Just a bit below 3.5

Headed out on a Saturday afternoon as the temperatures climbed into the 40s, but the water temperature hung just above freezing. Not a good day to forget the pogies, but it wasn't too bad. I was in plastic, Ned Poffenberger was in his C1 and the adventurous team of Jen Sass and Joe Randall were in a Topo Duo --- an unusual choice for a planned attainment and downriver run to Sycamore.

Because everyone wanted to get warm fast, we paddled steadily up Center Chute without checking MD or VA. The Duo made the elevator move on attainer's left with ease. Left and center lines were available, as usual. All the usual moves at Wet Bottom were tried and made.

Rocky was more interesting. At this level, something I call the "guard wave" forms at the top of the attainer's left eddy at Rocky. You can use it to surf right-to-left up the move...but getting over and onto the wave from below can challenge boat control and power. One alternative is to go straight up beside the rocks to the left, then power up with a little help from a tiny elevator there. But that leftside move beside the rocks really challenges a right C1er, like Ned.

While Ned and I took turns assaulting the guard wave, Jen and Joe took aim at the left side line. I'm assuming that they received a tremendous advantage from the extra boat length, as they powered right up. :-) And just to taunt Ned and I, they then proceeded to go make 3.5 look like a good level to surf at Rocky. It was a lot of fun to see that big boat lock into place on the wave, sending spray flying in huge arcs.

Well rewarded --- and well chilled --- for our efforts, we headed back down, where the Duo also caught the wave at Wet Bottom. After a sprint to Anglers, my companions took off and I headed down to Sycamore.