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Oct 14, 2023: North Branch of The Piscataquag

Participants-  Ryan Galway & Krea Galway OC-2,  Mason Galway C-1,  Evan Eichorn OC-1,  Ron Chase K-1,  Ken Gordon K-1,  Bill Stafford K-1,  Paul Bicknell K-1,  Paul Leclerc K-1,  Eric Kingsley K-1.

We had a decent weather day for this trip with temps in the high 50s and low 60s and some filtered sun.  The day began with an entertaining seal launch by Mason down the grassy bank to the water which no one chose to repeat.  We had a couple of first timers on this trip and I am always a little nervous in making sure they know the lines on this shallow creaky run to avoid any injury’s.  The first test is a rapid called Slab City which is a 6 foot drop at the site of an old dam.  The preferred line is river left.  Most of the boats did quite well but even the ones that were a little off line made it through upright.  We continued down river encountering some wood obstructions which is typical on this narrow low volume run,  but we were able to get over or around them without too much trouble.  The rest of the larger drops were all run successfully with a little bit of trouble by some boaters at Buzzels rapid which is one of the more challenging drops but still everyone remained in their boats.  Down river we saw some nice enders by Mason at a rapid called turnover.  The run wasn’t complete without a couple minor swims in the lower rapids,  none of which were of any consequence.

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Oct 16, 2021: NH Drawdown Trip – North Branch Of The Piscataquag

Trip Participants Ryan Galway OC-1 TC, Mason Galway OC-1, Kenny Decoster OC-1, Nick Beaudoin K-1, Emma Earler K-1, Brian MCCormack, Paul Leclerc and friend Pat K-1, Hal Earle K-1.

One of the things I really enjoy about being a TC is leading people down new rivers for the first time. I enjoy this because I am grateful for all of the times other club members have taken me down new rivers and it feels good to return the favor. On this trip, if I remember correctly, Kenny and I were the only two who had run the river before so we had lots of people to show some new lines. For those who haven’t run this river before, it is a narrow with fast current and hazards like wood everywhere. Due to the lack of space we pretty much ran the river in single file one behind the other over the span of 9 boats. This seemed to work well and we seldom had any issues with people being on top of each other. In addition to the narrow fast moving water, there are a series of large drops spaced out over the run. The first of which is called slab city which is a steep river wide drop of about 6 feet. This was the first test of the group about a 1/2 mile in. Everyone had a stellar run with cheers in the pool at the bottom. Following slab city, we had a little trouble doing the limbo under a low tree which resulted in a swim, and a missed line that resulted in another. The rest of the large drops were aced by all. Following the last large drop called Buzzels, is a river wide drop which is called turnover ledge. This is traditionally not a difficult rapid but it is better known for the playspot that it creates, which is about perfect for enders. We shared the spot with another group so it made for a fun positive atmosphere with some competitive encouragement. One real highlight was seeing Emma attempt her first ender which ended up being the best one I saw performed there that afternoon. Great job Emma! Shortly after we completed the run ,which was followed by some relaxing and enjoying a cold beverage on a warm fall day.