The only scary part is where they blocked the swimmer's path and tried to impale him on that paddle. Watching the front right dude "paddle" was worth it tho.
You don't understand. That large rock that blocks the majority of the flow is severely undercut. That means the water flows underneath it, trapping larger objects below. It has been the site of multiple fatalities over the years, including one just this past Saturday. That swimmer was EXTREMELY LUCKY they didn't get pulled under the rock.
I'm not a white water paddler, but I've raced marathon canoes for years. Most people don't have a healthy respect for the power of water and that can be trouble in a hurry. I don't doubt at all I would be shocked at many of the groups. @@will-wright
Guide was ok, I’ve seen worse. He needed stronger commands and to not let others shout directions. He also needed 2 better paddlers in front. For those criticizing him. All of his people were in the boat. They were safe moonwalking down because of his skills . And he was fixing another’s mistake that endangered people.
@@will-wrightAnd there lies the problem, first timers. The Upper Gauley is no place for first timers! And this particular company has had more fatalities than any other company on the Gauley...
The problem is this company doesn't have enough qualified guides for the upper. New guides come from out west that don't know the river and they learn by the seat of their shorts. I've been guiding the Gauley since 76 and I see it every year...
