Re: [Paddlewise] be careful in foreign waters

On 1/17/07, Jackie Myers <jackie_at_muddypuppies.com> wrote:

> My question would be... is this really atypical of a narrow gorge in a
> mountainous region?  Or did Squires (aka Whitewater Outlaw) run out of
> luck?  Any ww gorge runners here?
>
> Jackie
>

Several years ago I paddled the Wenatchee River in Washington State between
Leavenworth and Cashmere (Class III) with some Kiwi white-water paddlers.
They told me that the rivers in NZ were much different than ours because of
the narrow nature of the islands and the steep approaches to the mountains.
The rivers run much steeper, are much shorter, and have many more hazards in
them (boulders). During our 12 mile run they said that a typical NZ run
would be half that or less.

A serious downside to this would be fewer opportunities to get out and
scout. Add this to the serious variable of water flow (river volume) and you
can have a recipe for disaster. It pays to know the water you're paddling;
unless you enjoy the thrill of almost dying. (Most creekboaters, I think.)

Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
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