Best Embudo Level for a Virgin

[bwest]

What do yall think that the best level for Embudo is for a first run down? AW says it is green at 2.7 feet right now but I think that is pretty low. What is a fun padded level thats not too pushy? Is it going to coincide perfectly with the end of ski season this weekend (for me) and who wants to go get some? Ive heard that 3.3 is a pretty optimal level, what do yall thank?

[ski_kayak365]

I ran it for my first time last year and we went at 3.2 or 3.3. It was low enough that nothing was extreamly pushy, but still good flow. You could portage the drops that you didn't like and still run the good IV's. I'll be going back come May or June. Send a pm to Atom, if your looking for someone to guide you down and be on your game. He took us, and he is a great person and knows every part of that river along with everyother river in the area.

Josh

[Ken Vanatta]

bwest,
There was a thread recently about the level still being too early since the gauge is reading the total flow rather than there being irragation having reduced the flow into the guage. Anyway, once the draw starts and the flow is actually more above the irragation, a 3.0 level on the guage might be a good level for you. Be realistic about your ability at any level, though. It progresses at a nice pace, getting more difficult every step along the way, and does allow you to build some confidence. However, it does get very demanding and has serious consequences. It is not a place to spend much time upside down or to take a swim. I have seen one person fortunately survive a bad swim at 3'8", but his boat was twisted into a pretzel. Make sure you are a strong class V boater. I would not want to deal with an injured person in that canyon. As far as this weekend goes, you might think of hitting the UTB instead. It is at a very nice level.

Cheers!
Ken

[floaty22]

Hey, we went last weekend at 2.8 and I would not do that again. One boat broke halfway and forced a hike out. My boat got a four inch break in taco garden on the way down. 2 outta 4 ain't bad if your from AZ!
Wait for 3.1.
Upper box is sweet right now. If your gonna go stick to that. Johnny