Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

In your opinion what would be the ideal level for the tot from ed banks down for a first timer. I've also put in some time at Rockport and have a pretty decent combat roll. I've done the upper piney, mulberry, cadron, and tot from 246 to ed banks with no problems and want to step up. I haven't been bored but I don't feel challenged anymore either.

Thanks in advance!

I ran it about 3-4 weeks ago at 3.8-4.0 and I thought that level was great for my first run down the esses. Water was quick but not too pushy the first time for hitting eddies and ferrying, which you definately need to do. Needless to say, having Tim Eubanks show me the ropes definately made it a more relaxing experience my first time also.

I'll be interested in what the more experienced boaters say about this.

From limited personal experience I agree with ckuntz that around 4' is a lot better than lower levels. I don't like a lot of rock dodging in the esses.

It depends on what stresses you more, bouncing off rocks or pushy water. At 3 - 3.5 you will bounce off rocks and you have to be able to pick your way with some degree of skill. At 3.5 - 4.5 you can in my opinion manage the river fairly well IF you have a decent degree of boat control and a solid brace and at least a fair roll. At levels over 4.5 the river gets real "pushy" and you will find yourself trying to slow that sucker down!! Levels over 4.8ish I'd think you might not want to attempt the Falls at least for a first run. The section from Ed Banks to the Falls can be done at pretty high levels in my opinion by less than expert boaters. Not so in the Falls. My two cents worth.

I would say 4 to 4.5 is probly the best levels for less experienced first timers. the lines through the esess open up and are a little more padded than at lower flows. as Gordon said when it starts going over 4.8 ish the river starts to get some push to it.

as for the falls they are deifinitly a little easier at the higher flows(4 4.5) or so. the lines are padded and cannon ball rock is now covered. the machine is a bit eaisier when cannon ball isnt showing its face

I concurr with the pros and cons of paddling it between 3 and just under 5 where at the upper end you can 'bomb' through more parts of the esses and falls but you have a good bit more push to contend with. Tough to say if the low end or high end is easier overall. To me a bigger factor is going with a group who can show you the lines which vary depending on the level. I am still more of a follower than a leader on the Tot, but there are quite a few people that know just about every rock and move that can be made on that river and I am always grateful when I have an opportunity to paddle with them.

Old timer? Insults can get you some pretty direct advice from some of the more "experienced" boaters here!!
I'd shoot for the 3.6-4+ range. All of the conventional routes are cleanly runnable, but it is no so pushy as to shake your confidence. Under 3.5, the hazards of low water are fairly pronounced. Below about 3.3, I think the Falls, particularly the Machine, are at their most dangerous in terms of pin potential/ rock contact. Above about 4.5, some places are pretty pushy, but not a problem if you are confident in your boat handling and roll, especially if you have someone along to point out the occasional sticky spot.

Yea, What JB said! only don't follow me!

If you can get 4 feet on the gauge, a warm day, and a good guide, that's what you're shooting for. 3.5 presents you with a lot more rocks to dodge and 4.5 is starting to get pushy. Seek the happy medium.

- Fish

4.086725

JB:

"Old timers" wasn't meant as an insult. Original post edited.

Sorry.

Owl wrote:JB:
"Old timers" wasn't meant as an insult. Original post edited.
Sorry.

Yeah, Owl, the correct term is "Old Farts" or "People of Flatulence". Geez, why do you have to go pokin sticks at the geezers!

- Fish

(On another note, like me, John's heard far worse insults before I'm sure. He was only kiddin.)

Fish wrote:

Owl wrote:JB:
"Old timers" wasn't meant as an insult. Original post edited.
Sorry.

Yeah, Owl, the correct term is "Old Farts" or "People of Flatulence". Geez, why do you have to go pokin sticks at the geezers!

- Fish

(On another note, like me, John's heard far worse insults before I'm sure. He was only kiddin.)

That's right! Fish and John were only kidding. Back in the day the Indians would scream much worse insults at them when they were trying to water their horses!

SwimmyBoy wrote:That's right! Fish and John were only kidding. Back in the day the Indians would scream much worse insults at them when they were trying to water their horses!

Ah, yes, the good old days... Well, Zach, maybe someday when you grow up, you'll be big enough to paddle your "big boy" kayak without falling out?

- Fish

Well, My 1st time down the tot was at 5.5 with a bomb proof swimming pool roll. remarkably I only had one flip and swim and it was in the fast moving water below the esses. Ideally like already stated 3.8 to 4.4 is best.