Arkansas

Pine Creek through the numbers is a classic Colorado run. As the steepest section of the Arkansas River, this stretch is not to be taken lightly but is still fun at every level.

The typical middle range of flows (1200cfs-2000cfs) is the most challenging. The run gets very defined with the crux s-bend move becoming tight. At these levels, the s-bend hole is sticky and will punish you. Since the advent of playboats, however, it seems less severe than when it used to eat Freefalls and other big bouncy boats.

Pine Creek rapid proper is generally broken down into three sections: Entrance, S-Bend, and Triple Drop.

1. The entrance: The top of the rapid is fast and pushy but not super demanding.

2. The S-Bend: This move is difficult; you need to make a move to the left or right to avoid a big hole. The water is moving fast, and many people don't know what's coming by the time they are on top of the hole. Swims here can be rough so if you don't like the looks of it put in below the hole in the first decent eddy. The classic move is to the left, but it has been said the right run is a safer bet.

3. Triple Drop: Below the S-Bend, there is a short lull, roughly 100ft., and then you are into the triple drop. This section is super fun and fast. Run the triple drop up the middle and hang on!

Below the Triple Drop the river goes into fun class IV rapids. There is excellent play, as catch on the fly surfing Class IV goes.

Below Pine Creek section there is a huge granite boulder in the middle of the river that pinches the main flow between a smaller rock on the left, this makes an excellent cartwheel spot at flows between 800cfs and about 1500cfs.

This run may not be considered as super hard by new school standards. This run does and has had severe consequences for many boaters.

Be vigilant at the S-Turn Rapid. Any swims on this section are survival mode claw-your-way-to-shore swimming. Ditch the boat, save the life.

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