Every whitewater paddler in the United States, and most parts of the world, have heard about the Upper Gauley River in West Virginia. . The Gauley River is one of the premier whitewater rivers in the country. The Upper Gauley sports 5 Class V drops, like the famous Pillow Rock and Sweets Falls in the Colosseum of Carnage. This is very serious and very dangerous whitewater. Gauley will not be releasing until Sept 7th. It is named for the grassy meadows wetlands which its upper watershed drains, and from which it springs. Gauley Season brings the year's biggest whitewater and draws enthusiasts from across the globe each . It boasts over 100 rapids in a 24 mile stretch. . . Most rafters choose either the Lower Gauley or the Upper Gauley, each one a full day adventure once you factor in gearing up and shuttling to the river. Now almost 58 years old, I had last kayaked West Virginia's Upper Gauley river (American Whitewater Class IV-5.0 difficulty rating) in my early 40s. The best time to go is during the Fall Gauley Releases. A classic West Virginia run, the Upper Gauley is one of the staples of American whitewater. It used to be . September October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 1 2 3. Don't duckie the Upper Yough. Here are the statistics by decade. Always depends on rainfall, specifically in VA and NC. All possible . It begins where the Upper Gauley ends, at Ender Waves, although there are a few alternate put-ins downstream as well. On the bus there were more safety instructions from river guide Doug Ludwig, which were delivered almost like a stand-up comedy act. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. The Lower New River features rapids up to class IV+. October 8, 2007 at 12:31 am #31056. Usually the New River is around 0ft on Labor Day, which is totally fine but not very intense. In the second accident, on Sunday, Sept. 27, on an ACE Whitewater guided trip, Eric L. Hampton, 32, of Louisville, Ky., was on a raft that flipped at Pillow Rock, the largest Class V rapid on the Upper Gauley River. Today's fatality is the third death in less than a month on the Gauley River. The Gauley releases were mandated by an act of Congress to provide river flows that support recreation and the flows during this time Hailed as one of the best whitewater runs in the world and a milestone for many, the Gauley River drops more than 668 feet through 24 miles of high-volume, Class III-V rapids requiring tight, technical maneuvering from start to finish. While this would seem to indicate an upward trend, the estimated number of paddlers suggests that the sport is actually growing safer. The Lower Gauley, just like the Upper section, flows through the Gauley River National Recreation Area in southern West Virginia. Your adrenaline will be pumping thanks to its 35-mile stretch of class V rapids. It is similar in difficulty to the Lower New River and is a great intermediate run for kayakers and rafters. The River drops over 335 feet in less than 9 miles. The term refers to the recreational water release from the base of Summersville Dam, which occurs annually on selected dates between early September and late October.These releases create 26 mi (42 km) of some of the world's best whitewater with more than a hundred Class III, IV, and V rapids. Fall Upper Gauley River Rafting. . The Lower Gauley has 3 Class Vs . Fall Gauley Season. Schedule an overnight trip to experience both sections. A good one. . Weekdays are Friday/Monday $195.00 We had to haul the raft a good couple hundred feet as a team. Running the Gauley is a milestone, a tradition, and a pilgrimage. A big wave on the first Class V rapid on the Gauley called Insignificant . A sad reminder that this can be a dangerous sport and accidents can end in death. For many, it's also a reunion. Tough and technical, this section of river has it all powerful water, steep drops, colossal waves and turbulent chutes. Remember, if you are not familiar with the rapids, please take the time to scout or ask someone who knows. The Upper Gauley has had a number of fatalities and near deaths. These conditions made this rescue dangerous and strenuous for all personnel involved. The upper Gauley River is rated class 4-5+ and is known as one of the top ten whitewater rivers in the world. Rafting the Upper Gauley River is the peak whitewater experience for East Coast rafting. An easy rapid, but very dangerous. . Self Guiding Lower Y could be fun, but won't be very intense. Upper Gauley. The sieve at Initiation is still there and still dangerous, so please no surfing there. Above average rainfall in the Gauley River watershed has local. Elbow pad a few rapids below Initiation rapid on Upper Gauley. Gauley Season begins the first weekend after Labor Day, and continues for six weekends (five 4-day weekends, and one 2-day weekend). The Upper Gauley River's World Class whitewater attracts paddlers from all over the country. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. $115. Go whitewater rafting on the Gauley River on this full-day rafting tour in West Virginia. Another of the famed "Big 5" rapids on the Upper Gauley, this rapid is made up of 2 separate 8-foot drops, which can vary drastically depending on the water level. Our boat seems heavy, loaded with five burly men capable of ferocious paddle strokes. Upper Gauley Wildside (High Adventure boat 4 Man Raft) Must be 16yrs and up for this trip: Must have 4 guests or you pay for 4 regardless. Class V is defined by the Bureau of Land Management as "Exceedingly difficult, long and violent. 1987 to 1996: 219 deaths. The Upper Gauley is the pinnacle of whitewater experiences. There is little to no danger to swimmers. I am an avid flat water kayaker, but never done whitewater before. This stretch of river hosts mile after mile of high quality rafting with a guaranteed dam release flow of 2800cfs for two months each fall. New & Gauley River Adventures: Upper Gauley - See 499 traveler reviews, 197 candid photos, and great deals for Lansing, WV, at Tripadvisor. The Gauley's legendary mythos stems from its "Big 5 5 unique, heart-pounding Class V rapids unlike any others in the world. More than a vacation. We were there on the first day. CafePress brings your passions to life with the perfect item for every occasion. Stream Gauge. Gauley River Rafting (and Impromptu Swimming) One of the rafting guides on the Gauley River put it best: few people fall out of the rafts, most are "forcibly ejected." For the first time in about a quarter century, I spent two days on some of the wildest whitewater in the world, West Virginia's Upper Gauley River during the "draw-down" season. With boater friends one mist-shrouded morning this last October, I became one with the water again thundering down Gauley gorge. It's 24 miles long, but it's typically split into two sections: the Upper Gauley and the Lower Gauley. It merges with the New River to form the Kanawha River, a tributary of the Ohio River. Participant. Includes lunch buffet and round-trip shuttle from the . 49 Cantrell Dr, Fayetteville, WV 25840. Nearly every time we eddy out, the swift turn of the boat cradles the upstream-facing side tube with . The river provides non-stop action, with consistent Class IV and Class V rapids that drop you more than 335 feet in a 13-mile stretch. Conquering the Class IV and V rapids of the Upper Gauley in West Virginia, Sept 15, 2018.The US Army Corps of Engineers release water into the Gauley for 6 w. There's a reason the Upper Gauley is ranked as one of the top five rivers to raft in the world. Next. River Levels. It attracts boaters from all over the world who test themselves against the powerful and dangerous river. The Upper Gauley is more difficult than its downstream counterpart. It is heart-pumping extreme white water rafting at its best. We strongly recommend scouting on river left, as there are several things to watch out . No need to register, buy now! Some of the rapids have earned names such as "The Keeneys", "Double Z," and "Greyhound Bus Stopper.". Known for is heavy commercial use as well as its ruckus Gauley Fest weekend in Early October. The Whitewater Classification System (in basic terms): Class I: (Easy) Moving water with small disturbances on the surface and a few small waves. Butter. Danger to swimmers is still slight but care must be taken. My friend and I (both 26M) are looking to raft the Upper Gauley in September. 2015 Gauley Whitewater Carnage Video. A follow-up . 1000 cfs (below the Meadow) Approx. Each one has its own unique challenges, must-make maneuvers, and library of epic stories and rafting shenanigans, but often guides will tell you, with sixty named rapids to paddle on the trip, it's the Class IIIs and IVs in between that get ya! Gauley River - The Gauley River is a 105-mile-long (169 km) river in West Virginia. There are 40 white water rapids in all, five of which are rated as solid Class V's. The lower portion is marginally less intimidating, but still contains mostly class IV with a few class III rapids. Moral of the story, avoid this dangerous hole. All flips, swims, dumps, and other CARNAGE is from the Upper Gauley River in West Virginia. $115. There's also a such thing as Class VI, but those rapids are too dangerous to run. Let the fun begin! While experience can make it easier and more . As you inch closer to the last bit of land available, the guides will tell you that you have . Whitewater deaths reached a peak in 2011, with 77 reported deaths. Pros. . Wiki content for Gauley. Unlike some of the other exhilarating raft trips in the USA, Gauley trips start at just one day! Many companies will allow you to take on the lower and upper Gauley over the course of a two-day trip, giving you the chance to either warm . One by one, we see other raft teams placing the raft into the water and getting on board. The Upper Gauley flows through the Gauley River National Recreation Area in southern West Virginia. One of the most difficult sections being commercially run, it has taken many lives. The raft can get pretty heavy after carrying it for a few minutes. When you are seeking some whitewater adventure, consider whitewater rafting The Gauley River because it offers up over 100 steep gradient rapids to fulfill every thrill seekers dream. Starting Labor Day weekend and continuing for six weeks is Gauley Season. 12. It's rafting so good that it's known around the world. . Prior to this year, I had been away from whitewater kayaking 10 years. Areas Within an ~8 hour drive of Gauley River Rafting The Gauley Makes a Great Day Trip. From mild to wild, West Virginia Adventures has the right trip for everyone this Gauley Season. The Gauley River is a intense and can be very dangerous. Gauley Season 2012. The Gauley River can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time is the so-called Gauley Season. FAYETTEVILLE, WV - West Virginia is Wild, Wet and Wonderful! For more information on the Upper Gauley, including gauges, maps, shuttle, and pictures, check out the . We'll take physically-fit first-time rafters, but for most people, we recommend you try . 2012 Gauley Season Schedule. There are more than 40 rapids from Class III to V+ on the Upper Gauley alone. The Gauley River is regarded as more intense than the New River. Upper Yough is in little boats, it is a creeky technical river. They set up a "live bait" rescue, a dangerous exercise where a rescuer swims the river in a life vest clipped to a rope, which is held by people on shore who are ready to pull the rescuer, and a victim, out of the water. Beginners should choose to take a day trip on the Upper New River portion of the Gauley where the rapids are calmer. $115. NPS River Rangers found an elbow pad a few rapids below Initiation on Monday, Sept . Are high risk rapids neccesary for the enjoyment of the sport? The Upper Gauley is known for its five Class V rapids, known as the "Big 5.". 3. This guide outlines the Gauley from Upper Gauley Put-In to Swiss Take-Out covering rapids, camps, and creeks. Come check out our giant selection of T-Shirts, Mugs, Tote Bags, Stickers and More. 2007 to 2016: 530 deaths. Written by: amyraefox, Posted: March 20, 2011 Date: June 11, 2006 Where: Upper Gauley Water Level: Approx. Section 4 of the Chattooga River is perhaps one of the best known dangerous rapids around. The Upper G earns its rep as one of the premier 1-day raft runs in the world. Find the perfect upper gauley river stock photo. The river snakes through forests and valleys, past tumbling waterfalls and into the town of Gauley Bridge. But if you're a city mouse rather than a natural born river rat, it might be hard to understand your options. It drops 335 feet in 10 miles and includes 5 of the most classic rapids on Earth, including Pillow Rock, which many call the best 10 seconds in whitewater. In the first accident, on Saturday, Sept. 12, Eric Clark, 40, of Circleville, Ohio, died after going into cardiac arrest. 1977 to 1986: 48 deaths. The Upper Gauley is known as the wild crown jewel, while the Lower Gauley is considered by many to be their favorite stretch of this iconic river. 6. The upper portion of the river boasts thirteen class IV and six class V rapids. Free Returns 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Fast Shipping Looking for the ideal Gauley River Gifts? (304) 877-8235. The Upper Gauley starts at the Summersville Dam. Lower/Upper Gauley River Reverse Riverside Overnight; West Virginia Adventures. Read More on Wikipedia. Upper Gauley River (Class 3 thru 5) Must be 16yrs and up for this trip: Weekdays are Friday and Monday $130.00 pp Weekend Saturday/Sunday $160.00 pp . Saturday. The Gauley is split into two main sections: the Upper Gauley and the Lower Gauley. McDonald, in the river clipped to the rope, made several attempts to find Drake. Contact our Adventure Specialists at 1-800-EGO-RAFT (1-800-346-7238) Upper Gauley River. Right away, the roar of the mighty Upper Gauley is an experience unlike any river I've paddled before. This time, a kayaker drowned at the Pillow Rock Rapid after overturning. 1997 to 2006: 453 deaths. The New River and Gauley River are legendary in whitewater rafting circles for their boiling, churning Class IV and Class V rapids, with numerous places to put-in within easy striking distance of the state capital, Charleston. Upper Gauley River. The population was 614 at the 2010 census. Upper Gauley - Cantrell Ultimate Rafting. Your guide provides paddling instruction, then leads you downriver through scenic terrain and rushing rapids. . The Upper Gauley is one of the rivers that everyone has heard of. It is the premier iconic Class V run on the East Coast and has some of the best whitewater in the world. 1000 cfs (below the Meadow) The rapid leading down to the massive rock is class III at worse, then there is a wide open line on the right of the house size rock that is badly . The Lower Gauley is slightly more moderate, with numerous rapids ranging from Class III-IV. The Upper section features rapids rated up to class V, some of which are nationally known such as Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Sweet's Falls. The Upper Gauley River is ranked number two in the nation and number five in the world. Upper Gauley is where you'll find the most intense rapids, such as Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Sweet's Falls. As American Whitewater put it, "more legends exist about Five Falls of the Chattooga than almost any other set of rapids.". There is a deadly sieve on the right side of the drop and an inviting wave with rocks that spin the surfer into the sieve. Most clips are from 2015 Ga. Two sections of this fabulous river will have you speeding down and across the rapids in . It's a whitewater milestone of the most remote, challenging and technical whitewater rafting run commercially in United States. It is 9.8 miles long if you take out at Mason's Branch. It's characterized by heavy rapids that require tight, technical maneuvering. The Gauley River is a Class V+ river with dangerous undercut rocks, extreme currents, limited access, and steep rocky terrain. However, professional guide services offer whitewater rafting adventures ranging from mild to extremely wild trips. Kayaker in white water . Some rafters choose to go farther to Wood's . Located in Glen Jean, West Virginia Adventures offers gentle float trips, intermediate trips, extreme trips and cozy lodging. Class II: (Novice/Beginner) Faster moving water with easily avoided rocks, holes, and waves. The Meadow River is a tributary of the Gauley River, making its headwaters in Greenbrier County and terminating in Nicholas County of West Virginia. This trip is for those looking to find the sweet spot between "that's a crazy-big rapid" and "mostly staying in the boat." With most companies, you can combine the Upper and Lower Gauley as either a 1-day marathon or a 2-day adventure. Why? Some classifications can change depending on how high the water is. The buildup to the infamous Upper Gauley began with a slow burn. Fall Upper Gauley rafting in West Virginia is more than a rafting trip. This section is more intense than the upper part and is more suited for intermediate paddlers. 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