|
Training Sites
|
|
Great Falls Park Great Falls Park (National Park) is located on the Potomac River upstream from Washington, D.C. The entrance road is located off Georgetown Pike (Rt 193) in Northern Virginia. The falls are rated as Class 5-6 although extreme kayakers are allowed to run them under certain conditions. Downstream from the falls are several lower classes of rapids in different locations, providing multiple training sites and a variety of water conditions. Unit 1, TRRO, and Boat Operations are frequently conducted at this location. The classroom training location for this site is typically a nearby fire station. Access to the training site through the park is difficult, and the site itself is remote and lacks facilities. Authorized or marked emergency vehicles can utilize the off-road access network through the park. All food and drink at this location needs to be carried into the site.
Front Royal At higher water levels this site offers unparalleled challenges for students. The rapids and “wave train” is 100 yards of fast-moving hydrology lessons. This site at Compton Rapids on the South Fork Shenandoah River is bordered by a private campground on river right and national park on river left. It is accessible, has some amenities, and is located in some beautiful country. Most class activities are conducted here before moving over to the North Fork Shenandoah, just upstream of its confluence with the South Fork, where a low head dam provides an extra opportunity for learning, but only at certain water levels. Late summer or drought water levels make this site more unsuitable for training purposes. It is not uncommon to move the practical training days over to Great Falls to accomplish those scenarios. Classroom instruction at the Front Royal location is typically in a local fire station. |
|
Reproduction of photos or material from this website is strictly prohibited with out the expressed written consent of RQ3 LLC.
|