Brettski,

The Poles were free and the original plan called for the deepest two to be 30'. With 6' in the ground and 7' of water that left 17' above water. I have 200' of 3/8 steel braid cable (also donated) and planned to run a zip line from the top of the poles to the water near the dam. Thats the part that upsets me the most. That would have made a really slick set-up and as close to safe as you can get with something like that. Now I'll have to set the zip line poles on the bank and run the cable over the end of the dock. Then build a free standing platform ladder for them to climb up and launch from. Sure would have been cleaner and neater the original way.

Option two will probably be just what you suggest. Fixed section on the dock and a double hinged section in the middle with a third floating section. I can still get the first 4 poles set.