Join a Lap

JRW offers various clinics and lap opportunities throughout the year. We run indoor roll clinics from January through April and run outdoor “laps” and roll clinics from April through the end of September.

While the mission of JRW is to increase gender diversity in the sport, anyone is welcome to join. Individuals wishing to join a lap must complete the online waiver and photo release form and the lap participation form. The waiver and photo release only have to be done one time a year. The lap participation form must be completed every time participants plan to join a lap. All participants must be at least 18 years of age. If a participant is under 18, their parent or guardian must complete the waiver and photo release form and attend the session. You must contact JRW directly via email directly to coordinate as our education program(s) are more focused on adult paddlers. However, families that paddle together, stay together so reach out to us if you have questions.

Skills Laps

Skills laps are four-hour river laps from Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek. Skills laps are intended for brand new paddlers! Dedicated American Canoe Association (ACA) instructors will teach the basics of paddling and work on whitewater skills. These clinics are provided free of charge thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The link will take you to our 2026 schedule. We will schedule our skills laps closer to the season and announce on our social media accounts when the lottery is open.

  • We provide gear for five participants

  • The lap will teach you the basics of whitewater kayaking

  • You do not need to know how to roll

  • We will reserve a few additional spots for folks with gear

  • Laps are from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sign up for a Skills Lap

Lower Laps

Lower laps are ~2 hour river laps from Reedy Creek to 14th Street and are intended for intermediate to skilled paddlers.

  • You must provide your own gear

  • Send us an email if you’re unsure if you’re ready for the lower!

Sign up for a Lower Lap

Upper Laps

Upper laps are ~2.5 hour river laps from Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek and are great for beginners! You must have attended a roll clinic, skills lap, or at a minimum, you must have wet exited a boat if you are requesting to borrow gear. Other crafts like duckies and SUPs are welcome to join.

  • We provide gear for five participants (via gear lottery)

  • All other folks must provide their own gear

  • Upper laps are intended for all paddlers and are great for beginners

  • You do not need to know how to roll

  • Laps are typically during the week from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Sign up for an Upper Lap

Roll Clinics

Roll clinics are dedicated sessions to help people work on their roll. We offer winter indoor clinics as well as summer outdoor clinics. Roll clinics are great for beginners!

  • We provide gear for five participants (via gear lottery)

  • We will reserve a few additional spots for folks with gear (outdoor roll clinics only)

Sign up for a Roll Clinic