HOLD ON!!! - Rafting the Grand Canyon

An 18-day trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in September 2023 from Lee's Ferry to Pearce Ferry (280 miles). The flows ranged from 7-13K cfs when we put-in, but the releases were reduced to 5-8K cfs by the time we reached Phantom Ranch. Our raft is a 14-foot Hyside - a bit on the small side for the Grand Canyon, but we were fortunate to avoid a flip.

[@oldboater]

This is the best video I’ve seen on the Grand Canyon and running the river. You captured the feel of the river. I’ve watched a bunch and this is the best.

[@robertfarrell5495]

Thanks so much! We drew a 3.16.25 launch, starting the process. Your video is so helpful, feeding the fire!

[@michaelcahn]

Very cool! Love the camera work with the tripods! Don't see that very often. Very relaxing.

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great video, keep going.👍

[@JonSchow]

What an amazing trip! And an exciting one as well! I got to do that trip in 2009, and I recognise some of the places from your video. There are so many fun adventures in the side canyons! Very nice work navigating Lava Falls :)

[@corywilloughby2158]

Awesome adventure!

[@jeffpaddock3469]

I like your style! Encouraging to see you do it in a 14 footer.

[@spaceman8839]

Yes Derek, this is the video Charlie showed at our grotto meeting, good times!

[@andrewkuperstein3892]

Nice lines!

[@gardubois7194]

Nice overview video. Well done. As a professional river guide since 1967 with 65 runs through the Canyon, I enjoyed your perception of and reads of the rapids and skillful execution of the runs.

[@jimmyfaherty8588]

I liked your line at granite. What happened to your crew?

[@tedjohnson401]

I have not seen the river at that lower level. Sure is a different kind of experience

[@joeysandine2419]

"that... was not the line" LOL

[@shermawitbeck747]

What was your camera set up when running the rapids? Was it a drone?

[@DerekBristol]

360 camera on a selfie-stick. Drones are not permitted in the National Parks.