The Songer Splash Report
Guide Trainees and a little bit of swim practice - West Virginia style
We came into work early this Saturday planning on another training day on the Lower New River. While we do love the Gorge, this would be nearing double digits for how many times we’d all been down this classic stretch. There was definitely nervousness in the air when L.J. and Fidge, our guide trainer’s, told us that today we’d be paddling the formidable Lower Gauley at 5,500 c.f.s. – or nearly double the typical Fall dam release levels!
The gear truck was full of bravado and confidence. Most of the guide trainees didn’t want to let on that the raging Gauley River, the one they’d heard so much about, scared them at least a little. The sky was blue and the air crisp, perfect for Spring rafting.
Getting onto the river, we soon realized the magnitude of the waves and holes that formed when there was this much water barreling down this constricted, ancient river bed. Everything went pretty smooth for the first half of the day, Koontz’s Flume was HUGE. The foamy wave-hole known as 5 Boat Hole that formed below Koontz’s on river left was some serious surfin’- probably the biggest thing I’ve ever surfed in a raft.
The second half of the day found us doing a little bit of swim practice - West Virginia style. We got a little too close to one of the huge rocks known as “Heaven’s Gate’s”, leading to several of us quickly tasting the fresh waters of a flooded Gauley. The other boat had their wild ride at Lower Mash, a technical rapid known for a stompin’ wave hit right in the middle. Coupled with Upper Mash, we were told it’s the steepest single stretch of rapids on the Upper or Lower.
Needless to say, it was an amazing day of whitewater. We love all the different stretches of water that Songer runs, from duckying on the Middle New to big water runs on the Lower New and Gauley. Eventually we’ll get the chance to hit the Upper Gauley as well. Bring on the Summer, and bring on some more rain! Join us down here from some big water Rafting. We’ve got special Spring season rates running until May 15th. Plus – there’s the Spring Gauley Party Package so you too can experience the Gauley before Fall.
Daniel Driver
Guide trainee ‘08
