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By Katy Doyle

Due to the some extremely low levels on the New River (-2.5 to -3 ft) the Summersville dam releases in order to augment the flow of the Kanawa River which in made by the New and Gauley Rivers. While this means some boney runs down the New, it also means that the Gauley will be releasing, and us boaters can expect to benefit. With the Gauley running anywhere between 600 and 1,000 cfs, Canyon Doors, a favorite park and play spot on the lower, turns into a great surf. With huge flat rocks all around the feature, Canyon Doors is a killer spot to hangout and get some surf sessions in. We had two days of good times down at the doors, with a great group of people, and countless fun surfs. We had boogie boards, kayaks, and even a few paco pads in the mix. Canyon Doors also has some great camping, with a large covered pavilion and tent platforms right along the river. We also put in upstream and did a combo middle/lower Gauley run back down to Canyon Doors. It’s a great creeky run, but still mellow for the more inexperienced boater. You can surf this particular spot anywhere from 600 cfs to 1000cfs +. At 600 its hard to do more than front surf and flat spin, but its still a good time, and a nice friendly surf to begin with. When it gets anywhere from 900-1000 cfs, the feature changes from less of a hole to more of a green, glassy wave. This is the perfect level. At that level you can do a lot more with it. So if you ever find yourself in Fayetteville and that Gauley River is running at any of those levels, find a local Fayetteville friend to show you the way down to one of the most enjoyable park and play waves around.

Peace, Love, and Whitewater,
Katy Doyle

 
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