How many people raft the Ocoee each year?
250,000
The Ocoee River hosted the whitewater kayaking events for the 1996 Olympic Games. Currently, 24 outfitters operate on the river. The Ocoee draws an average of 220,000 to 250,000 rafters, canoeists and kayakers each year.
Is the Ocoee Dam controlled?
Dam-controlled rivers, such as the Ocoee River and the Nantahala River, provide consistent, predictable water flows, which are essential for the ultimate whitewater experience. This is one of the main reasons that these two rivers have become so popular with whitewater enthusiasts.
How old do you have to be to raft the Ocoee?
least 12 years of age
Is there an age limit to raft on the Ocoee River? Yes. The Tennessee State Parks Department requires that to raft on the Ocoee River you must be at least 12 years of age.
What states does the Ocoee River run through?
The Ocoee River Crosses Two States
The Ocoee River originates in Georgia, where it is known as the Toccoa River. The Toccoa River flows northwest for 56 miles through Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains until it reaches the border between Georgia and Tennessee. It’s at this border that the river becomes the Ocoee River.
What is the hardest white water rafting?
1) Terminator – Futaleufú River, Chile
With five Class V rapids, the Futaleufú is known for its big water, but it’s Terminator that’s considered the biggest and baddest of them all. In fact, many pros say it’s the most challenging commercially run rapid in the world.
What is a flush drowning?
Flush drowning is when a swimmer isn’t held in place but generally moving downstream through rough water. Repeated dunking and/or being hit by waves causes the swimmer to aspirate water compromising the airway. Eventually, getting enough oxygen in the lungs proves too difficult and they pass out and drown.
Is Ocoee lake man made?
More Information. The oldest man-made lake in the Cherokee National Forest, it was created in 1910-11 with the building of Ocoee Dam Number One (Parksville Dam). Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this 1,930-acre is popular for water skiing, pontoon boating, jet skiing, swimming, and picnicking.
What does Ocoee mean in Cherokee?
He took the name from a river in Tennessee. Ocoee means “apricot vine” in the Cherokee language – what we now call the passion flower.
Is there a weight limit for white water rafting?
90 to 275 pounds is the weight limit for most white water river rafting companies. Though there are no laws about rafting weight limits, most companies require participants to be within this weight range. So depending on your weight, you may not be able to go river rafting.
Is Ocoee rafting safe?
We adhere to a strict training program that exceeds what the USFS and TN State Park requires on the Ocoee River. Through all my experience and research, I have found that whitewater rafting today is a very safe sport when done within your limits and with a commercial outfitter.
What does the name Ocoee mean?
apricot vine
Ocoee means “apricot vine” in the Cherokee language – what we now call the passion flower. The city logo is inspired by this flower. The Town of Ocoee was recognized as a municipality by the Florida legislature in 1923 and became the City of Ocoee in May 1925.
Is Ocoee Lake man made?
Are there class 7 rapids?
Class VII and VIII Rapids
There are plenty of narrow passages, long and quite difficult rapids, and very turbulent water in a Classes 7-8. This for the advanced rafting enthusiast as it requires precision maneuvering.
Do Class 6 rapids exist?
Currently off-limits to paddlers, the Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory Class VI rapids. The deep rapids reach speeds of more than 20 mph and are some of the most extreme in the entire world.
Can a child drown after swimming?
Health experts define drowning as trouble breathing after you get water into your airways. Sometimes that happens while swimming or bathing. But it can come from something as simple as getting water in your mouth or getting dunked. Although it can be fatal, it isn’t always.
What is a low head dam drowning?
Low head dams are often colloquially known as “drowning machines” (link courtesy Iowa DNR) due to the hazard they pose to swimmers, kayakers, and other recreationalists, who may not recognize the structures or be aware of the turbulent currents they can cause, which are extremely difficult to escape.
How do you pronounce Ocoee?
How to Pronounce Ocoee (Real Life Examples!) – YouTube
What happened on the Ocoee River?
The incident happened Saturday, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. POLK COUNTY, Tenn. — A person died Saturday during a “rafting incident” Saturday on the Ocoee River, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
What happened to the Ocoee Whitewater Center?
On April 26, 2022, the Ocoee Whitewater Center caught fire and was destroyed. No one was injured in the fire. The Cherokee National Forest, along with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), are working on reopening portions of the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
What do you do if you fall white water rafting?
Always float on your back with your face out of the water. All the while, keep your feet at or above the surface of the water. Keep your arms out to the side to help slow down and maneuver in the river. Be aware of your position in relation to the raft.
What is the best time to go white water rafting?
Spring. Late May to late June, springtime runoff from snowmelt makes for the most exciting time of rafting season for whitewater, with cooler river temperatures and smaller crowds.
What should you not do when white water rafting?
DON’T – Jump Out of the Boat
Unless instructed by your guide, haphazardly jumping out of the boat is dangerous. Guides know the layout of the river better than anyone else. They will know when the water is clear of rocks and rapids. Trust what they say, they are the experts.
What class rapids are on the Ocoee River?
Whitewater Rapid Classes and Grades
Class Six is a large, dangerous rapid that is almost impossible to run. The rated Ocoee River rapids range from two to four; the middle of the scale of whitewater rapids. Exciting, but not too intimidating for beginning or seasoned rafters!
Can a beginner do Class 4 rapids?
What’s the Most Advanced Class of Rapids I Can Do as a Beginner? If you’re physically fit, at least 14-18 years of age (water level changes minimum age recommendations), and ready for some adrenaline-pumping excitement, you can join in on trips with Class I-III rapids interspersed with Class IV rapids.
What is the hardest river to kayak?
1. Little White Salmon, Washington, USA. “To put the Little White Salmon River (AKA Ldub) into a few words, it’s the most quality, continuous piece of whitewater I’ve ever paddled. People live here because of this river; others drive hours; others of us fly here just to paddle it.”