301 - Ocoee River Hydrology and Hazards covers many of the rapids of the Ocoee River. This article covers Table Saw rapid on the Middle Ocoee. Table Saw is second of the two highest rated rapids of the Middle Ocoee. Both Broken Nose and Table Saw are rated calss III+ at normal flow between 1,200 and 1,600 cfs. It is debatable if either becomes class IV at the cut off level of 3,000 cfs for commercial activities on the Ocoee River. Most would agree the nature of the Middle become class IV above 4,000 cfs. The nature of the world is impermanence. These features are subject to change over time or quickly during high water events. Be informed and be safe out there people.
The above video features a lot of information of interest to especially raft guides. The hydrology of Table Saw is examined and explained. Table Saw is the steepest rapid on the Middle Ocoee and likely the Ocoee River. It is a virtual playground for intermediate and above kayakers that want to catch challenging eddies. More than a few young guides struggle to master Table Saw. The best know hazard here is Prudential Rock. This rock does have a sieve though the hole is under the waterline even at low water. Additionally the rock is quite under cut. Other rocks in the area are also undercut. I strongly recommend taking a low water hike. Use care if you hike the riverbed. Whitewater activities come with inherent risks.
Table Saw features many eddies of interest to kayakers. Rafters on the other hand want to be certain to maintain a left angle as they crash through the breaking wave at the top. Failure to maintain this angle will result in hitting or pinning at Purdential Rock. Unpinning a raft here can be tricky. It is not hard to flip a raft while unpinning a raft. This is even harder if your crew is over weight and scared. Weight distrubution is critical to avoid a flip. Further hazards await downstream at Diamond Splitter for swimmers.
Explore the hole and underside of Prudentail Rock in this underwater video
Also be aware of guide ejector as it can kick you into the air or the river. Thus also blowing the angle and interacting with Prudential Rock.
If you throw a rope to rescue swimmers at the bottom of Table Saw it is critical you do not lose your rope and create a more dangerous hazard. It is also important never to use small diameter ropes especially on commercial trips. These issues played a role in the most recent death at this location in 2019. DO not bring improper equipment on the river. Do not introduce additional hazards to the river.
Continue reading to learn more about the hydrology and hazards of the Ocoee River.
I am Fast Fred Ruddock and I would be happy to give you honest answers to your questions about rafting or the Ocoee River. You may email me directly with your questions or concerns at fastfredruddock@gmail.com and if you would like to come rafting with me be sure to check out Fast Fred Rafts for the latest details.
When I started this online Ocoee River Rafting Guide in 2016 there were none available online or in print. I'd like to this this is still the best Ocoee River Rafting Guide available. That said feedback is always welcomed and this is a constant work in progress.
I began rafting whitewater when I was young during the early 1970 with my family. We had several of our own rafts between my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. My family loved playing in the water; I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing. As I grew older and technology improved I began to get serious about kayaking and creek boating as well. I became an ACA certified kayak instructor and have shared the sport with countless others over the years. Living along the banks of the Green River in North Carolina I have access to some of the best world class rapids to hone my skills.
During my long off-season from rafting I primarily travel solo through Latin America. Ecuador is likely my favorite country to visit but I also enjoy Peru, Guatemala, and Mexico. Working as a river guide in the southeast during summers in North America I don't earn a lot of money and live close to the federal poverty level. In spite of this I live a rich life on a frugal budget. If you would like to learn more about traveling in Latin America or maybe some frugal travel tips visit Fast Fred Travels.
Curious about how I can travel so light or what I use on the river? Want to know more about the gear I carry abroad on my extend trips in Latin America or while rafting and kayaking? Here's your chance to dig into my Amazon shop for an inside look. If you make purchases via this shop I will get a very small commission but it will not increase your price what so ever.