The Weather Outside is Frightful, But the Boofs are Still Delighful

I had the opportunity to get down to the Big Thompson last weekend, and despite the freshly fallen snow and low temperatures, there is still some awesome paddling on the front range. We rallied around 10:00 in Fort Collins and by 11:30 we were putting on the water, just in time for the sun to peak out from behind the canyon walls. Even with the cold temps, just a little sun went a long ways, that and having a drysuit. I don’t like to deter anyone from kayaking, but we’ve officially shifted into drysuit weather. A swim right now would not make for a very fun time without one.



Running at about 400 CFS Big T had plenty of water and then some. Eddies on the upper section were a little sparse, but having a little extra cushion on the rocks was nice. Leif Anderson and Conor Flynn fired up Garbage Disposal and made it look easy. Double Drop offered up plenty of excitement with the current pushing unwary paddlers into an undercut wall on the left. It got the better of me on one lap and left me practicing my roll to boof combo which I’m slightly ashamed to say is a little more dialed-in then it should be. But all in all there was some stellar late season boating to be had, and it even provided some great holiday wish list and gift ideas. Number one on the list, a Stolqhuist bunny suit; number two, thicker neoprene socks. This is a great run if you ever get the chance, and if the eddy hopping Class V isn’t your style check out the section below and you won’t be disappointed. Happy boating and happier holidays to you and yours. See you on the water.