About Entrada Rapid
Please note that the Futaleufú River has two Entrada Rapids. This page is in regards to the Entrada on the Bridge to Bridge section.
This rapid can be easily scouted from the footbridge marking the entrance to the Bridge to Bridge Section. Recommended for all rafters and anyone who is not confident in high volume class IV+. Swimming here does have some consequences. The center line finishes through a series of shallow and steep boulder chutes called the “picket fence”. There are enough boulders to batter a swimmer and potentially pin someone. Below the picket fence, the river is split by an island. To the right is the next rapid, Toboggan, to the left is Mas o Mas, a rarely run rapid that could be horrific to swim through.
How to run Entrada Rapid
The main Entrada line is big, long, fast, and littered with fun waves and a few powerful holes. For kayakers, you can move around a lot and explore the plethora of features. Rafters will want to look for the two consecutive Vs in the center. The second V is an awesome surf wave for kayakers, but the flip potential means it should be avoided by rafters. Cut the left side of the first V, and then do the same for the second. Below that you can cut immediately to the left or stay in the center and enjoy the waves. If you stay in the center there is one more good sized hole on the bottom right as you approach the “picket fence”. The Picket Fence is a series of steep, shallow boulder chutes that form as the river turns left. Kayakers can fit down most of them, rafts will want to look for the widest chute. Once through, work your way to the right for Toboggan. If for some reason you drifted left, the river would take you down Mas o Mas, a more dangerous rapid that should be avoided.
If you want to sneak the rapid, do so on the left at the very top of the rapid. By the time you are underneath the bridge, you should be as far left as possible, continuing to work left. The boulder garden below is manageable, but still features holes, boulders, and eddy lines. The bottom of the boulder garden will rejoin the main current which goes below, not through the Picket Fence. When the Picket Fence comes into view on the right, position your boat directly below working towards the right for the next rapid Toboggan. If for some reason you drifted left, the river would take you down Mas o Mas, a more dangerous rapid that should be avoided.
