Hi there --

I have run the Brule, from Stonesbridge to the Lake, a little over a dozen times, and have daytripped Stonesbridge to Hwy. 2 and Pine Tree to Hwy. 13 multiple times.  All of the week-long trips were me and one other person guiding a group of 10 or so high school-age kids, except for one in which I was the camper.  We give all the kids one day of paddling training, and they watch a video, but they're great, and I've never had any trouble and any real safety concerns, other than cold kids who tipped.

The first part of the river, from Stonesbridge to Hwy. 2, is fairly benign except for a couple significant class I rapids that catch people off guard.  One of them, Little Joe, is right before Bois Brule campground.  If you can hear it or see it, make sure you run it on the right -- much easier.

After Hwy 2. until Copper Range Campground, there is very twisty part but very fast  -- no rapids to speak of.  The ledges come after Pine tree landing, but it's hard to see the landing so don't use that as a landmark.  The pull out for scouting the first ledges (Lenroot) is on the right.  Be looking for it -- if you see a swinging walk bridge you're close.  Then after Lenroot in about 5 min. is Mays (the second set of ledges).  These are easier but bigger, and VERY hard to spot from the river.  Be looking for the river to appear to just END.  That sounds scary, but don't worry -- the notches cut in the ledges are pretty obvious.  Scout these too.  

Tipping is to be expected on any of the sections, especially AFTER the ledges.  In my mind, it's the bit after the ledges, until about Hwy. 13, that is the hardest.  You're tired after the ledges, and your adrenaline has gone down, and then you still have a bunch to paddle, so be careful.  After a few bends, there's mini ledge -- be ready for that.  I don't usually scout it, but it of course wouldn't hurt.

I'm afraid I've written too much.  I LOVE paddling the Brule, and you will too, I'm sure.  The short version of all this is:  people unfortunately paddle the Brule while drinking, and they make it down safely.  You will too.  Come prepared, with a dry bag full of new clothes -- June can still be pretty chilly, and if you're wet and cold, it's no fun and possibly dangerous.  Weekends are often busy.

Okay, I'll stop.  Hope this helps, and I hope you have a fun time!

p.s. -- The wall that TwistTieCollector speaks of is on that first stretch.  It's fun, and gear does help, but the key is a GREAT backpaddle.  If the stern can manage a backferry, even better.  I know that backpaddling down a river isn't always considered the most fun, but I tell my kids to backpaddle if in doubt, and to wear close-toed shoes.  That and the training we give them does the trick.