High water makes kayakers happy, humble at Dead Dog Hole

PADDLING — High water in many of the region’s streams justifiably keeps average paddlers on shore where they belong.  But expert kaykers relish runoff, giving them the only shot of the year at some mountain streams.

Close to home, Dead Dog Hole on the Spokane River under the Stateline bridge, attracts a regular clientelle of kayakers working on their play-boating techniques.

Photo above by paddler/photographer Brian Jamieson shows a crew staging on Sunday for some Dead Dog action.

But even the experienced paddlers have their limits, as Jamieson emphasized in this Facebook post:

We had two swimmers out at the dog yesterday, neither was bad at all but remember to keep it safe out there! There’s a ton of wood comin down right now so a spotter is key. Also, having a throw rope or two on shore is a good idea in case of problems. The hole should be past it’s stickiest stage, but let’s be sure to keep it safe out there!