Saturday March 19th, 9:00 a.m. Opening Spring Release for the
Ocoee. Lets meet at the parking lot of the put-in at 9:00 am, so we
can shuttle vehicles down to Hell Hole before all the parking gets
taken. If anyone wants to scout Worser Wesser on the Nantahala
earlier that morning before the water is turned on, me and Blake are
scouting it. This event always draws a crowd, so if you want to
show off by surfing at Hell Hole, this is your chance. Last year,
there were over thirty people in the eddys waiting to throw down,
even some pro boaters throwing loops, etc. The release starts at
10:00, so the plan is to have shuttle set and be geared up right
when it starts. I'd like to move pretty quickly through the rapids,
which is the best way to do the Ocoee in my opinion, which will give
us some time to play at Hell Hole for a little bit.
I know there are some newbies that are trying to get geared up now
in the winter. If you get your stuff and a board, feel free to join
us. The only exception I'd have for newbies is to walk the first
rapid (Grumpy's). Having to make a ferry across 20 foot of fast
moving water is not the way to begin learning because if you miss
the ferry, you're going straight into Grumpy's Hole or through some
bumpy ledges (just ask Ken). After you put in below Grumpy's, we'll
help you get down the river. I know that me and my friend Blake are
coming, hopefully my buddy Mark, and hopefully Ken will show up, as
well as a few of the Asheville boaters.
After everyone has had their fun at Hell Hole trying out new tricks,
etc, I invite the experienced boarders to follow me over the
mountain (about an hour to an hour and a half) back to the Nantahala
to do Worser Wesser (see my photos of it in the photo album). It
has been kayacked, but hasn't been boarded yet. If anyone has ever
seen a rapid that was too scary to do when they first saw it, and
then had that rapid haunt you in your dreams until you do it, this
is like that for me. This may be my last time boarding before I
leave for missionary orientation, so come out and celebrate with a
river blowout with me.