first time on piney

[gfitzge7]

Yesterday I floated from Helton's to Long Pool for the first time. I really thought the scenery was amazing and the rapids great. Lots of people out for a Sunday on the river in September. Can not wait to get back there. I will def. have to camp at Long Pool sometime so that I can try to do the whole river in a weekend. I think when we stopped at Moore's they said the river was around 3.5. What is the level like at say 5-5.5. Does things get washed out or just bigger and more fun?

[Zach]

Still fun, but changes.
There seems to be a gap in the 4ft range where a lot washes out, but comes back in full force above 5.5ft or so (electronic gauge scale). Lots of big wave trains then. Some of the bigger waves get much bigger; for example, surfing rapid gets a lot bigger (and tougher to catch), but the mother gets pretty washed out.

Only problem is that above 5.5ft or so Hurricane should be going which is a blast (though it is longer, tougher, more technical, and more likely to have wood blocking it).

[Charlie Ford]

Saturday was my first on piney and also my first time in a playboat. I was way over my head. I ended up hiking around most of the bigger stuff and swiming through the smaller stuff. I even got a little carnage on my leg and numerous tips from the people I was floating with.

[gfitzge7]

What about Indian Creek that you cross to get to Helton's is it very technical. Someone told me that they got into it with a landowner along Indian creek yesterday. It looked like it was moving, but maybe a little narrow.

[jim johnson]

did indian creek on sunday. there is a new channel in the lower part. in the new channel there is a huge strainer blockage and a portage. this is a MUST eddy. I am not sure if it can be cleared as the trees are 36" in diameter. suggest only paddlers with the confidence to catch an eddy try Indian now.
jim