29 Mile Rapid

29 Mile Rapid arrived as a broad, surging wave train that stretched across the width of the river and invited us to open up the dory’s speed. The current quickened noticeably, funneling us into a long series of rolling waves that rose steadily from the green water ahead. As we entered, the bow climbed each smooth crest and dropped cleanly into the deep troughs, the boat flexing with the rhythm of the river. Midway through, one towering wave stood higher than the rest and crashed squarely over the bow, slamming into my face with a blast of cold water that soaked me head to toe in an instant. The hit left us laughing as we shook off the drenching and refocused on the line ahead. Cool sprays lifted off the wave tops and sparkled in the afternoon light, while the steady rush of water filled the canyon with a soft, powerful hum. We let the boat run, making small adjustments with the oars to keep our line steady as the wave train carried us downstream. The rapid had an easy flow, but the size and speed gave it a satisfying weight that kept us engaged. It was one of those stretches where the dory felt perfectly in sync with the river, moving fast and fluid through the heart of the canyon.