Raft Pin On Bridge Pillar North Umpqua River

On one of our trips, we came across this group with a raft pinned against the Apple Creek bridge. It took a while to get it off of there. At one point I didn't think it was going anywhere without some pulleys. Remember always have a throw bag, legit carabiners, and don't use hollow braid polypropylene rope, its junk.

[@rolfekurtyka-realestateexa6078]

Excellent rescue by experienced paddlers.

[@mountain_ginger]

Way to communicate and take over the situation.

[@STEADY599]

A moment of drama handled expertly. Well done. Great viewing.

[@jfo738]

Very fortunate that bridge pier had a nice ledge to stand on during that operation. Well done.

[@tylerstone2917]

Nice save! With a frame attached it is safer to secure to the frame NOT the bow line or "D" rings as those are single points. Attaching to the frame spreads the pull load across 4+ "D" rings instead of one. Rope on rope is also not the best as the added friction can cause binding or "cutting" of the weaker rope. Just did a rescue where 2 of the guys helping told me they have a friend who lost an eye when the rigging broke during a rescue. Be Safe and like the OP stated never start a trip without a fully packed rescue bag. Lastly secure a extra life vest to the rope between you and the last pulley/carabiners, since they will follow the path of pulling the hope is they would run into the secured life vest and lose momentum before ever reaching any of the rescuers.

[@ottmountain733]

Gnarly! Dude, you're Batman! Great rescue footage! Awesome that you helped a boater in need.

[@GetOffYourAss]

For the most part the boating community is great at helping each other out.

[@michaelhill56]

I gotta question the oar boater's skills if they can't miss a bridge piling in a class 2 rapid.

[@GetOffYourAss]

Agreed.

[@KayakLife]

Hahaha... this made my evening. Thanks for posting.

[@combatrafting]

NIce work!

[@MTmixer84]

Verry good rescue work

[@GetOffYourAss]

Thank you! This was a few years ago when I was less experienced. Since then I have taken a SWR class. If it happen again today I would do it a little differently. In the end it all worked out and that's what matters I guess :)

[@joelbashore5658]

Oh jeez. This rafter should not be on the water. But then again, 30-40% of boaters I see on most rivers don't belong there because they think that a river is just like a big natural flume ride like at Water Country USA.

[@GetOffYourAss]

This gentlemen was fairly up there in years and it showed. His set up screamed club boater and Id bet he only gets out one or two weekends a year.