Blue Hill Falls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noAEkV2PU5U

Phil Urban

The NPMB link is dead. The wave starts to form 2 and 1/2 hours before high tide. It requires at least a mid range tide with larger tides being better but the huge tides wash it out. The wave is visible from the bridge. Be careful on the bridge, pedestrians and cars don't mix well there. I have been paddling at the falls since '96 and IMO the wave has not changed. Boats have. There are times when a modern, short playboat can catch the wave and even go off in the short window on the perfect tide. But it is mostly an old school, soul surfing spot. Fast boats can have a great time. The spot is gorgeous and the vacationing family can explore the intertidal zone while you surf. The spot is shown in the Gazeteer.

Although I don't frequent Blue Hill Falls, I have paddled it, and from a white water paddeling perspective, been disappointed by this spot. Rumor has it that the rapid is not what it used to be. Although there is still a strong current, the famed wave on the incoming tide no longer fully forms. I suppose that the best chance for a formed wave is during a 'moon' tide cycle. A possible explanation for this (again rumor only) is that a few years ago, construction debris from the stone bridge over head may have fallen into the water near the wave changing the morphology of the current.

This is a good example of a reversing fall. I was boiled, and almost died here, on a windy day.