High Water, Great Surf

August 18, 2009

By Katy Doyle

With all the rain this season, there have been some epic river days with lots of big water and surfing. The Gauley river has run from 200 to 22,000 cfs, and everywhere in between this summer. At about 4,500 to 5,500 cfs Five Boat Hole or wave, as it was when we were there, forms at the bottom of Koontz’s Flume, the first major rapid on the lower Gauley. This particular day, the star front surfed like a champ on this glassy wave. Five Boat hole is great, but if the levels aren’t right, there’s always other options. The Gauley river has some other fantastic playspots like Canyon Doors (1,000cfs) on the lower, and Geek Wave (2,800cfs) on the upper. It has sections for beginners to experts, and even has some epic squirtboating spots (Junkyard). However you choose to enjoy the Gauley, it’s always a good time to be had by all.