On Saturday, a group of 10 paddlers headed to the Lower Yough for a beautiful Fall run before winter sets in. Dam releases stopped the prior weekend, and although the water was lower at 1.4 feet, the river looked a little different, but the lines were familiar as we moved down the canyon with brilliant fall colors.
Entrance rapid was a bit shallow, but Cucumber rapid at lower water was a steeper, longer drop. At the lower level, new features come in, surf waves, more boofs and creekier lines which put smiles on everyone’s face. We had a first timer in the group who started his paddling journey in September of this year and already looks like a whitewater veteran. Not having learned how to boof yet, some of the crew gave him a quick lesson in-between rapids which he quickly put to use on Walrus rock, the boof above Frog’s Back, Bottle of Wine and finishing the day with a flawless My First Boof. We had one swim right below Dimple rapid which was quickly recovered. After gathering the paddler and gear, we headed for snacks and surf at the Swimmers rapid. The rest of the trip was full of downriver play, making most of the lower flow at River’s End and Double Hydro rapids, catching eddies, vertical tailies, splats and enjoying the gorgeous Fall weather. A few of us decided to stay the night and run again on Sunday. Juan Valasquez booked two laps on the Falls and ended the weekend with a fun run before making the trip home. Thanks to all who attended and looking to many more trips in the near future.
Anttendees:
David Beck
Jad Brubaker
Brian Coyle
Allison Holliday
Shlomo Jacobs-Velde
Dasa Merkova
Sergey (Dasa’s Friend)
Gil Shacham
Juan Velasquez
Ryan Morrow (Trip Coordinator)