Chippewa

Our group of four from the Raw Strength and Courage Kayakers (U Michigan kayak club) checked out the upstream and downstream spots today. Gauge was 390 this morning falling to 360 this evening. We found, just as described, an excellent practice site. This level was good, though 400+ would be better. We also found that the hydraulic below the intact dam made a very enjoyable surfing hole. The intact dam is on the other branch of the river in the upstream of the two parks; the river splits around an island and the weirs are on the river-left branch, while the dam is on the right branch. After running the first three weirs, you come to the downstream tip of the island and can paddle easily upstream to the hole. Be very careful of the broken concrete; only the river-left of the three sluiceway hydraulics is playable. The other two are good places for a fracture, as you can see by scouting from the bridge atop the dam. The concrete in the center and right sections is all points and edges, and very shallow. The playable hydraulic is very tractable, just sticky enough and easy to maneuver around in. The two parks are close enough together that the whole section can be run by dropping boats at the upper, driving to the lower, spotting the car, and walking back. The section of river is pretty, mostly overarched with trees, shady and pleasant. It's also very popular for tubing among the local college students; expect flotillas from time to time in warm weather.