Surfing on the Mighty Yamhill River

Most people around here get nervous when the waters of the river approach flood stage, but not Corey Adams, a client and friend of mine. (I know, I have the coolest clients!) He gets excited like a little kid on Christmas Eve.  These images were taken on January 2nd, 2009.

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According to The Sun, our local newspaper, "at 2:30 pm that Friday the river was at 13.37 cubic feet or 11,400 cubic feet per second.  The 1964 record was 17.1 feet.  The South Yamhill crested early Friday morning at 16.14 feet."   These waves only appear when the river is in flood stage, so the window of opportunity is narrow.

Yes, it can be dangerous, Corey has an airpack on his chest and a helmet for safety.  The big threat seems to be logs and trees; when the river gets this high, it takes a lot of material with it. The Yamhill County Sheriff's deputies, a group of friends and curious onlookers were watching in awe from the bank as these brave (and a little crazy) men surfed the river!

You can really get a feel for the size and speed in this shot!