Sugar River Surf Beta - what do YOU know?

So the Sugar is one of the bigger rivers in the region, but you never hear about anyone surfing on the Sugar. I think this is suspicious. So today I went to check out the ledgy section of the Sugar that runs through Claremont and... SURPRISE... there's playboating to be had. You may think "isn't downtown Claremont full of old mills and chunky waterfalls and dams?" Why yes dear reader it is... but amidst the deteriorating remains of industrial america,  there are two ledges in particular of interest.

Top ledge at 1500 cfs

The top ledge is an old low-head dam, though of a more benign persuasion than other low-head dams I have met. There are three sections of the dam split apart by two old bridge abutments. The River Left channel is home to the stickiest hole... the middle channel to a less sticky wave-hole... the River Right channel to a small wave. I encourage you to try things out from Right to Left. I have not had a chance to surf here yet, but it looks very promising. Let me know if you do, and any info on levels would be welcome! It appears that 1500 cfs is good, but that lower or higher would work very well too. There is acceptable eddy access, though if you take too long to roll up you might be headed down another shallow ledge. Don't swim!!! Of course be careful of nasty industrial debris in the river (pipes, rebar, concrete, shopping carts, etc) and if you surf here bring a buddy.

Lower Ledge at 1500 cfs from upstream

The lower ledge on this section is about 100 yards below the top ledge. At about 1500cfs is appears to be a slightly breaking wave that looks decent, but i am wondering more about its potential at different levels. If you're here higher or lower, let me know.

lower ledge from the side - 1500 cfs

These playspots are park and play. You can either park (legally) near the Main Street bridge (100 yds below the lower wave) and walk/paddle up to the lower ledge (and then again to the upper ledge if you desire), or you can park at the public lot on North Street and walk down the hill to the upper ledge. The North Street parking lot is probably preferable due to it's obvious intended public use for recreational access.

North Street Parking Lot Sign. Turn in here.

Please be warned. There is a very large dam about 200 yards below the lower ledge. Don't paddle here if you are a beginner, or have any potential to swim and not self-rescue within 50 yds. You do not want to go over that dam.

Claremont Surf Map! thanks to Google

So go to it people. I'm looking forward to getting out here in the near future. If you do, let me know how it goes and what the levels look like. Seems like this spot has great potential, especially with the whole semi-urban-graffiti-wasteland thing going on. Peace - Jolyon Pruszinski