Just got confirmation from Ben...he's good to go to the Nanty for his maiden trip, the weekend after Labor Day (Sept 11,12 & 13). Britt and I will already be down the week before, celebrating our anniversary.
Ben's never been to NOC and is not sure where it is or where to stay so maybe he can hook up with others who are heading down for the weekend. As stated before, he's very capable of paddling the water, but any cold swim would not be fun, so we need support paddlers just in case of a swim and to assist with the logistics of the shuttle, etc.
More details to follow, hope to see you there!

It's possible either NOC or Endless Rivers might be willing to help support on the water if you don't get enough BWA folk able to travel that weekend. Or even if you do...

It's worth giving them a call and letting them know what you're doing.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I think there will be support. Some of the Cave Run guys are coming as well as other BWA folks. Should be a great couple of days on the water

I need to get a head count for all those who are planning on going on this trip with Ben on his first trip on the Nanty. He may be bringing another able-bodied paddler that he has met through TRR. So we need to make sure we have at least 4 paddlers for Ben.
Britt and I will already be down there starting Sunday the 6th so we'll be out of contact once we're in the Gorge. We're staying in the Lost Mine Campground behind the NOC store (trying out the new camper!).
I'll be giving other trip details later in the week. Looking forward to it and hope to see you there!
You can call me to discuss 859-229-4358

I talked with Ben last night and I'll be riding down with him Friday morning (11th). I plan to camp Friday and Saturday night and will be planning to stay at Lost Mine Campground unless several are camping elsewhere. This is my first trip down to the Nanty, so I'm very unfamiliar with the area. From all the posts I have read about the frigid waters of the Nanty, I'm wondering what gear will be essential for the trip. Please advise.

Jeremy
859-358-2455

I suggest neoprene. I suggest gloves/pogies if your are used to paddling with them.

You know, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that maybe the Nantahala is not a good river for Ben. It's shallow, rocky, swift and cold. If he swims his legs are going to get really banged up and recovery could be considerably more difficult than it would be on a lot of other rivers. Additionally, any circulation problems he has are going to be augmented.

Of course, Ben seems to be pretty good at calling his own shots, so take this for whatever it's worth. Additionally, I'm no expert on debilitating lower body injuries, so what do I know? It's just my two cents, and I'm not going to say, "Don't do it", but I'd think twice about it and about other possible options, weigh them carefully before going there.

Hanley

Thanks Hanley for your usual paddling wisdom. We clearly have considered the issue of the water temperature and any potential for a swim. Ben does have a wet suit and has experience in frigid/ice melt water in Montana, but any swim in that water is not pleasant.
Our top priority is to Ben. Currently we have me, Britt, Jeff Frazier, and Chris Schardl. If we feel we need additional support Britt and I are willing to hire an NOC instructor...or as Zina pointed out, they may be willing to do it for free. Britt and I are taking private lessons for the third year in a row from the wife of the NOC paddling school manager so we potentially have an "in" on some help.
I'm open to discussion from those who paddled with Ben on the Lower Pigeon and Forks if you don't think he's capable of running the Nanty. We have options that Ben can consider: put in below Pattons and take out above the falls .
Comments from others who have paddled with him?

Ben is fired up! I say go for it. I think he has the boat control and the skills needed. And Ben will hang out for a bow rescue, so his odds of swimming are greatly decreased. You all are just gonna have to stay right on him. Jeff Fraizer will do just that. Those NOC guides are all about hand of god rescues, so if you are really worried and you can't get enough BWA support, I'd go for the guide. I bet they would do it for free.

I would love to go Linda, but I'm in a wedding that weekend and I can't get out of it.

You all are going to have a great time. I think Ben is going to kick ass.

bethany



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/03/2009 11:21PM by bethany.

Hi Britt. I have been meaning to PM you, but since I was slow and am now publicly listed, I have to publicly - with regrets and embarrassment - back out. I won't be able to do the Nanty on Saturday. I could do it Friday, but I gather Ben won't be there yet.
Chris S

Chris Schardl