An easy paddle this weekend for a UK visitor?
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=9206
Printed Date: 15 Sep 2026 at 3:24pm
Topic: An easy paddle this weekend for a UK visitor?
Posted By: dougflorence
Subject: An easy paddle this weekend for a UK visitor?
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2010 at 7:22pm
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Hi,
I am over from the UK and working in Mukilteo at the company where Travis Lee works this week and next. I was hoping I might be able to get a WW paddle in on this Sunday 21st Feb.
I have brought a dry suit, helmet, thermals, pogies, boots with me, but no PFD, spray deck, paddle, boat or other gear. (No space even in the big suitcase) Travis may be able to lend me most of the gear I need or I can probably hire some.
I can generally paddle UK grade III rivers without too much problem and I have been known to not swim some easier and safer grade IV rapids.
I want to be fairly conservative about my abilities because I want to be safe and do not want to cause a problem on any trip I might join.
Travis suggests that the Green or Skykomish might be a good choice and they will hopefully still have some water in them by the weekend.
Is anyone likely to be paddling these or another suitable river on Sunday and might I be able to join the trip? Travis might join us if he cannot find anything more exciting to do.
Doug Florence
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Replies:
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2010 at 8:52pm
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Dude, you cannot go wrong with the Mighty Skykomish. It runs without fail year around and always provides a quality experience for any boater of any skill level (unless one's mindset is of limited scope). Boulder Drop is the only serious IV, mostly because it's a long rapid. But it is a good rapid and it's easy to scout. The portage isn't so bad if you decide that's best. You can even portage a portion of the rapid if you want. But it should be a decent, forgiving flow. Most weekends someone is going out paddling on the Sky. Provided you hook up all of your gear beforehand, I'd venture to suggest that if it comes down to gametime and you still haven't hooked up any solid plans, you could go out there early the day you wanted to paddle (go to "Split Rock", the take out) and wait for someone to show up. I can almost gaurantee that you'll be greeted by some friendly boater or another who'll be more than happy to include you and show you the lines, regardless of your skill level (just be sure to honestly communicate that, of course). You're a boater. You know the drill. I'd be sure to invite you out but it's incredibly unlikely I'll be out there this weekend. The Green- that one may be just a touch more difficult to arrange- the flow may not cooperate (personally I think it's a bit low and junky now, but then again I like solid medium flows or higher, generally speaking.). It will be more difficult to randomly hook up with folks on that one. On the other hand, there's no road alongside it, if you want more of a wilderness/adventure feel. It will tend to not show its cards or welcome you with open arms the way the Sky will. The Sky will welcome you into it's open arms more readily. But there's also a road along it if that detracts from your "wilderness experience". My 2 cents. Whatever the case, Welcome to the Wonderfull Whitewater of Washington and have a great time!! ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2010 at 9:08pm
of course, if I did go paddle out there this weekend, I'd have to talk in a crude British accent (I'm not very good at it) and use as many British whitewater terms as I could, such as "Break Out", "Stopper", "Trousers" ect. just kiddin, dude. I hope you have a great time and meet some fun folks. Pop quiz though for all of you Yankees- speaking of British whitewater terminology: Did you know that the word "Manky", now commonly used (excessively, one might argue) to describe "boney" or rocky conditions on the river, is a word of British origin? (or at least that's my understanding. If I am wrong someone please set me straight.) ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: Travisimo
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2010 at 10:46pm
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Really hoping we can find a group before the weekend... There has to be somebody headed out! Typically I only paddle one day a week, but I may be down for this one too... I agree though JP, the Green may fall out. Bummer too, that one's a classic round here. Anyone... Bueller... Bueller...  ------------- H2O please |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2010 at 11:51pm
you won't have trouble- lots of paddlers round here, and lots of stuff to paddle, no matter what you fancy... That's why i love the PNW!!
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Posted By: SplashDaddy
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2010 at 6:43am
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The Lower Green Gorge is an easy class III run in a beautiful gorge. It is still a pretty good run down to very low levels and will almost assuredly be a viable option for the weekend. It has plenty of surfing opportunities, even at pretty low levels(I like it as low as 425 cfs).
http://www.professorpaddle.com/rivers/riverdetails.asp?riverid=449 I can also set you up with boat, paddle, skirt and ??? Give me a shout at acreekfreak at gmail dot com or 206*792*9801 Dale PS As and extra, added bonus, we can speak with a crude JP accent. |
Posted By: dougflorence
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2010 at 5:45pm
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Sounds like the Sky will be the business.
Manky, maybe from the French "manquer" implying something is missing. Similar to "grotty". Don't know where that comes from either.
I am finding plenty of other English words that don't work in America. Have you ever heard of Tipp-Ex?
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Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2010 at 7:01pm
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Originally posted by SplashDaddy
As an extra, added bonus, we can speak with a crude JP accent. AWESOME!! -It's easy to do- just talk really really loud. Nonstop!
 Thanks for the feedback on the whitewater etemology, Doug.
Have a great time on the water, where ever you end up!
Not sure I want to know what "Tipp-Ex" is though (is that what she said?)
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