James River: Pony Pasture

Pony Pasture is normally Class II. This picture is of a raft that has flipped after entering one of the holes at Pony Pasture above flood stage. At flood the Pony Pasture rapids become big water class three with some really nice surfing waves. A special permit is required to paddle the James when the River is above nine feet on the Westham gauge. The current is from left to right in the photo above. This raft has just flipped. These experienced rafters know that they need to get upstream of their boat. Also you can be sure they were not alone on the river. Thanks to Ingrid Shannon for this photo!

The first drop at Pony Pasture at just under five feet. This is a nice play ground for novices. At levels above 8 feet this area becomes class III big waves for advanced paddlers only. Upriver about 1/2 mile is the Williams or "Z" dam. The dam has a fish ladder break in it on river right that is runnable at certain levels. If you do not know what the safe level is portage the dam on the Left or Right. Do not underestimate this dam that has drowned at least 12 people... so far.

It can get crowded during the summer! The picture to the left is Pony Pasture at about four feet or less and a good level to cool off at the river. This is also a good level for a shepheded beginner to get into some current. There are a couple of places to practice ferrying across current. The surfing is better for intermediates at five to seven feet. Seven feet and above you may want to have a little more experience before trying Pony Pasture out. No user restrictions on the James below five feet. Five feet and above everyone on the river needs a PFD. Nine feet and above the James is off limits to everyone except experts with permits.

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