HOOCH TOO HIGH FOR CLASS SO WE ARE PLAYING ON THE FALLS!

This will be water dependent! Pray for NO more rain!

THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER TRIP, IF YOU CANNOT PADDLE CLASS II, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU!!!! If you have taken our beginner class and had no trouble running the rapids on the Metro Hooch, you should be fine with this river.

As of now the levels on this section are within safe ranges.  Higher than normal for this time of year, but low enough to still be safe.  I have paddled it higher than it is today. Heck, at this level it is a real class II river and Chuck Shoals is a blast!

If the gauge listed here is below 400 CFS and dropping at 8:00 am Saturday morning, August 24th, the trip is a go. If it is higher and rising, this trip will also be washed out like many of the others this year. STOP DOING THOSE DARN RAIN DANCES, THEY ARE WORKING!

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/uv/?site_no=02388900&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00062

PFDs and Helmets are MANDATORY! If you are not willing to WEAR them, please do not sign up for this trip!

I have paddled this section of the Etowah many times over the years with water levels from low to high. It is always a fun paddle.

IF you sign up for this trip, please check the site and your emails early Saturday for any updates or changes. Our eye is always on the weather and the river gauges!

This section is suitable for WW or Rec Kayaks and of course open boats. You should be comfortable paddling Class II's if you plan to join us.

Cost of the trip is $35 if you have your own boat, I have extra helmets.  If you paddle your boat IT MUST HAVE EITHER A DRY HOLD OR FLOAT BAGS IN THE BACK, NO EXCEPTIONS!

If you need a rental, call or email me and let's talk about what you need, the cost of a rental boat delivered to the river is $40 so a total of $75.00.  Just change the amount from $35 to $75 when you sign up.

We will meet in the parking lot at The Outside World and consolidate the shuttle. From there it is not far to the put in. We will float the upper section of the Etowah from Hwy 52 down to Castelberry Bridge. We will leave the parking lot as soon as everyone arrives but no later than 10:15 am so please be on time, early is better!

For those of you who have never been on this river, this paddle takes us over several small class II's before Etowah Falls, a Class III-IV (this can be portaged of course). After the Falls, there are several more fun II's. This is about 8 miles and we will be on the water around 4+ hours, depending on how much we play.

As usual, dress for the water and the air. Layers, and waterproof outer gear are best of course. Bring lots to drink and a lunch. We always stop at the Falls for lunch.

If you have any questions, Please email me directly at kayakclassesga@gmail.com, that way mail boxes of other members are not filled with things they have no interest in. Or you can always call me, I always love to talk to fellow rats about paddling. [masked]

Please answer the questions!

Thanks,

John Miller

Organizer

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