Hance Rapid

Hance Rapid was our first true giant, a roaring stretch of whitewater that had our full attention long before we even dropped in. As we approached, the river widened and the gradient steepened sharply, with the Colorado tumbling over a jumbled maze of rocks and powerful, surging waves. From the dory, we could hear the deep, steady rumble growing louder, echoing between the canyon walls. We scouted carefully and chose our line, knowing the consequences here were real. Dropping in, the boat bucked hard as we crashed through tall standing waves and maneuvered around jagged boulders that rose like sentinels from the churning flow. Water exploded over the bow with each hit, soaking us from head to toe, and the raw power of the river pulsed through the oars with every pull. By the time we punched through the final wave train, our hearts were racing and smiles stretched wide across our faces. Hance reminded us just how formidable and exhilarating the Grand Canyon’s rapids can be. It was a challenge that demanded respect and rewarded precision.