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Playspot VA Class II

First Break

James - 5. Lower James through Richmond (VA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
James River near Richmond, VA Upstream Primary
Runnable: 2.8 – 14.0 FT
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
First Break
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Once you get out to the main body of the James, the most common line is to run First Break. Follow the main current to Belle Isle. First Break is to the river left of Belle Isle and is run right of the remaining dam. There are some of the taller standing waves here and between 5ft and 6.5ft offers endless front surfing and wave wheels. Just below the break is a play spot suitable for looping called Jaws that comes in at levels between 6ft and 7.5ft. Great eddy service with access for both play spots on river left behind the dam.

Location
Type
Playspot
Difficulty
Class II
Mile Marker
0.6 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
5. Lower James through Richmond
James
III-IV 2.5 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater