Gauley

River Incident Prompts Paddler Alert

Location: Lower Gauley, approx. two-thirds of the away down this section, specifically below 'Cliffside' (river left) there is an obvious strainer just downstream.... BUT 50yds further downstream is a submerged strainer just below the surface.

Description: Several strong, fairly large-diameter tree trunks/limbs pointing up-stream are not visible at 'Sat Sept. 21 release level' yet high enough to pin and wrap a boat on.

Incident: one kayak maneuvering across in the medium/light current momentarily broached on the submerged tree trunk and in attempting to rotate off to avoid pinning, the trunk popped over the gunnel and pinned the paddler rather firmly to the bottom of the boat and, with the force of the water on the hull, began to sink. Alert assistance from two other paddlers allowed the pinned paddle to get air before going down to rip his leg from around the trunk and swim out through his skirt (which remained pinned) about two minutes later. It took four paddlers and ropes about 15 more minutes to raise and free the boat.