This past Saturday, me and Tyge got on our boards while Jay and his wife Wendy took their  shredder out for it's first voyage.  The level was still good (about 5 feet), though nowhere near the 14 feet that Jay went boarding on last week.  Most of the lines were easy to read and run, and we had Jay's knowledge on each rapid.  We did over 14 miles, starting at Thurmond which gave a good warm up before the lower section from Cunard to Fayette Station.  It also lets you take in the scenery while things are calmer, though it's a long swim for just one major rapid on the upper section (Surprise rapid).  Upper and Middle Keeney rapids were my favorite, though even the class III's had nice, big, fun waves.  I am chomping at the bit to do the shorter race here on April 26th, where we'll race a 1 and 1/2 mile stretch between two of the bigger rapids.  If you are in the southeast, come on out for the race, or if you are ever in the area for Gauley season and have an extra day, the New river is definitely worth your time.