Smith, North Fork

The North Fork Smith offers sweep boaters an ideal mix of technically challenging whitewater, near-continuous current, and stunning scenery / water quality that are undeniably best observed from the elite heights achieved during sweep boat navigation.

Recommended sweep boat flows range from 9.5 to 11 on the pipes, but daring sweep boaters will find an acceptable range exaggerated beyond the common-folk sweep boater comfort zone.

Normal areas of concern for all crafts, including the little boaters, remain true for sweep boaters. In particular, Scout, Serpentine, and Golf Course all represent classic challenges, albeit with straightforward solutions and predictable outcomes.

Unique danger lurks under the guise of “beauty” and is completely unrealized by the little boaters who may offer verbal noises of encouragement to enjoy a moment in the famous NF Grotto. Unfortunately, momentary joy delivers misfortune and suffering to even the most intellectual of sweep boaters when the curtain waterfall inevitably fills the non-self-bailing craft quite quickly and leads to self-inflicted shame. Here, the FOMO hits hard for sweep boaters, who are encouraged to observe the grotto from a safe distance.

Margie’s offers the best take-out location for sweep boaters. Four raft thwarts to use as rollers and three little boater friends makes the task of pushing the sweep uphill to the highway doable, but still ridiculous. Choose your friends wisely for this sweep boat adventure. Your sweep boat problems are enjoyed and shared by those who partake in your shuttle.