The G-Wave

I had heard whispers of the mystical G-Wave. A wave said to be so magical and rare that people would do anything to catch a ride. There was even talk of some fairly high profile paddlers playing on this wave, only adding to the allure. It’s located about a mile or two downstream of the confluence of the North Fork American and the Middle Fork American, just outside of Auburn (also known as the Confluence run). The wave itself becomes really good from 20,000 cfs to 25,000 cfs, with some saying it goes a few thousand above and below the ideal flow bounds. 

Thanks to Brian for this b/w idea. The runoff was so icky brown it was almost kinda disgusting to stare at for hours editing.

So naturally following a torrential downpour, a small crew assembled to run the North Fork American Confluence run. This is a run I’ve done once before, but honestly didn’t like much due to the lack of any significantly interesting rapids. Of course, I had only ran it at 3,000 cfs. This day we were projected to have anywhere from 19,000 cfs to 25,000 cfs. 

About when we got to the wave, we had about 21.5k cfs. The gauge is located about half a mile downstream of the wave. 

As mentioned previously, the G-Wave only really comes into good shape from 20k cfs to 25k cfs. A group had ran it a few days prior at around 12k cfs and reported that while the wave was present, the green surf able portion of the wave was limited in the lateral extent. So when I woke up to flows in the upper 20 thousands, I definitely knew there was a good chance of scoring the wave of a lifetime. 

As Darin McQuoid put it, “California's best playspot has a terrible name. That's all there is to it. The Gay Wave is apparently a popular alternative lifestyle hang out in the summer months.”  Ah, the days where we used to call it an “alternative lifestyle”…

G-Wave does indeed have a terrible name. Not to mention, it’s a lot further from notorious nude beach just downstream of No Hands Bridge. So honestly I don’t even think it’s an apt descriptor. Though on the other hand, “gay” isn’t really so much of a slur these days and really just a descriptor. I can personally attest that the aforementioned beach is indeed a known gay hangout (ask me for the story in person). 

Anyway, back from debating semantics to the actual run. Sun greeted us the day after the torrential downpour, a welcome reminder that we do indeed live in California of all places. So followed a quick group organization and mobilization to Rattlesnake bar. Rattlesnake bar is much further than I normally would like to takeout as there’s a mile long flatwater paddle out. However this was our only option given the upper takeouts (Birdsall, Oregon Bar) were closed due to heavy rains. 

Gearing up at the confluence of the NF and MF American rivers. 

Putting on, we encountered a handful of curious onlookers, surprised to see neon clad warriors entering the churning chocolate milk. The first half of the run was uneventful, though I was concerned about potentially missing the wave itself. I had heard stories of people blowing right past it because they weren’t paying attention. From the name, you would think the wave is immediately adjacent to the nude beach. So when we flew past the beach with no wave in sight, I started to get worried. Brian assured me the wave was further down.

A few more bends in the river and we came across a slight horizon line, a river right eddy, a sweet hole, and a nice smooth green wave. Jackpot.

Brian scoring in his Necky Bliss.

Again, Brian inspired slow shutter speed. Really tough to get the timing right for a sharp subject, but looks cool when it does happen. 1/25 shutter.

Brian and Jesse setting the vibe.

Jesse absolutely carving it up in his Ozone. 

Love this shot, just the way that Jesse is on edge here looks great.

Justin carving up the green wave.

Bruce starts to sub out.

Note massive eddy river right. You could carp 8-10 rolls and still have enough time to hit the eddy. 

We spent at least an hour and a half at the wave, taking turns hooting and hollering. Over and over we couldn’t believe we were the only ones at that wave and were relishing every carve, cartwheel, and beatdown. 

Eventually we ran out of energy and the wave was becoming less and less satisfying, so we proceeded downstream. From the beta, I knew that the Whitewater Park would be absolutely monstrous, with some must avoid holes river center. As we floated past the portage sign, we were rewarded with some of the biggest holes I’d ever seen. While Brian portaged, the rest of the group ran center left and skirted all of the holes. 

This photo sorta speaks for itself. 

The rest of the run consisted of some big class III and some avoidable holes. Once the current subsided, we were left with about a mile or two of paddling to the take out. Just a tip, look for the power lines crossing the lake perpendicularly so as to not miss the takeout. It can sometimes be difficult to see the parking lot up the hill from the water. 

All told, this was an absolutely epic day, and I will definitely be returning. All of us in the group decided it was so high quality that we would drop most of what we were doing just to run this wave. 

In terms of flow, we had about 22k cfs to 19k cfs. I would certainly think that the higher end of the 20-25k flow range would be optimal. Towards the end of our session the green wave began closing out and the magnitude also started to get smaller. 

So all in all, just one of the most magical experiences I could have hoped for. Such a stoke inducing day.