Bernie's Hole

Bernie's Hole is created by an exposed water main pipe that provides most of the drinking water for the City of Dayton. The pipe creates an effect similar to a very weak low-head dam; it can be run straight on, but it is safer to portage river right or run river right; the Whitewater Warehouse folks have at times attempted to maintain a shallow but runnable slide on the right as a safer option. As of spring 2025, with the removal of the center island of the old first drop and stabilization of the bleachers, it is now safe again to go far river left as well (previously the current on this side fed directly into an undercut).

Surfing this hole is NOT recommended; the pipe has exposed sharp metal waiting for anyone to be window-shaded. One person who tried this in 2023 shortly after the collapse got window-shaded and was cut just below his eye, requiring stitches; less than an inch of difference and he could have lost an eye. Don't risk it.