Day Surfing at Ledges Rapid on the Salt

[randall]

I'm just wondering if anyone could tell me a way to hike to the famous Ledges Rapid on the Salt River. I have seen pictures of people packing in their kayaks and surfing the world-famous wave that forms there. I'd like to do the same.

Thanks,
Randy

[nonot]

Is that the one that was dynamited?

[randall]

No, that is Quartzite Falls rapid, lower downstream. Ledges is about 4 river miles downstream from Cibecue Creek.

[rushthezeppelin]

Wait so theres places in rivers where you can actually surf? >.>

[jkern15674]

you never heard of river surfing, have you heard of the surfing they do on the great lakes?

[Hoffmaster]

have you heard of the surfing they do on the great lakes?

I actually know a guy that surfs here on Lake Erie. At first I thought he was full of it, but then I saw the pictures. As soon as I get a job and can afford a wetsuit, I'm learning to surf.

[azbackpackr]

I think they just drive there, don't they? There is a rough dirt road all along the river in that area. You might prefer high clearance, and if Cibicue Creek is up, you'll want 4WD. I have seen beat-up old cars in there, though!

The tribe now has a pay box at the main put-in, so can pay and then just drive on down there. Do you know where the main put-in is, by Hwy 60, bottom of the Salt River Canyon? If you're coming up from Phx. you pass the restrooms, cross the bridge, and immediately turn left on the first dirt road, it is just past the bridge. Very easy to find.

Alternatively, if you want to run the river first, bring two cars and set up your shuttle. You might be able to hitchhike back with a small playboat, but I wouldn't count on it.

[jkern15674]

I think they just drive there, don't they? There is a rough dirt road all along the river in that area. You might prefer high clearance, and if Cibicue Creek is up, you'll want 4WD. I have seen beat-up old cars in there, though! .

So your saying the "surf spot" is where along the dirt road?? Is this first hand experience or what you've heard? Cause I would hit that up this weekend.

[azbackpackr]

Ok, someone else needs to jump in here. I have just done the usual one-day raft trip, which goes a ways past Cibecue Creek. The road goes a lot further than that. The road goes all the way to Gleeson Flats, according to the sign, something like 20+ miles. Yes, I THINK you can drive there, and I have sure seen a lot of playboats in there in certain areas. I seem to recall a rapids called "Ledges" too. But you really need to talk to a playboat person, not an occasional rafting person like me. I have seen them surfing, playing, doing somersaults, etc. at this one spot with those really little playboats. (Looks fun!) I have seen them trying to hitchhike back with little boats, etc.

That's as much as I actually know for sure.