Kayakers Flood the Potomac After Rains

About once a year, spring rains and melting snow swell the Potomac River into a kayaker's dream. Despite warnings to stay off the river, experienced kayakers flock to thrilling new rapids and seldom-seen "play spots" such as "Dead Cow Hole" and "Sweetie Pie Wave."

Usually, kayakers say, the rushing waters ebb after a couple of days. But not when the rain continues for 10 days.

Yesterday, expert kayakers turned out during what some called one of the best weeks of wave-running in several years.

"It's like a powder day in skiing," said Nathan Nahikian, 32, as he and friends finished a run near Old Angler's Inn in Potomac. The river measured 7 1/2 feet at Little Falls -- three to four feet is typical this time of year -- and the current was twice as fast as usual, kayakers said.

But it was no day for novices. One kayaker was taken to Suburban Hospital late yesterday afternoon for a minor leg injury after Montgomery County firefighters rescued him from a rock in the river south of Great Falls. He and another man, who was found uninjured onshore, had become separated from their craft.

The rushing waters were so high and dangerous that authorities advised people not to wade, paddle or swim in the Potomac or its tributaries between Cumberland, Md., and the District-Maryland line.

"It's just racing," said Alan Etter, a spokesman for the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. "There are all kinds of hazards in the water, plus it's still cold. We don't advise anybody to get on the water in its current condition."

Sgt. Art Windemuth, spokesman for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources police, said those who consider themselves experienced enough to handle the conditions should use extreme caution and go with others. Life jackets are required on the Potomac and its tributaries between Great Falls and the Maryland-District line, and helmets are required for kayakers, he said.

Several of the kayakers out yesterday said they had rescued paddlers who had ditched their craft when they couldn't get out of a roll in the rushing, topsy-turvy whitecaps. Others said they dodged large logs and other debris, including a trash can and a truck tire.

Adam VanGrack, a lawyer and competitive kayaker, said he warned off two men headed toward the river in a small inflatable boat and helped rescue two others. VanGrack, 32, of Bethesda, said he went paddling most mornings last week. On Wednesday, when the Potomac measured just below its flood level of 10 feet, he hit the "big water," while yesterday's receding water brought out more "play spots."

"Most experienced kayakers will tell you we're only happy when it rains," he said.

Other kayakers said they weren't looking for a thrill. As he unloaded a kayak from his Honda, Bruce Myles, 60, of Potomac said he'd be sticking to the calm canal.

"This enables me to forget about money for a while," said Myles, a financial adviser. "It's cheaper than a therapist."