How to Run Elevator Shaft
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended to be used as advice, not to replace actual instruction or scouting.
I ran this drop several times at 13-16ft. At higher/lower water the line may change or become
unsafe. Please scout Elevator Shaft and use common sense.
Elevator Shaft
Elevator shaft is the river-right most channel of the Garvins rapid on the middle channel of the Ottawa. It is the steepest of these channels, with a total drop of approximately 15ft, and a vertical drop of 8ft.
What's the Line?
The safest route is to punch the top diagonal wave, and then skirt just to the left of the curler, clipping the edge. Lean into it slightly. Hitting the left shoulder of the curler sets you up perfectly on the lip. The drop itself is an auto-boof, landing on a rock shelf, which cushions the landing and kicks you over the weak hole at the bottom. Just make sure to lean forward.
Safety and Scouting
An island just to the left of the shaft is the perfect place to scout. just space out while catching it to keep from washing down over the shaft or dragons tongue (adjacent slide). you can climb down the island to set safety with a rope, or have someone attain to one of the eddies below.
Hazards
The biggest hazard is the rock shelf the shaft lands on. Landing on the shaft rightside-up is no problem. It just gives you a fun kick over the hole and a surprisingly soft landing. Washing over the shaft upside-down however, will result in a hospital visit. This shelf is what makes elevator shaft a class IV+ rapid, If you are considering running it you must be absolutely positive that you will not flip in the entrance. Is rapid is extremely dangerous and there should be no shame in walking it. There is Purgatory hole downstream, but the current pushes away from it and makes it impossible to catch/be washed into. Do watch out for some serious boils, but otherwise it's smooth sailing
I hope this helps, have fun and see you on the river!
-Reilly Osborne
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