Rafting the class V rapids of the Nob

The class V sections of the Nob!

As I mentioned in my last post, the West branch of the Penobscot River is the wildest whitewater rafting experience in Maine. It has two major class V sections of rapids, "The Gorge" and "The Cribworks." Class V rapids are defined as rapids with only one safe way in which to navigate them and at least one very dangerous feature.

The Gorge

The Gorge 

The Gorge is the first major class V section of rapids on the nob. It is also the first set of rapids after you launch from the dam. The very first hit is called "Exterminator" and it lives up to its name. This one wave is responsible for the majority of raft flips on the river. If your crew and guide do not work together to hit the wave at the correct angle, this massive wall of water will stand up a 15' boat and flip it like it was nothing.
If your boat flips at Exterminator, it is a long treacherous swim to the bottom of the gorge, but your guide should be able to get everyone on the raft before the end.

Exterminator

The rest of the gorge is filled with large features like "Fist of God." This is a huge rock in the middle of the river that you must miss in order to navigate safely.

The Cribworks

The Crib is the second major class V section of rapids on the nob. It is right in the middle of your trip and is widely known as the hardest section of river to guide in Maine. It is extremely technical and starts with "Turkey Chute," a 8 foot opening between two massive rocks that the guide must maneuver the raft through.

The Cribworks

After missing "Pain in the butt rock," the guide must then turn the raft 45 degrees to the left while not flipping in "Typewriter Waves." Once past those, you'll need to watch out for the wailing wall. This 30 foot wall of rock is undercut and extremely dangerous. Once you get past the wailing wall, you're almost out. You'll just need to get by the last huge hit, "Bone Crusher."