The Vermont Paddlers Club

This was planned as a Upper Mad paddle but low water conditions caused us to change and paddle the Lower section below the Moretown Dam. At double drop or S turn rapid John decided to try and side surf the first drop. Getting out of that drop was easier than getting in but a little change in edge solved the problem and a quick roll was needed.

We spent a fair amount of time trying to catch every eddie and every wave possible as we headed for Horseshoe. Jamie first no problem , John decided to get hung up on a small rock at the edge of the drop proceeded to try and paddle up into the eddie with out success and then decided to run the drop stern first(I have to make this interesting for my fellow paddlers or it would not be as much fun) . Another quick roll all was well. Both Chris and Ken made it look easy. John had to run it again to show everyone that bow first is the perfered way. Jamie decided to give the right side a go.His approach was off a little and the not so forgiving flow decided to flip him and try to hold him down. Jamie was succesful getting upright even though the pushy water and ledge tried to keep him down.

The rest of the way was more surfing and catching eddies. Ken was happy that he ran a clean run, Chris was happy that his elbow was not causing him problems, John was happy not to have any more unintensional rolls and and Jamie is just happy to be out playing. thanks for the fun trip and I know we will be back on the Mad many more times this season. John