Blackwater

Do not run far left at Flatliner Falls! Flatliner Falls is fairly easy compared to the other rapids on the Upper Blackwater, but the entrance can be tricky if you don't know where you're going and the rapid above Flatliner can flip you or backender you. Flatliner Falls has now been the site of 2 fatalities and reportedly many other pins and close calls.

Also, keep in mind that Flatliner Falls looks relatively benign compared to many of the other rapids on the Blackwater. If it can be so deadly, all of the other rapids can as well. Please keep in mind that the Lower Blackwater has also claimed lives and has a stream bed that changes often. This is one of my favorite rivers and I take it very seriously, as should everyone else. Please make good decisions and do not ever let your guard down when kayaking the Blackwater Canyon. Be safe and have fun out there.

You can see some low water photos of Flatliner Falls courtesy of JB Seay's blog:
http://creekwv.blogspot.com/2010/10/notes-from-upper-blackwater.html

Please not that there are several class V rapids on the Upper Blackwater. Rapids that I consider to be Class V include: 100 Yard Dash, Z Falls, Tomko Falls, Sticky Fingers, and My Nerves Are Shot. There are also other 'easier' rapids such as Shock to the System and Pinball that would be considered Class V on most other rivers. There are also many unnamed rapids on the Blackwater that become Class V at certain water levels. And keep in mind that even the 'easy' rapids have hidden consequences.