As you leave Staging Eddy for Gonzo Shoals there is a large nose shaped rock protruding from the center of the river. Whitewater rafts navigate through shallow water and tight routes to a series of broken ledges. Thus surf spots abound and many guides have preferred spots. Kayakers can find many attainments and challenge lines to practice skill in addition to surfing opportunities. Our video features rafting and surfing footage as well as one of our kayaking instructors playing:
You can see more than one raft surfing features in Gonzo Shoals in the video. The Gonzo rock attainment challenge move is demonstrated; there are additional attainment and fun eddies to catch not shown. There is another fun challenge move for kayakers at the double ledge. Walking the Plank is a move between the two ledges virtually surfing the backwash. A short attainment and surf can return the kayaker to the starting point as show in our video.
Gonzo Shoals rapid is more difficult to navigate at low water dodging rocks. Fortunately TVA recreational releases provide enough water to safely navigate the rapid. A portion of every commercial guests’ fees compensate TVA for the recreational water releases on the Ocoee River.