A major, two-day rainstorm in early May had members of the Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society studying river gauges for paddling opportunities. As rivers and streams rose during the second day of steady rain, plans were formulated.

Eggman DeCoster announced a mountain stream descent in the North Conway, New Hampshire, area. Another group, organized by John Piccone, planned to paddle the upper Presumpscot River near Gorham, and Allan Fuller posted a trip on the Sebasticook River in Clinton.

Finally, Kyle Duckworth decided to coordinate a trip on one of his favorite whitewater runs, Kingsbury Stream near Abbot. Unfortunately, late gauge reports indicated the water level was insufficient for a quality Kingsbury descent, so he switched his choice to two popular club trips in Western Maine, Webb and Swift Rivers. Both received a solid drenching and were running high. My son, Adam, and I decided to join him paddling a two-person inflatable called a shredder.

Eleven of us in 10 boats met at the Webb takeout on Route 142 in Carthage. The sun was shining on a beautiful May morning. The gauge on the bridge abutment in Berry Mills read 0.6 feet, a Goldilocks level.

We left a couple of shuttle vehicles behind and drove a few miles north on Route 142 to an old, closed road that leads to the river. Parking next to the highway, we carried our boats down the muddy, grass-covered road for about 100 yards to the put-in.

We launched at the top of a steep narrow falls where feisty waves propelled us to the bottom. A succession of similar rapids followed for about a mile to the Route 142 Bridge.

Below, the rapids moderated in difficulty as we carefully negotiated through an area often congested with debris. An open channel on the right, blocked by a downed tree for several years, was a pleasant surprise.

The forested shoreline changed to open field as we weaved through farmland to a second bridge. A short, steep falls begins immediately below the bridge followed by a longer rapid where a massive boulder in the center needed to be circumvented. Our band of capable Chowderheads easily handled the various obstacles.

A steady menu of fun rapids and excellent surfing waves ensued for a long mile to a sandy beach next to what appears to be a children’s camp on the right. Around the bend are four closely connected falls, collectively called Schoolhouse Rapid, that constitute the most exciting whitewater on the river.

Turning right, we entered a wave train in the center, one boat at a time. After passing to the left of a series of violent waves, we traveled through a short pool and began plummeting down a steep gradient with a hairpin right turn at the bottom. Most of us started left, bounced through a boulder field in the center and ended right. Everyone made it safely to the bottom despite the turbulent ride.

After angling right through two narrow passages, we entered another rock-infested wave train. As Adam and I neared bottom, some boaters were signaling us to stop. Immediately around the next turn, a downed tree blocked most of the river. Paddlers were able to negotiate through a small opening on the left.

Schoolhouse Rapid excitement continued as we tumbled through a precipitous, challenging falls while dodging boulders and skirting intimidating holes. One paddler had to roll, but everyone was still in their boat when we arrived at the bridge in Berry Mills.

Easier rapids followed for about a mile to a location where the river steepens next to Route 142. Our trip ended navigating through another rollicking falls to the takeout.

Seven of us needed an additional whitewater fix, so we drove to the Swift River in Roxbury. A 1-mile segment of continuous whitewater that begins where Walker Brook enters the river and ends at unnavigable Swift River Falls was selected.

After launching, we were immediately immersed in the most difficult whitewater of the day maneuvering through a complex falls and then dropping precipitously into an attenuated gorge. Exploding waves flipped one kayaker who executed a superb roll. Continuous Class III rapids followed to the top of the treacherous falls.

The two-river whitewater excursion exceeded our expectations. It was a day to remember!

My book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” narrates eight more thrilling Maine whitewater escapades.

Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine” is available at northcountrypress.com/maine-al-fresco or in bookstores and through online retailers. His previous books are “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals — New England.” Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at ronchaseoutdoors@comcast.net.