GC rapids use a different rating scale than most Rivers, 1-9 instead of the traditional 1-5. Hance is one of handful rated an 8, one of the first hard rapids you must navigate, and longer than most.

I swear the GoPro makes rapids look tiny compared to how they feel!

I started the rapid where I wanted to be, and felt online. At some point the oar is out of my hand, and I get sideways. I’ve recovered the oar, but realize we’re going to hit a wave sideways before I can straighten out. It’s a big hit, nearly washing us all from the boat. Glad I stayed in.

Really impressed with the family. Kim fought hard to stay in the boat mostly, and kept a hand on Margot.

Margot stayed calm, and when I pulled her in, she located her sister and did exactly what she had been taught, keeping eyes on the swimmer and pointing, without being reminded. Proud of her.

Hazel did awesome. Swimming rapids on the Canyon is big. Watch closely and you can see that she is held under for a good 6 seconds. But she didn’t panic and when I told her to she swam well to the boat.