Whitewater

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WW Chair: paul_leclerc@hotmail.com

2025 Dam Release Whitewater Trips

April 12/13: The Millers River, Class III (IV), South Royalston, MA. Depending on the weather we will choose the better day. Two sections, approximately 7 and 5 miles each. You can do one or join us for both. Suitable for Advanced Beginners and Intermediates. The Class IV section can be portaged.

April 19/20: Knightsville Section of the Westfield River, Class II (III), Westfield, MA. This is usually run on the Saturday. Suitable for Beginners.

May 3: Lower Otter Brook, Class II, Keene, NH. Suitable for Beginners.

May 4: West River, Class III, Jamaica, Vermont. Suitable for Intermediates. If you plan on doing the Otter and would also like to do the West, we may camp in Jamaica for the West.

May 17: Dead River 6000cfs, Class IV (IV+), West Forks, ME. Suitable for Advanced Intermediate/Expert. Must have a reliable roll. This is an overnight camping trip.

These and other trips in the year will be posted as they arise on the WW Message Board.

RICKA welcomes all paddlers who wish to participate in a fun group activity in a responsible way. Whitewater trips will be announced on the message board or by email.

Please review river descriptions on American Whitewater for an appropriate match to your skill level. To ensure safety, coordinators will ask of your past experience on other rivers. Trip coordinators may strongly urge some boaters to stay off the river if you are not suitably equipped or do not have adequate experience. You the boater, however, are solely responsible for your own safety and the ultimate judge of your own skills. You should have prior quick water experience for beginner trips and should contact the trip coordinator beforehand.

Helmets and PFDs are mandatory.

Appropriate cold weather gear such as drysuits, wetsuits gloves and footwear are necessary, typically October through May. No bare feet or flip flops allowed during warmer months.

All kayaks and canoes should be equipped with float bags.

All boaters should have a throw rope and a whistle.

Bailing scoops (canoes) and a tow line are recommended.

Water, food and drybags as needed.

Whitewater Classifications

MSG Board Paddles

The WW message board is a public service to the paddling community. It will strive to have an open policy on postings.

Any board poster may initiate these paddles. Please be aware that RICKA club members may not know the paddler or know of his abilities. He may be wonderfully qualified, or he may be proposing something that is at the limit of his abilities. Paddlers should avoid rivers at flood stage and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees. You must use your own judgement when you choose to paddle whitewater.

Anytime you choose to paddle: you alone are responsible for your own safety. Familiarize yourself with river levels and descriptions. Assess your own skill level and the people that you will be paddling with. You can always go home for the day or walk around a difficult rapid. Educate yourself about safety and carry appropriate gear, clothes, water, food etc. Ask the trip coordinator questions before embarking.

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Any paddle sport is an assumed risk sport. Some aspects of canoeing and kayaking involve the risk of serious injury or death. The Rhode Island Canoe/Kayak Association (Rhode Island Canoe Association, Inc.), although safety conscious, cannot guarantee your personal safety in club activities. Each participant is responsible for his or her own training in boating and rescue techniques, equipment, and personal well-being when engaging in or attending club-organized activities.

We are pleased to announce that RICKA is an American Whitewater Affiliate Club.
RICKA members can now join American Whitewater for a discounted rate!
We hope you will take advantage of these savings and support this great organization.
You can find additional informatiom here .

WW Pages created 4/10/2005