Russian River?

Some friends are thinking of taking SOT's down the Russian River on Sunday. They are talking about ending up in Jenner. Their planning was done entirely via Google Earth, so I am unsure how feasible this is. They want me to join them, but I am unsure if the conditions this time of year would be safe on Prowler 15's. I have only canoed the river in mid summer, so I don't know what to expect. Any thoughts? Where might a good place to put in might be to get a day's excursion. We will be shuttling with multiple vehicles. Not really a fishing trip. Are the conditions safe? I am thinking of strainers and/or rapids? I have no idea what condition the river is in in the winter. None of us have much real whitewater experience, although we have logged many hours in SOT's on rough SF bay waters and the Petaluma River. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

If you're ending up in Jenner where are you starting?

I think it's probably doable depending on the current flow/level, so you'll want to check on that first. 
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/russianStages.html

I've done Guerneville to Monte Rio during a fairly low flow and it was pretty easy.  I'm pretty sure Monte Rio to Jenner is pretty straght forward as well during low flow.

With all your recent rain I'm guessing the flow is a little high but it looks to be dropping.  I don't remember what level you actually want so hopefully someone like MickFish will chime in.

Brian

Thanks for the info...we are unsure where to start, hope to be on the water for 5-6 hours. Any suggestions as to where to start to end up in Jenner after 5-6 hours?

I've been dying to get on the river, but I wouldn't try it this weekend. The flow coming out of DC is as big as the River and that's just below Healdsburg. I shoot for 1000cfs or lower at Healdsburg.

You might try putting in a Wohler Bridge, you should have some access and parking available...

I've only done the river in summer and am uncertain about water speed/flow or rapid class? My gut says the water should be flat...

I an interested to hear how you trip turns out...

When I do a Jenner Trip I like to Start at Jenner about 1/2 way into the incoming tide which will take you up upriver to Austin Creek/ Casini Campground have lunch while the tide changes then paddle the outgo back to Jenner nice 5/6 hour trip.

Mick,
Would you hesitate to go due to safety, or is it more that it might be rough/wet? The idea of launching in Jenner and riding the tide sounds nice, as the shuttling of 4 boats would be a pain. Where might you start a one-way trip if the tides don't work out?

Safety the river is very brushy so you will be seeing a lot of strainers and sweepers, look at river on goggle Earth thats summer level probably less the 500cfs you will be looking at 10 times that. No rapids so if you stayed in the middle it might be ok if you are experienced. I'm not much of a kayaker more of a fisherman so I wouldn't try it. I would feel safer on the middle section where you have more gravel.
At the end of Beach Road there is a playground and parking lot with river access but that bridge is there in summer only so you have to access from the south side. Wetsuits,helmets and throw bags for everybody.
The P15 is a good boat but not in a lot of current, it's more of a straight line boat. 

Ok, thanks for the info, I will heed this bit of advice. Hopefully I will have good luck convincing my buddies not to go.

Chetbango,
  As a MUCH younger person, my brother and I would do the Russian about this time of year in Kiwi Kopapa's.  Little tiny, tippy, SINKs. There are some decent put-ins on the river.  I would consider putting in at Monte Rio. There is free parking and a decent launch.  There is a small state beach just past the coffee house in Jenner to pull out at.  That should be a good day's paddling. You won't have to paddle as much to move forward, but you will be working harder to steer and set up.  
  Another launch site would be Steelhead beach and go to Monte Rio. With a possible very short portage at Johnson's beach.  There are some pilings in the water there for a summer dam.  Sometimes they get clogged with branches etc. I seem to remember it being 7 miles from Steelhead to Johnson's Beach and taking a couple of hours.  Maybe another hour or so to Monte Rio.  It's been a long time so I may be off as far as times go.
  During the high flow there is a lot of crap in the water, a lot of trees along the side, and a lot of downed stuff stuck in the water at narrow spots.  I remember being pushed through overhanging trees on some of the corners.  Out of probably 15 trips, I can't remember more than maybe two where we didn't have to do a wet exit and swim to the side at least once.  I'd hestitate taking a 15" SOT, they're not super maneuverable.  
   If I were 20 again, I'd put on a helmet and PFD, consider thigh straps, have a friend somewhere else that knows where you are, and go for it.  But, I'm not 20 anymore.  I don't want to recommend against going, I think it would be a blast.  Just be sure you're up to it. If you do go, please post your trip.  I would like to know how it went.

Greg