Hayden Bridge to Armitage Park

Challenge # 1

Upon exiting the boat ramp, 1 to 3 foot waves are on the left, 200’ down river. Paddle river right to avoid this until you feel more comfortable. Kneel if you don’t feel comfortable standing, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to stand later. Stay left if you are comfortable bracing and paddling through waves.

Watch your depth

Depending on river flow, you’ll need to pay attention to depth to avoid walking or catching a fin. Moving your weight forward on the board can give you a few inches on the back fin. I prefer 1.5” river fins with a collapsible center fin but it took me three years to realize “needed” a better board.

Avoid to tree

Don’t feel comfortable with changing currents or have tried an eddy turn yet? Stay left. Like a bit more adventure, stay right. Practice bracing and paddling through changing currents.

Rope swing!

The best floats always have rope swings.

Left is better

...and peaceful

Beautiful homes

Which hopefully carry good flood insurance.

Challenge # 2

You can exit river right before the fast current. Many choose to stop on the right anyways. I enjoying standing through this section and practicing eddy turns to watch friends who may have fallen and grab a hat or unsecured belonging. HINT, HINT. Wear a life jacket. Feet down river and hold on to your paddle if you take a swim. I told myself if I didn’t fall, I wasn’t trying hard enough. It’s really not that bad.

Left is dangerous, stay straight

I consider the left a black diamond. Paddlers should be experienced with the risks and how to handle them. Stay right unless you’ve observed the area and are comfortable with handling the risks. I recovered a paddle board and life jacket from this section. Transport is close to the nearest hospital, it’s walking distance away.

Exiting left

If you went left you avoided the large log jam and then was immediately pushed into the river bank. It’s peaceful after that and you’ll meet up with your friends.

Kick back and relax

Avoid rocks, stay a bit left

Avoid rocks and naked people. Nudie rock is on the right. Stay a bit left if you don’t feel comfortable avoiding a few rocks in the water.

I thought this was Stand Up Paddling

Show off your new skills to the crowd

or just don’t fall in. It’s quick and choppy, practice bracing. Hang on to that paddle if you go for a swim. You're exiting just ahead.

Take out