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The Rating System is Flawed

07 Apr 2018 / Comments Off / in Chris Baer, Creeking, International, Kayaking, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by

This (Northern Hemisphere) winter, I spent three months in Ecuador paddling a myriad of amazing whitewater rivers. The majority of these rivers were described as class IV, or maybe class IV+, or even IV++. Few seemed willing to put the grade V connotation on any of the sections. So what gives? Are we all sandbagging each other? Are we afraid to actually be class V kayakers? Maybe we are not wanting to sound arrogant? Were we just paddling those sections at much higher flows? Were all of these sections actually class IV… ish?

Baeza, everyday, loading the kayaks up with a new crew

Trying to rate every single piece of moving water from a meandering, flat creek to Palouse Falls and beyond on a I-V, or maybe a I-VI, scale just seems reckless. Heck, I even saw a New Zealand guide book talk about a class VII! (Which I certainly don’t believe in.) There are simply way too many variables. And where is the room for the next terrifying thing that gets run, where does that fit in?

Orion LeCroy, dropping into some class IV+??

So what is this scale? Where in the world did it come from? Who enforces it? And the even better question is: Who rates all the rivers? Upon doing a quick google search, I found American Whitewater claiming the I-VI scale as their own. Their current guideline is as follows:

International Scale of River Difficulty, created by American Whitewater, (…not very international in my opinion)

Class I: Easy
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily avoided by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class II+.

Class III: Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class III- or Class III+ respectively.

Class IV: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must make” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. For kayakers, a strong roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class IV- or Class IV+ respectively.

Class V: Expert

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.
Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class V is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc. Each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. That is, going from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

Runs of this classification are rarely attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapid has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating.

Water is Life

I have to admit after reading this version of the scale I was pretty happy with their rating explanations. Except for the fact that this is extremely subjective. How big is “big”? How fast is “fast”? How must make is “must make”? There is simply too much personal interpretation for me.

New friend in Tena

Personal Opinion

The fact is that no two people will give you the same definition of class I, let alone class V, or if there even is a class VI. How, as a community, especially an international community, are we supposed to talk about the rating system?

My suggestion would be to continue with the cumbersome I-V (or VI) scale. Then, I firmly suggest that people talk more about what really defines this I-V grading scale. The following are some of the factors that I consider when contemplating a river section.

Avery Potter heading into the fairly committing (class IV) Chaco Canyon

Regional Differences

It seems like every region that I go to, there is some kind of hazard that the locals are so accustomed to that they no longer realize that it’s an issue, or at best they have become blissfully complacent to the local hazard.

Colorado; you are going to pin on road or train debris.

California; poison everything, plants, more plants, snakes, aaand there is always a reservoir you have to paddle across at the take out.

Southeast; there is no water. You will skip off a damp rock and then land on a slightly damper rock.

Pacific Northwest; there are trees… everywhere.

Minnesota; ice undercuts lining the shores!

New Zealand: SIEVES! (Personal anecdote: coming up to a rapid I was told that there was a really sketchy piece of wood at the bottom of the rapid. Upon entering the rapid, half of the water quickly funneled into a sieve on the right. A bit further into the rapid, another quarter of the water disappeared into a sieve on the left. And at the very bottom of the rapid there was a small branch barely sticking out from the left shore).

Zambia; crocs, hippos, baboons, elephants, oh my!

Peru; Access. Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest gorge in the world! Towering peaks reach 20,000 feet on both sides, hiking out isn’t even fathomable.

Every place has a local hazard. It doesn’t matter how accustomed to them you have become, it is imperative to know that these are true hazards. You need to be able to properly share these regional issues to paddlers that aren’t acquainted with the region.

Canoa, not a suggested river craft

Vessel

That 300 cfs creek run might be wide open in a kayak, but sure is technical, or next to impossible, in a raft. Our preferred craft for the descent will drastically change our personal opinions of the rating structure.

Flowers the size of your head

Aging

The years keep ticking by, and we don’t revisit section ratings. This is most apparent to me on the Gauley River in West Virginia. Iron Ring was considered a class VI rapid until not that long ago. Sweets (not a) Falls is still talked about as being class V (there is flat water above a ramp of water that splashes into a small non-retentive wave, backed up by a quarter mile pool). On the other end of the spectrum are the things that are being run for the first time… tomorrow. With new equipment ramping up the learning curve and a huge amount of whitewater media being produced on obscure rivers around the globe, the pace at which we are raising the bar has continued to escalate. We are now consistently paddling sections that were unimaginable mere years ago.

Cuenca vista

Old meets new in Cuenca

Sunset in Cuenca

 

Avery Potter exploring the city

 Paddling Partner

Another key consideration: who are you paddling with? It turns out Darin McQuoid and my girlfriend rate sections slightly differently. That is ok, but you need to understand what you’re in for. If the person you’re about to go paddling with usually runs really hard class V and they tell you it’s super mellow class III (of course class III is mellow for them), this might be exactly the time to start pestering them for more beta. On the other hand, when you meet the paddler at the put in that is gripped and sweating bullets, and tells you it’s “pretty gnarly class III+++”, again, it might be time to get more beta.

Otavalo market

For a Little Comedy:

International System for Rating Rapids

Class I, Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. A nice break from paddling. Almost all gear and equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.

Class II, Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river may involve slippery rocks and shrub-induced lacerations. Paddle travels great distance downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.

Class III, Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks. Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall off.

Class IV, Advanced. Water is generally lots colder than Class III. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require `must’ moves above dangerous hazards. Must moves are downgraded to `strongly recommended’ after they are missed. Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at boat which is finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up river bank involves inverted tree. One of those spring loaded pins that attaches watch to wristband is missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.

Class V, Expert. The water in this rapid is usually under 42 degrees F. Most gear is destroyed on rocks within minutes if not seconds. If the boat survives, it is need of about three days of repair. There is no swimming, only frantic movements to keep from becoming one with the rocks and to get a breath from time to time. Terror and panic set in as you realize your paddle partners don’t have a chance in heck of reaching you. You come to a true understanding of the terms maytagging and pinballing. That hole that looked like nothing when scouted, has a hydraulic that holds you under the water until your lungs are close to bursting. You come out only to realize you still have 75% of the rapid left to swim. Swim to the eddy? What #%^&*#* eddy!? This rapid usually lasts a mile or more. Hydraulic pressure within the first few seconds removes everything that can come off your body. This includes gloves, shoes, neoprene socks, sunglasses, hats, and clothing. The rocks take care of your fingers, toes, and ears. That $900.00 dry suit, well it might hold up to the rocks. Your paddle is trash. If there is a strainer, well, just hope it is old and rotten so it breaks. Paddle partners on shore are frantically trying to run and keep up with you. Their horror is reflected in their faces as they stare at how you are being tossed around! They are hoping to remember how to do CPR. They also really hope the cooler with the beer is still intact. They are going to need a cold one by the time you get out! Climbing out of this happens after the rapid is over. You will probably need the help of a backboard, cervical collar and Z-rig. Even though you have broken bones, lacerations, puncture wounds, missing digits & ears, and a concussion, you won’t feel much pain because you will have severe hypothermia. Enjoy your stay in the hospital: with the time you take recovering, you won’t get another vacation for 3 years.

Class VI, World Class. Not recommended for swimming.
© 2002 by David Petterson of Calgary Paddlers.

Or for even more comedy, check out what was possibly the original grading system, from AW at the link below. It contains tons of very applicable information in a very sexist, dated journal.
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/show-page/issue/3/page/28/year/1963/

Lower Misahualli, after portaging, maybe paddling it would have been easier?

The Hard Numbers

It’s time to give the I-V scale less importance, and place more emphasis on some hard figures.

Gradient. This seems pretty simple: how steep is the section? Depending on the region, this is given in FPM (Foot Per Mile) or for just about everywhere else in the globe, MPK (Meter Per Kilometer).

Volume. Again, this is not arbitrary. How much water is in the drainage? Measured by CFS (Cubic Foot per Second) or CMS (Cubic Meter per Second), and when stating these facts, give your interpretation of the flow (flood, high, medium, low). A quick side note here, the foot gauge or meter gauge or random graffiti or scribble on the bridge pylon or that specific “rock” is sometimes the only measure of volume available on more obscure sections. If this is so, do your best to relate this in at least an estimate of numerical volume so an outsider might be able to have a rough guess at what they’re getting themselves into.

With these two stats, most seasoned paddlers can start to build a mental picture of what they are signing themselves up for.

A couple of extreme examples of this in practice:

Yule Creek, CO, 640 FPM 300 CFS, Flood, Class V… ish!
Grand Canyon of the Colorado, AZ, 8FPM 12,000 CFS, Medium, Class IV… ish.

Trip Kinney, making class 4 fun again

The Solution

In reality, there is no universal “fix” to the current rating system. It’s deeply entrenched in our sport, and getting away from it isn’t feasible. Compounding the issue, every time paddling has been picked up in a new region, the scale has been bastardized by the locals. The best option for us now is to truly be aware of the shortcomings of the I-V scale and to supplement this with more tangible beta.

So when you’re looking for info on your next class IVish river, ask another question or two, will ya?

Words by 4CRS team Member Chris Baer. Check out his personal blog whereisbaer.com for more!

Why buy an AIRE Raft?

28 Feb 2018 / Comments Off / in Rafting, Reviews, River Running, Whitewater/by

In our 35+ years in business, we’ve seen a lot of raft designs and brands in pretty intimate detail. We’ve also done repairs on a lot of rafts. All of this experience has led us to what we think are the best boats in the industry in AIRE Rafts, Catarafts & IKs. Here’s why:

10 Year No Fault Warranty

Hands down, AIRE has the best warranty in the business. 10 years, transferrable, No-Fault Warranty. Seriously. We deal with AIRE on a daily basis, and out of all the companies we deal with, they are one of (if not the) best to deal with in terms of warranties.  Here’s the exact warranty from AIRE’s website (which can also be found here):

What this Warranty Covers: The Ten (10) year no fault warranty covers retail purchases on all AIRE branded rafts, catarafts and kayaks against defects in materials, workmanship and user damage. This warranty covers the tubes, fabric, D-ring patches, AIREcells, valves and zippers to be functional and water worthy with the following stipulations: This warranty can be void if the boat is structurally altered, used commercially or is subject to stress beyond the physical limits of the fabric and/or accessories. This warranty does not cover cosmetic wear, abrasion, excessive UV damage, abnormal abuse, neglect and/or inappropriate storage.

The Period of Coverage: The boat is covered from the original purchase date for a period of ten years. When original proof of purchase is not available or if a warranty registration was never submitted, the date of manufacturing will be used.

Dana running Black Rock on the Salt River, AZ in the AIRE Wave Destroyer 12

AIRECell System

At the heart of what makes AIREs so special, warranty aside, is the AIRECell construction. Think of it like a bike tube inside of a bike tire. While all other PVC raft manufacturers are using just a single layer of heavy-duty PVC fabric, AIRE is taking that same fabric, welding it together just like everyone else, but then putting a urethane bladder inside as the actual air holding membrane.

What advantages does this give? It makes them extremely easy to repair. Blow a baffle? Simply unzip the heavy-duty dual zipper and replace the bladder. Got a giant gash from running over something sharp? Replace the bladder, patch the shell and its effectively as good as new in regards to air holding capabilities! Need to do a small, simple riverside patch? Get to the bladder and tape it up with TearAid or AIRE’s repair tape, zip it back up, inflate and go! No waiting for glue to dry! Its a very versatile system from a repair standpoint.

Another advantage is the ballast floor. By design, the AIRE Cell system allows the floor to take on river water between the shell and the bladder to act as ballast for the boat. This aids in tracking and stability when things get rough by allowing the boat to “stick” to the water. It also helps on windy flat water days by allowing to boat to catch more of the sub-surface current and keep momentum. We often see AIRE’s passing other rafts on windy days.

The (very slight) disadvantages to this system are the minimal maintenance of the zippers, the occasional need to clean the floor out after lots of silty desert trips (still nothing compared to other manufacturers drop stitch floor designs…), and having to let the floor drain for a few minutes before loading it on a trailer. All that considered, we still think the gains far outweigh the setbacks of the AIRECell system.

Find out more about the AIRECell system here: http://www.aire.com/content/aire-floor-system.asp

Made in the USA

AIRE Rafts, IKs and Catarafts are 100% constructed in the USA in AIRE’s factory in Meridian, Idaho. AIRE also sources as many products as possible from US sources.

Check out some of our favorite AIRE Products like the 136DD raft, Super Puma fishing raft, the Lynx IK, or the Sabertooth Paddle Cat.

Fishing the Animas River in the AIRE Super Puma

Tributary

Looking for a boat with the AIRECell system but without the price? Check out AIRE’s Tributary line! Tributary boats use the same AIRECell design, using Vinyl instead of Urethane. Tribs are also made over seas, come with a 1 to 5 year manufacturers warranty depending on the boat, and come in one color choice. We’ve been using these boats in our rental fleet for years, and while not quite as quality as a full AIRE brand boat, they work and hold up pretty darned well. Definitely a great choice for the boater on a budget! Some of our favorites are the Tomcat and Strike IKs, Trib 14′ raft and the little Trib 9.5′ paddle raft.

 

Jackson Karma Traverse Review

05 Feb 2018 / Comments Off / in Durango / 4Corners Area, Kayaking, Reviews, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by

Words by 4CRS customer Paul Ramseth

Luke Hanson running Lava at 40,000 CFS in the Jackson Traverse 10

If you’re in the market for a whitewater capable crossover / self-support boat the Jackson Kayak Karma Traverse 10 is an excellent choice! I was able to put this boat to the test this January in the depths of the Grand Canyon.

Whitewater Performance

This boat performs incredibly well in big, pushy whitewater. The high-rocker bow helps it to ride up and over features, even with the boat fully loaded. The Traverse is extremely stable and easy to roll, even when weighted down. With having that much mass above the water when upside down, the Traverse almost feels like it could right itself. Even with overnight gear in the stern this boat is easily maneuvered and is very confidence inspiring. The Traverse surfs waves and laterals with ease thanks to the planning hull, and stays on top of river features with the high-rocker bow.

Speed

While not quite as fast as most 12 foot kayaks, such as the Dagger Green Boat or LiquidLogic Stinger, the Traverse 10 was able to keep up through the flatwater no problem. The retractable skeg is an excellent feature that keeps the boat tracking in a straight line, which is especially important when paddling through boils and funky currents. Getting spun out because of pushy boils and currents slows a paddler down significantly. Avoiding this can give you the edge that keeps you in the front of the pack.

Ben Bellah boofing a fully loaded Karma Traverse 10 on the Dolores River

Hatch/Storage for Overnighters

The hatch of the Traverse is a huge bonus for those looking to do easy multi day trips like the Salt, Grand Canyon, or Middle Fork. It makes easy work of packing the boat each day. The boat I used was outfitted with the Jackson Hard Hatch cover, which is a bit stouter than the rubber hatch cover that comes standard. The Hard Hat is a great addition to the boat and keeps the rear storage area totally dry. Not that it is recommended, but I did not keep anything in dry bags and it all stayed completely dry. The deck of the boat has plenty of places to tie down other items on top of the kayak, including a spot to secure your groover (required on most regulated overnighters). The removable bulkhead foot pegs make for easy packing in the bow of the boat. There is also a spot right behind the seat for a couple of medium sized dry bags. I had 10 days worth of food and gear in the boat and could have doubled that had I packed lighter.

Seen here with Jackson’s Hard Hat Hatch cover ($79.99), the Karma Traverse is the ultimate Grand Canyon self support boat. The hatch features integrated straps allowing paddlers to keep their groover on the outside of the boat and save space in the rear storage area for other essentials.

The Jackson Karma Traverse is a great design for those looking to paddle on lakes, whitewater or crush multi days. At just over 10 feet in length the boat has the ability to crush miles of flatwater while still providing superb handling and maneuverability in whitewater. It is easy to pack with overnight gear and is very fun to paddle.

Going back to the Youghiogheny with Chris Baer

14 Nov 2017 / Comments Off / in Chris Baer, Creeking, Kayaking, Playboating, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by

Sixteen years ago I hopped into a convertible with a few other raft guides for a day trip to a river a few hours north of the Gauley. The location was the magical Upper Youghiogheny. The slots were plentiful and tight, and while playing follow the leader we rounded countless blind corners interspaced with a myriad of fun ledges. Years later, I now refer to this section as a staple class 4 kayak run… that has drawn me back year after year.

 

So the question is, why? After paddling all over the globe and tons of extremely difficult sections, why do I, and why should you, continue to flock to the Upper Youghiogheny?

Let’s start with the location. Our take out is in Friendsville, Maryland, almost reason enough right there. Friendsville is home to pizza rolls, Maui sweet onion potato chips, and fancy Yuengling beer. It used to be home to one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, The Riverside Hotel. Agnes, the proprietor of the Riverside Hotel and Restaurant, concocted the best vegetarian food I could conceive. It was simple, they only served vegetarian soup and salad (Casey Tango had to twist my arm to try this place the first time (I was complaining,“But there’s no meat!”)). After the first bite I was a believer. Hearty soups, hot-from-the-oven blue corn muffins, edible flowers on the salad (that were picked out of the backyard garden while you were paddling on the river), Tandy Cake with home-churned ice cream for dessert. (Please Agnes come back and make us delicious food again! (the Riverside Hotel changed ownership in 2015, and again in 2017. No food now, almost a reason not to go…)).

Camping is free-ish and only ten minutes from the put-in. The dense forest of the campground reminds me of the woods from the Blair Witch movie. Over the years there have been some pretty epic parties that have occurred in these Blair Witch woods. Huge bonfires, tons of fireworks, friends from all over the world. Heck, there was the one year when some riggers showed up and constructed a 100 foot rope swing attached to the tippy tops of the surrounding trees.

During my first years to the Youghiogheny there always seemed to be a rumor in the air. The reservoir was too high, it was too low, the release was late, the flows were going to be HIGH, not enough water, were we in front of, or behind, the bubble? National Falls is on fire?! I don’t know why but the rumors always made me laugh and we almost always were perfectly on the bubble with an average flow.

On water the river seems to be very reciprocal. If you’re willing to put the effort in you can run some truly hard lines. It’s like the river almost wants you to play. There are hanging eddies everywhere, slots that shouldn’t go (Sid’s Squiggle, Time Warp, left left at Tommy’s), and a couple of communal stops to enjoy some bag wine with the river community (Wait Rock and National Falls).

So, what brings you back to the Yough year after year after year… and if you haven’t checked this place out, why not??

 

Words by Chris Baer

Dagger Nomad Medium versus Large – Which size is right for you?

19 Sep 2017 / Comments Off / in Creeking, Durango / 4Corners Area, Kayaking, River Running, Whitewater/by

I’m constantly looking at kayak evolution and paddle a lot of different boats. Although I did not spend much time in the original Nomad 8.5, it always felt just a bit too small, so I was very stoked to get in the new Dagger Nomad Large.

My first impression was this: boat speed was amazing and the hull glides on the water like nothing else I’ve paddled. The outfitting is very comfortable but you definitely pay for it in weight. The cockpit combing has no discharge so there is always some water on the deck. This was done because the discharge channels on the rear of the cockpit weaken the kayak so it could be considered a necessary evil. I worked my way around Dagger’s reputation for wet boats by using a new Snapdragon skirt. My head and shoulders fit in the boat well for the longer head carry put-ins and takeouts.

The author with a nice water boof.

At 96 gallons and 51 pounds, this is a lot of boat, but I really wanted to love it. I spent a few days paddling some local class III and IV then I stepped it up a bit and started running some familiar class V creeks. The edges on the hull are well engineered and they slid well over rocks. I’m not as strong for my weight as I would like to be and did have a hard time keeping the large on line. I got stuck in a couple of holes, but thanks to the edge I managed to work my way out.

On bigger water the boat tends to get pushed around and spin out. I did find for my size that it did not roll like a 8.6 Mamba or any high 80 gallon creek boat for that matter. If you are over 200 pounds and strong I think you will excel in the large Nomad.

The extra volume in the Nomad Large makes for a boat that can be stable, but playful in the right environment.

With all that being said, I did have a different experience in the medium Nomad.  this hull felt like the better choice for my size it tracks good stays on line’ easy to work your way out of sticky holes (safer on your shoulders) still fast. It turns and boofs great and is easer to manage the volume of the boat verses the volume of the boat managing you.
Primary and secondary stability are excellent .

Reviewer Details –

Years paddling: 37 years as white water kayak instructor and guide

Rivers paddled: Arkansas river- pine creek, numbers, Rio Grande- upper box and lower, Rio Embudo, Rio Azul and the Rio Futaleufu, Chile.
Full time boats. Mamba 8.6, Diesel 80, Karma M, Villan L, Stomper 90
Stats: 5’11 ” 190 pounds

Click here to shop now!

Words by Aren Sven Rane

Customer Review: Pyranha Machno

11 Aug 2017 / Comments Off / in Creeking, Durango / 4Corners Area, Featured, Kayaking, River Running, Trip Reports, Whitewater/by

Words by Shawn “The Professor” Fullmer

As usual, since I first started kayaking in 1983, I got a new creek boat for the 2017 season. However, what is unusual about this year is the outstanding quality of the the creek boat I purchased—the medium Pyranha Machno.

I had major shoulder surgery on my rotator cuff September 15, 2016, so I’ve been easing into creek boating this season. Four hours under the knife, eight incisions, 12 screws, and 100s of hours in the gym resulted in a serviceable shoulder. Never-the-less, even with the operation and the rehabilitation, I’ve been able to run some spectacular water this spring and summer in the Machno.

For this review, I’ll discuss the Machno’s performance on smaller creeks, such as 3rd gorge of Lime (a medium flow) and Vallecito (a dozen runs from 2.0 to 2.4 (about 400 to 500 cfs). I’ll also note its performance on larger volume rivers, such as the South Fork of the Salmon at 6.0-6.5 feet (about 10,000 cfs) (as Isaac Levinson noted at the take out, this is THE TEETH LEVEL), Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon at 6.0 and 8.0 feet (about 6,000 to 8,000 cfs), and the Murtaugh section of the Snake at 15,000 cfs.

As soon as I saw the lines of the medium Machno, I knew it would fit me well. I’m 5’10”, 170 pounds, and wear a size 10 boot. The medium Machno is listed on the Pyranha website as weighing 47.4 pounds, having a volume of 81.4 gallons, and measuring 8’8” feet in length. According to my measuring tape, the 8’8” is correct; however, my scale, which is accurate, shows my Machno weighing 55 pounds. But the contour of the thigh and hip pads, and the ergonomically designed phalanges and carpal shaped center pillar, make carrying the Machno feel lighter.

The Machno can handle anything thrown its way, from Idaho big water to low-volume Colorado creeking. Photo by Shawn Fullmer

In terms of the volume, I thought the medium Machno felt larger on the river than 81.4 gallons. This observation is based on having paddled a Prijon Cali, listed at 90 gallons, last year, and a Wavesport Recon 93 a few years ago. In between these two boats I paddled a Liquid Logic Remix 79 and a medium Jackson Karma (86 gallons). The Machno moves, resurfaces, and paddles like a kayak with 88 to 90 gallons of volume. However, the larger feeling is a feature I definitely appreciate. Even with this larger feel, the Machno is agile on waves and in holes, and quick to turn and accelerate. I paddled a regular-sized 9R on the run out for Baker’s Box and thought the two kayaks were similar in speed.

On smaller creeks, such as Lime and Vallecito, the Machno is stable and forgiving. The banana-like bow rocker makes boofing pour overs and waterfalls as smooth as Cool-Whip. This rocker, combined with chines running from just behind the bow to the stern, provides good edge control when needed to snap into eddies or move across waves and currents. This became satisfyingly evident to me on Vallecito on the right to left move over the hole midway through Paddle B*tch. The Machno kept me on line and my hair dry 12 out of 12 times.

On higher volume water, the Machno was also stable and predictable. Even when loaded down with gear for a four-day self-support trip on Marsh Creek/the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Machno maintained its buoyancy, nimbleness, and speed. And in the last rapid of the South Fork of the Salmon, Falls Creek, which has numerous gigantic, stout holes, and many, many enormous 20-25 foot waves, the Machno rode over the waves gracefully, and punched through or surfed over the holes resolutely.

Boofing the picturesque 20 footer on Oh be Joyful. Photo by Kiki Hooton

Living in Durango, I do a lot of hiking to go boating on the local runs, such as Baker’s Box, Vallecito, and the 3rd gorge of Lime. The Machno is comfortable to shoulder carry, and even more comfortable to carry on one’s head or in a backpack. I have a Salamander backpack, an NRS backpack, and a Pyranha backpack. I attached all three to the Machno, and each type fit the kayak well, with the Pyranha working the best. The step out pillar of the Machno invites snug compatibility with the top strap of the Pyranha backpack.

I found the Machno easy to pack for multi-day trips. I paddled it on a couple of two-day trips—one on Marsh Creek/the Middle Fork of the Salmon and another on the South Fork of the Salmon. I also took it on a four-day trip on Marsh Creek/the Middle Fork of the Salmon. On each of these trips I had plenty of room for food and gear.

Self-supporting out of the Machno in Idaho. Photo by Shawn Fullmer

The Machno’s bulkhead is held in place by four easy to remove plastic wing-nuts. In front of the bulkhead, I stored my cook kit, stove, water filter, camp chair, and some food. This provided a fine balance to the sleeping bag, NeoAir, bivy sack, clothes, and food stored in the stern. However, stuffing a Watershed Futa bag into the stern storage was onerous. Getting the Futa bag past the initial entrance to the stern took some wrestling, wrangling, and leg pressing, but once the buckles were past the first six inches of the stern, there was plenty of room.

Overall, the Machno is one of the best creek/river running boats I’ve paddled in my 34 years of kayaking. It’s comfortable, safe, stable, and maneuverable. If you are looking for a reliable and predictable kayak, then I highly recommend the Machno.

Pros:

  • Simple, comfortable outfitting.
  • Easy to pack for overnighters.
  • Tough plastic.
  • Fast and agile on small creeks and big water.
  • Rastafarian colors fit well with Coloradan life styling.

 

Cons:

  • The bulkhead could be stouter, particularly the metal rails.
  • The ratchets for the backband often bind, neither moving forward nor releasing.

 

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San Juan River Raft Rentals & Trip Guide

20 Jul 2017 / Comments Off / in Durango / 4Corners Area, Featured, Rafting, River Running, Whitewater/by

Goosnecks of the Lower San Juan below Mexican Hat

CLICK HERE FOR RAFT RENTAL RATES

The lower San Juan River is one of the most classic desert multi-day river trips in the Western US, if not the world, thanks to its scenery, geology, archeology and ease of logistics.  People flock from all over the world to soak in the majesty of the river as it flows from the San Juan mountains in Southern Colorado to its junction with the Colorado River (now buried under the waters of Reservoir Powell).  The most popular stretch of the San Juan is the “Lower San Juan”, which runs from just outside of Bluff, UT to the final take-out at Clay Hills, UT and bisects areas of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley and Bears Ears National Monument areas.  In this guide, we will cover basic logistics, recommended on-river attractions, required equipment, available equipment and raft rentals, and other helpful info to make your San Juan river trip as memorable and worry-free as possible.

Permit:

The first step in planning a Lower San Juan trip is obtaining a launch permit via the Rec.gov San Juan River permit page. The permit lottery is run every year, with open applications from December 1st thru January 31st for the upcoming season. This is your best chance for obtaining the exact date that you want to launch. If you didn’t apply during the lottery, don’t fret, you can still apply for cancellations at any point in time during the year. Simply check for available launch dates, fill out the application and submit! Lottery winners will be notified via email shortly after the lottery ends. Cancellations are first-come first-serve, and you will automatically win the permit once you’ve paid for it.

During the application, you will also need to choose your put-in and take-out locations, which will also dictate your trip length. The shortest and easiest trip is the 27-mile top section from Sand Island (Bluff) to Mexican Hat, which is usually done as a 2 or 3 day trip and has a very easy shuttle. The 50-mile lower section goes from Mexican Hat to Clay Hills and is usually done as a 4-5 day trip, with a more difficult shuttle. Groups can also choose to do both sections congruently (as long as permits are available), and is usually done is 6-8 days. The top section is best for first-timers or those looking to do an easy weekend trip.

Floating above Mexican Hat

Both sections are great for beginners and families, with mostly Class I-II rapids and only a couple easy Class III rapids. The river bed is mostly sand with ample flatwater stretches between the drops, making it very kid and/or paddleboard friendly. The upper section is easily done year round (barring ice dams mid-winter). The lower section is better with more water than base flow (1,000cfs or more is best, but can be done much lower).

Groups planning on hiking or camping on the river left side will need to apply for a Navajo Nation hiking or camping permit. These permits are issued per person, per day, and it is recommended you submit for your Navajo permits 6 weeks or more in advance of your trip. These permits are pesky given that you need a permit for every person for each specific day you plan on stopping on the left side of the river, but it is better than being issued a citation for trespassing on a sovereign nation. It is completely possible to do the trip without stopping on the left side of the river, but you are also missing out on some of the better archeological attractions like Desecration Panel and the Chinle Wash area.

Planning:

So you’ve scored a permit; great! Now comes the hard part. Planning is often the most time consuming and frustrating part of any river trip. Making sure that you have enough gear, food and logistical planning for your entire party (as many as you applied for on your permit up to 25 max) is a daunting task, and would be too much to fully cover in one article, so we will simply touch on the basics. For more in-depth river trip planning, see our River Trip Planning Guide (coming soon) or do a quick Google search on the topic. Using a Google Spreadsheet is an easy way to coordinate gear, trip expenses and logistics between your group.

Kid and SUP friendly!

For gear, you will need enough boats to fit all your gear and people. We offer full expedition raft rental packages in multiple sizes that come with frame & oars, cooler, drybox, camp table and all rigging & repair material necessary for your trip. In general, 14′ or 16′ expedition boats are best and will fit 3-5 adults depending on how much gear and beer you bring along. You can find more info on raft and equipment rentals for your San Juan River Trip on our Rentals Page.

Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) or Inflatable Kayaks are also a great addition to your San Juan River trip. The sandy bottom and gentle current of the Juan makes it a very SUP friendly trip. Both SUPs or IKs make it easy to get out and away from the boat for a bit, and give non-rowers and opportunity to have their own adventure. Check out our SUP and Inflatable Kayak Rental Rates here.

You will want to check the River Use Stipulations to make sure that you have all required gear, including first aid, repair kits, fire pan, approved toilet system, and other required equipment.

Dutch oven cooking

Another helpful planning / packing guide is our River Trip Checklist, which will give each member of the group an idea of what they should bring on the trip. Make sure that you have enough group gear for you camp / kitchen. Plan on bringing all your drinking water, as the silty water is nearly impossible to filter. Plan on approx. 1 gallon per person per day in the summer. For shoulder and off season trips, you can often get away with 3/4 gallon per person per day. If all else fails, there is always “water in beer”, as they say. Plan on easy meals for breakfast and lunch, allowing more time for hiking and sightseeing. Dutch ovens are often great ways to cook big meals without a big production.

Remember, thorough planning is truly the key to a good trip, so spend ample time planning out logistics, gear, meals and make sure that all of your trip members are informed and on the same page.

Executing:

Big sandy camping in the Comb Wash / Lime Ridge area

You’ve spent days, weeks, months of planning and now your launch date is here! Time to get on the water!

Keep in mind that there are few amenities in Bluff or Mexican Hat or anywhere nearby, so be sure to plan ahead and get any last minute gear / food / alcohol before you hit the road. Bluff is your best bet for last minute items. There is good camping at the put-in (pay spots) or nearby (Comb Wash and Valley of the Gods are great areas to camp). There is also free potable water at Sand Island, but we recommend calling ahead to make sure the spigots are currently working. For shuttle services, we recommend Valles Trading Post in Mexican Hat (435-683-2226). You can also pay a small fee to leave your vehicle at Valles to avoid break-ins at the notoriously sketchy Mexican Hat Boat Ramp. It is an easy walk from the takeout up the hill to Valles.

Once you have your shuttle dealt with, you’ll need to check in with the River Ranger at the put-in. They will want to see all your required equipment, so make sure not to pack said gear away before you checkout. The ranger will give you important and current details about river conditions, camps and archeological sites. They are also there to answer any last minute questions you may have. This is also a great time to chat with other groups about potential camps and will help avoid conflicts or tension.

Butler Wash Art Panel

If you’re putting on at Sand Island, we would highly recommend stopping at the Butler Wash Art Panel, Desecration Panel, and River House Ruins on your first day. Camping in the Comb Ridge / Lime Ridge area is the best for your first day. The second day, you will find yourself deep in the upper canyon, where there are fun little surf waves and plenty of scenery. Eight Foot Rapid is the only rapid to watch for in this section. Ledges or Fossil Stop are good camps in this zone.

If putting on at Mexican Hat, you start off with a Gypsum Creek, a small class two rapid. Almost instantly you are pushed into the canyon, with the red walls growing rapidly out of the water. The first day is fairly mellow with mostly flat water. There are several camps from a mere seven miles down to fifteen miles down if you are looking for a longer day. Day two you’re looking at two rapids, Twin Canyons Rapid and Ross Rapid, both have incredible camps below with side canyon hikes available. By the third day you are deep in the canyon, listening to Canyon Wrens and watching baby Big Horn Goats frolicking with their siblings. The camp to have on this day is John’s canyon. This camp offers a short hike up to a swimming hole called John’s hole where you can jump anywhere from a five foot cliff to a twenty foot cliff into the murky water. Day four brings government rapid (the most technical rapid) and lots of flat water. The best camps on this day are the slick horn camps, with more hikes to swimming holes offered by the canyon. By this time you have nearly reached the high-water level of Powell, so the last day comes with a big push through lots of flat water meandering your way through sand bars. It is recommended to break one long flat day into two days and camping at Oljeto Wash or Steer Gulch. The drive out may require a four wheel drive vehicle, so call Valles ahead of time to enquire about road conditions.

RESOURCES:

BLM River Office – (435) 587-1544

Notes: Permit applications due by Jan 31. Cancellation permits available year round. 

Shuttle Info:

Shuttles from Sand Island to Mexican Hat take one hour, while shuttles from Sand Island to Clay Hills take 4-5 hours.  Commercial outfitters provide the shuttles for a fee.

Shuttle Service Providers:

  • Valle’s Trading Post (435) 683-2226 (trips taking-out at Mexican Hat only)
  • Blackhawk Transportation (435) 678-3224 (trips taking-out at Clay Hills)
  • Jim Hardin (435) 672-2455 (trips taking out at Clay Hills)

Mellow SUP surfing at Mile 11

Other sections of the San Juan:

San Juan Quality Waters: this incredible piece of trout fishing waters is some of the most sought after in the entire country. The first 5 miles below Navajo Dam, NM are packed full of Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brown Trout. Despite its short length, its easy to spend an entire day here floating and fly fishing the calm waters of the San Juan Quality Waters. Our AIRE Super Puma Fishing Raft Rental is the perfect craft for a day on the Quality Waters. Our Canoe or Inflatable Kayak Rentals work well on this section also. The most popular stretch is from Texas Hole to Crusher Hole, which is 4.5 miles. You can also extend the trip an additional 1.5 miles down just past the “Aztec Bridge” at Browns Corner.

Mesa Canyon: This often overlooked gem of a run is located just downstream of Pagosa Springs, CO and runs through 13 miles of picturesque canyons and farmlands, with easy and entertaining Class II-III whitewater. This is a great run for aspiring rafters to cut their teeth with some very manageable rapids at moderate flows. At high flows, experienced whitewater kayakers will have a blast here with lots of on-the-fly surf waves, while rafters will have a fairly continuous barrage of fast corners and big wave trains. The put-in is behind the Malt Shoppe, and the takeout is on Trujillo Road where there is an obvious takeout right next to the road. This is the only public access on the stretch, and there is no stopping allowed, except at one designated spot about half-way thru the run on some private land that has been generously opened to day use as a stopping area. Please be respectful here, or it may go away. Our AIRE Super Puma, Tributary 12′ or 14′ Raft Rentals are the perfect boats for this stretch. Consider an Inflatable Kayak Rental if you’re looking for more excitement, and the water levels are on the medium or low side. 

Pyranha Machno Review

18 Apr 2017 / Comments Off / in Creeking, Featured, Kayaking, Reviews, River Running, Whitewater/by

The Pyranha Machno, dubbed the creeking machine, is the newest addition to the Pyranha lineup. With plenty of bow rocker, the Machno can ride over anything, from stout hydraulics to steep, manky slides. The Machno, named for a tributary of the Fairy Glen section where the boat was designed and tested, is a boat that appeals to paddlers of all abilities and types. With a wide planing hull that is both forgiving and responsive, the Machno is at home on big class V or your local class III afterwork section.

Taking cues from many past successful designs, the Machno is the next evolution in Pyranha’s creek boat lineup. The bow takes many cues from the highly regarded 9R; lots of rocker, subtle wave deflectors, and a tapered edge come together to create a boat that can boof any feature effortlessly. Upon landing, the bow kicks up, helping paddlers keep their speed and power away from drops.

The hull can be described a semi-planing. It is mostly flat on the bottom, but starts to round off towards the soft chines. This, paired with the extreme bow and stern rocker, makes for a boat that turns on a dime but tracks incredibly well in both creeks and high volume rivers. When engaged, the edges allow paddlers to carve, ferry and surf but don’t trip on swirly eddy lines or F-You rocks.

The Machno has an extreme amount of bow rocker, making for a boat that can boof anything.

The peaked deck sheds water extremely well.

The new thigh hooks are easy to adjust and incredibly comfortable.

The 9R and Machno share a similar edge, but the rounded hull of the Machno makes for a more forgiving ride.

The bow on the 9R and the Machno are both aggressively rockered.

The stern takes cues from the Shiva design. Lots of volume and a forgiving edge make for a boat that rolls with ease. Upon landing a boof, the boat planes out and keeps its speed incredibly well. In paddling this boat on a variety of sections, the one issue that I have found is that the Machno, like the 9R, tends to stern tap more than most other boats I have paddled. That could definitely be blamed on a lackluster boof stroke, but it’s always the boat and never the paddler, right?

Now, down to the important parts. How is it on the water? In short, it’s AMAZING.

I’ve paddled my Machno in 4 states in the short time I have had it. From steep, low volume creeks in the southwest (Vallecito Creek and Arizona’s Christopher Creek) to higher volume sections in the PNW (high flow Farmlands and Upper Wind, Canyon Creek) the Machno has yet to disappoint. Fast, sporty, responsive and comfortable, the Machno is a dream to paddle. I have yet to paddle any creeker that I enjoy as much as this one. It boofs with ease and the bow always stays up on top of the water. One quick stroke is all it takes to turn the boat and due to the extreme amount of rocker, it almost feels as though a boof stroke isn’t even needed. Just a little edging and the Machno does all the work for you.

The author boofing Roy’s Smiles to Trials on Arizona’s Christopher Creek. Photo by Nathan Werner

The outfitting is improved, but is still Connect when it comes down to it. The seat is very similar to previous Connect versions and leaves something to be desired. With that said, Pyranha has made huge improvements in both the hip pads and thigh hooks. The new hip pads are softer and shaped to conform to a variety of paddlers. The thigh hooks underwent a pretty major change and lock paddlers legs into place. It only takes one screw to adjust them, so it’s easy to play around with them until they’re perfect.

All in all, the Pyranha Machno lives up to the hype. It is a creeking machine!

The author stomping it down on Donnie’s Drop. Photo by Nathan Werner

Pros

  • Fast (not quite as fast as the 9R, but very close)
  • Sporty
  • Boofs better than anything else I’ve paddled
  • Comfy
  • Lightweight (perfect for all of the hiking around Durango)

Cons

  • The seat isn’t as comfy as I’d like
  • Hard to disconnect, which leads to lots of stern taps (maybe a “me” thing and not a “boat” thing, but I’d prefer not to think that)

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Jackson Antix Customer Review

27 Mar 2017 / Comments Off / in Kayaking, Playboating, Reviews, River Running, Whitewater/by

Review by 4Corners Riversports customer Nils Blegen

 

In December,  I decided to jump onboard the Dreamline trip that Steve Fisher had put together for the Zambezi. It was a last minute decision, but once I figured out that it was possible (vacay from the office job), I bought my ticket. I then checked a map to see where exactly Zambia was. If you had asked where I was going and showed me a map, I would have pointed somewhere at the African continent. 

Photo by Steve Fisher

Coming from Durango, I let the team know that I would need a boat, so they made an exception for me since they knew they had an extra Jackson Antix. When I showed up to Zambia, I still had not seen one up close.  I knew that it was new for this year and some combination of a play boat and river runner, but that was about it.  I knew I was in for big water so once I saw it I started to giggle, thinking that I was surely about to be thrown around like a rag doll in the Zambezi juice. I felt good about it though— it looked like a rocket to me, and I had started trying to learn squirts in the Durango park just before winter so it seemed appropriate to check out a squirty new design.

The 2017 Jackson Kayak Antix in Amber. With the bow rocker of a creek boat and the stern of an old school play boat, the Antix can do a little bit of everything.

The slicy stern of the Antix allows for old school moves like splats and squirts, as well as pivot turns for quick maneuvers in harder whitewater.

 

The fit was another reminder for me that I personally fit in Jackson boats really nicely and with no effort.  I’m 6’ 1” and 180 pounds. I’ve paddled both a medium Karma and a medium Rockstar and hopping in the Antix with the seat in the center position was perfect. I didn’t need to do anything for outfitting. I pulled the foot rope up and I was connected and comfortable in all the places that count. 

Jackson’s proven comfortable, lightweight, and easily adjustable outfitting.

Once I was on the water, it was clear that my initial thought was correct—I was going to get tossed around a bit.  However, I quickly realized that I had a lot of say as to where and how it would happen.  Even though I probably got knocked over 2 dozen times during the week, the boat was ALWAYS on point in all the right ways. I always was able to quickly get on line and get moving.  I was surfing everything I wanted and when I got thrashed around I was always able to roll up and correct whatever I needed.  I felt like the boat had the edges of my Rockstar and would turn on a dime, but would also let me carry momentum and punch through the giant waves and eddy-walls.  When the stern was underwater (simply from high volume rapids), I still felt like I had a say in what was happening.  Even when I got rocked, it was all good, as the boat was really easy to course-correct as well as exceptionally easy to roll. I nailed a couple big moves that I was really excited about and I think that was partly due to being in a really well designed kayak.  The edges were really there when I needed them and the sporty feel kept me smiling ear-to-ear in massive water through the whole trip.  I ran #9 and surfed Oblivion, and the Antix took good care of me even when I was thinking I might be done for ☺

The author sending a massive water boof in Number 5. Photo by Steve Fisher.

The Antix is a great all-around kayak, and I think it’s cool they are starting to make these designs. It’s easy to get in and get playful while still having some directional stability and speed. This boat is a great solution for upper Animas marathon jams and big water Smelter carving. Certainly a cool option for beginners, since the play boat/creek boat dynamic can sometimes be a one-or-the-other barrier to entry into the sport.  I really don’t have any criticism for the boat.  If I was asked what I would change about it, I wouldn’t know what to say other than I’d like to check out a little more volume in the boat, so I’m excited to paddle the large.

 

Pros:

  • Versatile (surfs and boofs)
  • Faster than a play boat
  • Light
  • Comfortable
  • Playful feel—being one with the river ☺
  • Responsive edges

 

Cons:

  • Squirrely at times (which is a pro unless you’re not expecting it ☺)
  • Not much storage capacity
  • More time spent upside down than a river runner with more stern volume

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Dolores River Shuttles

23 Mar 2017 / Comments Off / in Durango / 4Corners Area, Kayaking, News / Events, Rafting, River Running, Whitewater/by

Looking to get on the Dolores this spring? Here’s some contact info for shuttle services:

*4CRS has no association with Dolores River Shuttles. Please contact them directly for more info.*

Dolores River Shuttle Service

Doing Business For over 25 years

Jamie Huskey – (970) 677-2301 or (970) 739-4561

Torie Davis – (970) 560-1475

Price includes a fee our vehicle to take our drivers to your vehicle and bring them back from your destination.

  • Cahone to Slickrock – $90 first vehicle / $35 for each extra up to 4
  • Cahone to Gypsum – $195 first vehicle / $75 for each extra up to 4
  • Cahone to Pump Station – $90 first vehicle / $35 for each extra up to 4
  • Cahone to Bedrock – $210 first vehicle / $85 for each extra up to 4
  • Cahone to Gateway – $250 first vehicle / $110 for each extra up to 4
  • Slickrock to Gypsum – $120 first vehicle / $45 for each extra up to 4
  • Slickrock to Bedrock – $210 first vehicle / $55 for each extra up to 4
  • Slickrock to Gateway – $190 first vehicle / $75 for each extra up to 4
  • Slickrock to Dewey Bridge – $340 first Vehicle / $150 for each extra up to 4

A $12 per hour waiting fee will be charged if we have to wait for more than 15 mins.

The parking lot at Slickrock is privately owned and there is a $5 a day parking fee. This charge needs to be paid before parking there. This fee is not included in the shuttle fees.


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