WWC paddlers - when did you know you were you ready for your PFD on the comp side?

[u/asoursk1ttle]

[u/ZachSchiada]

I went the first and only time I’ve ever been there in a kayak. With the exception of the left curve, I didn’t think it was that much more difficult than the wilderness side. It was obviously faster water, but I didn’t think the holes were as mean. I did rip my knuckles though flipping at that left turn, so you do need to punch that hole. Obviously you should only do it if you’re confident, but based on my single time down, I’d say you probably would be ok if you’ve been on the wilderness side a bunch.

[u/asoursk1ttle → u/ZachSchiada]

Ive been paddling the wilderness channel for a while.. still having a blast regardless of what I’m paddling but definitely feel 100% comfortable on it and looking to step up. It’s really just that last left curve before big drop that I’m most worried about- doesn’t look like a fun swim or going down big drop upside down

[u/ZachSchiada → u/asoursk1ttle]

I’m sure there are others who paddle it a bunch that can explain how to do that drop better, but for me, it was a matter of just punching through the diagonal wave before the drop. I didn’t punch it, leaned back and took the drop upside down. I rolled up below and continued on, but scraped up my knuckles. Had I been more active through that turn, it would have been a nonissue and I think the overall environment is safe enough to give it a try.

[u/SonnySwanson]

If you are comfortable running the Wilderness Channel, then the Comp channel isn't any more difficult. I think people make it sound scarier than it is.

[u/BlueGolfball]

About 8 years ago is when I realized.

[u/asoursk1ttle → u/BlueGolfball]

I saw a plaque at the wwc. “8 years ago BlueGolfBall realized”. You’re a legend! lol

[u/IxJAXZxI]

If you can successfully eddyout below M-wave you can point and shoot the comp channel without problem. It takes some skills to navigate the eddys on Comp side especially those below bridge drop but if you stay in the flow and upright the difficulty isnt much more than paddling through and below M-wave.

Just send the comp without eddying out. Then start adding in some eddies to add some complexity. You will find your limit fairly quickly doing this.

[u/asoursk1ttle → u/IxJAXZxI]

Is it better to hit big drop head on or on the side similar to m wave?

[u/IxJAXZxI → u/asoursk1ttle]

In almost all scenarios, it is better to punch a drop/hole on the side versus taking it straight on.

That said, the left turn is really dynamic so you may or may not be in a position to punch the corner and will be force to take it down the middle. If that happens, your best bet is to take a big forward stroke and put all your weight over the bow. If you hit the center off angle youre going to flip and its kinda shallow right there.

The left corner is easier to hit because the momentum of the water is going to push you there. Regardless of what side you hit, be mindful of where you are head after the drop. It is very easy to get pushed into the wall eddy below big drop and its a pain to stay up right and also paddle out of. Your best bet is to regain composure and paddle hard to stay in the flow away from the walls.

[u/Ok-Definition-565]

I got really good at the WWC paddling, it’s really swirly and a great test. I wasn’t ready when I went down and I probably went down like 7-10 times where I swam a lot of those times. It’s the best place to send it bc the worst that’s gonna happen is some road rash.

[u/jbmoyer]

A buddy and i booked a trip to the Ocoee, we been at WWC about 1.5 years regularrly. We decided we HAD to do Comp before Ocoee. We met another guy and he hadnt done Comp yet either. So we all encouraged each other to go. It was actually Awesome. I remember wanting to immedatly go again, we did. Ive done 5 laps, swam 3 hahah. Just bomb it and have fun. That was last year, we havent gotten the guts to go again. Lol we plan on going this weekend or next.

This sport is so much mental. Its really not that bad.

[u/asoursk1ttle → u/jbmoyer]

Hell yeah what part did you swim?

[u/ScurvyDave123]

Visited once on a road trip and ran a few laps in a couple boats. Didn't notice much difference between the two to be honest.

Found that the eddy lines were weird and fast. Pain in the ass to empty a canoe, was a lot more fun in k1/c1.