Haw River Longboat Extravaganza
| River: | Haw |
| Skill: | Beginner |
| Trip Date: | 04/12/2026 |
For a while now, I have had the thought that it would be cool to complete the entire length of the Haw River by kayak. Even in low water, the Haw is always navigable, and since longboats need love and watertime too, it seemed like a perfect time to set up a trip to paddle a section I had not completed before: the 11 miles from Red Slide Park to Saxpahaw dam.
I posted a come one come all to the CCC trip page and on April 12, met up with Alan Dail, Bonnie Kornegay, Adam Davis, Dan Gosner, Tara Gosner, and Pete Beck at the Saxpahaw Lake access and set shuttle to Red Slide Park in Haw River.
With the water levels very low, scrapey hilarity ensued right at the launch as the crew tried to get down the first 100 yards to deeper water without getting out of the boats. With much encouragement, ridicule, and plenty of scooches, everyone finally made it to deeper water and the trip began in earnest. As trip leader, I counted the crew, got 7, and then subtracted one to make sure we could still hit our numbers at the end.
We picked our way around numerous downed trees and got to inspect the damage to I-40/85 that Chantal inflicted almost 8 months ago. Perhaps one day NCDOT will notice that VERY large concrete block hanging from the road and address it.
With no rain in a couple of weeks, the water in the Haw, yes, the Haw, was pretty clear. This afforded views of various fauna, such as turtles, fish, tadpoles, and the ever-present and wily Hawriverus Rockapotamus. Avians were also represented with kingfishers, mallards, geese, mergansers and vultures all present and accounted for. No eagles, beavers, or otters were observed or disturbed.
After passing under Highway 54, we paddled into the backwater of the Swepsonville dam. Thanks to Haw River Canoe and Kayak, the 200-yard portage around the dam is clearly marked and nicely clear of vegetation. Upon bypassing the dam, we left our boats in the trail at the water’s edge and took a break for lunch on Spirit Island. Spirit Island had also sustained Chantal damage which the team both investigated and discussed at great length.
We decided to return to paddling and finish off the last 5 or so miles on Sax Lake, so we made our way back over to our dropped boats. Unfortunately, in our hunger-induced delirium prior to lunch, we had just left all our boats right in the middle of the trail, which meant that fellow paddler Chris Day had to pick his way through, around, and over our Parking Jam game we re-created. We mumbled our apologies, chatted a few minutes, and then he paddled off into the afternoon sun.
We soon followed, and upon seeing Chris steaming along up in the distance in his Katana, we realised that it would have been the neighborly thing to do to have asked Chris if he would like to join us. A couple of us put our heads down and noses to the grindstone and set out to catch him. When we did get close enough, we called out and pleaded for him to wait up, and upon presenting our argument for joining us, he agreed.
The newly expanded band of merry paddlers continued on down Sax Lake, discussing prior adventures great and small, taking side channels and alternate routes, and trying to avoid getting stuck in the shallow middle section of the lake.
We made it to the take-out and again, as trip leader, I counted the crew and got 8. I made a mental note to adjust the pre-trip count up by 2 since we did not leave anyone either by accident or in some cases, on purpose, and we had fooled Chris into joining us.
All in all, a great day out on the water. If you have never paddled anything but the Upper, Middle, or Lower Haw, do yourself a favor and check out the other sections. The Haw always goes, and you will not be disappointed.
Thanks to all of the crew who joined me in my quest to conquer the Mighty Haw.
(not pictured – Adam Davis)