Upper Haw (Chicken Bridge) Paddle
The “Upper” Haw section from Chicken Bridge to 15-501 is a great beginner run for people new to river paddling, and also suitable for experienced paddlers to get some skills training on.
Meet at the PUT IN at 9am. We’ll drop bigger boats and move as many cars to the takeout as possible before running back up. I’ll have a suburban than can drive 7 people and a large rack that can carry several boats. Some notes:
- Like all CCC trips, this will occur under the Common Adventurer structure (link below).
- Expect cold air/water temps and dress accordingly. If you don’t have a dry suit I recommend bringing a full hypothermia bag (google it; full change of clothes, items to reheat, thermos) in the event of a swim, but note this does not account for the risk of cold shock.
- All paddlers and boaters welcome (see AWW link below to review river description if unfamiliar) within their skillset.
- Not a bombing (sprint) run, planning to play and practice on the way down and show new paddlers a thing or two about ferrying, eddying, etc.
- Time range is conservative, it will probably take less time. But, lots of play/practice and the possibility of low water or any swims and this can be a longer run.
- Will update with any cancellation from weather or low water, but I am pretty stubborn and tend to enjoy myself in anything but a drought or lightning.
AWW River section description: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1083/main
CCC Common Adventurer Trip Overview: https://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/content/the-common-adventurer-explained/
CCC Safety Guide (Non Exhaustive): https://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/content/safety/
All participants in any Carolina Canoe Club (CCC) trip do so as common adventurers. The CCC or its individual members may coordinate paddling trips but no one is considered leader of a trip. As common adventurers, all participants take the responsibility for making their own decisions including, but not limited to, whether it is safe for them to participate on any particular water body, what equipment they need and use, the routes they may choose to paddle, whether their skill levels and abilities are adequate for the activity or whether climate and water conditions are appropriate for their participation. Participants are exclusively responsible for their own safety.
Individual coordinators for all CCC activities set requirements per their sole discretion. The CCC does not necessarily endorse or approve requirements set by coordinators.