A Happy Rafter Takes on the Upper New in Her Ducky.

A Happy Rafter Takes on the Upper New in Her Ducky.

This is a series that will be featured on the Wildwater Rafting Blog until I run out of rapids. I’ve got memories associated with West Virginia whitewater rafting from just about every rapid on the New River and Gauley River that I think will help provide a little flavor for those who haven’t been whitewater rafting in West Virginia before or for those who want a little help remembering their experiences. I’ll start upstream on the New River and work downstream.

My first real memory of Ledges is from 1989.  My mom and I were down visiting my brother, Christopher, who was in his first year at Wildwater Expeditions. We managed to get on an Upper New River trip thanks to Jon Dragan’s generosity.

We relaxed in our duckies for much of the trip until we came to Ledges, the first siginificant whitewater of the day.  I felt pretty good and charged headlong into the downstream V. Unfortunately, I had no clue about boat angle and waves and I hit a curler broadside and slowly turned over into the river. I eventually cleaned up my gear, climbed back and paddled to shore, where Bill Handy (now owner of Appalachian BackCountry Expeditions) and Tony Tingler set up lunch.

During lunch, I wanted another shot at running Ledges.  Bill was kind enough to humor me and I ran it again. This time I made it through upright. I felt pretty good. It’s amazing how a minor achievement like that made me feel.

I think back on that often when other folks join Wildwater to whitewater raft the New River for the first time and it helps me to empathize and enjoy their experience with them.

Drop a line and let me know what West Virginia white water rafting stories that made your day.