The Parks and Recreation department in Blacksburg is offering a few outdoor programs for the summer of 2009. Some of the programs include rock climbing, canoeing, caving, kayaking, summer adventure camps, and environmental education camps.
The kayaking trips go on both the New and James River. For the very raw beginners, there is the "Rec. Kayak Appetizer," which is a three-hour trip on the New River in Radford. The second New River trip is the "New River Adventure," a ten-mile trip through class I and class II rapids, and a full day trip.
On the James River, more advanced Kayakers can participate in the "Splash and Dash," a six and a half-mile trek across fast-moving water, which is also a full day event.
The "Sunset Paddle" is the last trip the department offers, which is a three-hour trip across the flat waters in Radford for the casual kayaker.
They offer both solo and partner kayaks. The solo kayak is for the more autonomous kayaker, looking for a peaceful day enjoying the calming water. The partner kayaks can be another great way to enjoy the day; you can also choose to do a partner kayak with a guide, if you would prefer.
Also offered by the Parks and Rec. Department are guided canoe trips. These also run through the New River Valley and can be for the experienced veteran or the canoeing newcomer.
One of the more interesting features of these trips, in particular, is the "Canoes and Critters" trip, which is a four-hour educational trip that explores underwater habitats of Macroinvertebrates and how they are used to determine water quality.
If you are not a water-friendly person, you can still go on guided rock climbing trips. The trips follow a "Challenge by Choice" method, meaning you can set your own personal goals for the trip and not have to compete with anyone but yourself on the trip.
None of these trips require any prior experience, and are for more or less the enjoyment of the outdoors for people of all ages. This is a great way for college students spending their summer in Blacksburg to get out and enjoy the outdoors in the New River Valley, more so than you would think.
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