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Links of interest for your travel plans
California
Whitewater
Though many of its runs
have been known for years, California whitewater remains some of the
best whitewater paddling in the world. Boaters from all
ability levels have hundreds of different runs to choose from, from
scenic flat water paddles through beautiful canyons to some of the
hardest whitewater paddling on the planet, California whitewater boasts
nothing short of world-class paddling.
For those looking to dust off their creek boats and tackle some Class
IV and Class V rivers, look no further than the Sierras. When
the Sierra rivers start running in the spring, thousands of boaters
flock from all over the world to test their mettle in the steep,
close-walled, granite canyons. These California whitewater
rives are not to be underestimated; many of them require strenuous
hikes to reach the put-ins and/or take-outs, forcing boaters to hike
over a day in some instances with fully loaded boats and
packs. Though the hikes are tough, the rivers are often
tougher, and a moderate Class IV creek can easily turn into a stomping
Class V-VI monster if the mountains in the area catch much rain or
experience particularly warm weather, which will melt off the snow and
dump all of the melt water into the rivers. Wherever you
decide to boat in the California backcountry, be sure to let someone
know where you’re going and when you’ll be back,
and carry a first aid and safety kit. A night under the stars
isn’t so bad if you have some food and an emergency blanket,
but if you’re cowering under a rock in your wetsuit
it’s not going to be a comfortable experience.
Of course, not all California whitewater is so extreme.
Larger drainages like the Kern boast miles upon miles of moderate
whitewater, perfect for beginner or intermediate kayakers and advanced
canoeists. These larger drainages also run with water
throughout the year, not depending on heavy rain or snowmelt like the
smaller, more technical creeks.
If you’re looking to experience California whitewater for the
first time, your best option would be to look into one of the numerous
whitewater raft guiding companies which populate the
countryside. Most of these companies run a number of
different raft trips, from wild to mild. Some companies even
raft Cherry Creek and other Class V rivers, though these will require
you to prove yourself on an easier trip before you tackle these beefy
California whitewater runs.