Good Bailey level for a first time run?

[IkayakNboard]

What is a good level for a first time run through Bailey? Is the current 330ish still on the big side? In an EZG60?

[alexhenes]

Relatively speaking... 330cfs is on low side of good for Bailey. However it is difficult to comment on what level might be good for you as we don't know your abilities.

[gh]

Maybe the question was meant as....what is the easiest level for bailey?

[deepsouthpaddler]

Good to go now. Did it the first time last weekend. Lots of fun. Look at the 3 big ones. The rest is fun IV/IV+. If you do IV/IV+ in the playboat are are comfy there, then go for it, but I think most folks would bring a creekboat.

[Caspian]

Alex is right that 330 is a relatively low level, but it's also rare to see it much higher than that, so practically speaking, it's about the high-water mark for most years. This year and 2002 were the higher years, but for most years, 330 is about as good as it has gotten recently. I think 225 is a good minimum for a really enjoyable run. It's not much different at 300, just more padded out and a little bit faster. I wouldn't call 330 big, as you still have plenty of time to make moves.

As for the playboat, there's no play on Bailey unless you count eddylines and one non-eddy-served wave at lower levels. IMO, unless you can keyhole out of your playboat, you are taking a big risk doing any creeks in it. But the best line I ever saw over Gorilla *was* in a G-Force...then again, so was one of the worst.

[JCKeck1]

I figured I'd mention that with the current wood configuration, the ante has been upped for first timers. There is a 3/4 river wide strainer below S. Max. It not the one right below, but the one in the class IV boogie. Don't flip - get left. If you want to creekboat, buy a creekboat. There is a large safety difference.

[ski_kayak365]

Anyone for a friday run down Bailey??

Give me a ring

Josh
720-289-8624