Boiling Hole & Madison River Park
| River: | Mayo |
| Skill: | Novice+/Intermediate |
| Trip Date: | 09/18/2021 |
With the goal of finding something to introduce new challenges for my 8 y/o son, Tucker, the options were very limited for a day trip. Tucker has run the North Fork of the Mayo a couple of times this year but took out just above the Boiling Hole as he wasn’t quite ready. With new confidence after recently finding his roll he was ready.
We were joined by 6 others. There were a few rolls and a few swims as some tried new skills and challenges. Tucker continues to amaze as he ran the Boiling Hole, boofed the ledge and aced S-turn multiple times.
After a few laps in a few hours most decided to head down to Madison River Park. There we were joined by two more including Evan (10 y/o). Tucker switched to his new Fun1 and learned quickly the importance of edge control in faster water when he flipped and had his one swim for the day.
After a few left and everyone was out of their boats the kids played. We watched as a couple of rec boaters approached, each with one adult and one child, none wearing PFDs. Not surprisingly, we watched as one of the boats flipped ejecting the man and a 9 (?) y/o girl just yards up river from us. It took them a moment to surface but the man was able to hold the girl and managed to stabilize himself while his buddy helped get them to shore. We were involved in the rescue of the boat and paddle. Potential danger averted. While I did not have to employ any rescue skills beyond fetching equipment I was thankful to have recently taken a swift water rescue course and was prepared to act as necessary.
