Saco
Limington Rips(Limington Rips)
| Difficulty | II+(IV) |
| Length | 1.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Saco River at Cornish, Maine |
| Flow Rate as of 43 minutes | 1100 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 15, 2006 |
Phil Urban sez, 'Limington is a short section of the Saco. I've only been there once, but I
believe it would be fair to call it one 'long' rapid. It's full of play spots.
This is basically a park-and-play section, runnable at a variety of levels.
One of two wide holes at the top of the main
rapid. Offers excellent play at certain levels,
however it can be very retentive and may
offer a working.
Small hole, at lower levels this feature is
shallow but good for blasting and spins,at
levels above 9000cfs the feature is larger
and allows cartwheeling and loop initiation.
Excellent surf wave for beginner to expert. Level= 7000-9000cfs
Prom Date is the only major hazzard at
Liminton Rips and is located below the rt.25
bridge on the river left side. It is a 20ft wide
hole with a very powerful backwash. Use
extreme caution when paddling nearby. It is
recomended to stay to the river right below
the rt. 25 bridge. When the water is very low
experienced paddlers familiar with the
feature will find some tiring cartwheeling
play.
G-Spot is a small wave-hole enjoyed since
the creation of the flatspin. Eddy access at
lower levels allows for spins, side surf,
blasting, blunts, back blunt's, backstab's and
cartwheeling in the sweet spot. Make sure to
tuck tight on rolls and be advised there are
rocks downstream you will contact on a
delayed roll. When the level is higher over
4500cfs the hole becomes larger and more
retentive, the eddy flushes out and each ride
will require a walk back up the side.
Bob Holtzman at the first rapid on the far river right side of the river at 921 cfs on 8/28/13.
Jul 17, 2013
There is also a very nice rapid on the Little Ossipee just below the Hardscabble Rd bridge. This is an alternate putin if you just want to play at the bottom of the Rips. I found this by looking at the satellite version of the map on this page. You can see the rapid just before the Little Ossipee runs into the Saco. I like this rapid better than anything on the Saco myself.
Bill Blauvelt
Portland, ME
Oct 21, 2008
Thank you for the info Brenda. I'm new to the sport at 37. John is certainly an inspiration to those of us starting past our prime. I found this online, I hope you don't mind my posting it. People should know the history of the places they paddle. With the dedication of this launching site John has become part of the history at Limington.
http://www.midwifebrenda.org/john.html
Oct 21, 2008
10-7-08
I paddled the section below the Rt. 25 bridge in an OC-1. The level was around 2800 cfs and was fantastic for open boating! Excellent surfing in the bottom two rapids. Also at this particular level I would definitely downgrade Backbreaker, Prom Date, and G-Spot to a II, III and II. The hole at Prom Date is still prevalent at 2800 but there is a very safe sneak route that opens up on far river left. Somewhat boney but overall a fantastic day!
Oct 12, 2008
Take care where you park this fall when the Limington Rips rest area closes. The normal put in at the top of the rapids is private property and the parking situation there is a little touchy but all boaters are welcome to park on the road near John Emerson's Memorial Put in which is at the halfway point.
Thanks!
Brenda Emerson
