So guys, I have a question for those savvy in the ways of whitewater.

A group of my friends and I are heading to Hot Springs, NC this up/coming weekend for a camping trip which includes a day on the French Broad rapids on Saturday. Here's my question: Can't help but notice that the water levels are at an all time low...with the USGS painting like 400 or so CFM compared to average at 1000 or more.

http://nc.water.usgs.gov/monthly/August07/FRENCH-BROAD.gif

So with such low water levels/flow....how the hell will the rapids be? Can't even be do-able can it? They didnt mention anything at the rapids place about the draught or how it would impact a rafting trip a week ago. I mean we arent like thrill seekers, we just want a good time. MAybe if not a raft, some kayaks...does that get easier? or are the rocks more dangerous since water is lower? Any clue?

9/30/2007 4:01:23 PM

The French Broad is horrible right now. My advice would be something that is damn released. The Nantahala in NC or if you really want some badass whitewater the Gauley in WV, which will only be running for a few more weekends.

9/30/2007 4:10:28 PM

You will NOT have fun rafting or kayaking when you scrape bottom all the time. It's annoying. Go with the dam-control.

9/30/2007 4:18:52 PM

Paging beardawg

9/30/2007 5:07:45 PM

Paging Beardawg61

9/30/2007 6:20:11 PM

The Nanty is open this week, as always. But the special treat is that the Middle Ocoee is running every day this week the only time this year from 10-4. Suck it up, and drive to the Big O in east TN. I'm gonna be there all week and the river will be flowing at 1250 cfs.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_1075_

372 cfs is a complete joke. Only steep creeks can be run in hard kayaks at that level, certainly not rafts or even Duckies in a wide river like the French Broad.

American Whitewater says 1000 cfs is the bare minimum and that's directed towards kayaks.

Additionally, the water quality on the Pigeon and French are closely tied to flow levels... shit's gonna be nasty.

9/30/2007 6:22:34 PM

goddamit, we've already got reservations. Why would the place even keep operating if shit is that out of wack?

I wish i could get out of it, but we can't change camping desinations to my knowledge at this point.

How much further is the Oconee anyway?

9/30/2007 9:28:03 PM

^Ocoee



about 3 hours

9/30/2007 9:46:09 PM

yeah that's too far and alters the plans too much. Would these be even reasonably fun on duckies? Dude and trust me, it won't take much to be fun for noobs like us.

9/30/2007 10:28:41 PM

Anyone had any experience paddling on the New River around Sparta or Jefferson? We were looking at heading that direction for Fall Break to do a little paddling/fishing/relaxing. Not into whitewater stuff but would like to see a few rapids. Would one part be better than another or is the whole River extremely low?

10/1/2007 5:10:31 PM

^tons, my mom lives there. the way is so low, you just take your canoe for a drag. went earlier this year, awful.

10/1/2007 8:13:02 PM

What company are your reservations with? Tell them that they should have explained the water conditions to you and told you they were under "exceptional drought." You aren't interested in rafting a whitewater river with no whitewater. At the very least they will have to give you vouchers for another time. If the reservations are with one of several companies that run the French and the Nantahala or Ocoee, you can probably get your trip transferred. Also, you could go rafting with Endless Rivers. Their outpost is on the Nantahala, which isn't far from Asheville and they transport you to the Ocoee and back themselves. I've worked with them and they are good. At any rate, a day trip to the Ocoee from Asheveille is totally doable and the Ocoee beats the fuck out of the French on a good day anyway.

Also you mentioned being n00bs, if you want a low-cost alternative to the Big "O," just come to the Nantahala. We're only about 90 minutes from Asheville. We offer guided, guide-assisted, and non-guided trips in rafts and duckies. You can always count on the water and the scenery is out of this world this time of year. PM me for details.

http://www.carolinaoutfitters.com Our equipment is as good or better than any other company but we'll hook you up for about 40% less than NOC.

10/1/2007 8:49:31 PM

i was planning on going whitewater rafting with French Broad Rafting Oct 13... should i cancel my reservations at this point? i don't want it to be miserable

10/2/2007 9:11:55 AM

Quote :

"So with such low water levels/flow....how the hell will the rapids be? "

Extra rocky?

10/2/2007 10:34:24 AM

Beardog, it's Huck Finn in Hot Springs, NC. I've gone with them before and I like them a great deal. Besides, they are right by the camping area we are at, like a mile. So its very convenient. We'd have to go through a bunch more hoops to drive past Bryson City, including cancelling stuff. We can't alter our camping plans at this point, and it's 2 hours from Hot Springs. Too rough.

I wish I woulda posted this earlier, I just didnt even think about the rain conditions in the Mtns. Now we leave in 2 days and deposits and everything is pretty much solid.

Oh well, I did call Huck Finn and she said well sure, the river conditions arent optimal and likely brings every rapid down a full class, but still, a good time could be had. And thats' what we are looking for, just a basic good time, even scenic.

Although I personally am more adventurous having ran the upper gauley/new before a couple of times, the rest of these doods are noobs to even water anything. So I think it won't be completely a bust...

[Edited on October 2, 2007 at 11:35 AM. Reason : next time...]

10/2/2007 11:33:22 AM

If you think you will have to stick to the French I would suggest Duckies then, because they ride shallower and arent as wide. Also since these guys are noobs I wouldnt suggest them Kayak especially on a very rocky river. If you can, you really should cancel though because I dont know if they will have any fun on that one.

10/2/2007 1:05:10 PM

Nobody I know of rents hard kayaks to anyone for any reason. But if they do DO NOT GET IN A KAYAK IF YOU ARE A NOOB Some companies rent hard sit-on-top kayaks like Perception Torrents. These are similar to duckies but less stable. The advantage is you aren't locked into the boat.

When I say "hard kayak" I mean this:



Because you don't want to end up like this and not know what to do.



Duckies are fun if you are comfortable swimming.





We ran the Middle Ocoee twice today. Trust me when I say they have PLENTY of water.

10/2/2007 9:15:01 PM