kayaking, kayaking|southern california

Limestone Rapid

first published & last updated
Click on thumbnails for more info & larger image.

A kayaker waits in an eddy, while two other paddlers work their way through the last third of Limestone rapid, one of the classic class IV rapids on the upper Kern River.

A kayaker waits in an eddy, while two other paddlers work their way through the last third of Limestone rapid — one of the classic class IV rapids on the upper Kern River.

Big and burly, Limestone is renowned for its large standing waves, and paddling it is a rite of passage for kayakers and rafters alike. In 2003 elite athletes from around the world raced specialized wildwater kayaks through Limestone rapid as part of a series of ICF World Cup races held on the Kern River.

Even in a light snowpack year, with less runoff, it is an exciting and challenging rapid to paddle.