SOB Rapid

SOB Rapid drives hard against the left bank, stacking up large waves at high water. The biggest hits can be softened by pulling toward river right. At low water, the rapid breaks apart into a technical boulder garden with several possible lines, but the cleanest route is usually along the far right.

Difficulty

Class III at moderate flows. Similar character to Moonshine — pushy entry with wave train. At high flows the entrance move becomes more critical.

The water

Character: pool-drop.

Features: powerful entrance; wave train; eddy catch at exit.

Hazards: sideways flush from an off-line entry at high water; boulder bashing through the rock garden at low water.

How it changes with flow

Low water: Breaks apart into a technical boulder garden. Several possible lines; the cleanest is usually along the far right. Some shallows in the approach.

Medium: Good current and wave train.

High water: Entrance becomes more consequential. Scout at high water.

Scouting

Most groups read-and-run. If you want to take a look stop on river right above and walk down to get some photos of your friends.

Swim consequences

Low to moderate. Take-out and recovery options are reasonable.

River Mile: 205.3