Zoroaster Rapid

Zoroaster Rapid unfolded as a long, wave-filled run where the river stretched wide and the current braided around scattered rocks and submerged ledges. From above, we could see a broad tongue of smooth water feeding into a line of rolling, glassy waves that shimmered in the midday light. We steered the dory into the main channel, letting the current gather us up and carry us into the first set of standing waves. The boat rose and fell rhythmically, the bow cutting cleanly through each crest and sending cool sprays of water drifting across the deck. The rapid had a smooth but powerful push, with waves that surged beneath us and boils swirling off to either side, keeping us alert and making small, steady oar strokes to hold our course. The canyon walls opened slightly here, giving us sweeping views of massive red rock faces streaked with desert varnish and dotted with ledges of bright green vegetation. Zoroaster had a graceful, flowing energy that felt both exhilarating and manageable. As we slipped into the calm water below, the steady momentum of the run left us with that quiet, content satisfaction of a clean line well-run.