Accident Database

Report ID#69627

2016-11-27
accident date
Clay Nash
victim
0
victim age
Chattooga
river
Section 4 - Route 76 Bridge to Tugaloo Lake Boat Ramp
section
n/a
location
at 76 Bridge
gage
Low
water level
IV
river difficulty
Vertical Pin
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Other
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

From Clay: First of all, I really don’t have the words to thank the people I was with yesterday. I have been on the other end of the rescue many times and done more recoveries than I care to count on the Chattooga. It is a very unique place and holds a special place in my heart. Thanks for allowing me to enjoy it longer. I have not watched the video yet because I wanted to give an account without corrupting what I remember. I caught the tiny micro eddy on river left right above Woodall hole. As I peeled out my boat caught a rock, killed speed and I slurped out backwards/sideways left of the hole. I felt the boat pin, head was up but the boat shifted as I was getting bearings on which way to go. My head was just under the surface and I could push on my paddle and watch the water surge and catch a breath in the foam for 3-4 breaths. As the boat settled again I guess my head was about 6″ from the surface. I remember feeling for the grab loop and finding rock so I made the decision to push my hand to the surface to give a point of contact. I remember keeping it in the cold air until someone grabbed it. About that time I blacked out and don’t remember anything until people were asking me questions. Solid rescue. I am told Jeremy kept his cool. We have talked a lot about river scenarios and rescue situations. Thankful we get to keep paddling together. Hopefully this video encourages others to get swift water training. Apparently it made a difference here….. Here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqCQHLennrM