Gauge Conditions

Housatonic River at Gaylordsville, CT Downstream Primary

Runnable: 800.0 – 10,000.0 CFS

When the Hydro Plant is offline (as it is through the winter of 2015/16) the whole run is easily navigable down to around 650 cfs (~1ft on the boater's gauge)

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Surfing Rapid offers a technical Class II+ descent with multiple defined wave trains and strategically placed mid-river boulders that demand precise boat positioning. Paddlers should focus on the river's right side for the cleanest line, navigating through a series of breaking waves and potential hydraulic features that can create surfing opportunities for skilled boaters. Strong river reading skills and the ability to make quick eddy turns are critical for safely managing this section of the Housatonic.