LATE-SEASON French Broad section 9 (day trip)

This is the southeastern classic!! More legends, tall tales, and mountain folklore exist about this 8 mile stretch of mountain river between Asheville and Knoxville than perhaps, any other section of river anywhere! From the small Appalachian Trail town of Hot Springs, North Carolina (pop. 600) we'll leave most of our vehicles at the takeout and shuttle up to the put-in near Barnard, NC...a small mountain hamlet deep in the Pisgah National Forest. Here, we'll launch and paddle the 8 miles down to the takeout in Hot Springs, NC. On our journey, we will encounter numerous named rapids along with huge boulders in the channel, sandy beaches, small islands and chutes, and beautiful mountain scenery. The rapids are fairly constant and are rated from class II-III+ on the river scale. There is 1 class IV near the railroad trestle above Hot Springs that we will skip as a group this time to ensure safety of the entire group. It is easily skipped as an island keeps it apart from the other channel. We will ALL stick together to ensure safety and that we follow the good lines, don't miss the takeout, and can assist with rescues and gear that may be floating downstream.

This is a trip for intermediate and advanced paddlers ONLY who have plenty of class II-III whitewater experience in their own boat AND the proper kayak and safety gear!

To attend this trip with us, you will need:

*a whitewater kayak (ask if unsure!)

*float bags for sit-in kayaks (two bags that go in the back or "stern" of your kayak) (sit on tops are exempt)

*a whitewater type paddle (no cheap walmart type paddles...they just won't hold up) (ask if unsure!)

*a whitewater helmet (no bike or construction helmets!) this is required!!!

*a USCG approved type III paddling PFD/lifejacket---required!! Must be properly worn at all times while on or in the river!!

*strong swimming ability and knowledge of the "whitewater swimmer's position" !!!

*proper river shoes and attire for warmth (shoes MUST stay on your feet)

*small first aid kit and waterproof bag/container?

*sunscreen?

*any medications that you might need??

• NO PETS ALLOWED!!!!!!

*bring water to drink and snacks and/or a lunch in a waterproof bag--I have some extra bags. We will stop a several times to eat, stretch, and scout some rapids. There is a place to restock food and supplies before the trip at the takeout in Hot Springs, NC!

Trip limit of 4 paddlers for this trip and please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. I reserve the right to cancel if weather is bad or flows are dangerously high. Thanks!

By signing up, and/or attending, you agree that this is a risky and possibly dangerous activity and you agree to hold no one liable for an accident if it were to occur. Thanks

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll be glad to help! It's much better to know now than at the carpool spot or at the river.