Whitewater Forum: From AZ
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From AZ

Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8326
Printed Date: 26 Sep 2025 at 9:12pm


Topic: From AZ
Posted By: YaknAz
Subject: From AZ
Date Posted: 27 May 2009 at 11:12am

We will be flying into  Seattle from AZ 6/6/09-6/15/09 and would like to paddle something scenic class III or an occasional IV if its scoutable and drop-pool. My wife is a solid class III paddler but I don’t want to push it.  We will have gear but need to rent boats and paddles. Are there any shops that do rentals and group paddles? I would like to find something where I don’t have to deal with a shuttle or transporting since we will be in a rental car. I could take a few days so it doesn’t need to be right next to Seattle, I could drive and stay somewhere else. Not interested in ocean or flat water. Would possibly be interested in a class, maybe swift water rescue or ?  We are from Arizona so we don’t  have water year round and can use all the practice  we can get.

   Any ideas? Favorite rivers? Good shops or clinics?

Thanx,

 Jerry

 


Replies:
Posted By: Kiwi
Date Posted: 27 May 2009 at 11:45am
the wenatchee is 2.5-3 hours away and class 3 big water. go there.

Posted By: James
Date Posted: 27 May 2009 at 11:52am
Best shop for Gear Rental : http://www.aqua-sports.com - www.aqua-sports.com

Best runs: Wenatchee, Skykomish, Middle Middle, Green Gorge, and maybe cooper / FITW if your looking to do some lower grade creeking, the last two would be a solid step into the IV range though.

Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 27 May 2009 at 6:40pm
Yup. Skykomish and Wenatchee are fairly easy and/or have immediate road access.
The White Salmon also has a nice class III section. 
 
The Wenatchee, as Kiwi pointed out, is a super friendly big-water style run. Doesn't have a single rock or boulder in it to speak of, just several good play spots, depending on Waterlevel.
 
The Sky, is a great pool drop class III run with one class IV called Boulder Drop -one of the most popular runs in the state. B.D. can be scouted easily and portaged as well.
 
The Green Gorge is considered class III, but it has a remote feel- very scenic for sure, but also borderline class IV in several spots,and kinda manky in places. That one is a judgement call you'll have to make.
 
Check out Jeff Bennett's "Guide to the Whitewater Rivers of  Washington", or go to http://www.americanwhitewater.org/ - http://www.americanwhitewater.org/  and look at Washington's runs for the descriptions they list there.
 
When you get here, you can also use this site to hook up with lots of different people to paddle with. Just remember that it's your personal responsibility to research any and all runs ahead of time for yourself, and to look out for youself and your own anytime you get your feet, boat, paddle or head wet.Having said that, Have fun up here!
 
This region is the best place to be a paddler, IMO (I'm a transplant).
 
You can also check out a company called Wavetrek- they offer swiftwater rescue courses, and probably kayak instruction as well.

Posted By: YaknAz
Date Posted: 28 May 2009 at 8:39am

   Thanks’ for the info. The Sky sounds perfect for Sue. We just got back from Paddle Fest in Buena Vista, Co where the Arkansas just runs fast for miles. I came back wanting more and she now appreciates a pool at the bottom of the drop.

   I am ordering the book and will check out the shop that shop wetmouse recommended. Also I found a river fest in Cashmere, Wa. If it's anything like Buena Vista or Kern River day's in Ca, they will have demo boats and paddles and maybe group paddle trips and shuttle. I have a friend that wants to fly up for the weekend if that's the case and I'll be able to get in some steeper runs.

   I appreciate all of the input. Any more will be greatly appreciated.

Thanx

Jerry


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