Slab Creek, South Fork American River, class IV+

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Slab Creek, a terrific class IV+ near Apple Hill, California on the South Fork American river above Chili Bar. Paddling in April 2019 with Todd, Marshall, Kennedy, and Barry. Thanks to Trevor for showing the lines (that we didn’t always follow very effectively!). And great paddling with Daisy (who R2’d with Trevor.)

[@lukefranco68]

Run looks FUN

[@BarryKruse]

The first time we ran it, I was mad I hadn't done it earlier. It is a great section.

[@lukefranco68]

Looks like a scaled down cherry creek. You did a great job navigating

[@BarryKruse]

@@lukefranco68 Thanks so much! It was sporty and super fun! This was my first time down running it on sight. We bumped and high-sided a few places. But I felt we had a pretty decent run. And it was a blast. There is a portage/lining drop that's not well-shown in this video. It's a very serious class V drop that's pretty complicated. We lined as recommended on river left and ran the last bit of it.

[@wuckhere]

Way to utilize the turn commands. This takes some time to get crews dialed in. good lines.

[@blownlines]

Nice run Barry!

[@BarryKruse]

Thanks! We had to high-side more often than we should’ve. But it was my first time down this run, and first time in a straight paddle config with this boat. Awesome run. Highly recommended! Wished I’d done many years ago.

[@danjsimons]

Nice run, I've always wanted to get on that stretch.

[@BarryKruse]

Highly recommended when it runs! It was tougher than I thought it would be, and has one very tough class V/portage. We did quite a bit of high siding!

[@ericvincent3253]

I love this video. Your paddle techniques are textbook and you have a solid team here! Thanks for sharing this amazing piece of the wilderness and gem of a run. Maybe Spring 2022 is the year we have enough water and we can run this.

[@BarryKruse]

Thanks so much, Eric! I really appreciate the comment. It’s great having a crew of folks you love to paddle with, and to be able to follow someone down a run who’s done it. This was my first time seeing the section. Looks like it could be a promising season ahead! Fingers crossed.

[@IgnominiousRex]

My God, what a friggin' workout. Was there ever any time to catch your breath, or pretty much just rock-em sock-em?

[@BarryKruse]

It is a really sporty run with lots of rapids! Like most California rivers, it is a “pool/drop” run. So there is a respite between most of the complicated drops. I just edited to show the fun stuff! Thanks for watching.

[@IgnominiousRex]

@@BarryKruse Well, good job on the editing, Barry. Kinda figured that was it....that, or you and your crew were super-human. ;)