Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid VT Class IV

Balls to the Wall

Gihon - Whitcomb Island Rd to Johnson (VT)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Lamoille River at Johnson, VT Downstream Primary
Runnable: 1,300.0 – 2,800.0 CFS

Dependent on if the gauge is rising or dropping. 1300-1700 and dropping often corresponds to a level of somewhere between 1-1.5 (minimum to low).

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Balls to the Wall
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Balls to the Wall is a powerful, technical Class IV rapid with a narrow, boulder-strewn entry that quickly funnels into a steep, turbulent drop featuring multiple hydraulic holes and unpredictable cross-currents. Paddlers must execute precise boat positioning and momentum through a complex series of rock gardens, with the crux move requiring an aggressive right-to-left line to avoid a potentially recirculating center hole that can easily flip or trap boats. Strong eddy service and scout opportunities from river right are recommended, but this rapid demands immediate decision-making and advanced whitewater skills.
Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
0.4 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
Whitcomb Island Rd to Johnson
Gihon
IV(V) 3.5 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater