Just read this grounding account by our fellow brother Steve Ruth regarding his run in with Fist yesterday. Thank God he's alright. Thank goodness he was familar with the "exit". And kudos for keeping his head on straight and his wits about him. Steve has countless low water runs, this year alone.

Low water RFG gets talked about a lot for us L'ton folks looking to step it up. Even really low levels a mishap could turn into a cl. 5 situation. There are places I recommend to paddle as a step-up to creeking that would not be as punishing for a blown line and I'd share that with anyone that asks if you're trying to progress.

[boatertalk.com]

That sort of thing happens to the best of us, and Steve Ruth is definitely in that category.

In terms of folks wanting to step up, I'm with Bubba 110%.. The RFG is a great run, but it's also a great place to be within your personal performance envelope and not pushing the boundaries. The moves on the Fork are not the hardest you are likely to ever encounter, but there are premium penalties for simple mistakes.

So, step it up elsewhere, then make a lateral move to the RFG if that's what you're aiming at.

Hanley

For me, running the Russell Fork = russian roulette... but I completely understand why paddling it is so addictive. Thank you River Gods for sparing our good buddy Steve.
barryg

Dang.............

In Anticipation of Precipitation
WaVeY

Yeah, crazy! Hugo called me first thing this morning about it. Steve had a rough run with a couple of swims with us that morning. In fact, when YT and I left, he said he was done and already feeling beat up from a nasty pin in a no name rapid I witnessed earlier on the first run. We did laps the day before, so I figured he, like me was feeling our age and done for the day. We did pass Hugo heading to EC as we were heading back to Lex. He said that Steve did not want him to do a solo run since everyone else had done laps or a run and were done for the day. The day before, Steve and YT had a mid drop collision at Fist which worked out but was scary. Fist killed Michael Munn while running in the 400s in 1995. It is always a scary rapid that I feel the best having behind me. It is not hard, but it is lethal and probably one of the most terrifying experiences to have on the river and live through. Steve knows the features of this undercut well from seeing it at low water like sub 200 cfs. Makes me wanna go in there instead of shoot video of everyone else in there next time I am in there at super low water - not that I ever wanna have to be familiar with what is under there. Geez, be careful out there. Things can happen anywhere as well.
Brent

I stayed away from the Russsell Fork for many years waiting for the right time and right place with the right group to make it happen. Now, the the skill level has aspired to the Russell Fork and have eight runs there this summer, three this weekend. Three runs at release last fall. Thanks mainly to Brent and help from Gerald and Steve, I have had a great time there and wish I paddling there today.

If I worry about Fist, I sneak on the left. I have seen many great paddlers in the sneak route. No shame ever. Take it out of play. I believe this with any drop, anywhere, anytime. I have never run the main line or double boof at Tower. I worry, I sneak Tower. These two sneaks help take some of the penalty of screw up out of play and make the run possible for many more paddlers. The rest of the drops can be challenging and dynamic. Maze toys with me. The RFG is place I want to maintain the skills and practice to continue these adventures.

Hope to see you in Elkorn City soon!

I wish I was paddling there today too YT. Can you believe it? 350 cfs, still, and hot out. Oh well, back to litigation.
Brent

The low water line at fist still gets my heart going, as its not just a 'float' into the eddy. There is a little drop into a grabby hole right above the eddy, I'd always wandered what would happen if one were to flip here. Glad Steve is OK... him and Gerald and Hugo are a great crowd to boat with, and I hope to see them out there this weekend. Planning on heading out Friday for Elkhorn City.

just my opinion but it seems that final boof into the eddy above fist rock has changed in the last few years. it use to be more of a boof and there didn't seem to be a risk of driving too high. Now its more of a water boof where you "plug" the eddy line/hole and if you go too high you'll nail a rock and get 'rejected'.

That is true Robbie. Steve knows the rapid well and I would attribute fatigue to the incident as much as anything. There is a move there for sure. No place to ever lollygag or be tired. Hugo said he entered the drop a little low which means he did not power across the current above the hole to get to the left corner of the drop.
Brent