Grapevine Rapid

Grapevine Rapid came into view with a sprawling spread of waves and powerful currents braided across a wide section of the river. As we approached, the current accelerated and split around a series of boulders and submerged rocks that sculpted multiple lines through the rapid. We aimed the dory into the main left run, where a set of steep, frothing waves stacked tightly together. The bow lifted sharply over the first crest and then plunged into a deep trough, sending a cold sheet of water surging over the front and splashing across our laps. The dory flexed and rolled with the surging water, each wave punching firmly beneath us and demanding quick oar strokes to stay aligned. Tall cliffs pressed in on both sides, their angular shadows shifting quickly as we charged through the heart of the rapid. Grapevine had a relentless, rolling rhythm that kept us focused from top to bottom, a long ride where the energy never quite let up. As we drifted into the calmer tailwaters below, we could feel the satisfying pull of tired arms and wide smiles, knowing we had worked hard to thread our way cleanly through.