Water Flow

Current Water Flow Rates on the Cedar River – Charles City

Features

The first feature, Dam Drop, at the levels mentioned below, allows for endless front/back surfing and spins. At lower flows one can easily stand up surf it.

The second feature, Doc’s Drop, is a semi-retentive, powerful rodeo style hole. Advanced boaters should be able to perform most freestyle moves here especially at 1400 – 1900 cfs.

The third drop, Exit Exam, is not as powerfull as Doc’s but many freestyle moves are possible.

Water flow videos

See what the river is like at various water flow stages

3100 cfs (cubic foot per second) Click picture for video

Dam Drop 

Doc’s Drop

Exit Exam

2000 cfs (cubic foot per second) Click picture for video

Dam Drop

Doc’s Drop

Exit Exam

Levels (cfs – cubic foot per second)

400-900 cfs - beginner/ intermediate – all features with some advance skill required in Doc’s drop at upper level.

900- 1400 cfs - low intermediate to advanced intermediate – in all features especially Doc’s. Bomb-proof roll recommended.

1400 -2000 cfs - intermediate to advanced – (especially Doc’s). Bomb-proof roll required.

2000 – 3000 cfs - advanced – skills highly recommended.

At the higher flows the current speed increases with large debris present. A swimmer will be washed far downstream.

Notes

• 1400 cfs is optimal for playboating and Stand Up surfing in all features.

• For downriver whitewater kayaking and canoeing:

• At 400 – 3000 cfs all features are safe to run barring any debris hung up in them. A bomb-proof roll is highly recommended at higher flows.