Beitner Rapids To Cass Bridge - August 9, 2024
Kathleen M Imre | Published on 8/9/2024
Brad, Paul W. and I met at the Beitner Rapids put-in for an early afternoon fun run. We were hoping that, after Tuesday's heavy rain, the river level would be higher, but the USGS gauge morning read was 4.88 ft., 233 cfs - similar to our last run in late July. That did not dampen our enthusiasm, however! Brad tried out his Bell canoe that had a tad more rocker than his Vagabond, and Paul paddled his newer, recently purchased Remix XP10. I had my Remix XP9 per usual.
There was a group of several families and their kids in all manner of paddlecraft at the put-in, so we three helped each other launch, and then had a quick pre-paddle talk before heading through the tubes ahead of the throng. Paul and I practiced ferries, peel-outs, and catching mid-stream eddies, (I found another really nice wave for easy front-surfing!) and Brad worked on maneuvering the Bell in the twistier areas, and practiced catching a few mid-stream eddies. Way to go, Brad! There were no problems at the Lone Pine rapid, and no one chose the sneak route at far river left! We later learned that the family flotilla had three capsizes and one runaway kayak there - no surprise...
All in all, a great afternoon with great paddling buddies. If the rain sprites are reading this, please send some rain our way, so we can paddle this section again soon!
Brad at the put-in
Paul's "new" XP10
At Cass Road Bridge take-out. Happy paddlers!
