WV Springtime Reminiscing

Good old Fayette County has been blessed with some good steady precipitation lately resulting in plenty of water for boating. After two days videoing on a rising New River, I had a chance to go hit up some sweet local park and play with some friends. Five boat hole was our first choice as the levels began to come up. We caught it around 6500 so it had a fast pulsing right shoulder feeding into a deep retentive foam pile. We had a great sunny day and eddy service allowing for a long session chock with spins, cartwheels, blunts and bouncy hole rides for those lingering to long in “the pit.”

Coleman H testing the cartwheel-ability of the 5 boat. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Eric K throwing down on the shoulder. Photo by Coleman Hamilton

5 Boat has a good right shoulder at these levels. Photo by Coleman Hamilton

A bouncy ride in the foam pile. Photo by Coleman Hamilton

The next day we had to face the reality that many area runs were blown out from overnight local rainfall. We decided to hit Paint Creek, a fun roadside (mostly) option when other area runs are high. We had a manageable medium-low flow with some slides, boofs, and inconveniently placed trees. One such tree was jammed in the line at the falls. Scotty P edged out close enough to lasso the wood and pull it to shore.

Paint Creek Put-in. Photo by Casey Cunningham


Paint Creek scenery. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Scotty P. wrangling a log out of the line. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Lasso the tree. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Daniel D. firing up the now log-free line. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Third day was spent down at the New River Dries. The put-in waves were fast and steep with a healthy flow of nearly 35,000 cfs at the Thurmond gauge. At these levels the put-in waves form as a series of 3 waves right in a row. The first two are steep and friendly while the third wave has a very wide, deep foam pile that can pack a punch. For those with the skills these waves can give up HUGE aerials. Just be prepared to dodge floating debris.

Pretty maids in a row. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Shane G. ripping it up. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Justin O. throwing a HUGE airscrew. Photo by Casey Cunningham

Shane G. and Dave H. getting some wave time. Photo by Casey Cunningham