Shock to the System
Blackwater - 1. Below Blackwater Falls to North Fork Confluence (WV)
Gauge Conditions
Zone Dogg swears 200 is a good level and its been done lower, but its manky creeking. above 275 is ideal. Low water also exposes several pin rocks and sieves
Photo
Description
The next rapid is run right into a ledge hole, leading into Shock to the System. Here, the river necks down and pours over a slope into a 6-8-foot ledge with a vicious hole at the bottom. At lower flows (below 250 cfs), you can go right down the middle and punch/jump the hole. As the run gets higher, you may pay a severe penalty if you attempt to punch the hole. At most flows, the best idea is to start in the river right eddy and run middle to left, pointed to the left, boofing the left side of the hole with a right stroke. This is a finesse move (isn't everything??) but it will prevent a nasty beatdown in the hole, which you should not swim out of, as the pool moves quickly into the next rapid.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (18)
Hazard
V+
Rapid
V
Rapid
IV
Rapid
IV+
Rapid
IV+
Hazard
IV+
Waterfall
V
Hazard
V+
Hazard
V
Hazard
V
Hazard
V
Rapid
IV
Hazard
IV+
Hazard
V
Hazard
V
Hazard
V
Rapid
N/A
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
American Whitewater