Middle and Lower Haw Trip
| River: | Haw |
| Skill: | All |
| Trip Date: | 06/13/2021 |
We had a great group of 33 paddlers take on the Middle Haw consisting of all skill levels from instructors to true novice paddlers. There were also several experienced paddlers with the group taking their first time down this section of the Haw.
The day started around 1030 with two groups running shuttles. Everyone met at Bynum Mill and put on around Noon with the level showing around 1900cfs or 5.5ft on the Bynum gauge.
Once we put on, those familiar with this section started down to the first play spot while the rest of the group received beta on the river. It’s most important on this section to know when to stay right at the end so you don’t miss the take out or the first rapid of the Lower Haw. Other than that it’s a lot of class 2 rapids with Thunder Falls and S-Turn being the only ones of note.
Other than one unnamed swimmer at Thunder Falls, everyone ran clean lines and challenged themselves throughout. I think everyone had a fun experience on a really beautiful day.
One paddler joined us at S-Turn for a total of 34 paddlers, possibly a Middle Haw record. We had two experienced paddlers leading the group down, one in the middle and one running sweep.
After a few paddlers got out at Hwy 64, we stopped to take a break at Lunch Stop. The level at this time was dropping, probably closer to 1750cfs, and the temp was really warming up with the sun coming out. The water was quite cool and refreshing, though.
Onwards through Ocean boulevard, we got some more beta above Gabriel’s Bend. There is a very large tree down blocking the river right entrance to the rapid. The river is safe as long as you stay well to the left of this tree which conveniently ends at the entrance rock.
Due to the lower level, and after some excellent scouting by Larry Ausley, everyone ran the left line through Moosejaw which was boney, but plenty of fun. The traditional middle lime was a little low given the experience of the group with a large piton rock at the bottom. After that it was just some surfing with read and run to the takeout at Robeson Creek. There were a couple of swims on the Lower Haw sections, but everyone came out safe and smiling. Huge thanks to Larry Ausley, Wayne Jones, and Bob Brueckner for keeping everyone safe on this gorgeous day.