocky, Wet Bottom and Marylad Chute). When the Potomac is low it’s the perfect summertime activity, and a great way to cool off!
All gear is supplied for this 3 hour trip.
You must weigh between 100-275 pounds, and be able to swim, and be in reasonably good health. You will be required to carry your kayaks to and from the river, as well as any portages that are required for all trips. The Riviera weighs 46 lbs, so as a result, this trip is not suitable for young children. The kayaks are carried two at a time by teams of two people, so it will be like carrying a 23lb dumbbell in each hand. You must have sturdy footwear for portaging, and that will stay on your feet if you take a swim. Flip flops, clogs, and other loose fitting footwear are unacceptable
**Locations for this trip may vary due to river levels.**
Trips run every Sat/Sun From 8-11am from May to Oct.,* weather, and river conditions permitting*
The Cost is $89 per person
You must CALL TO SIGN UP ! (301)840-7388
The ‘Whitewater Experience’: Guided tours and lessons in the new Dynamic Duo, two- person kayak!
Dynamic Duo in action! Photo by Linel Soto
We’re excited to be adding a couple new lessons to our program this year featuring the brand new two- person kayak from Jackson Kayaks- the Dynamic Duo.
The Dynamic Duo Whitewater Experience Level 1, (WE1)- Have you ever wanted to try whitewater kayaking, but were hesitant to go it alone in a single kayak? Then this course is for you! No prior experience is necessary! You don’t learn to skydive solo, so why learn to kayak solo? All you have to do is paddle, enjoy the ride, and have fun. We will put you in the front seat of this two-person kayak and our experienced instructor will guide you down the rapids as they sit in the back seat. It gives the term ‘backseat driver’ a good name. You will be running class 1, 2, and 3 rapids your first time in a kayak, whereas it would take you weeks, if not months, to be able to do the same thing on your own. Sign up for your first whitewater experience today! Call to sign up! (301)840-7388
Lesson Duration= 3 Hours
Lesson Cost= $210
Lesson Location= Anglers Inn, Potomac
The Dynamic Duo Whitewater Experience Level2, (WE2)- Are you a beginner/novice kayaker who has been paddling before, but wants to run harder rapids than you can do solo? Then step up to the WE2 ! We’ll take you down the beautiful Mather Gorge or Little Falls sections of the Potomac in the Dynamic Duo. You’ll get the thrill of running class3 rapids in the comfort and stability of the Dynamic Duo. Your instructor will make sure you have a smooth, fun ride as you paddle down this awesome section of the Potomac River!
Lesson Duration= 3 Hrs
Lesson Cost= $210
Lesson Location= Anglers Inn, Potomac
The Dynamic Duo Whitewater Experience Level3, (WE3)- This is the trip for someone who really wants to run a river, but wants to do it with the safety and security of having a guide in the same boat with them. The Dynamic Duo is the perfect kayak to run this sort of river trip. You can choose from the following rivers/runs to get your whitewater fix; Cheat, Lower Yough, North Branch Potomac, Shenendoah , and more..You can even create your own custom trip- just call us with your idea and we’ll see if we can make it happen!
Lesson Duration= 4hrs
Lesson Cost= $280
Lesson Location= Rivers Everywhere!
NEW TRIP- North Branch of the Potomac River
This trip to the headwaters of the Potomac is a must do for novice/intermediate paddlers looking to get out and explore new runs. This is a class 2-3 run, that is dam released, so the water is a bit chilly even in the summer months, so proper gear is required for comfort. The rapids are great fun, and there are many playspots to hit during the run, with two of the best being right upstream of the putin. This run is about 2.5 hrs away from DC, so it’s a pefect chance to get away, camp, and enjoy a true river running experience. There is a great campground near the river. Camping and food options are available for an extra fee, or you can do your own thing. Release dates are: (April 10, 11, 24, 25) (May 8,9, 22,23) other dates TBD
One Day Trip= $150
Two Day Trip= $275
NEW-Come kayak the Lower Gauley! We have 1, 2, or 3 day trips available Gauley Festival weekend in Sept. and Oct 2nd- 3rd. A solid roll and comfort in class 3 whitewater is required. Lodging/camping fees not included.
1 Day Lower Gauley Adventure- $175
2 Day Lower Gauley Adventure- $300
3 Day Lower Gauley Adventure-$450 (call to sign up! space is limited and camping is extra= We stay at the Confluence Resort in Fayetteville WV, multiple lodging/camping options are available!)
Guided trips available on the Lower Yough! Aug 28th and 29th, Sept 4th and 5th, Oct. 2nd and 3rd (Private guided trips may also be scheduled- call us!)
Lower Yough- $150 one day, and $225 two day guided trips available, and all trips are lead by experienced, certified guides. Call to sign up today!
- IMPORTANT: Our Cancellation Policy:We do NOT give refunds on any lesson, trip, or lesson packages purchased. If we cancel a lesson, due to high river levels, or inclement weather, we will issue a make-up date, according to availability on our schedule. We do not give refunds for any reason whatsoever. We will issue a credit towards future lessons, if needed, but no refunds will be given.You may transfer your lesson, or lesson package to someone else, but they must meet eligibility requirements prior to taking any lesson.If you need to reschedule or cancel your lesson, we require proper advance notice. You must contact us by close of business at least 48hrs prior to your lesson start time. For example;If your lesson is on a Saturday, and you wish to reschedule, you MUST contact us by 6pm on the Wednesday before your lesson. Failure to give sufficient notice, or not showing up for your lesson, is considered a “no-show” and you will forfeit your lesson and not be given a refund= NO EXCEPTIONS !!! If you cancel with proper notice, you may reschedule according to availability on our schedule.If you have any question whatsoever considering our policy, please don’t hesitate to call us! (301)840-7388
Thank You
