NEWS UNITED STATES CANOE ASSOCIATION

SHOWDOWN AT SUGAR CREEK PAPER BOATS: THE ORIGINAL COMPOSITE

MARATHON RACING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES NEW NATIONALS COURSES PARACANOE/ WORLDS REPORT

SPRING 2015 VOL. 48 NO. 1

INSURANCE AVAILABLE FOR USCA MEMBERS Having a race or cruise? Need Liability and Participant Accident Insurance? Get it from the USCA! A non-profit organization dedicated to serving its members Excellent Coverage & Rates Available (Fast Efficient Service) For clinics, clubs, river clean-ups, cruises, races, and more Year round club liability coverage Join USCA and have access to the USCA Insurance Program Go to the USCA Website www.uscanoe.com click on USCA Member Benefit- Event Sanctioning & Liability Insurance

Contact: Joan Theiss, USCA Insurance Coordinator [email protected] 352-588-9877

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From the Editor:

Welcome to the “renewed” USCA Canoe

News Magazine! It’s our hope that you'll find Canoe News to be one of the finest

publications on and marathon Executive Committee racing anywhere. Look for great articles President: Peter Heed on technique, boat builders, history, races, 581 West Street, Keene, NH 03431 603-209-2299 [email protected] humor, and much more. As in the past, Canoe News will be published quarterly— Vice President: Larry Latta 1188 Broken Bow Ct, Westerville, OH 43081-3262 but unless you specifically request a print 614-882-1519 [email protected] edition, we’ll be going primarily on-line. This saves us a lot of cost, and gives you Secretary: Joan Theiss 12802 Lake Jovita Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525-8265 full-color photos, links, and more. Feel 352-588-9877 [email protected] free to contact us with submissions and

Treasurer: John Edwards suggestions. And welcome aboard! 1929 Arrowhead Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703-1903 727-459-6366 [email protected] Steve

Executive Director: Bill Gardner Cover Photo: Sonja Gilman, Terry Streib, and Bill Kanost battle PO Box 6082, Beaufort, SC 29903 it out for position at the lower buoy turn of the 2012 Fort 904-687-9585 [email protected] Wayne Canoe & Kayak Races in Fort Wayne, IN. —————————————————————————

Canoe News Disclaimer: Opinions and/or advice expressed in this magazine Editor: Steven Horney by individuals, whether or not they are officers of or delegates 15806 Timberwillow Dr, Huntertown, IN 46748 to, the United States Canoe Association, are personal and do 260-452-6447 [email protected] not necessarily reflect the official position of Unitedthe States Canoe Association. Publication by theUnited States Canoe Advertising: Scott Stenberg Association, whether in print, online, or in any other form, 3232 Jugg St , Moravia, NY 13118 does not imply endorsement. 315-406-4692 [email protected]

Printing and Distribution: Steve Rosenau Canoe News is the official publication of the 2771 Trillium Tr, Denver, NC 28037 United States Canoe Association 704-483-4130 [email protected] Supporting a Five Star Program: Website Camping, Camaraderie, Cruising, Conservation, and Competition Webmaster: Larry Latta 1188 Broken Bow Ct, Westerville, OH 43081-3262 ——————————————————————— [email protected] www.uscanoe.com

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Inside this issue:

VIEW FROM THE STERN 5

PARACANOE / KAYAK WORLDS 6

RACING TIPS BY PETER HEED 8

2015/2016 USCA NATIONALS COURSES 10

ALUMINUM NATIONALS 12

SHOWDOWN AT SUGAR CREEK 13

PAPER BOATS 15

MEMORIES OF A CANOE 21

USCA OFFICERS, DELEGATES, CHAIRS 23

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VIEW FROM THE STERN

USCA PRESIDENT PETER HEED

I could not put my finger on it, but will be assisted by the excellent team our premier events - our Nation- I knew instinctively that something of Scott Stenberg and Steve Rosenau. als. The next two years are lining up good was happening. Meetings often They plan to make Canoe News avail- to be very special racing experienc- can be dry and tedious, and so it can able in print and online! We also have es. Jim Decker and his good organi- go at the Annual Meeting of the USCA been fortunate to find someone who zation in Warren is promising exciting - but not this year! There was an en- can tackle the huge and vital role of new changes for this year’s Nationals ergy, a buzz in the air. People were Executive Director! I am thrilled that with a new finish for the marathon rac- fired up and engaged; discussions my friend and long-time USCA mem- es and a new improved “spectator- were lively and productive. I was con- ber Bill Gardner will take on this chal- friendly” sprint course. The Aluminum vinced there was something good hap- lenge. Bill brings a wealth of both rac- Nationals move back to Texas, where pening when so many delegates de- ing and organizational knowledge to my friend Wade Binnion and his race cided to stay for the Budget Commit- the table, and he has the ability to crew are preparing for outstanding tee meeting, skillfully led by John Ed- work with people and facilitate the competition in October on the Guada- wards and Scott Stenberg. This is goals of the USCA. lupe River near the town of Cuero. In mighty dry stuff, and you normally looking ahead to 2016, the USCA Na- have to practically beg folks to partici- Joan Theiss has generously tionals will be returning to New Eng- pate! But this year was different. The agreed to continue in the vital role of land! The New England Canoe and air was filled with positive ener- Insurance Coordinator and Harold will Kayak Racing Association will host the gy! Looking back, I am still not sure take over the Membership Chair. Joan championship races on the Conn. Riv- why, but I am confident that it means will also stay on as Secretary and His- er at the spectacular facilities of the good things ahead for the USCA. torian. Vice President Larry Latta is Northfield Mountain Recreational Cen- working on the huge project of updat- ter at Northfield, Massachusetts! The Any organization like the USCA is ing and modernizing the USCA web- next several years will certainly be only as strong and vital as the volun- site in his role as Webmaster and ad- exciting and worth looking forward to teers willing to step forward and con- ditionally taken on the project of updat- for all USCA members and the entire tribute, and in this we have always ing the USCA Leadership Manu- community of marathon paddlesport been fortunate to have long-standing al. My good friend and long-time US- competitors! dedicated folks like Joan and Harold CA member John Edwards will handle Theiss who generously give of their the important Treasurer duties. Two Best regards, time and energy year after year. We of our strong younger members, Chris Peter Heed, President, USCA must also have new people with fresh Hewitt and Kaitlyn McElroy, have ideas and thoughts as well as experi- agreed to take on the crucial task of (Photo of Peter Heed behind Bill Gard- enced folks willing and able to return coordinating and editing the USCA ner paddling OC-2) again to the organization and sport we Facebook all love. Here again, there was a dis- page. My tinct “chemistry” and energy to the cur- thanks to all, rent USCA leadership team - you and my thanks could sense it. A positive “can do” to the many attitude permeated the meeting, and it various Com- left everyone with a optimistic outlook. mittee Chairs and Delegates I would simply highlight some of who make the the most significant reasons for all US- USCA the CA members to be excited about the great volunteer years ahead. Canoe News is coming organization it back better and stronger! As you can is! see by the quality of this edition, we are fortunate to have Steve Horney A final bring his considerable talents to be- note of excite- coming editor of Canoe News. Steve ment relates to

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PARACANOE/KAYAK

2014 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MOSCOW

First of all a great big THANK YOU I was pleased with my personal The days leading up to my trip to to USCA for their support of me attending performance at World Championships, represent Team USA for ParaCanoe at the the ICF World Championships. Without despite not making the final. In my first World Sprint Championships were filled this funding I would not be able to partici- heat I barely missed the third place posi- with both excitement and anxiety. The pate at this event. I am very pleased to tion by tenths of a second. Top three fin- excitement was easy to understand; I won see USCA supporting ParaCanoe/Kayak. It ishers got a pass to the final. In the semi a spot on Team USA at the Lake Placid is an exciting new paddling sport and final it was even closer, only hundredths International not even a month earlier. event in the Paralympic Games for Rio in of a second from a qualifying spot for the The anxiety came from going to a country 2016! Hopefully we will see the sport final. So I finished just out of the final in who had just invaded their neighboring continue to grow as more people learn very close races. But I achieved a new country of Ukraine. Leading up to my de- about the opportunity. personal best by over four seconds! So I parture day, August 1st, I had been given am paddling much better than last year, ample resources to learn about the event, I am somewhat of a veteran to unfortunately the rest of the world is go- the airport that I would be arriving into, competition, having competed in six Para- ing even FASTER! A lot more work needs the accommodations, and the world com- lympic Games (so far), in two different to be done to keep up and stay in the petitors against whom I would be com- sports (cross country skiing and Athletics). competition. peting. However I am a relative new comer to ParaCanoe/Kayak with this event in Mos- Team Great Britain has a very Coach Jan Whitaker and Director cow only being my third ICF World Cham- strong team. They have a lot of athletes, of Team USA Operations Gerald Babao pionship. The ICF continues to do a better all of who are performing at a high level. helped me get my things in order before job integrating and supporting Para- They also have a very strong coaching even taking off from the airport. For ex- Canoe/Kayak athletes. Moscow was an- staff. Obviously a very well funded pro- ample, Gerald helped me go through the other step up for ParaCanoe/Kayak. More gram. Team GB definitely gained a lot of VISA application process including the athletes than ever before and the com- support following the successful hosting follow up to ensure that I had my passport petitive intensity was raised to a whole of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in ready in time. Jan continued to communi- new level!! The venue in Moscow was 2012. Brazil, Germany, and Russia also cate with my support team in Virginia on fantastic. Ideal conditions and very fast have very strong teams and are going to how I should be training leading up to this times were seen across the board for all be hard to beat in Rio. Team USA has an prestigious event. disciplines. extremely dedicated coaching staff with After being escorted through Jan Whitaker and Debby Page. Both were I compete in Men’s V1 in the TA customs I waited with the bus driver and recognized last year by USACK for their (trunk and arms) classification. The TA another gentleman for the rest of my commitment to USA ParaCanoe/Kayak. ParaKayak event has been dropped from Team USA teammates to arrive. Once We athletes are deeply indebted to our the Paralympic program for 2016. As they arrived we were taken out to a large team coaches for getting us to the starting such, many of the top TA Kayakers have luxury bus that would be taking us all to line. switched to Va’a which will be contested the hotel. I later learned that this bus in Rio. This influx of great paddlers from Thank you again to USCA! Hopefully our would also be taking us to and from the Kayak to Va’a in the TA division made a team will continue to send you good news hotel to the raceway each day. The hotel huge difference in the faces on the from our international competitions!! accommodations were far more plush starting line for the final heat as well as than I had expected. A nice looking bar Bob Balk the podium! and restaurant was to the right as we en- Member of the Paralympic Order

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tered by the front desk each day. At check Once the races began all of Team ing is key to the whole process. If you do -in I was given my own hotel room and a USA appeared each day to cheer one an- the first two objectives correctly, having booklet for the meals that I would be other on, whether adaptive or able bod- the right equipment and funding may be eating at the hotel and raceway for the ied. I had a strong sense of patriotism, the difference between standing on the rest of that week. even though I had shaken hands with peo- podium and getting fourth place like many ple from countries, like Iran, whom politi- of our paddlers did this year at the World Each day leading up to the day of cally don’t see to eye to eye with the U.S. Sprint Championships. my race five days later was pretty stand- government. The announcer would an- ard. We practiced twice a day; the buses The finally part of my trip allowed nounce the name, country, and lane num- left the hotel every thirty minutes me to do some sightseeing on my own ber for each member participating in that throughout the day till 5:00 p.m., which time when not cheering on my team- race. It was exciting when my name was made getting to the raceway convenient. mates. I found the anxiety I had experi- announced: “Jamey Parks, United States Coach Whitaker along with Coach Debo- enced early on had dissipated as I found of America, lane three”! Race conditions rah Page were there to give advice on not the Russian people to be very kind and that day were a bit unfavorable. It was only race conditions, but also on the helpful. From a political perspective they rainy with a little lightning right before I equipment needed to set each of our may have differed in some aspects, but was supposed to go. I also had never boats up for the likelihood of success. Our they respected the fact that I was a disa- been in a starting boot before, which was team was also fortunate enough to have bled athlete who trained and made it to another disadvantage I had to overcome. Elmer, the father of our LTA Paddler, Nik the World Championships in their country. Unfortunately, by the time the line judge Miller, there to assist with the insertion said “Go!” I was in the boot, but I had to As stated above the new objec- and removal of our va’a’s and each start on the left side of my boat when I tives are now set and in place. Coach day. Their dedication to Team USA was usually start on the right. I went down the Whitaker and Page have sent out workout second to none among all the other coun- raceway and ended up achieving a person- objectives for each of us to follow. It goes tries that were there. I know that at times al best time of 56.42 sec and th7 in the without saying that without these two all of Team USA was impressed by the world! Not too bad for a man who had ladies I believe this program would not be dedication of our Coaches and of Elmers just started paddling four months earlier. in the strong position that it currently is. throughout the week. Although somewhat disappointed with the Personally, my time has continued to Back at the hotel each day we outcome I was consumed with a sense of drop, which has me looking forward to would shower in our rooms and then con- pride that I was 7th in the world and just Italy in 2015. I have people in my gregate in the chow hall to discuss pad- starting on this new crusade in my life that hometown who are not only supporting dling and life with not only our teammates I hope ends in Sau Paolo, Brazil in 2016. me with their words and thought, but fi- but other countries as well. The Polyne- nancially as well. At home, my wife and After the race my teammates and sian term “Ohana” is used quite often in kids are so proud of the accomplishments coaches congratulated me for doing the the sport of va’a and . that I have made these past six months best I could and were happy that I This term means family and fellowship. As that it continues to motivate me to get achieved a personal best time. The next a new member of Team USA and new to onto the water. few days were filled with many more of the sport as well, I was able to get great my teammates achieving their new per- I truly believe that this is only the advice and make lots of friends from sonal bests as well. We came to Moscow beginning. The USCA has been a blessing different countries, along with developing to not only represent the U.S.A., but to to me on this whirlwind adventure that close relationships with my Team USA challenge ourselves as well. A few new has already taken me half way around the teammates. Frequently we would try to objectives had surfaced that each of us world. I take pride in wearing the red, do something together, like go to the gro- knew that we had to do better on in the white, and blue and am humbled by eve- cery store or a nearby mall. I went with future. We learned that we had to train ryone’s support in my journey. I am al- my teammate multiple times, and with a harder with a better on and off the water ready looking forward to the next adven- good friend from Canada as well. It was workout plan. We had to eat better to get ture that I will experience in this amazing fascinating to see the various items that our bodies toned and have less weight to ride as a member of Team USA! the stores had in common with U.S., as move while traveling on top of the water. well as the differences. Sincerely, Finally, we learned equipment and fund- Jamey Parks

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RACING TIPS

LEARNING TO GO FAST OFF THE LINE—PETER HEED

At the start of most endurance the wakes and irregular waves of ly more current? As a rule of length sporting events, competi- the leading boats, as well as run- thumb, if it is a downstream start tors pace themselves and gradu- ning a high risk of collision. The you will want to position yourself ally settle into a rhythm. Not so in closer you are to the front after toward the center. For an up- marathon canoe / kayak rac- the start, the fewer energy- stream start the advantage will ing. No matter how many hours sapping irregular waves you will tend to be on either side, out of of paddling lay ahead, competi- have to deal with. You will also the current. Most race organizers tors in canoe and kayak racing go be in better position to find good try to have their starting lines hard off the line. Positioning off wakes to ride. where there is no significant ad- the line is critically important in vantage at any particular place, Good racers learn to go hard sport racing, and the im- but if there are advantages to a and fast off the line, and you will pact of wakes on competitors be- certain section of the line, you need to develop your confidence hind the leaders cannot be under- want to be there. and skill to do this as well. I have estimated. never known a winner of a major Next, you need to decide Many competitive paddlers race to intentionally take it easy at where you want to start in relation dread the starting line while oth- the start. Yet if you are new to to the competition. This concept ers relish it. Yet the fact remains canoe / kayak racing, it may is often ignored but vitally im- that every race has a start, and make sense to do just that. If you portant. Which team or teams you need to be prepared for it. are unsure of your boat handling you start next to often has the There simply is no more im- skills, you may want to consider biggest impact on the quality of portant part of a canoe / kayak lining up behind the lead boats. your start. If you believe that you race than the start. Although you Let the fast racers get out of your will be one of the faster boats on will not win the race at the start, way, leaving you some room to the line, you will probably want to as Gene Jensen used to tell me, sort yourself out and hopefully line up next to some of the more you may lose the race there. You find competitors your own speed. experienced teams, in the hope can be sure of this: at the start of As you gain skill and confidence that you will not be bumped and any race it is going to be fast and you can develop a faster sprint get away cleanly. Likewise, if you it is going to be wild. Some com- and the boat handling techniques feel confident in your ability to petitors may be taking an un- to deal with wakes. ride wake, you will want to line up scheduled swim. next to a good boat handling The first thing to consider as team. You will have a decent If you hope to place well at the the race start approaches is the chance of working together or be- finish, you will want to come off nature of the starting line itself. Is ing pulled clear from the mass the line with the lead pack or as it wide? Is it narrow? Is one por- confusion right after the start. If near to the front as possible. The tion of the line in deeper water you lack confidence in your tech- consequences of getting a poor than others? Is there a place in nical skills but still want to get as start include having to cope with the line where there is significant- fast a start as possible, it’s wise

8 to move toward either end of the give the bow person clean water calling the first “hut” to switch starting line. The likelihood of in- in which to hammer off the sides. This can give you an edge terference is less, and you get line. The stern paddler may even on teams who are switching sides cleaner and more regular wakes have to resort to going sides to 2 or 3 times shortly after com- to ride. Another strategy is to line (paddling on the same side as the ing off the line. up beside a recreational boat or a bow person) until some room de- However you approach it, the slower team. This gives you at velops. start is important. It is something least an initial clean start and It is important to develop your that merits practice. After a good some good water early on. own personal technique and strat- deal of personal experimentation

egy. The goal is to accelerate and practice, you will discover The starting line of some rac- your canoe or kayak from a what technique works best for es, particularly major races, can standing start to maximum hull you. A confident and practiced become crowded. You often end speed as quickly as possi- starting technique will help ensure up packed in gunnel-to- ble. This needs to be accom- that you get off the line fast every gunnel. One way to give yourself plished while keeping the boat time. more room off the line is to origi- under control and with the ability nally line up slightly crook- to quickly alter course if neces- ed. Shortly before the starting sary. Each racer comes at this (Next time we will discuss gun, straighten your canoe out. problem differently based on their ways to handle the challenges of This should give both you and physiological make up and pre- the early part of a race.) your partner some extra room to ferred technique. Some paddlers, paddle. If the boats next to you like Montana’s Mike Johnson close in tightly and there is no Best regards, come off the line with huge pow- time to move to a different posi- erful strokes, keeping the stroke Peter tion in the line, then just do your rate relatively slow. Others, such best to get your blade down in the as Nick Bauer from the state of water for a good catch at the Washington accelerate the canoe start. This is particularly im- with a series of quick punchy portant for the bow paddler on a strokes at a high stroke rate. C2 team. The stern person Many experienced C2 teams should do everything possible - practice going as many as 12 to even a quick rudder or brace - to 16 strokes on one side before

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USCA NATIONALS

NEW SITES! NEW COURSES!

It’s official: the USCA Nationals are coming back to familiar sites, in a Big Way! USCA is cranking up for a return of the well -attended Nationals!

Warren, PA has stepped up to the riverside to host the 2015 USCA Marathon National Championships, (August 11- 16) with a new course, new sprints venue, and a new finish line. The Alle- gheny River, as you know, is a very scenic waterway that runs through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry race hosts have laid Hickory Street Bridge, Warren, PA. out a special course that showcases the renovated historic downtown and the River Walk. The adult marathon and youth Paddlers will be happy to know that one of those challenges, a finish line is extended to across the Allegheny from a feature from previous Warren National, the famed Flame Rapids campground with a great name: Buckaloons. From the River (Dante’s Inferno) remains a part of the 2015 course. Why make Walk, named Breeze Point Landing, spectators can view the it easy? youth and adult sprints, (yes, right in the middle of town). They can catch the action of competitors during the weekend mara- thon races, as they turn the up-stream buoy just above the Warren has planned a buffet dinner on Wednesday at the Holi- downtown bridge, directly across from the River Walk and helo- day Inn, and this will serve as the Awards banquet for the ever- pad at the hospital. (Quite exciting when the choppers come in.) popular Biathlon Soiree.’

Warren Nationals Race Start, Kinzu Dam, tailwaters. Allegheny River, Warren, PA.

WCCBI director, Jim Decker, points out that “moving the mara- The 2015 Warren Nationals is going to be the best ever, differ- thon finish line to Irvine allows for elimination of the upstream ent, more convenient, still exciting!!! paddle portion of the old course in Shipman’s Eddy, and exposes The business community of Warren, PA and its many near-by USCA paddlers to a new and scenic stretch of the Allegheny Riv- paddlers welcome you to the 2015 USCA Marathon Nationals er, with a distance which provides appropriate challenges.” on the Allegheny River!

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Then, there is the Nationals in New England in 2016.

Back by popular demand, is Nationals in New England, Aug. 11- 14, 2016. Again, the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Asso- ciation will host Nationals on the Connecticut River, this time in Northfield, MA, in a4 -day format.

NECKRA Nationals Organizing Committee spokespersons, Peter Heed and Priscilla Reinertsen, are just a tad (!) excited to an- nounce that once again New England paddlers will be hosting Nationals, after a 14 year wait. A new location has been found, one that is picture-perfect in the midst of the Connecticut River Site of 2016 NECKRA Nationals. Parking area here used for a Valley. Situated along New Englands’s longest waterway, the triathlon, Sept. 2014. Connecticut River, Northfield Mountain Recreational Area fea- tures miles of ski trails in the winter, hiking in the summer, a NECKRA welcomes you to the 2016 USCA Marathon Nationals lodge complete with a river-use museum, loads of parking, a on the Connecticut River! riverside pavilion and picnic areas. Peter, the newly elected Pres- ident of USCA, reports that the racing course will offer deeps and shallow, options for one or more island loops (one around The Nationals is still a whole lot of fun after 47 years! The com- legendary Captain Kidd Island), and an exciting upstream finish. petition is super for , kayaks and SUP, in every age cate- Paddlers will make the final turn around King Philip Rock and gory. sprint home, framed in the background by the beautiful French

King Bridge. The start/finish line offers possibilities for safe, short youth races. Food, music, play-by-play announcing should Priscilla Reinertsen, enhance the atmosphere. NECKRA President

Map of 2016 NECKRA Nationals Course. Start line on river by Northfield Farms.

French King Bridge, Northfield, MA (David Brothers).

Those who travel a distance to the 2016 Nationals will have many options for side trips to places like historic Boston, Plym- outh, Mystic, Portsmouth, and the White Mountains and the Berkshires. There are local shops of interest, including Yankee Candle. Hotels, camping, restaurants and golf courses are to be found close by.

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ALUMINUM NATIONALS

2015 IN CUERO, TX

The 2015 USCA National Stock Aluminum Canoe / K-1 Downriver and K-1 Touring Marathon Championships PLUS: New Mixed Aluminum Championship Classes and C-2 pro race the next day. Come for a week- end of great canoe & kayak racing! Dates: October 10-11, 2015. Location: Cuero, Texas on the Guadalupe River in DeWitt County. Course: The course will be approximately fourteen and a half (14.5) miles on the Guadalupe River in DeWitt County, Texas. It is the same course that is presently used for the Cuero Turkey Fest canoe race. The course starts at Cheapside Bridge (CR 766) GPS: 29.147265,-97.317855, and continues downstream to Cuero Hwy 236 GPS: 29.051293,-97.265117. This was previously the start of the Texas river marathon, the preliminary race. This stretch is a terrific venue for paddling racing and passes through the old Cuero dam (no required) approximately 2.5 miles after the start. Two (2) bridges cross the course between the start and finish, allowing viewing opportunities for spectators and water/food handoffs for competitors. HWY 72/ FM 3402 / Heaton St. (Old Cuero-San Antonio Rd) approximately 7miles from start, and Cuero Hwy 183 approximately 9.5miles from start. This section has a few sweepers and small rapids at low water and boils at high water. Participants: All USCA championship classes for the Aluminum Nationals will be held (C2 Mens, C2 Mens Master, C2 Women, C2 Women Master, C2 Mixed, C2 Jr. Men, C2 Jr. Women). In addition, the USCA Nation- al Downriver and Touring Kayak classes will be contested as well. C2 Mixed Aluminum Championship race, C -2 Pro race and Bring Anything And We’ll Make A Class race will be held on Sunday on the same course. Entry Fees: Entry fee will be $20.00 per paddler for adults and $10.00 per paddler for youths each day. Awards / Dinner: All USCA awards will be presented Saturday afternoon and Sunday immediately following the conclusion of the days races at the finish line. Food will be available for participants and guest. Turkey Fest Canoe Race: In addition to the championship classes held on Saturday October 10th an unlim- ited open class race will be run concurrently. Race format will be consistent with previously held races on the course. Advantages of this location: Texas has a proud history of hosting USCA aluminum nationals. From the Trini- ty River in East Texas to the Colorado River as recently as 2011 there has been a great amount of enthusi- asm and support. Recent Aluminum Nationals have had great competition and a great turn out of paddlers from across the country. We welcome you to come and enjoy our southern hospitality and some great compet- itive paddling. In addition to the paddling events, Cuero will be hosting the 43rd Annual Turkeyfest, (www.turkeyfest.org) with events and activities for everyone including live entertainment with some of Texas best singers and songwriters. For more information about the event and other questions visit www.tckra.org Contact: Wade Binion, email [email protected] phone (979) 218-0321 or Michael Vandeveer, email [email protected] (e-mail contact preferred).

Directions: Start: (Cheapside FM 766) Go into Cuero on Hwy 183 South to W. Reuss Blvd. There is a stoplight and sign- age to Cheapside (Pizza Hut is just before turn). Turn Right on W. Reuss Blvd and veer to Right on CR 766. " Go total of (4.4 mi.) to gravel road past bridge, turn right under bridge. Finish: (Cuero Hwy 236) Return to Hwy 183 in Cuero, turn right. " Go (2.3 mi) on Hwy 183 South through town and across railroad tracks to light at (Morgan St./Arneckville), turn left on E. Morgan Ave. " Follow E. Morgan Ave. for (.5 mi) to FM 236/Arneckville Road. " Turn right and go (2.5 mi.) to bridge. Exit right on gravel road before bridge. Turn off before bridge.

12

SHOWDOWN AT SUGAR CREEK

STEVEN HORNEY

Word was out: the Barton Gang In theory, I was supposed to get upstream, when I discovered that Sugar was comin’ to town, and they weren’t the Dart a week ahead of time to get ad- Creek was still pleasantly cool, the Dart takin’ prisoners. With a reputation as the justed to its characteristics; reality was has a definite preference for floating in- meanest, fastest paddlers on the planet, Matt Meersman pulled up with the boat verted, and this was going to be the long- most of the locals were in fear. But a few shortly before the start of the race (you est 15 mile race of my life. Assuming I knew the secrets of Sugar Creek, and they don’t suppose he was still sore about be- made it 15 miles. With some help getting were aimin’ to send the Barton’s high- ing edged out at Tippecanoe, do you?) , the boat out of the water and emptied tailin’ it back to Michigan without so much giving me the exciting opportunity to out, I opted to try again, only this time I as a medal between ‘em. But really, what demo the evil beast before a crowd of would just follow the group down, launch- do the locals know? As it turned out, if well-wishers. Or maybe they were there ing down-stream and staying pointed in you were going to win in this race, you with blood-thirst. It’s hard to tell with a that direction. More or less. Take II: Rog- needed to either 1. Be named Barton, 2. crowd... While awaiting the arrival of the er starts the fast boats, I launch out short- Be married to a Barton, or 3. Be paddling Dart, I looked at the gloriously high creek ly thereafter, and promptly flip with a Barton relation. So much for that (I went with the Dart due to the boat- again. Now the sane person would have part of the story. The real story, however, killing reputation of the normally present gone back to shore, found Julie Yager, and was happening far back in the race. Far- rocks of Sugar Creek), with a current run- said “I’ll take plastic boats for $20, ther than that. Farther still. Keep going, ning approximately 387 mph, and heard please”. Instead, I simply remounted the back to the beginning of time. Timing of Bob Stwalley comment that you wouldn’t boat (I may not be able to stay upright, the race, that is, where a cardinal rule of be at risk of hitting anything with any of but I can at least remount it!) stuck my life was being violated. The first and most our boats this day. That’s when I slapped legs out the side, and paddled down a famous of course is “never get involved in myself on the forehead and said “I coulda’ ways until finding a protected sandbar to a land war in Asia”, but close behind is had a V12!” Seeing another paddler with the side where I could empty out the wa- “never paddle an untried boat at a one of the new-style V10’s only added to ter and resume my training-wheel pad- race”. Especially when the guy loaning it the pain and indignity; this could have dling style. Bob Stwalley and Ellen, run- to you can’t stay up in it, and he’s flying been an awesome opportunity for a smok- ning sweep, came along after me and said off to England at that moment so he can ing time down the course. Instead, I kept “Hey – do you really want to paddle all the deny culpability in your demise as he al- hearing Roger Crisp’s foreboding words way like that?” Knowing that it would be lows his demon-possessed boat to do the “that’s a real tippy boat, but if you master painful, I said “no”, so they suggested I dirty work for him. Yes, I’m speaking of it you’ll be a great paddler”, followed with pull out at the next bridge, go down the Ted Beatty. Real friends don’t let friends “ya’ know, every quarter inch of height road a short distance to a house where paddle down-river boats, but sometime you add with a seat roughly doubles the someone named Bob would be willing to last year, in response to my comments instability of that boat”. I merely consoled give me a ride. Seemed like a smart about needing another Thunderbolt for myself with the fact that I had paddled it plan. Particularly in retrospect. our more rugged river races, Ted said for a short time on Lake Maxinkuckee last Now as I approached the bridge, I “hey, I have this down-river boat, a Dart, November with my rear on the bottom of saw something beautiful: rocks! Ok, designed for bigger guys like you”. And so the hull; the seat was pretty close to the they’re not really all that high on a scale of began a chain of events that led to a fun- bottom of the hull; it couldn’t be that things that makes my heart go pitter- filled afternoon swimming merrily down much different. Could it? patter, but I did see one very desirable the flood-swollen waters of Sugar Creek. The answer came about 30 ft. physical quality: mass. Knowing the canoe from the launch while trying to turn to go guys often trim their boats with rocks, and

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knowing some extra weight in the hull the side of the river, but thankfully a cou- boat to the parking lot and the guys re- might help tame this wicked beast, I ple of rec guys who were right behind me sumed their trip down river. came up with a flash of brilliance: what if I stopped and helped me pull the boat out I would have thought that in my soaking put a rock in the bottom of the of the water, where we made a wet fancy attire consisting of wool long- Dart? Would it be stable? Would life end “smashing” discovery: as the bow filled johns, a neon long-sleeve biking jersey, as we know it? I inserted the rock and and dropped into the rapids, my stabiliz- and bare feet I would have looked right at found that yes, it did indeed make this ing rocks slid forward, slamming against home at a golf country club, maybe even thing “paddleable”, and life continued the bow and driving a stake through the mistaken for a pro. Surely someone on… It appeared the real problem was I heart of the evil beast… It’s days were would at least buy me a round of golf and didn’t weigh enough for this boat. There’s finished, and so was mine. A 6” gash in loan me a putter! But the Crawfordsville something I like about the sound of the bottom of your bow tends to stymie Country Club gang is a hard group of golf that… At any rate, just to be on the safe progress… The “fortunately” side of all enthusiasts. Thankfully a young waitress side, I felt that if one was good, two would this was a big house and lawn on the oth- took compassion on me and offered a cup be better, and indeed I now had a boat I er side of the river. The “unfortunately” of hot tea, which I immediately agreed to, could actually paddle – with my feet in- side was it was on the other side of the thanking her profusely as the shivers were side. Finishing with dignity looked like a river. So, in classic MacGyver style, we now taking solid hold on me. I don’t think real possibility. But life has a way of wrapped my dry pants around the bow, I it was pre-race jitters at this point… Now throwing curves at you. Sort of like those paddled “training-wheel style” as well as I the trick was to find someone to call for “Fortunately/Unfortunately” books you could to the other side, and we worked rescue! Eventually I managed to eke may have read as a kid. the boat through the brush (with one bare enough compassion out of the locals at foot – I lost a shoe to the river) hoping for With my “rock-it Dart” now stay- the club to eventually obtain a few phone a distinct lack of poison ivy or poison any- ing upright, I soldiered on. The Dart was a numbers that eventually got me connect- thing else. Popping out onto the glorious bit tricky to keep in a straight line, since ed to the livery which eventually got the beauty of the lawn we found it was actual- the nose was sitting low in the water and Sugar Creek van out to pick me up. It cost ly the driving range for Crawfordsville acting like a forward rudder, but with me $20 to go 5 miles, but I had a lot more Country Club. Being pelted with golf balls some advance planning it was marginally swim time than the other competitors. I seemed an appropriate way to wrap up controllable, sort of like a driver who’s had think I won that event. Along with boat the day, but no one was on the range one too many. There’s a reason rudders bustin’.  (neither were any deer or antelope play- aren’t placed on the bow of a boat, but ing) so we anti-climactically carried the that’s a physics lesson for another time. Now about 5 miles into this blissful paddle, a killer rapids – most likely stirred up by those raging Barton C-2s - arose out of the middle of the river promising to wreak havoc upon my newly tamed Dart. Water flowed over the top of the boat, filling the front end and pulling it down into the rocks, leaving me some- what afloat but sans boat, just barely hanging onto the stern for an awesome ride through the rapids. Visions of riding a bull bare-back were running through my head, along with the thought of “where there are rapids, there are rocks – keep your legs up!” How many other racers took the manly route of running the rapids without a boat?!? Once through the rap- ids, it took some effort to get the boat to

14

PAPER BOATS

THE ORIGINAL COMPOSITES!

is from about 1840). Few towns industry sprang up. Troy also A Short History across the United States matched acquired a special fame as the Troy, New York, in prosperity. originator and nationwide sup- of Paper Several miles north of Albany, plier of detachable paper collars the town faces the eastern termi- and cuffs. Eventually millions Boats.... and nus of the then active Erie Canal were manufactured and sold on the farther bank of the Hud- every year. more. son. Earlier in the 19th century, Into this environment arrived Adirondack charcoal and iron ore came in by water and fueled a teen-aged Elisha Waters who Step back briefly to Troy NY a lucrative local steel industry. moved with his parents and fam- in the mid-19th century in Up- As the steel industry moved ily fom Bennington, Vermont to state NY. (The above illustration west, precision manufacturing Troy in 1831. He apprenticed

15 with several retail druggists and had created the first practical eventually opened a drug busi- paper boat that could successful- ness of his own offering a varie- ly carry a human being and ty of items of his own manufac- christened it the "Experiment". ture such as inks, tonics, and remedies, including "Waters' During the remainder of Pulmonica". But he apparently 1867, George and Elisha built saw another business opportuni- three more hulls and refined the ty in box manufacturing. By process. The family team patent- 1862 he had abandoned the drug ed the process and shortly there- business and his primary enter- after formed the firm of Waters prise was a prosperous factory and Balch, (later to become Wa- that made boxes for local indus- ters & Sons). Their invention tries and retailers. marked a turning point for the family business. The 1868 Troy city directory no longer listed Waters as a box manufacturer This new kind of paper work but as a boat maker. In 1932 prompted George to reexamine a George Waters' other son, used rowing shell he often took Charles Vinton Waters, told the out on the Hudson (a cast-off trade journal Superior Facts that from Josh Ward, a famous rower "after the victory of Cornell, of the period). The boat leaked rowing a paper six-oared shell, badly and required patching, and over twelve other colleges in he lit upon the idea of gluing wooden boats at Saratoga Lake pieces of thick paper to the hull in 1875, followed by a clean and then coating them with var- sweep of all events at the Cen- nish. With this success in hand, tennial Regatta in 1876, they he wondered if an entire boat were in general use in this coun-

made of paper and varnish might try for more than thirty years." One early March day in work. 1867, the box baron"s teenage At the peak of their populari- son, George, received an invita- In June, George and his fa- ty, the paper armada eventually tion to a masquerade party and ther set to work, using the hull ranged from simple single- decided to attend as a giant. He of another wooden rowing shell person rowing shells to a 45-foot designed a costume and found a as a mold, to create an altogether "pleasure barge," which could giant-sized face mask in a local new type of craft whose skin comfortably seat 17, not count- store. But the eight-dollar price was formed from a single sheets ing six toiling oarsmen. In 1875 exceeded his budget. Undaunt- of paper extending unbroken the New York Daily Graphic ed, he arranged to borrow the from stem to stern, leaving no could confidently assert that this mask and layered paper and joints, laps, or seams on the sur- family, which eight years earlier paste over it at his father's facto- face. The hull proved to be light had only built the likes of hat- ry to create a copy. and strong. The father-son team boxes, now operated the "largest

16 boat factory in the United creased industrialization and the could be inserted along the keel States." increased demand for paper, the line and similar strips along the demand simply outstripped the gunwales. Below the gunwales, The use of paper meshed supply. However by 1854 chem- "tacking strips" were attached with shifts in technology at the ists had developed processes to that enabled the paper to be time. More than a few historians free the cellulose from the wood stretched over and tightly fas- have dubbed the latter half of the fibers providing a plentiful and tened to the mold. 19th century as the "Age of Pa- inexpensive alternative to rag for per." The Fourdrinier brothers many applications. The price of For lightweight boats such as new and phenomenally produc- paper pulp and paper fell drasti- racing shells, Waters & Sons tive "Fourdrinier Machine", cally. used the best grade of manila (invented by a Frenchman, Nicholas Robert), was for the In an age first time providing large quanti- without plastic ties of paper in long, continuous or composite rolls. Before this machine, paper materials, this was made by hand on a large new inexpen- frame, containing a screen, sive paper, dipped into a large vat of water which could be and paper pulp. The size of the molded, sheet was limited by the size of formed, and a frame that could easily be han- otherwise ma- dled by one or two papermakers. nipulated, be- The Fourdrinier machine over- came the high- came this bottleneck by using a tech construction substance of paper, which in the 19th century rotating screen belt to receive its day. Inventions ranged from was made directly from manila the pulp. clothing - (an entertainer, Mr. hemp. Several layers were ap- Howard Paul sang "The Age of plied, each sheet running the full (An illustrated comparison of Paper" in British music halls, length and breadth of the mold- hand- and machine-made paper clad head to toe in his subject ing hull. The first sheet was ap- can be found at the Basil Paper material) - to boats, observatory plied slightly damp, then tacked Museum site; a short video clip domes, flowerpots, and even down and coated with an adhe- with a working model of Nicho- coffins. sive to accept the next sheet. Af- las Robert's first paper making ter time in a heated drying room, machine, is shown in a segment The fabrication technique the paper shell - keel and gun- of James Burkes's followed by Waters & Sons wales attached - was removed "Connections" program.) throughout these years differed from the mold for finishing. The little from that presented in the boat builders completed a pro- Another shift in technology original patent. A full-size con- prietary waterproofing process, was the increased use of wood vex wooden model was prepared added sealed air chambers for pulp for paper. Formerly virtual- to the exact desired dimensions. flotation, installed a paper deck, ly all paper was made from linen The mold was solid, but it had and fitted the hull with the prop- or cotton rags. With the in- grooves cut into it so that a keel er hardware, ribs, and other

17 woodwork. When finished, one observer noted, the racing shells were like polished steel, 12 inch- es wide and finished as beauti- fully as a piano body.

For a rowboat or canoe, the basic hull manufacturing tech- nique was nearly identical, ex- cept that only one sheet of thick linen paper from the Crane Mill in Dalton, Massachusetts, was used, still damp and in roll form. When dried, the hull still meas- ured no more than 1/8 to 1/10 inch thick. St. Paul in May 1872, enabling Two years later, Nathaniel As mentioned, the paper row- him to set off from the White Holmes Bishop and an ing shells acquired early ac- Earth Indian Reservation in cen- "assistant" (a New Jersey water- ceptance by major professional tral Minnesota. By June 9 he had man hired for the trip) pressed and collegiate rowers. Equal arrived at Lake Itasca and ex- south from Quebec in an 18- fame was brought to Waters plored its tributaries to the great foot, 300-lb. decked wooden products by two canoe adventur- interest of his paper's readers. "canoe", propelled alternatively ers of the day. A young reporter He continued downstream but by two sets of oars and a single for the New York Herald, Julius grew weary of the summer heat sail. Arriving in Troy, Bishop J. Chambers, ordered a Waters and aborted his trip just short of learned about Waters' paper ca- canoe, to explore the Mississippi St. Louis, continuing on to New noes, whereupon a feeling of headwaters and then to continue Orleans by steamboat. buoyancy and independence downstream to New Orleans. came over me . . . with the con- The canoe reached him by rail at sciousness that I now possessed the right boat for the enterprise. He had his assistant return to NJ, procured a paper canoe, and af- ter a short hiatus continued alone aboard his new canoe the "Maria Therese" eventually ar- riving at Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast of Florida. He chronicled his trip in a book "The Voyage of the Paper Canoe" which sold well both in the United States and Europe. While the illustra- tion shows a double bladed pad-

18 dle, most of the journey was ac- mension, and in 1885 a new The end came suddenly in tually accomplished using oars. high school in Taunton, MA was 1901, when George Waters acci- This lead to a rather petulant re- graced with a Waters dome. dentally started a fire while ap- view of Bishops book in the Other domes credited to Waters plying finishing touches with a New York Times, claiming that were at Columbia College in blowtorch to a shell destined for it really was not true "canoeing" New York City and Brooklyn Syracuse University. The factory as were not involved in Polytechnic Institute. George and all its contents were de- the propulsion. Waters obituary in a Troy news- clared a total loss. We can thus paper would have us believe that credit George with both the birth While the Waters were ini- there were several other domes, and death of the paper boat era. tially (and exclusively) known but their locations remain un- George and his father, Elisha, for boat manufacture, their known. For more information on died shortly thereafter, (in 1902 minds apparently remained at Domes, see the page accessed and 1904 respectively). work on other projects and other from the home page. opportunities. In 1878, they built © Ken Cupery 2011 a paper observatory dome for Waters & Sons apparently Bishop canoe illustration courtesy of the newly erected Proudfit Ob- remained an active business Ocean County Library, Toms River, NJ servatory at Rensselaer Poly- through the end of the century. technic Institute in Troy. The In addition to their traditional construction method was almost products they experimented with identical to that used for paper a steam launch hull built for canoes; thick linen paper was Westinghouse (to try with one of formed over a mold of a dome their steam engines) as well as a segment that already contained a whaleboat for evaluation by the wooden framework which was US Navy, but clearly the busi- removed from the mold with the ness was winding down as they paper. Finished sections were relocated to smaller quarters in bolted together and the joints 1898. were weatherproofed with cot- ton cloth saturated with white lead.

Waters built a several domes thereafter. In 1881 the largest of their domes was placed on a new observatory at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. It was 30 feet 8 inches in diameter and contained over 2,000 pounds of paper. In 1883 Beloit College, in Beloit, Wisconsin, erected an observatory using a Waters' dome, this time of smaller di-

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20

MEMORIES OF A ROYALEX CANOE

SCOTT STENBERG

PolyOne Corp. recently announced that veloped into paddler while growing up in dark green Old Town Camper with a Roy- they were ceasing production of Royalex. Los Angeles. alex hull. I felt like we purchased a yacht, Royalex is a composite material, compris- but actually it was a barge by any defini- There wasn’t much canoeing in my life ing an outer layer of vinyl and hard acrylo- tion. The camper was short and wide. It after the Boy Scouts. High School, military nitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS) and tracked poorly and paddled slowly but service, and college all came before I had an inner layer of ABS foam. It’s most wow did we log some miles in that boat. a chance to go canoeing again. That oc- prominent use for generations has been Lynne and I camped as much as we could curred when my bride, Lynne, and I went the thermoforming of recreational canoe that first summer we owned that canoe. on our honeymoon. and kayak hulls. That announcement has We made several trips to the Adirondacks many canoe builders searching for an al- Lynne and I rented a cabin on Long Lake in and we even made a weeklong trip to the ternative thermoforming hull material, the for our romantic get- La Ve’rendrye Provincial Park in Quebec. but overall the announcement of Roy- away. We borrowed a Royalex hull Old We owned a big heavy plastic canoe and alex’s demise has had little effect on the Town Camper from a friend for that ad- we had fun with it. world, because Royalex was almost exclu- venture. The two of us looked like a cou- The Stenbergs quickly learned much about sively used to make tens of thousands of ple of young vagabonds with my old beat homeownership those first few years in canoes and kayaks. While PolyOne’s an- up Chevy Vega packed to the gills with our new house. One of the principle rules nouncement did not shake up the canoe gear and a big bright red canoe on top. All of homeownership is that houses con- racing world, either (because Royalex was stares aside, it was a fabulous week of sume time. You seem to have so much too slow a material for racing hulls), the sightseeing, paddling, and hiking in the more free time for camping trips when news did cause me to reminisce a bit Adirondacks, and I always reminisce about living in an apartment with no responsibil- about my paddling past. Like many so that week whenever I pass that cabin on ity for building maintenance and repair. many paddlers, a Royalex canoe is part of my Day-2 rides Even so, Lynne and I tried to paddle that my paddling heritage. up Long Lake (even though I have yet to Old Towne as often as our limited time see a bright red plastic canoe on the I first started canoeing in Boy Scout Troop permitted. We still occasionally made it to beach in front of it.) 225 (South Bay Area of Los Angeles) in the Adirondacks and we lived just a few Southern California. Bright red heavy plas- There was another big gap in my paddling miles from the Seneca River where I tic (Royalex) canoes were very much a career after that August week. Lynne and I would often go alone or with Lynne for a part of the fleet at our Sea Scout Camp returned to Buffalo as a married couple to quick paddle or some fishing. One thing is established on the beach below the cliffs finish our college degrees, then it was certain: iwe didn’t paddle that boat fast or of Fort MacArthur. The camp overlooked back to Central New York and onto the far, but just getting on the water back the Los Angeles Harbor and the harbor early years in our respective careers. We then was good enough. was where many of us went to earn our camped a lot during those years but not The summer of 1987, Lynne and I made canoeing merit badge. I spent many a with a canoe. We were living in apart- another post-apartment life acquisition – weekend campout paddling those big ments those years and like most apart- a dog. Belle was a Chesapeake Bay Re- heavy canoes through ship wakes while ment dwellers, we just didn’t have any triever (chessie) puppy, a water dog by practicing the skills needed to earn that room for a canoe. breeding, and she loved that Old Town coveted badge. Without the Boy Scouts Lynne and I bought our first house in 1986 canoe. Now, during our rare summer ca- and Royalex canoes, I probably would nev- and quickly purchased a few things apart- noe getaways, Lynne and I would pack up er have learned to paddle a canoe or de- ment life didn’t allow. A new canoe was our gear and head to the Adirondacks for one of those things. It was a brand new a weekend of camping and paddling with

21

a dog. Belle was a good looking chessie Jensen 18 ca- with the typical chessie passion for water. noe that get all She was easily trained and was quick to my paddling learn “canoe manners” so it was never attention these much of a problem paddling with her in days. I fancy that slow stable Old Town Camper. Belle myself a kayak was always calm and settled in the canoe racer and I and, if she ever did forget her manners, a prefer pad- tap on the shoulder with my paddle was dling really all that was needed to remind her that I long distances had a paddle - and good manners were which was better. It was fun when Lynne and I would never fun in load Belle into the canoe and head out the Camper, onto an Adirondack Pond or lake for an but I honestly afternoon paddle. We would meet with have admit many greetings and looks of admiration that I won my for the three of us in that Old Towne Ca- first canoe noe; although Belle was easily a bigger race in my attention getter than either the canoe or Camper. That the paddlers. was in April 1996. cane the seats when they wore out and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and canoes are replace the yoke when one end started to like “peas in a pod”, and both factored The race was a small-time friendly compa- rot. The Royalex hull has a 25 year old into another one of my passions – duck ny race between colleagues at the Bio patch in it from a time when it was run hunting. I’ve been a duck hunter since Tech firm where I had just started employ- hard over a sharp submerged Adirondack long before the Robertsons became celeb- ment. The course was a short three mile rock during a Lake Lila camping trip, but it rities and I’m still at it. It wasn’t long after downriver paddle on Fall Creek just out- still paddles along. I got that Camper that I realized that a side of Ithaca. As it went, my teammate canoe could get me into hidden backwater and I were getting trounced in that heavy These days the Camper sits on a rack in duck spots that walking or other boats slow Royalex Camper when all of the sud- my barn but it is not forgotten. As a testa- could not. The stability, strength, and du- den fortune smiled upon me and my col- ment to the durability of the Royalex hull, rability of the Camper made it an ideal league. The lead boat stopped at the first I keep it just in case an opportunity to take hunting canoe. I’ve loaded my camper bridge mistaking it for the finish line. The it duck hunting comes along. I now have with dogs, decoys, guns, and more then second place boat hit a rock and was tak- another chessie puppy that I’m training to headed into the backwater areas of Red ing on water so it pulled over to dump and retrieve waterfowl so that opportunity Creek and Perch River marshes and have we shot by those teams with the Camper, may be this fall. I’m looking forward to the come out with ducks I would not have took the lead, and caught some fast water possibility of a day of hunting from the otherwise obtained. I’ve floated rivers and that allowed us to open sizeable gap camper on the Perch River in Northern NY. dragged the Camper across mud flats in which we held to the finish. Sometimes It’s a tough place to hunt but a perfect pursuit of waterfowl. That canoe is stable knowing the course and paddling a heavy place for a durable heavy plastic canoe. enough to shoot from and to launch ches- durable boat is a better choice for the win! PolyOne may have discontinued Royalex sies into their retrieves without tipping It was a fun moment and I was just bitten but I’m sure there are many Royalex ca- over (please – no safety lectures, I know by the canoe racing bug at that time, but noes and kayaks like mine that are still out the hazards) and it is durable enough to faster boats were definitely in order. there creating opportunities for old pad- take the abuse. I do not complain about Lynne and I don’t campout anymore. dlers to reminisce. Royalex allowed for a the weight and bulkiness of a Royalex hull We’ve given up afternoon paddles togeth- low cost durable hull and many boats under those circumstances. er with the dogs but I still have that Old were built with it including one forest I now have a fleet of West Side Boat Shop Town Camper. Next year will make it thir- green Old Town Camper in New York’s kayaks and a light Kevlar lay-up Wenonah ty years with that canoe. I’ve had to re- Finger Lakes.

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USCA 2015 – 2016

List of Officers, Board of Directors (Delegates), & Committee Chairs

USCA Officers Penn-Jersey Division/USCA Paula Thiel Ken Gerg 487 Wylie School Road, Voluntown, CT 06384 PO Box 247, Emporium, PA 15834 home: 860-564-2443; [email protected] Executive Committee 814-486-1691; [email protected] President & Chair: Judy Jeanes Pacific Division Peter Heed 225 Bella Vista Rd, Devon, PA 19333 (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA) Vice President: 215-872-7409, [email protected] Vacant Larry Latta Ron Kaiser Secretary: 2865 Northway Rd, Williamsport, PA 17701-8869 South Atlantic Division Joan Theiss 570-327-8106; [email protected] (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV) Treasurer: Norm Ludwig Lynne McDuffie John Edwards [email protected] 2006 West Side Road, Jersey Shore, PA 17740 Executive Director William McDuffie (570) 865-6214; [email protected] Kate Wenrich Bill Gardner 410 Cockman Rd, Robbins, NC 27325 -Kaiser home: 910-948-3238; [email protected] 2865 Northway Rd, Williamsport, PA 17701-8869 Ed Sharp Delegates 570-327-8106; [email protected] 14 Winslow Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Organized State & Regional Divisions Non-Organized 540-752-5400; [email protected] Regional Divisions Florida Division/USCA West North Central Division Larry Frederick East South Central Division (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD) Earl Brimeyer 4896 E Spruce Dr ,Dunnellon, FL 34424-4770 (AL, KY, MS, TN) 2595 Rhomberg Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001-1445 352-341-0298 ; [email protected] Fred Tuttle 563-583-6345; [email protected] Lloyd Reeves 101 Gano Ave. Apt. 1, Georgetown, KY 40324 Charlie Lockwood 225 Hoffer Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 270-993-3999; [email protected] 7700 HWY VV, Columbia, MO 65202 805-441-7463; [email protected] 573-442-7109; [email protected] East North Central Division (IL, MI, WI) Doug Pennington Indiana Division/USCA Derek Diget 1735 County Rd 241, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Julie Horney 131 S Berkley St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 573-785-0471; [email protected] Steve Horney 269-343-5150; [email protected] 15806 Timber Willow Dr, Huntertown, IN 46748 John Hazel West South Central Division (AR, LA, OK, TX) cell: 260-452-6447; [email protected] 15235 Ackerson Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49017 Bob Spain New York Division/USCA 269-964-8184; [email protected] 803 Arroweye Tr, Austin, TX 78733 Dave Donner Lynne Witte 512-263-2751; [email protected] 4883 Harlem Rd, Amherst, NY 14226 58 Union St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043 Don Walls 716-839-4307; [email protected] 586-201-5695; [email protected] 9 Bunker Hill Ln, Russellville, AR 72802 Larry Liquori 479-280-1319; [email protected] 79 Locust Drive, Kings Park, NY 11754 Mountain Division Non-US Regional Division 631-406-6918; [email protected] (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY) Vacant Scott Stenberg Lynn Capen

3232 Jugg St, Moravia, NY 13118 685 Sugarloaf Mountain Rd, Boulder, CO 80302 315-406-4692; [email protected] 303-444-0187; [email protected]

Ohio Division/USCA New England Division Bill Corrigan (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) 5888 E. Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241 Robert Allen 513-530-9249; [email protected] 687 Montgomery Rd, Westfield, MA 01085-1074 Norm Skinner 413-568-8832; [email protected] 4055 Red Bud Rd, Dresden, OH 43821 Priscilla Reinertsen 740-754-1213; [email protected] 582 E Penacook Rd, Contoocook, NH 03229 home: 603-746-6491; [email protected]

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Affiliated Club Delegates for 2015 USCA/ IC F Grants – Priscilla Reinertsen Youth Activities – Kent Center Athletic Club Florida Competition Paddlers Association- Kathy Webmaster- Larry Latta Bonny Brady Edwards; St. Petersburg, FL Women’s Interest – Kate Wenrich Kaiser Chestertown, MD 727-522-3348; [email protected] [email protected] Special Appointments Michigan Canoe Racing Association – Chris Hewitt Lansing, MI USCA Marathon Coordinator to USACK Marathon Island Paddlers 777 989-751-4324; [email protected] Committee- Kaitlyn McElroy David Donner Amherst, NY New England Canoe & Kayak Racing Assn – Karen [email protected] Pleasant; Greenfield, MA Business Affiliates 413-522-8222; [email protected] Dubuque Watersport Club New York Marathon Canoe Racing Assn- Kevin Berl Tres Rios Sports Robert Hainan Earl Brimeyer Macedon, NY Derry, PA Dubuque, IA 585-733-4043; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] North Carolina Canoe Racing Association – Steve

Rosenau; Denver, NC Echo Park Outrigger Canoe Tours Dubuque Association 704-483-4130; [email protected] Lloyd Reeves Earl Brimeyer Pennsylvania Assn of Canoeing and – Port Charlotte, FL Dubuque, IA Jerry Patton; Port Allegany, PA [email protected] [email protected] 704-483-4130; [email protected] St Charles Canoe Club – Ben Josefik Paddle Florida, Inc. Scenic Scioto Canoe Club Dwight, IL Bill Richards Janet E Doyle 815-584-9694; [email protected] Gainesville, FL Portsmouth, OH Texas Canoe & Kayak Racing Association – Wade [email protected] [email protected] Binion; College Station, TX 979-218-0321; [email protected] Club Affiliates Minnesota Canoe Association Kevin Groenveld Standing Committees for 2015 Outrigger Hoe Wana'ao Minneapolis, MN [email protected] Adaptive Paddling– Jan Whitaker Leilani de Leon

Annual Meeting Coordinator– San Diego, CA River City Rowing club Auditing– Larry Latta [email protected] William Naddy Barton Cup (Sub-ctee, Youth Activities)- River City Paddler West Sacramento, CA Bylaws Review - Harold Theiss Marsha Arnold [email protected] Camaraderie – Judy Jeanes Sacramento, CA Camping/Cruising - [email protected] Westfield River Watershed Association Competition– Norm Ludwig Francis Siska Competition / Dragon Boat - Dayton Canoe Club Westfield, MA Competition / Kayak– Ron Kaiser & Lloyd Reeves Thomas Tweed [email protected] Competition / Nationals Awards– Barbara Walls Dayton, OH Competition / Orienteering– [email protected] Competition / Outrigger Canoe– Competition / Adult Sprints– John Edwards Competition / Youth Sprints - Lloyd Reeves Competition / Standup Paddleboard- Lloyd Reeves Competition / - Glen Green Conservation– Education- Lynne Witte Historian - Joan Theiss Instruction Certification– Insurance / Coordinator- Joan Theiss Marketing– Bill Gardner Membership – Harold Theiss Merchandise Sales – Nationals Coordinator- Don Walls Nationals Timing— Nominating– Publications– Steven Horney Publicity & PR – Safety – Glen Green Technical Inspection– Jerry Patton USCA Bylaws/Rules/Regulations Review & Oversight – Joan Theiss

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NOTICE!!! Canoe News is going digital! In order to save the USCA money and to pro- vide our members with a full-featured magazine (full color, more articles, links, etc.) Canoe News will be available in a digital format. Not to fear if you still prefer a hard-copy; it will continue to be available in printed form as well. But if you’re someone who likes to have access to your magazine through your smart device, computer, Kindle, etc., you now have that option. Plus, you’ll help the USCA! Please indicate your preference on your member- ship renewal form or by e-mailing Harold Theiss ([email protected]). And make certain we have your updated contact information!

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2014 USCA Memberships United States Canoe Association, Inc. 12802 Lake Jovita Blvd expired December 31, 2014 Dade City, FL 33525-8265

Receipt of Canoe News does not prove membership

Renew online at www.uscanoe.com

or fill out form in this issue and mail with check payable to USCA to:

Harold Theiss, Membership Chair, 12802 Lake Jovita Blvd. Dade City, FL 33525

Change of: address, e-mail, or phone number? Contact: Harold Theiss, (above address) Phone 352-588-9877 Email [email protected]

Don Walls holding off Barry Bowman at 2012 USCA Nationals in Warren, PA

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