Well this past weekend was what I called his final exams. Everything we had taught him put to the test. If he passed, he could call himself a paddler and would no longer be categorized as a goober/newbie.
We started off on the New River gorge in West Virginia on a rainy Friday. It was a little low (.25’ about 3700cfs) but is still some fun water. Besides us 3 guys, there was also Renee Hanshaw, Sabrina Mellor, Michele Jackson and Diane Cheshier. Good play and good lines were had by all. Breakfast at the Cathedral Café and dinner at Pies and Pints were mandatory and enjoyed.
Saturday we woke to it still raining and put the whole group on the Lower Gauley. A little extra coming from the dam and waterfalls coming in along the way fluffed it up a bit. Woods Ferry to Swiss (something like 14 miles) makes for a long day, especially if you try to play EVERYTHING the whole way down, which we did. The best wave I have ever surfed was at “the ledges” this day. The girls were a little nervous but good lines were again had by all.
Sunday we woke to it still raining. That same rain that had started Thursday night. But the radar showed it ending soon, so the thought of sun lifted our spirits. Heard at the truck stop over breakfast that they had CRANKED the Gauley up to 8000 (normal release is 2400) over night but had turned it back down to around 2800 this morning. BUT Meadow was also running 12-1400. So that means Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, Sweets Falls and Woods Ferry Rapids were going to be 4000+. I was excited but knew James was going to get a real treat for his first time down.
James, Jason and Myself launched in drizzle that soon cleared. Sun came out and the rapids were fluffy, man what a great day! James was looking good so I decided to throw him some “extra credit”. Told him to catch this eddy that has surprisingly strong current that pulls you back into a meaty hole. I know this. Jason knew this. James did not. He caught it very nice and tight, then proceeded to get BIG eyed, back paddle like crazy, flip, roll and scratch his way out. Me and Jason laughed. I told him he earned the extra credit and that I have been there and “scratched” like that and it really is not as bad as it seems.
We picked up the water in Meadow and the river got big. Super fun and a little scary. The way I like it. I seem to have 2 unintentional rolls every time I run the Upper G. Never in the same place but one of this year’s was in the second and biggest drop of Lost Paddle rapid. I told Jason and James the line and did not follow my own instructions. James had a couple of rolls throughout the day, including a colorful line at Iron Ring but made it without too much trouble. Video to follow…
Off the river and giddy with joy we rolled on to Maryland to run the upper Yough on Monday. I was a little concerned with taking James to this river, lots of undercuts and very relentless. Something like 2 miles of flat water, a 6 mile long class IV rapid and 2+ miles of run out. Not the usual run you take someone 18 months into boating, and certainly not a “stepping up” and testing your skills kind of run.
With a couple more rolls and few colorful lines (one right in front of an undercut) we paddled into Friendsville. With no bodily injury and zero swims I would say James passed with flying colors. I told him he had a lot of people cheering for him…TO SWIM on this trip and he disappointed them. I guess Jason and I just taught him too well.
So Congratulations to James for passing his finals. I will give you your lapel pin to wear to signify your success. Wear it with honor.
It was a good but rain soaked trip.