Haw Trip Cancelled BUT Falls Dam instead
| River: | Neuse |
| Skill: | All |
| Trip Date: | 03/27/2021 |
- River forecasting can be difficult, as I found out last week when The Middle- Lower Haw Trip had to be cancelled due to very high water.
More than 24 hours earlier I changed the trip to Falls Dam, and FB Messaged every one who said they might come, and let people know by text and email about the change.
Saturday morning Falls Dam parking was at a premium, and I directed people to unload their boats at dam and use the lower parking area. River flow 730 CFS, weather high 78F and pretty sunny ☀️
I was surprised by the amount of people on the trip unfamiliar with Falls Dam.
We had a pre trip meeting at the big red Danger sign, I thought that was ironic and appropriate.
I asked everyone what they wanted to do, and the answer was surf the top wave, which we did for well over two hours straight.
One paddler managed to flip and received a head cut, but he was still game to keep paddling. I’ll keep his name a secret as some stories are best told over a campfire with a beer.
Paddlers, me, Jeff, Chris, Mitch, Shane, mike and Angela.
Shane made the top wave look easy. Mike managed a few spins, and Angela was a able to get a few rides for I think was her first time on that wave.
Shane had to leave, we reassembled and ran the section below the bridge on River Left. We eddy hopped, ferried, stopped to Surf Island Wave, and made it down to the takeout.
Every one was too tired to run a second lap.
It was great to see people at Falls Dam, it’s been awhile since I have seen more than one or two people out there. I can remember paddling out there with over a dozen paddlers years ago.
Watching every one with a big grin on their face while they were surfing made it a really great day.
What else can I say? “You should have been there.”😉😄
See you on the river.
Cheers!