When I was a spry young raft guide (circa 1984-87), Tablesaw was THE hangout spot. There was lots of parking around Tablesaw curve so it was much easier to get to when the water was down. When the water was running, this was one of the many party spots to stop while on a fun run. There was only 1 ranger at that time and he was very cool. Anyway, 1 of my friends figured out you could sit in the pothole when the water was up and it was like a cool water hot tub. At that time, and probably now, the water didn't flush through the hole. We would swim down through the hole and up on the downstream side and from the downstream side up through the hole (no PFD either direction). You actually had to pull yourself down and "climb" if going up. I would not recommend anyone doing this without proper scouting because it might be different almost 40 years later but without any entrapments that I know of, it has probably not changed. I am not writing this to say it doesn't deserve respect, it definitely has potential pitfalls. My fellow guides at the time would practice strong swimming (with and without PFD's) by diving off Prudential. With the proper upstream angle, it's actually an easy swim ferry into the river left eddy. Coming back to river right was a little tougher as you needed to go a little upstream and dive off the lower ledge rock on river left and eddy out behind Prudential. Ahh, the good old days! I retired from commercial rafting after 35 years, but still go on private trips with family and friends. The Ocoee was/is a Godsend to me as I met my wife of 34 years there, I was introduced to my profession there and met many of my best and most beloved friends to this day there. I love your videos Fast Fred, keep up the good work.

I remember the flood that washed out the saw blade rock. Changed that rapid completely. I call it tablecloth now

I’m training to be a guide on the ocoee and have loved watching your videos and learning more about the river this video was very helpful about tablesaw

another fantastic and informational video! thanks Fred!

thanks brother

glenn springs has done a great job on the waterquality.... love your geology / hydrology videos

My nephew jumped into that hole with all the water on. went doen thru the hole and poped up just behind the rock. Crazy. Surprised to see all those fish there.

You really know your stuff. If I ever were to try rafting the Ocoee I'd want you for a guide.

Given the interwebs, this kind of guide/hydrology video should be essentially standard for rivers that have them and guides that guide them. Well done. Gracias.

THIS IS CRAZY! thanks for the great video, this should help a few guides understand a bit more. Keep it up Fast Fred! I know where I don't want to swim, but there may be fishing potential there!

That's it. The gack of the rock goes down about 5'. Great job getting the facs about this rock.

I plan to do an update of this video soon! If you are a new guide or curious boater you are welcome to join me. Chat me up at Mexico Loco or 828-423-0374

Super fascinating, I’ve always wanted to see this! Thank you

woah that's kinda cool! i remember signing the death waiver when i was younger when i was at Camp Ocoee and this rapid is memorable! but to know and see the sieve (possibly spelled wrong!) right there is spooky! my mom is from Ducktown so I ended up goin down the river in rafts quite a few times. Love it. Well done vid! Ya got a new sub'r!!

fascinating and helpful, Fred !! btw, what camera are you using ?? :)