High runoff benefits whitewater enthusiasts


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PROVO -- Utah's rivers and streams are running high and fast. They're dangerous and can be deadly. But whitewater enthusiasts couldn't be more excited about the huge runoff.

The Daily Herald spoke to several BYU students who also are experienced kayakers. They were enjoying a 4-mile stretch of the Provo River called the Bridal Veils Reach. Typically that stretch of river is a class III rapid. But with an abundance of spring runoff, some argue the rapids are nearing class IV.

One kayaker, Jonathan Cheney, calls it a wet roller coaster that's almost surreal. Another kayaker, Kyle Gregg, says the Provo River is by far the best he's ever seen it.

But the adventure seekers also admit kayaking has its dangers. They tell the Herald they take safety equipment. They're very familiar with the river and where the dangers are located. They also say the most important part is that kayakers stay within their skill level.

Preparation includes:

  • Good equipment
  • Safety gear
  • Knowledge of the hazards
  • Going with experienced boaters
  • Staying within your skill level

But again, these kayakers are very experienced and say people need to have training before attempting to run the rapids.

There have been a number of near-drownings and water-rescues in the past few days. Saturday a 13-year-old boy was pulled from the Provo River. He had been floating on an air mattress at Riverside Park when he apparently fell into the water. He was breathing but unconscious after being pulled from the water.

Officer Troy Morgan said Saturday, the Provo River is "extremely dangerous right now even for the greatest of swimmers. I would recommend that parents advise their children to stay away from the river. Even for adults, it is very dangerous."

Written with contributions from Randall Jeppesen and Marjorie Cortez .

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