Gabriel's Bend

Gabriel's Bend is the signature rapid on the Lower Haw.  It has a little bit of everything at the right level to make everyone happy.

After a pool below the previous rapid, a bluff rises above the river right bank.  Approach this rapid on the far right.  You will notice that the river disappears around a bend and you cannot see the entire rapid from the top.  What you can see is a rock in the middle of the channel.  Aim for the eddy just below this rock.  If you catch this eddy, you can then look behind you to see the rest of the rapid below.  From this eddy (or if you miss it), ferry river left into another eddy.  From the river left eddy you have endless choices to make.

If the rapid looks intimidating, skirt the meat of it on the left, catching eddies as you go down.

If you are looking for a challenge, ferry over to the micro eddy on river right.

From this small eddy you can catch a sweet, steep upper wave at medium levels and up.  You can also line up to boof the big rock below at levels over about 2,500 cfs.  This is another good place to practice your boof technique.  At levels over about 6,000 cfs you want to make sure you boof the ledge because the hole below it gets sticky.

Below this you will see the bottom wave at Gabriel's bend.  This wave is frequently in use.  Either wait for an opening or move over to river right to allow those playing to keep their ride going!

After all of this, move over to the left and catch the big eddy.  Either take a rest or get in line to play the wave.

Above about 3,500 cfs Gabriel's Bend pushes Class III+ as catching eddies becomes harder and the waves and holes get bigger.  Above 9,000 cfs it pushes Class IV as some of the eddies disappear and a couple of the holes get nasty.