Attain new status --- be an author!

As you can see, I don't do a very good job anymore of posting to this blog. I don't seem to be paddling as much anymore --- and I'm just lazy. But the river changes all the time and it would be good to get a few more folks recording their experiences for the benefit (and amusement) of our fellow Prisoners of the Potomac.

What to be an Attainers Blog author? Let me know and I'll add you, so that you can start sharing your very unscientific observations of paddling on the Potomac.

Corner Chute at 4.6 and rising

It has been a long time since I've tried the little attain at the Corner below Maryland Chute. Once called "Clay's Revenge" after some guy who never paddles anymore and always seems to be dying of some respiratory infection, it's an interesting little exercise in take-off, edge control and just the right power at just the right moment.

OK, that's probably over-complicates it. But until you get it figured out, you'll beat your brains out.

Checking back over these entries, I really should have been able to make this move. FAIL  Of course, I was out in the the new just-under-10-feet plastic boat, I didn't have my favorite attaining paddle, and my lucky underwear was all in a wad. How could I have possibly expected to get up, under the circumstances? :-)

I did feel like something had changed a little in the slot. There was a swell of a little wave coming off the right side that I didn't remember being so pronounced. And while the entry has always kicked to the left, it felt stronger than I remembered. Just a difference in the level --- or has something shifted?

So, something to achieve in this new season...once I get the lucky underwear washed. :-)

Wet Bottom surfing

I keep forgetting the levels when that surf wave comes in at Wet Bottom. But headed back down after a maiden attain in the new slalom boat --- BINGO! Wish I had left myself time to play as it dialed right in. So, recorded data point #1 for Wet Bottom surfing...3.3+ is pretty nice.

P.S. Had an interesting sessions surfing Rocky the week before at a little over 3.4 --- not easy, but that challenge is accelerating my learning. I know, I'm pathetic ;-) ---  I should be at O-Deck at such levels, but didn't have the energy on that particular day.

More O-Deck and Rocky info

More surfing and attaining info, this from Stro...yes, sometimes you do find him ABOVE the water. :-)

Having paddled on the potomac for decades, I've acquired a quiver of boats to keep me happy at just about every river level. I prefer long boats and I love me some Rocky and O-deck surfing and attaining. Here's my boat choice list.
10 - 4.4 Rave Sandy Beach to Anglers
4.8 - 3.9 Reflex2 or Cylon attain to rocky
4.5 - 3.8 Rave put in at fisherman's eddy
3.7 - 3.3 Sleek put in at fisherman's eddy
3.2 - 3.0 Cheta, Reflex2 or Cylon attainment levels
2.9 - 2.6 Whirld at Bermuda Triangle

Sleek is 9' 5", Cylon 13'2", Reflex 11' 2", Rave 11', Cheta 13' 6"
Sleek is ok at lower rocky levels (below 4.1) for 2nd, 3rd, 4th wave
I consider O-deck in around 3.9 and like something about 11' long or longer. 9 ft and 8.5 boats like the rpm, axiom, zen, speeder can start to stay on o-deck in the mid 3.7 and below.

O-Deck levels

Not really an attaining topic, but this information from Robert Polleck should be of interest to those who only attain to get to the good surf spots. :-)

O-Deck is in from at least 3.4 to 3.8. Above 3.6 it is a challenge to jockey a playboat across the current without getting swept downstream and you will want something a bit longer to punch into the top wave.

Easiest access is probably from Fisherman's Eddy on the GF Virginia side. When you enter the park, take the hard right hand turn to go to the parking lots a little downstream. I really hate the climb down the VA side, but it's worth it. The ferry over from Fisherman's to the O-Deck waves on the Maryland side can be a little tough in shorter boats.

You can attain up from Sandy Beach with a carry at the appropriately named Portage. :-)

Gorge runs above 8 feet

More info from the Encyclopedia Van Grack:

From 8-9 feet:

-Sandy Beach to the Main Current is swirly with some waves (no big deal).

-Rocky Island Outflow is turbulent, but not chaotic.

-Wet Bottom is flat.

-The Gorge after the Left Turn becomes slightly chaotic. While this area is flat at most levels, starting around 8.5 feet, it has crashing waves, moving holes, and (at 10 feet) a horizon line drop. This area at high water is called "The Jumps." At 9 feet, some people call it Class IV. At 10 feet (and above), some people call it Class V.

-The Chutes, Dead Cow, and Skull Island are all fun to play in at this level as well.

If you have never been out above 8 feet, make sure you have big water Class IV skills and go with someone whom you trust.

-Adam

Long boat surfing at 7ft and above

More great info from the river encyclopedia, Adam VG:

Long Boat Surf-spots Above 7 Feet (Little Falls Gauge)

Skull Island Wave

Long River Runner: 6.6 - 7.3

Slalom Boat: 7.1 - 7.8

Sweetie Pie Wave (aka Back Channel Wave)

Long River Runner: 7.4 - 7.9

Slalom Boat: 7.9 - 8.2

Dead Cow Wave

Long River Runner: 8.6 - 8.9

Slalom Boat: 8.8 - 9.3

River Bend Wave (River Right at Right-Turn Elbow in Mather Gorge)

Long River Runner: 8.1 - 8.5

Slalom Boat: 8.3 - 8.8