This past Friday (8.20) me and buddy, TJ, decided to head over to Up The River Outfitters to do some Kayaking on the good old Hooch. Let me tell you I needed this break, badly. The weather was nice, pretty warm, but did stay partly cloudy at times. The water was cold, but refreshing. We put in right below the Buford Dam and took out at Settles Bridge. On the way there is a class II rapid and as we approached, I noticed that the local Swift Water Rescue Team was out training, so we took out of the river for a second to observe and to check out the rapid. My goal was to show my friend who has never kayaked before, the possible routes to take so safely make it through. After a few minutes, it was time to run the rapid!
After getting back in the river, I awaited the Rescuers signal that it was OK to proceed, and off I went. I entered, ran the rapid, then exited wet but excited. I look back just in time to see my buddy get toppled by the rapid and the Swift Water Rescue Team spring into immediate action! Within seconds, they had him and was surfing the rapid down to the River Right. One had my friend, another his boat and paddle. After making sure he was OK, they got him back in his Kayak and sent him on his way. He was a bit shaken, more cold than anything (the water temp is 52F here). Although I was felt bad he got toppled, it was good for the rescue team. They had a real-life situation on their hands and were able to react and respond instantly. So even though TJ was cold, his topple was for the greater good. In the end, he had the best river story!
Be safe on the river!
Adam
