Dixie Drive

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 upstream downstream r
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aka Swimmer's rapid

Before the rushed pace that commercial rafting on the Ocoee has become took hold, most trip leaders and guides would let their customers swim this stretch. 25-30 feet off the right hand bank there's a fairly deep channel that will give swimmers (who maintain the "Whitewater swim position", feet downstream on yer back) a taste of waves without putting them in danger and with a large calm spot to retrieve people further down.

Macho types could be directed further river left, where, at the expense of a few rocks, they could experience a small breaking wave or two at eye level.

On coming out of the eddies after Western Flyer, start river left and work through the rock garden towards the right. Two rocks and a tree stand out on the left hand bank and note the start of the rapid proper. Swimmers can exit to the left side of the raft in this area.

The only thing to watch out for is people hanging on the boat (if you're rafting) or becoming complacent and drifting into "Birth Control Rock", the wedge shaped rock at the bottom. More than one boat has been solidly pinned on that rock.

Stupid raft guide tricks: Some guides will jump out on Birth Control Rock, run down it and dive back into the boat. Slower guides will end up diving into the water and swimming after their boats.

previous : Western Flyer next : Slingshot

I love to hear from my readers, but I get a lot of mail. If you're writing to set up a rafting or other outdoor adventure trip in the southeast Tennessee area, contact the folks at OAR , my favorite outfitters.

This is a part of the Virtual Ocoee pages of Dan's Whitewater collection in the home pages of Dan Lyke , reachable at danlyke@flutterby.com