Well, that says it all.

I've been putting a solid effort to learning new stretches of river around the Tahoe/Sacramento area, but this is number 1 on my priority list. Everyone I've spoken to says, "Bah! Do it with a guide! Paddle with someone who knows the lines!" Well, joke's on me, because I don't know anyone who runs it.

Anyone who has paddled it - what's a good level for first timers? I've heard 1200 isn't pushy, and I've heard 400 is runnable. So for safety, if I end up doing this myself (not alone, but with 2 other paddlers who are class 3 boaters), what would you recommend?

Are there any other rivers that would be a better III-IV jump?