Hart Park Rips (HPR)

A sweeping right-hand bend occurs as you enter Hart Park. The inside (right) of the bend is shallow rocky shoals, while the outside (left) is deeper water with a fine wave-train. Be alert (look well downstream) as you near this area, as it has been the site of trees falling or hanging up and blocking much of the current.

Best strategy is to come into the bend at far river-left, so you can see further downstream around the bend. However, angle your bow toward right shore (and slightly upstream), so when you paddle, your strokes take you away from the badly undercut left shore!

Do not get too near the left shore, as there are often roots or overhanging branches to catch you or your boat.

As shown in the photo, the riverbed and banks through here are strewn with cement slabs. The coarse, angular cement would be brutal to anyone upside-down or out of their boat through this stretch. DO NOT TRY TO STAND OR WALK IN ANY CURRENT THROUGH HERE! Scraped, bruised, and battered ankles and shins at the least, and foot entrapment at the worst, are very possible here!