Hydrology and Hazards of Broken Nose Rapid

301 - Ocoee River Hydrology and Hazards covers many of the rapids of the Ocoee River. This article covers Broken Nose rapid on the Middle Ocoee. Broken Nose is one of the two highest-rated rapids on the Middle Ocoee. Both Broken Nose and Table Saw are rated class III+ at normal flows between 1,200 and 1,600 cfs.

The video above features a lot of information of interest to guides and private boaters. The hydrology of Broken Nose is examined and explained. Broken Nose is a virtual playground for intermediate and above kayakers. Many young guides struggle to master Broken Nose, while experienced guides can run it smoothly and easily.

Eddies and Ledges

The five major eddies used by kayakers are explained in detail. As a bonus, eddies 6, 7, and 8 are also explored. Broken Nose features an s-wave over the first ledge in the entrance. Water pushes river right into the rocks along the bank. If an appropriate left angle is maintained, the final two ledges are easily run between eddy number five and Coffee Break Rock. However, Coffee Break Rock pins are often the setup for an unintentional surf at the bottom ledge hole.

Brave and skilled kayakers enjoy surfing the ledge hole just above eddy 5. If you do this, watch for raft traffic and have the skills to get out of the way.

The Safety Eddy Issue

Be aware of the river right safety eddy just below the final ledge of Broken Nose. This is a terrible place for kayakers. Young guides trying to impress their trip leaders have run over private boaters here. These guides lack both judgment and skill. There is an alternative safety position on shallow rocks to the right. Many young trip leaders also lack judgment and train new guides to do dumb things like run over boaters. This, of course, opens the company to lawsuits. Intentional collisions can have legal consequences.