A summer run on the Deerfield River has become something of a tradition. This year has been pretty wet up here in the northeast will lots of opportunities for summer paddling, but in most years, dam releases on rivers like the Deerfield are the only game in town. If you want to do the big stuff (class III/IV) you go to the Dryway. Fife Brook is a popular class II/III run. Each year I do an “easy whitewater” trip for my local club on the Lower Deerfield (class I/II).
We run the 7-mile section below Zoar Gap from the Zoar Picnic Area to Charlemont Academy. This year we had 5 boats and 6 paddlers – 1 kayak, 1 poler, 2 solo canoes and 1 tandem canoe. This section of the Deerfield has a little bit of everything - a little flatwater so you can take in the scenery, a lot of quickwater to keep you moving, and a couple of easy class I/II rapids to make it interesting.
I’ve never done the Dryway either - a little above my skill set. The Fife Brook section was busy on Saturday. I’ve done that many times, but it is also nice to do the easy section below Fife Brook and the Gap.
Dryway was WAY above my skill set even when I had the skills enough to run the Gap. Sloppily, had to roll up in the middle and I completed it facing backwards. Was told it was entertaining if not exactly a feat of great control.
The bit below is more my speed these days. Should make an effort to try it sometime
Looks refreshing and fun! I found when I made an 11" pole that in deep water, they make a decent double blade for paddling. I would wear a helmet in the rough or shallow water while poling.
