Guide to Pinball
The first rapid on the Lower New, this Class II is named after the spin move that can be made off a large rock in the rapid.
Higher Flows
32,000-14,000cfs(12-7’), 14,000-7,500cfs(7-4’) – At these higher flows, the line through Pinball is pretty wide open. There are some sizable waves coming off the river left bank, but the main objective at high water is to make moves to get ready for Upper Railroad rapid just downstream.
Mid-Low Level Flows
7,500-4,400cfs(4-2’), 4,400-2,400cfs(2-0’) – At these mid and low flows, the “pinball” move begins to come into play. On the far river left side, a large rock becomes exposed above the surface of the water. The move in a raft involves putting the nose of your boat on the rock and spinning off to the right. Below the pinball rock, there is a series of small tailwaves. The current mellows, but you want to begin moving to the river right in order to set up for the entrance to Upper Railroad rapid.