Find out How Intensity Training Can Help You

BY BOATERS FOR BOATERS July/August 2008

Find Out How Intensity Training Can Help You

Yoga For Paddlers Attainment + Racing = Challenge and Fun Klamath: The Source to Sea Experience American Wildwater Racers Travel Across the Atlantic

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�� A VOLUNTEER PUBLICATION PROMOTING RIVER CONSERVATION, ACCESS AND SAFETY American Whitewater Journal July/August 2008 - Volume #48 - Issue #4

COLUMNS

3 The Journey Ahead by Mark Singleton

4 Mind Over Water by Doug Ammons 31 2007 Annual Report 52 News & Notes

64 The Last Word By Ambrose Tuscano

STEWARDSHIP UPDATES

9 Wild Sky Wilderness by Thomas O’Keef

10 Susquehanna River Settlement Reached by Kevin Colburn

11 Mongaup River / Bear River by Kevin Colburn

12 Lolo Creek / Tuckasegee River by Thomas O’Keefe

14 Colorado Report by Nathan Fey

24 Canyon Creek Race by Thomas O’Keefe

26 McCloud River Flow Studes by Dave Steindorf

27 Yuba/Bear Flow Study Needs You by Dave Steindorf

PADDLING FITNESS

18 The Upstream Afterthought by Matt Pascal

20 Yoga for Paddlers by Andria Davis

22 High Intensity Training for Paddlers by Matt Young

30 The Length of the Klamath by Tyler Williams

48 2007 U.S. Wildwater Team World Cup Report by Rich Roehner

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Publication Title: American Whitewater Issue Date: July/August 2008 Cover: Paddlers explore the Statement of Frequency: Published bimonthly Bear River (ID) Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: American Whitewater photo by Doug van Houten P.O. Box 1540 Cullowhee, NC 28723 Printed on Recycled Paper River Stewardship: EDUCATION: AW shares information with the processes, grassroots advocacy, coalition building, An Integrated Approach general public and the paddling community empowerment of volunteers, public outreach and regarding whitewater rivers, as well as river education, and, when necessary, legal action. Our mission: “To conserve and restore America’s recreation, conservation, access, and safety. This is whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities RIVER ACCESS: To assure public access to whitewater accomplished through our bi-monthly AW Journal, to enjoy them safely,” is actively pursued through our rivers pursuant to the guidelines published in its a monthly e-news, americanwhitewater.org, paddling conservation, access, safety and education efforts under official Access Policy, AW arranges for river access events, educational events, and through direct the umbrella of River Stewardship. The only national through private lands by negotiation or purchase, communication with the press. organization representing the interest of all whitewater seeks to protect the right of public passage on all paddlers, American Whitewater is the national voice rivers and streams navigable by kayak or canoe, Together, AW staff, members, volunteers, and affiliate for thousands of individual whitewater enthusiasts, as encourages equitable and responsible management clubs can achieve our goals of conserving, protecting well as over 100 local paddling club affiliates. of whitewater rivers on public lands, and works with and restoring America’s whitewater resources and government agencies and other river users to achieve enhancing opportunities to safely enjoy these AW’s River Stewardship program adheres to the four these goals. tenets of our mission statement: wonderful rivers. SAFETY: AW promotes paddling safely, publishes CONSERVATION: AW’s professional staff works reports on whitewater accidents, maintains a uniform AW was incorporated under Missouri nonprofit closely with volunteers and partner organizations national ranking system for whitewater rivers (the corporation laws in 1961 and maintains its principal to protect the ecological and scenic values of all International Scale of Whitewater Difficulty) and mailing address at PO Box 1540, Cullowhee, NC whitewater rivers. These goals are accomplished publishes and disseminates the internationally- 28723; phone 1-866-BOAT-4-AW (1-866-262-8429). through direct participation in public decision-making recognized American Whitewater Safety Code. AW is tax exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service.

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2 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 3 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 The “Cutting Edge”: of a falls, the flow in cubic feet per second, in a canyon that is steep, cliffed out, the feet per mile, and our ever-elastic Class and forbidding. It helped that they were a Beautiful Anarchy V rating. In all of these, the assumption is alpinists as well as excellent paddlers, that the higher the falls, the bigger the which made the rope work and complex By Doug Ammons river, the steeper, then the harder and portaging more feasible. That extra set of more cutting edge it is. However, anybody skills was another dimension that had to who has been around the sport for a good be integrated into their paddling skills. Editor’s Note: Doug Ammons is a Ph.D. length of time will, if pushed, be able to list They went on to do the first descent of in psychology, a world class kayaker for 25 provisos for all of these. It depends on the another river coming off Nanga Parbat years, and author of the book The Laugh nature of the drops, how clean they are, into the Indus that had an astronomical of the Water Nymph. He contributes this what support is possible, the equipment gradient, and which they described as regular column to American Whitewater used, subtleties of the line, how much you having “more sieves than eddies.” My hat as a forum to discuss the psychology of know about a run, objective hazards, and is off to them, too. There is no doubt that whitewater paddlesports. many other things. Finally, even though this is a huge accomplishment in the world it’s implied that the edge is “razor sharp,” of expedition whitewater. I recently had a discussion with some many parts of the “cutting edge” turn out passionate steep creekers about the not to have much cut to them. Depending on your point of view, perhaps “cutting edge.” They love their pastime in the Indus runs are “more cutting edge” the way only wonderfully fanatic paddlers In terms of difficulty, I would argue that than those of the Young Guns. Or, if can, and insisted that steep creeking was every aspect of the sport has elements of you’re partial to the youngsters, you may the “the most cutting edge” in kayaking— the cutting edge, because people are always think that their “big air” freestyle moves, the area where there was the highest level pushing each thing as far as they can take waterfalls, trips to Vietnam and Africa, and of difficulty, and people were pushing it at any given time. People are constantly steep Sierra drops are more impressive. limits the most. I disagreed with them. defining new branches of the sport, so the Comparing these two current examples ways in which you can be at “the edge” are starts to underscore the variation in what The cutting edge is usually defined as always multiplying. Consequently, there people consider cutting edge. As a simple the hardest things done in the sport. are dozens or even hundreds of cutting fact: the more things you look at, the less This sounds impressive and dramatic. edges. Yet, we only recognize certain clear that edge becomes. It also implies something that cuts things. like the sharpest knife. The truth is There are a lot of strange things about this more complicated. Let’s start with some things that probably appeal to the cutting edge. For example, everybody will agree are currently “ tune in next year and people will have done When you start looking at it, the cutting cutting edge.” even taller tallest waterfalls, have soared to edge is hard to characterize because it newer heights in freestyle, and have done refers to so many different things. It has An example I saw just yesterday would be more global first descents in even more a media-induced buzz, but it is also used the “Young Guns”. By name and action, impossible locations. You can see the as slang for people’s ideals, including they and their many followers are certain problem. If the location was “impossible” what they are struggling toward, and that what they’re doing is raddest and then by definition they couldn’t be there. what they think they have accomplished. baddest cutting edge, which includes 100- If what they will be doing next year will It represents these and much more—from footers, hard steep runs, hard play moves, be so earthshaking, does that mean they’re our most neurotic desires to the precious their self-chosen name, and their movies slacking it this year? Is the cutting edge things we aspire to, which sometimes are (Young Guns, The Source, etc). Their ads nothing more than a synonym for what’s one and the same. say they are running the tallest waterfalls, new and cool? reaching “new heights” in freestyle, The cutting edge is a huge, sprawling and pioneering “global first descents” The edge is often used as advertising shtick confusion—more like a crate full of in “impossible locations”. Despite the and easily degrades into clichés and hype. broken bottles than the edge of the hyperbole, my hat is off to them. There Guinness got cold feet on world record single sharpest knife. There isn’t just one is no doubt they are great kayakers and waterfalls shortly after the initial widely edge, there are lots of them, with people paddling very difficult whitewater. publicized efforts of one paddler led to a throwing more bottles into the crate all the quick succession of other people running time. Like a piece of broken glass, the edge A contrasting example is a small, two- higher falls. It’s unclear why anybody was changes constantly and drastically from person Austrian-Brit team that this talking about world records in the first one aspect of the sport to another. There spring quietly dropped into the last place, but now, this quest has taken other is no measure of the edge, although we unrun section of the Indus gorge and forms, with a group supposedly “testing attempt to put numbers on it—the height kayaked it. This is challenging big water the limits of free fall.” I’m a bit puzzled

4 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 5 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 by this pursuit: what does it mean to test already been done. They deliberately do chaotic. There are thousands of rapids the limits of free fall in a kayak (150 or so things that are new and different. They that are harder and more dangerous than feet) when, for example, base jumpers go want to put their own mark on the board probably any waterfall that has been run, at off things from 400 to several thousand with their own style. The cutting edge is least in the sense of requiring more moves, feet tall, and for that matter, skydivers a combination of all the things people more energy and skill to do them right, regularly do free falls from 15,000 feet. To do. It shifts and changes according to and having much worse consequences complicate matters, a skydiver even went interest, equipment, focus, publicity, time, for failure. By way of proof, let me ask out of a plane at 10,000 feet in a kayak, sponsorship, and even fads. Most of all, it this simple question: how many people doing flips and rolls on his way down. reflects the huge range of personality in have died in hard rapids and how many Hilarious, interesting, and let’s face it, our sport and what individuals see as their have died doing big waterfalls? The score, very weird. Why is a free fall in a kayak so personal challenges. to state it in a very crude way, is about important? We appear to be talking about 100 to 0. No excellent paddler has ever the skill in landing safely when running a Consider waterfalls again: The focus on died from the impact of a high waterfall, large waterfall, but did the skydiver in the running big waterfalls has led to it being but plenty of top end paddlers have died kayak have less skill than it takes to run a defining “cutting edge” in many people’s running hard rapids. Now don’t get me 100-footer clean? Is this getting ridiculous? eyes, particularly for non-paddlers. wrong, more deaths don’t make paddling Funner? Both? Paddlers have gone higher and higher, hard rapids better; every single one of and even claimed world records. But them is a tragedy. My point is simply this: In search of clarity, let’s look at the opposite arguments about the details sprout up just using death as the ultimate measure of extreme. With all the breathlessness that as fast as the descents: whether something difficulty and consequences, waterfalls are accompanies the new feats, you might was 98.5 feet or 100 feet, whether that is far less dangerous than the usual Class V. note that sometimes people do things that higher or lower than 32 meters, whether it However, the finality of that single arc off stand for a long time and are unrepeated, was entirely a freefall, or whether putting the edge is spellbinding to non-kayakers like Walt Blackadar’s amazing 1971 solo jugs of water in the bow of the boat (to and kayakers alike, so waterfalls take a of the Alsek. Such things are undisputed help keep the nose down) should be special place at the “cutting edge.” examples of “cutting edge.” The fact they counted against the run, or even whether aren’t repeated seems as though it is due running the same falls at a different water Running waterfalls is a rather odd pastime. to the runs being so hard and exposed level makes it 1.5 feet lower or higher. The Surely it is spectacular, which for most that others do not want to take them little arguments multiply like mushrooms. people is probably a good enough reason on—cutting edges that stand the test of Every single such comment illustrates the to do it. However, I’m reminded of the time. That might be so. However, again “edge” is not a single thing, but more like oddness by the guy who ran a 105-footer there’s more to it. a generic symbol. We seek absolutes—the in Oregon in an inner tube after “scouting” hardest, the highest—but only can ever for just three minutes. The kayaker who I firmly believe that anything one paddler find what is relative. The details shift and ran the falls originally scoped it out for does can be done by many other paddlers differ, making the “edge” a strange and months, but the tuber just glanced at the as well. Nobody is so good that he or fuzzy place. falls, climbed aboard and shoved off. He she can do things no other paddler can. made it fine, although he fell off his tube This is a myth about the “cutting edge.” Particularly over the past 10 years, big at the bottom. That means he ran the falls What is really happening is that people gnarly falls have taken a special place as well as several well-known paddlers ran of multiple talents and equivalent ability in some people’s minds. The appeal their big ones. But it begs a question for make individual choices about what is straightforward—a big waterfall is the present discussion: what does it mean challenges to take on. The sport doesn’t impressive. Height speaks for itself and that something formidable in a kayak is just constantly progress by the best people is immediately equated to difficulty: easy in an inner tube? Why is it that a pushing the same limits harder and the higher the falls, the more difficult it waterfall requiring “cutting edge” skill and farther. The edge has all the quirks of the must be. On an aesthetic level, the visual daring in an specialized kayak can be run people who seek it. simplicity leads to great photos that by somebody using a tube you can buy for anybody can look at and say “wow!” You $10 at a gas station? If you think about The sheer variety reflects how different can communicate the feeling of difficulty that very much, it suggests running falls rivers and creeks can be, how many ways instantly at a gut-level. In contrast, if in a kayak is silly. At least it undermines they can be difficult. Not only that, it you’ve ever given a slide show, you’ll know making such a big deal about height. What reflects how differently people can see it’s hard for viewers to understand what would happen if the goofy, skilled, and these things. Frankly, it’s anarchy out is going on even in super difficult Class ballsy tuber did Alexandra Falls (107 feet)? there - people pick their own challenges, VI + whitewater. After a certain point, How would we make sense of such a run? and most of the paddlers aren’t interested everything is white and chaotic, and it in trying to repeat something that has doesn’t matter if it gets whiter and more We may never know because it’s doubtful

4 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 5 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 that the tuber will get sponsorship cutting edge” in kayaking, and consider around cliffs. There are no big waterfalls from Goodyear Tires to roam the world contrasts between the types of edge but there are lots of steep, long rapids and running huge waterfalls in his inner paddling—what is different and why. sieves. The Class V does not let up till the tube. You will never see the innertubing Expeditions put a premium on doing last couple of miles, which are continuous equivalent of Twitch or The Source. difficult things self-contained out in the Class IV. I suppose this shows if you can Maybe he can get hooked up with the remote sticks. It’s not only the difficult list enough numbers, the run must be team that is supposedly testing the limits paddling, it’s everything about the cutting edge. It is a spectacular place, of freefall. However, just imagine what difficulty of where you are. The first time going from alpine meadows at the put-in, would happen if he were shown running a proud steep creeker does an expedition to a deep desert canyon at the take-out. even one of the things they do—much in a third world country where he Usually, it is done as a long two- or three- less the showcase 107-footer right after gets strung out puking with some GI day run. I didn’t know the run (I had run the kayakers. It’d make the whole thing problem and still has to do Class V for it once five years earlier), and that was part into a joke—the edge-daring kayakers the next week, he probably will change of the draw for me. I was looking for a full against Zoltan the spoofer. Further, as his tune. There’s a different element of expedition-like experience on a complex readers of this magazine may remember mental and physical toughness involved run, all condensed into one day. I put in from an earlier story, a high school friend in expeditions. Or, if he does one of the at 6 am and took out at twilight, utterly of mine—a highly skilled gymnast, rock big wilderness rivers up north, camping exhausted. That’s approximately three climber, and kayaker—jumped off a out of a boat for days that weighs 80 or major steep creek runs in a row—runs 180-foot waterfall, landed perfectly, and 100 pounds, running hard big water, you don’t know—in the wilderness, with survived—a little worse for wear, but okay. portaging, living on slim rations, he portaging complexities, severe exposure, That’s 70 feet higher than the kayakers are probably will come back thinking that and no support. It’s a multi-day, hybrid looking at. And Al Faucet ran a 200-footer creeking on day runs with an unloaded wilderness/steep creek/expedition run in a wooden dugout canoe nearly 80 years boat—no matter how hard—is not the done solo in a day. Tommy Hilleke and ago. Why is it a bigger deal to run a smaller sum of the sport, and actually is a lot John Grace’s one-day descent of the falls in a kayak than it is to run a taller funner and less obnoxious than other Middle Kings in 2007 is somewhat in the one in an inner tube, a dugout canoe, or forms of the edge. same vein. without any craft at all? But this can immediately be reversed. One could say this kind of thing was There’s no question kayaking requires When the creekers’ boats are unloaded, “cutting edge,” but actually it’s a specific more skill, or at least different skills than they can take bigger risks, and attempt personal challenge, and only a certain kind tubing or jumping, but a question arises: wild moves that you would never try of person would want to do it. Tommy isn’t it weird to celebrate kayaking skill in a loaded boat 100 miles back in the and John’s run was also in remembrance when that skill isn’t actually required? Himalaya. This turns the tables. The of their close partner Daniel DeLavergne, We seem to be making something harder expeditionist taken down a cutting edge who had died the preceding year. Suffice than it really is. The edge should lead us creek will not be dissing the creekers it to say, there aren’t a lot of people out to a greater understanding of our true afterward. Any of the rest of us will be there seeking these particular edges, a fact limits, not to deluding ourselves about our in the same situation if we proclaim that doesn’t mean they are better or cooler skill and daring. When the innertubers our favorite runs are the hardest of or harder. They fall somewhere between are seeing more clearly than we are, then all terrain. steep creeking, hard river running, and we’ve got a problem. We need to apply the expeditioning, making them difficult old Chinese proverb: “He who criticizes To complicate things, the cutting edge of to characterize. me correctly is my teacher.” The question steep creeks hybridizes with other forms. for us collectively is, are we willing to learn Here is a personal example: I soloed the People haven’t repeated either of the above from a tuber? full Clark Fork Yellowstone canyon in one runs in the same ways, but it isn’t because day back in 1994. It’s basically a Sierra- they can’t. More likely, it is because there’s Waterfalls are an example of the peculiar like steep river in a deep granite canyon, no reason to do it except the personal and loose definition of “cutting edge.” rated class V+/VI, 26 miles long and about reward for having taken on these particular They are spectacular. Some of them are 3000+ feet of drop. It has never been done challenges. Others attempt to go faster, or hard and dangerous; others are dramatic without portages, and if you go there you’ll add new sections, do it at higher water and high but easy in an inner tube. You’d see why (Jackson, Wyoming paddler Greg levels, and so on. Despite all the numbers think that if the edge was so sharp, it Goodyear did it once with an astonishing above, the runs are not quantifiable in the would at least pop the tube. four portages). I had a flow of about 2000 sense of a “world record” waterfall. They’re cfs (considered high) and did 8 portages just hard. Try one of them and then we can Let’s go back to that original comment (considered low), all of them strenuous, talk about it. The paddlers running 100+ about steep creeking being “the most with several roped and quite awkward foot waterfalls could say the same thing

6 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 7 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 6 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 7 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 to those of us who haven’t run something to that, because they are different kinds of a pushover, the Stikine at any level, the nearly as high. paddling. Which is the cutting edge? Well, Tsangpo, Indus, Oetz, Thule Bheri in I guess both might be, in their own strange Nepal, the Zambezi at 90,000 cfs, (as Steve Here are a few additional examples, some ways. Finally, consider Steve Fisher’s runs Fisher) recently did, and so forth. of which are variations on a theme. Scott of various huge, wild cascades in Quebec. Lindgren’s runs of the upper Karnali and Are they impressive enough as single runs, In the end, what it means is that together Tsangpo. Olaf Obsommer’s multiple or will he have to do a vertical mile of we have made an astounding sport with steep runs in Norway. Felix Lemmler’s them to be cutting edge? It seems safe to enough challenges to satisfy all of us for a “exponential” runs on the Oetz and say they stand solidly by themselves. lifetime. We’re generating new challenges waterfalls up to 42 meters (137 feet). all the time. We hold in our hands a Willie Kern’s amazing runs in the Sierras, The bigger issue for the cutting edge is, diamond in which we are constantly and lately in China. The “Triple Crown” across the sport there is no reason at all creating new facets, a gemstone that keeps trip that Gerry Moffat put together in why Blackadar’s, Hilleke’s, Lindgren’s, getting more beautiful and ornate, with 1998, where we did the three classic Friberg’s, Fisher’s, the Young Gunners, more edges the longer we work it. northern big water expedition runs back or anybody else’s challenge should be to back (Sustina, Alsek, and Stikine). Erik the yardstick for the cutting edge. These Height doesn’t define the cutting edge, nor Boomer and Tristan MacLauran did it multiple examples—all different and all steepness, flow, nor total vertical. Nobody themselves two years ago. Tommy Hilleke, difficult—show there isn’t and can’t be any owns the cutting edge, and nobody Daniel DeLavergne, and company did clearly defined edge that everybody agrees can say what is hardest. Not the Young their “Seven Rivers” expedition as another on. That’s not the way the sport functions Guns—despite what they claim—and extension, doing seven multi-day Sierra for people on a personal level, and it not any of the rest of us—despite what Classics in one summer (2004). The same doesn’t reflect how the sport progresses. we do or criticize. All of us can create an group also did something I find especially edge of the sport if we are motivated and impressive: the Stikine canyon in a I can only speak accurately about the skilled enough. The cutting edge is open single day. things I’ve directly experienced, but to our imaginations—expeditionists, another prospect for “most cutting edge” waterfallers, creekers alike, and it exists The crux is, people want to define their would be the North Fork Payette at 6500- on flowing water that is big and fast, small own challenge. That’s what the edge is, for 7000 cfs. It more or less qualifies as a steep and steep, and everything in between. each of us personally and for the sport as creek, but with a massive amount of water. There will be new cutting edges next year a collective. No waterfalls, but lots of steep drops. and the year after, despite the old edges The drops are not sieve-like, or bedrock not being surpassed or even repeated, and There are plenty of other things. Ben slides, or waterfall cascades, but incredibly even if the edges don’t cut very much. Friberg started pushing the idea of a powerful and fast big water—30-mph vertical mile creeking in a single day. exploding waves and holes going solid The cutting edge is a symbol. In its anarchy Interestingly, we did something similar for a half-mile or mile at a time. The half- it represents what is new, hard, and back in the late 1980s and early 1990s mile stretch through Jacob’s ladder/Golf interesting; it represents fads, boat design, on the North Fork Payette—doing three Course drops maybe 250 fpm, but with and advertizing shtick. It represents the runs in a day (a vertical mile). That 6500cfs—10 to 20 times the usual “creek” ideals we strive for, and the places we metamorphosed and in 1993 I did 8500 flow. I challenge any whitewater aficionado go for challenges. In all these senses, it vertical feet of Class V in a day. In 2007 to take a look at that river at that level and is a microcosm of everything from the the group of Bryan Fletcher, Fred Corielle then tell me waterfalls, creeks, or even neurotic weirdness to the most beautiful and Ryan Casey did a full 10,000+ feet expeditions are the single “most cutting aspirations of our sport. What more could (two vertical miles)—six top to bottoms edge” part of kayaking. T’ain’t so. You will we ask for? in a single day. That’s incredible! Friberg have to make room for more. is encouraging creekers to do this, but they have different terrain—smaller volume, Big water has its own cutting edge, and I steeper, tighter drops, more “technical” think nearly every paddler would have to in a number of senses. So which is harder, completely reappraise his attitude once multiple top to bottoms back-to-back on he dealt with certain rivers, even those the NF Payette, or multiple runs on a steep that have been run before: Devil’s Canyon creek of your choice? There is no answer on the Susitna at 25,000+ will never be

8 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 9 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Wild Sky Wilderness for protection of in-stream flows and water Pending legislation to quality in rivers like the Skykomish, which By Thomas O’Keefe is one of the most outstanding recreational protect headwaters and natural assets in the region. In May American Whitewater joined our Clean Water Restoration Act (S. 1870, partner organizations on the banks of American Whitewater was originally H.R. 2421) the North Fork of the Skykomish River founded on guiding principles that include to celebrate the passage of the Wild Sky protection of the wilderness character Roadless Area Conservation Act (S. Wilderness Act. Wild Sky is the first new of waterways through conservation of 1478, H.R. 2516) wilderness area in Washington State in water, forests, parks, wildlife, and related more than a quarter century. The new resources. We have been strong supporters Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions wilderness includes the headwaters of of Wild Sky through letters of support and and Wild Pratt River Act (H.R. 4113) several whitewater runs including the visits with the Congressional delegation in North Fork Skykomish, Silver Creek, Washington, DC. Lewis and Clark Mt. Hood Rapid, and Beckler. Wilderness Act (S. 647) We are pleased to see this long effort Wild Sky was sponsored by Senator Patty come to fruition and continue our work Owyhee Public Land Management Murray and Congressman Rick Larsen on a number of legislative initiatives Act (S. 2833) and covers 106,577 acres of forested to protect headwater creeks and rivers lands on the west slope of the Cascades. that provide some of our nation’s most Snake Headwaters Legacy Act (S. Significantly, approximately 30% of the outstanding whitewater runs. With our 1281) protected land includes low elevation first-hand knowledge of headwater areas forests which have typically not been a we are able to tell compelling stories part of past wilderness legislation in this and show breathtaking photos of these Washington State Congressman Rick Larsen, Senator special places. Patty Murray, and Forest Supervisor Rob Iwamoto at region. Protecting these forests is essential the dedication of the new Wild Sky Wilderness.

Photo by Thomas O’Keefe

8 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 9 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Holtwood. American Whitewater worked boatable during generation times. Susquehanna River with local paddling clubs and businesses Settlement Reached (PA) to understand this complex proposal In May of this year we signed a settlement and to get involved in the decision agreement with PPL regarding their By Kevin Colburn making process. We decided as a group Holtwood Dam on the Susquehanna that we would like to support the added River. The agreement calls for: Holtwood Dam has a problem. The generation and fish passage benefits if only dam’s generation flows are released at boating opportunities could be protected. • Two new river access areas, including only one point into the extremely wide reasonable access to Piney Channel Susquehanna River, leaving the rest of We approached the dam owner and the channel below the dam dry. A fish began negotiations that would last for • Online flow forecasting elevator next to the generators is designed more than two years. First and foremost, to attract and lift shad and other migrating paddlers advocated for the preservation • Protection of natural features (and fish past the dam. The problem is, in the of the natural rapids like Storm Hole restoration should impacts occur) spring time, flows exceed the generation that were slated for excavation. PPL capacity and water spills over the width reworked their engineering plans and • Two new features created and of the dam, and migrating fish can no were able to save Storm Hole and other maintained in Piney Channel longer find the fish elevator. They bump natural rapids. Then there was the issue up against the dam, they get lost, and they of reduced boating flows. In a normal • An average of 70 half-days of releases likely fail to reproduce as a result. While situation AW would advocate for spills (annually) into Piney Channel these spills are a curse for the fish due to over the dam that would restore some that optimize surfing at the newly the design quirk of the dam, they are a or all of the lost boating opportunities. constructed features, based on inflow blessing for paddlers who enjoy some of In this case, however, spills would likely targets. These releases will mitigate the finest playboating in the region during reduce the ability of shad to find the fish the 35 full days of spills lost through these times. lift and ultimately reach their upstream the changes at the dam. The dam will spawning grounds. The solution was still spill an additional 35 days each Several years ago the dam owner, found in PPL’s plans to reroute about 1200 year at flows sufficient to bring the Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL), cfs of generation flow through the narrow natural features in. proposed to add additional generators and rocky Piney Channel. While 1200 next to the existing ones so that water cfs is not enough to bring in the superb Now that we have reached settlement, the would spill less often. This would double natural surfing waves that form at high Federal Energy Regulatory Commission their generation capacity and likely water, it would be more than adequate will review PPL’s proposed changes improve fish passage, but would result in for newly constructed waves. Given the to the Holtwood Dam, including our further losses of boating opportunities. unique fisheries benefits, and the context settlement agreement, and issue a Just as bad for paddlers, they proposed to of ongoing massive channel excavations, decision. This decision will then trigger physically excavate several rapids including paddlers negotiated the construction of the implementation of our settlement Storm Hole, the premiere playspot at two new whitewater features that will be agreement and the rest of PPL’s proposal. It will take a few years to transpire, but as the dam is altered paddlers will have their most basic interests met, while fish passage and power generation are enhanced. AW would like to thank the great group of paddlers working on the Holtwood Dam project.

Matts Samms on Holtwood’s iconic Storm Wave

Photo by Jeremy Lauks

10 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 11 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Mongaup River (NY) Reopened To Paddling

By Kevin Colburn Access and flows at the Rio Dam on the Mongaup River (NY) reopened in April after being closed to recreation since May of 2005. The closure was due to a sinkhole that formed in an upstream company is proposing to build a new dam and forced the reservoir to be drawn dam that would flood one of the last down, recreational access areas to be free flowing sections of the river. AW is closed, and even a short-term evacuation working with other regional stakeholders of downstream areas. Boaters followed to oppose the new dam. developments at the project closely as the dam was repaired, and the reservoirs upstream were refilled and reopened. Anxious to see that the 2008 boating season was not affected, AW joined the Kayak and Canoe Club of New York, an AW affiliate, in petitioning for the reopening of the Rio Project. On April 4th, FERC ordered the resumption of one Paddlers explore the Bear River (ID) on a cold April day. Flows have and two-turbine recreational releases, in been absent from the Bear for over a decade. time for the 2008 season. Photo by Doug van Houten

Bear River (ID) Releases Begin Amidst New Dam Threat

By Kevin Colburn In April American Whitewater celebrated the first of many planned boatable pulse flows in Idaho’s Black Canyon of the Bear River. The release was attended by around 50 paddlers who braved the sub- freezing temperatures to explore a river that’s been dewatered for years. Intense ecological monitoring revealed that no fish were stranded on the banks as the flows receded, a good sign that flows will not have unacceptable impacts. To the contrary, flows moved large amounts of fine sediment out of the canyon that had built up as a result of dewatering. This effect should provide habitat that is more suitable for native species. Ecological monitoring will continue for at least three years to measure any positive or negative effects of the releases.

Elsewhere on the Bear a different power

10 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 11 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Lolo Creek (ID) offers some of the best whitewater in a state that’s got plenty to boast about. A new access Lolo Creek (ID) Tuckasegee River One Step point makes the creek easier for paddlers to enjoy. Access Improved Closer to Restoration (NC)

By Kevin Colburn By Kevin Colburn

In case it seems like all river access issues American Whitewater has been working in restoring the whole river system. AW are protracted and unpleasant, consider on restoring ecological and recreational would like to thank all those who wrote Lolo Creek. Lolo is one of the best vitality to the Headwaters of the Little letters and attended meetings in support whitewater creeks in Idaho and is a strong Tennessee River for nearly a decade. Our of the dam removal. We would also like to candidate for Wild and Scenic designation. efforts on the Cheoah River continue thank the Conservation Alliance for their When the Department of Transportation to yield exciting results. The dam support of American Whitewater’s work built a new bridge at the take-out, they relicencing processes on the Nantahala on this issue. eliminated parking areas and a gage used and Tuckasegee rivers, however, are by paddlers, anglers, and people just held up by a contentious dam removal, wanting to go for a swim. In response to which is a core part of the settlement AW calls from paddlers, AW reached out to signed with Duke Power and many other the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) stakeholders. This spring FERC rejected and asked about using a parcel of land several challenges to their 2007 approval the BLM owns just downstream of the of the dam removal. While additional bridge as a take-out. The BLM agreed hurdles to removing Dillsboro Dam and promptly put up a small day-use sign remain, including potential litigation indicating that it is OK to use their land as and even a county take-over of the dam, a take-out. They also called the USGS and FERC’s decision marks yet another began working on a new staff gage for the milestone in the process. Paddlers are newly installed bridge. If only every access leading advocates for the removal of the challenge were this easy …. Thanks BLM! dam, and have played an integral role 12 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 13 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 SINCE 2001 Kayak Session has given AW over $130,000 to support it's tremendous effort. Let’s make it even more this year ! Change the World with your own two blades!!!

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Save, Support, Enjoy

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12 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 13 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Stewardship Updates

Colorado Stewardship and support rafting and kayaking. In from the Poudre River through a regional July, AW will wrap-up a survey of flow water delivery project coordinated by Report preferences for commercial outfitters to the District. fill data gaps needed to help establish By Nathan Fey the flow management component of the The Army Corps permit will allow the stakeholders alternative plan. District to construct a new dam for Glade Alternative Management Plan Reservoir through a valley northwest for Upper Colorado River New access agreement for of Laporte, CO, allowing for storage of South Platte River 170,000 acre-feet of water. The reservoir In June, the conceptual outline of an will inundate about seven miles of US highway 287, which would be rerouted alternative management plan for the Upper American Whitewater has reached an to the east. In addition, the existing Colorado River was finalized by a broad agreement with Sportsman’s Paradise, a Poudre Valley diversion and canal will be group of stakeholders, including American private fishing club on the South Platte rehabilitated and improved to transport Whitewater. Since 2007 AW has been River, granting paddler’s access to Wildcat water from the Cache la Poudre River to working with conservation groups, water Canyon. Historically, the act of floating Glade Reservoir. Glade Reservoir would providers, and state and federal agencies through club property to access Wildcat be filled with a new water right as well to establish a management plan that will Canyon has resulted in harassment as agricultural water normally diverted protect the Outstandingly Remarkable by landowners, physical assault on for irrigation at point further down the Values (ORVs) of the Colorado River from paddlers and criminal prosecution. The Poudre River. Kremmling to Glenwood Springs, for the new agreement secures permission for next 20 years. The ORVs were identified paddlers to enter and cross club property Under the Proposed Action, the District by the BLM in their review of rivers in the via vehicle, in order to access public lands also intends to construct the South Platte upper Colorado basin eligible for federal to the north of Sportsman’s Paradise Water Conservation Project (SPWCP), protection under the Wild and Scenic property. The agreement will undergo which includes the proposed Galeton Dam Rivers Act. a trial run this season, with the goal of and 40,000 acre-foot Galeton Reservoir. formalizing the arrangement for 2009, Construction of the SPWCP includes a The Upper Colorado River stakeholders ensuring many years of fantastic paddling new diversion on the South Platte River, group was convened by the Colorado River through Wildcat Canyon. See full article in and a system of pumps and pipelines District and Front range water providers, this issue of the AW Journal for detail on to deliver water from the river into in response to the BLM’s determination the new agreement. that the mainstem of the Colorado river Galeton Reservoir. from Kremmling to Glenwood Springs is New Reservoirs to serve eligible for Wild and Scenic protection. If NISP/Glade Reservoir were to remove The stakeholders are negotiating an Colorado’s Front Range the projected average of 40,000 acre-feet alternative to Wild and Scenic Rivers per year from the river, it is estimated designation that would allow flexibility The US Army Corps of Engineers has that peak flows that are necessary to for future water development, while released the Draft Environmental Impact maintain the health of the river would be protecting the outstanding recreational Statement (DEIS) for the Northern lost. These peak flows clean accumulated fishing and paddling, scenic values, and Integrated Supply Project (NISP) and is sediment and algae from the river’s bed wildlife habitat dependant on sufficient preparing to issue a permit, under Section and support a healthy, vibrant riparian flows thru the river corridor. 404 of the Clean Water Act, to dredge and community. The USGS has calculated that fill lower segments of Colorado’s only Wild flows to flush the Poudre River through After nearly a year of negotiations, and Scenic River, the Cache la Poudre. Fort Collins must peak above 2,000 cfs. the stakeholders group has finalized a The Northern Colorado Water The river has been altered from a situation collaborative plan to provide the US BLM Conservancy District (NCWCD) has where flushing flows historically occurred with a management alternative that will requested authorization from the US 15 out of 20 years to the current situation be included in the environmental review Army Corps of Engineers to excavate where flushing flows happen about 10 out of future management options for the and place fill material into the Poudre of every 20 years. If Glade is constructed, mainstem of the Colorado River, from River, South Platte River, Owl Creek, flushing flows at or above 2,000 cfs will Gore Canyon to Glenwood Springs. and various wetlands in connection with be rare, occurring only about 5 years the construction of two new reservoirs, out of 20, essentially eliminating quality As part of the stakeholder groups’ final Glade Reservoir and Galeton Reservoir. recreation along the river. management plan alternative, American The purpose of the Proposed Action is to Whitewater is working to quantify provide 16 local municipalities with 40,000 The decision to issue the permit will be flows necessary to protect river health acre-feet of new reliable water supply based on an evaluation of the probable 14 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 impacts, including cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action on the public interest. To make this decision, public input is used to assess impacts on endangered species, aesthetics, recreation, conservation, and fish and wildlife values to name just a few. The draft EIS is available on the AW website. Comments are due the end of July 2008.

Gross Reservoir Enlargement

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is currently drafting an Part of the area to be affected by the new reservoirs Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) proposed under the NISP. to analyze alternatives for a water supply project for Denver Water. Denver Water FERC license amendment application approached the Corps with a need to with input from resource agencies and spectacular backdrop the area gives to increase its water supply on the North end other interested parties, in compliance the most popular whitewater destination of its system (i.e. the Moffat Collection with FERC regulations at 18 CFR § 4.38. in Colorado. System) to meet demand and system reliability needs. The alternatives analyzed American Whitewater staff and volunteers in the Draft EIS include an enlargement of are serving as stakeholders in the process. Denver Water’s Gross Reservoir, located in Boulder County, Colorado. Denver Browns Canyon Water has directed the Corps to analyze Wilderness Area the Large Gross Enlargement alternative in the draft EIS as its preferred alternative. In late May, United States Senator Ken Denver Water will file an application for Salazar introduced S.3066, the Browns its preferred alternative prior to the release Canyon Wilderness Act, which will of the draft EIS. designate approximately 20,000 acres of federally-owned land in Chaffee County Gross Reservoir is part of a hydropower near the Arkansas River as the Browns project licensed by the Federal Energy Canyon Wilderness Area, to be managed Regulatory Commission (FERC). in accordance with the 1964 Wilderness Therefore, to construct this project, Act. “The Browns Canyon area is Denver Water will also need a FERC quintessential Colorado; the area boasts license amendment. Information some of Colorado’s most pristine forests, regarding the impacts of the proposed great hunting and fishing habitat and enlargement will be analyzed in Corps’ draws outdoor enthusiasts from across EIS, and the FERC is a cooperating agency Colorado and the country during nearly in the NEPA process. FERC will still every season,” said Senator Salazar. “It is require a license amendment application very much deserving of this wilderness from Denver Water. Unlike the Corps’ EIS designation and protection. process, whereby the public will comment to the Corps on the Draft EIS once it is Browns Canyon is located in central released, the FERC amendment process Colorado, between the towns of Buena requires the applicant (Denver Water) to Vista and Salida. The proposed wilderness consult with and take comments from area stretches from the Arkansas River on interested stakeholders and agencies its western edge, east to the high elevation on the applicant’s proposed changes forests of Aspen Ridge. The US Forest to the FERC license. This is because Service and the BLM have jointly managed Denver Water has not yet filed a license the area. Wilderness designation for the application with FERC. The consultation area will balance growing recreational process is to help Denver Water craft the use of the region, as well as preserve the

www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 15 July/August 2008 Wildcat Canyon is unsettled. Without engaging in any out of their boats and onto private lands. By Nathan Fey sort of analysis, several cases in Colorado While Sportsman’s Paradise approved refer to rivers like the Eagle, the Arkansas, of the guidelines, club members still In Colorado’s South Platte River basin and the South Platte as being non- preferred that paddlers not float through above Cheesman Reservoir Wildcat navigable. These cases do not limit the their property. The agreement has rarely Canyon offers paddlers pristine, boulder possibility that a Colorado court can find been tested since 2002. strewn Class V whitewater. Along the a particular stream navigable as no state 7.5-mile stretch of steep and remote river, statutes or regulations define or describe a 2007 Access Agreements paddlers can find 15-foot slides, 12-foot navigability standard. vertical drops, undercuts, logjams, and In late 2007, Sportsman’s Paradise and sieves. The remoteness, technical difficulty, In 1983, the Colorado Attorney General American Whitewater came together mandatory portages, and mental fortitude issued a formal opinion stating that in an effort to refine the 2002 good needed to safely run this stretch of persons who float or boat on Colorado faith agreement and bring a formal end whitewater, makes Wildcat Canyon, one of streams across private lands without to the decade long conflict. Working the most adventurous trips in Colorado. the owner’s permission do not commit collaboratively to identify areas of trespass, so long as they do not touch conflict and potential solutions, American The run, which has rarely been enjoyed the stream bed or banks. However, the Whitewater and representatives of in the last few years, stretches through Attorney General’s opinion is not legally Sportsman’s Paradise have reached U.S. Forest Service lands between Eleven- binding, which results in inconsistent an agreement that will ease the clash mile Reservoir and Cheesman Reservoir, understanding and enforcement of between private property interests and both owned by the Denver Water Board. trespass provisions. American Whitewater the public right to float the South Platte Access to the canyon necessitates paddling and its affiliates maintain that the public River. The agreement provides paddlers through a stretch of private property can float on streams (without touching with a new put-in adjacent to USFS collectively known as Sportsman’s bed or banks) that cross private property lands north of Sportsman’s Paradise. It Paradise, a fishing club straddling the without permission. Private landowners also allows paddlers an alternative to the South Platte River. To run Wildcat have made contrary assertions and have three-mile portage around Sportsman’s Canyon, paddlers typically start their blocked navigability through private Paradise property, and the uneventful and runs upstream of Sportsman’s Paradise at land, in some locations forcing trespass. unnecessary two-mile paddle on Class II the Happy Meadows USFS campground, Until the court resolves the issue, these (III) water through private property and float through club property to access inconsistencies are likely to persist. USFS lands downstream of Sportsman’s In an effort to improve and enhance access Paradise. Historically, the act of floating Good Faith Agreement on the to a section of the South Platte River through club property to access Wildcat South Platte known Wild Cat Canyon, both parties Canyon has resulted in harassment by (Sportsman’s Paradise and American landowners, physical assault on paddlers In 2002 in an effort to avoid testing the Whitewater) have agreed to the following and criminal prosecution. In numerous issue of navigability, American Whitewater arrangements: reports, paddlers have described being and Sportsman’s Paradise reached a good forced out of their boats in Class II faith agreement that took the conflict 1. Sportsman’s Paradise will allow access whitewater to avoid man-made obstacles over access on the upper South Platte through its property on the private intended to block downstream navigability out of the national spotlight. Tim Kelley road via car or van to the entrance of through private lands. For nearly a decade, and American Whitewater reached the Wild Cat Canyon with an escort by an American Whitewater has held this private agreement by offering certain guidelines approved Sportsman’s Paradise member control of public access to Wildcat Canyon for paddlers when floating sections of or caretaker. in the national spotlight. creeks and rivers that are frequently fished, or that pass through private 2. Arrangement for the access must be Colorado Navigability property. Sportsmen’s Paradise agreed to made 24 hours in advance and no later remove the metal rack hanging from their than 6 p.m. The Colorado Supreme Court has noted bridge that created a river wide strainer, Access can be arranged by calling that all streams in the state are non- endangering public safety and forcing 719.748.3212 or e-mailing navigable, while the Colorado courts have trespass. This man-made obstruction to [email protected] not indicated which test of navigability of downstream navigation was intended to streams applies in Colorado. The extent block paddlers from impacting fishing 3. The pick up vehicle will be escorted off of the public’s right, if any exists, to float waters along the club’s two miles of river Sportsman’s property after unloading all or otherwise recreate on non-navigable corridor, and created opportunities to file gear and boaters. streams running through private property charges against paddlers by forcing them 4. Boaters will try to arrange to arrive 16 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 17 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 in groups in order to minimize Guidelines for Paddlers will be shuttled back to public parking, inconvenience to Sportsman’s caretaker. and returned to the put-in. Plan ahead: Before driving to Sportsman’s Be Courteous: Please be considerate 5. All guests and boaters agree to hold harmless Paradise, meet at the take-out. Prior to of private property owners and club from all liability Sportsman’s Paradise departing for SP, paddlers will account for representatives. Say a friendly hello and 6. The following recommendations are for all their personal and group gear needs for respect their need for solitude and space. safety and convenience of both parties: the daylong trip. Paddlers are advised to Remember that you represent all paddlers, A. All boaters arrive between 8 am and 10 am coordinate gear and shuttle vehicles at Coral and your actions can impact the future B. River flow rate should be at least 275 cfs Creek and then car-pool to Sportsman’s of river access in Colorado for better Paradise. To keep this run to a day-trip or worse. 7. This agreement is for one year from length, paddlers need to plan on launching date of signing—both parties will between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Make sure you The Future have input for improvements on the are at the Sportsman’s gate on time. anniversary date. Agreement may be In 2008, the Wildcat Canyon access terminated by either party with 30 day Travel in conscientious groups: Paddlers agreement will undergo a trial run with written notice. are advised to travel through Sportsman’s the goal of formalizing the logistical roles Paradise and Cheesman Canyon as well and responsibilities for 2009, hopefully 8. American Whitewater will make good coordinated and prepared groups. Before ensuring many years of fantastic paddling faith effort to notify its members of meeting a Club representative at the gate through Wildcat Canyon. American the agreement by website, email and by into Sportsman’s Paradise, paddlers should Whitewater would like to thank Landis posting information in local kayak shops. load as few cars as possible with group gear, Arnold, Jonathan Kahn, Tim Kelley, Joe double check equipment, change, and be Keck, and Jay Kenney for their efforts to ready to move quickly. Once at the USFS represent paddlers in the negotiations gate, park your vehicle, unload and stage and for evaluating a workable access equipment quickly. Drivers and vehicles alternative to Wildcat Canyon.

16 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 17 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 The Upstream because my attention was fixed on my who I had been closely following (he later Afterthought true competition: Entrance Rapid—I introduced himself as Max) missed the was not worried at all about the boaters wave that initiated trajectory to the next By Matt Pascal surrounding me. eddy and subsequently slipped behind me into a lower eddy. In a blast of previously It was 6 pm on the day of the 2007 Over “Don’t burn out on the way down,” I was unnoticed strength, I quickly jumped into the Falls Festival. The crowd on the shores advised by one of the veterans before the the service eddy for Nemo and looked at of the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle, race. So as the starter shouted, “Go!” I took the move. With Max’s example, I now Pennsylvania had thinned to only a few my best crack at slow, firm, and technically knew what not to do and would try to use spectators meandering about and even sound forward strokes in the wake of the that information to initiate what I had to fewer exhausted paddlers loading up their other racers. I wasn’t dead last yet, and even do in order to advance my standing in the cars. The Falls City Pub was probably found the courage and strength to slip into race. Of course, when I powered out of the overflowing at this hour. As festival the next-to-dead-last position as the race eddy I failed to advance beyond the hole. personnel dismantled the registration field narrowed to a single file through the I even missed the initiation wave. But, as booth, a small group of barefoot athletes tight race lines of Entrance. One racer had the other racer struggled downstream, I quietly pranced across the trampled grass told me that the turn-around point was was able to quickly make my way back in on their way to the Lower Yough launch “right before the big drop in Cucumber” the service eddy, still ahead of Max! I had site, just downstream of the falls. They (the rapid below Entrance), and so I was a second chance! carried boats half as heavy and twice relieved when I saw Geoff and Rodney as long as those taking gravity-assisted take big, sweeping turns around an I’d love to report that I took the opportunity thrill rides over the 20-foot falls a few exposed rock well before that, in the pool to stay ahead of a fellow racer. I’d similarly hours before, which was perfectly suited at the bottom of Entrance. With that turn, love to report that I decided against it to their purpose: fighting gravity. One by the race had become a two-dimensional one they launched into the calm water competition; beating other competitors below the powerful falls, where the low was only a bit more of a priority than sun was casting a deep shadow over the fighting the Yough’s mellow but persistent river canyon. current. In my case, however, the latter was all I was thinking of. With dismay, I recognized the likes of Geoff Calhoun, Rodney Rice, and other Within a few yards of the turn around, I nationally ranked downriver racers. As watched Rodney’s boat smack a big rock I’d announced to friends earlier in the hard, giving Geoff a slight lead, which day, it would be remarkable if I finished he maintained for the remainder of the the 2007 Attainment Race; it would be a race. Soon it was my turn to point my miracle if I didn’t finish dead last. A total bow upstream; I was able to see that I of twelve men started the attainment race. was comfortably ahead of the last paddler. No women entered and only eleven boats This gave me a surge of confidence until would ceremoniously take the finish rock I looked further upstream and saw that to their bow with a grand thud. the leading racers were already halfway back up the rapid. Eddy to eddy the race At approximately 6:45—a casual thirty hopped, each boater taking slightly weaker minutes past the arranged start time—all strokes in the eddies to save strength for but one of the boats were lined up awaiting the maneuvers through the strongest the starting shout (there’d be no gun, no current. Somehow, on the way down, I physical starting line, no walkie-talkies, hadn’t noticed that there was a crowd of and no local legend starters like Barry several dozen spectators on the large rock Tuscano calling the shots). My bow was island in the middle of the rapid. And, for sheepishly sitting about six feet behind the added effect, a local legend had come to others because I was certain that I’d be in witness the race. Towering over the rest the rear at once; I was floating in one of of the onlookers was Charlie Walbridge, only three boats under 12 feet long. The shouting encouragement to the racers starter made it clear that it was me she was from under his beret. waiting for, and so I even more sheepishly drifted up between two of my competitors. At the small surf hole known to playboaters But I use the term “competitors” loosely as Nemo, my break came. The paddler

18 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 19 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 in a display of gentleman’s courtesy by Holding my angle and driving for a hole be realized as I spotted him in the crowd, slipping aside and allowing Max to take to give me a shove in the right direction, I boat on shoulder, slowly walking up the his second chance before I’d taken mine. launched into the current and dug in hard. trail away from the river, leaving me in However, all I can report is that I selfishly A dozen quick, hard strokes later, I found last place. tried and genuinely failed again. But, my myself against the island, inches from third attempt was successful and I slowly the shouting crowd. The encouragement Hours before, I had joined over 200 continued to gain elevation behind Max. A provided by them, which I later determined paddlers in braving the falls, but only 12 few more moves and I was in a large eddy in part to be inspired by my being the last of us had elected to line up at the stick looking at a river-right-to-river-left move racer to pass them, was sufficient to push gauge that night for the Attainment Race. across the strongest bit of current I would me through the remainder of the race via Ten beat me, but crossing the finish line to encounter. Adding to the intimidation was several more hard ferries. find several of the fastest whitewater racers the crowd on the rock island, just on the on the planet encouraging me will remain opposite side of the current from me. The Once in the flat water, I put together a an inspiration to me for years to come. dynamic feeling of looking across the long valiant but insufficient effort to overcome and difficult ferry at friends and strangers Max before the finish line. The effort did all collectively screaming encouragement little more than shave off a second or two at me reminded me that “I can do it” is from both of our overall times, and after a profound feeling. If Hollywood was tapping the rock by the stick gauge with involved, the next moment would have my bow, the timer shouted, “Fourteen come in slow motion. forty-seven!” I’d finished the race, and what felt like a half hour of excruciatingly hard paddling was actually less than half that. I turned around, looked downstream; The author paddling the wrong way in Entrance the final boater was nowhere to be seen. I Rapid on the Lower Yough. then noticed that the miracle of finishing somewhere ahead of dead last would not Photo by Daniel Smith

18 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 19 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Yoga for Paddlers of your ligaments and tendons, to create want to stretch the muscles surrounding By Andria Davis proper functions in the muscles, and to the shoulders, not including the create proper blood flow through the rotator cuff. body, which results in more energy and What is Yoga? more power. When you are performing the following poses, remember to breathe steadily When you hear the word “yoga,” you Lets begin with the shoulders, the most and fully. probably think of extreme stretching, common place for mis-information and meditating under a tree, and self- abuse in paddling. This is the point where continued on page 28 deprivation. Hmm, lets see … flexibility, my teaching differs from that of your sitting still, and not indulging in life’s average yoga instructor, because most yoga pleasures? What could be further from a teachers think that everyone needs to have boater’s reality? Luckily these perceptions more open shoulders. Think about it. We of yoga are false. Actually, the goal of yoga are kayaking and landing on that naturally Top photo: Urdhva Hastasana/Upward Arms Pose is to create happiness, peace, and pleasure very unstable joint day in and day out—do Bottom photo: Adho Mukha Svanasana/Downward in one’s body and mind, so it’s really a you really want to open it? If you do, you Facing Dog great tool for us pleasure seeking water are opening yourself up to injury. Yoga fiends. (Note: you can find schools of yoga is a tool for self-awareness, so start by that believe just about anything: there are observing how you hold your shoulders some that practice asceticism and some when you paddle. Are you bringing them that believe that life is a nectar that is out of alignment and therefore causing meant to be drunk—I practice the latter). stress on the joint? Probably. We all do. So we’ll start with some poses to teach There are many facets of yoga and you you to hold your humeruses (upper arm can take your study as deep as you want to bones) into the shoulder sockets. This is go. What I teach is “Hatha Yoga,” which is where we get into the flexibility thing. If where you learn body alignment through your biceps, triceps, lats, and pecs are all postures, breath awareness through so tight that you cannot properly align breathing exercises, and mind awareness the shoulder, what can we expect when we through meditation. paddle? We need to practice poses that will help the weaker part of the equation—the One of the ways that yoga creates peace ligaments holding it all together and those in the mind and body is by cultivating poor little muscles called the rotator cuff. awareness—awareness of body, awareness We don’t want to stretch the shoulders, we of mind, awareness of all that is going on around you at all times. This awareness is what makes yoga a perfect tool for athletes—especially paddlers because we are immersed in an environment in which there are many things happening at once, both in our minds, and in our bodies. The more you can comprehend it all, the better you will become on the river.

So, how can you use this practice to help your paddling? In this system we start with the body, so we begin with postures. Yoga class and yoga videos are not designed to teach you how to contort yourself, but to uncover the ways in which your posture is holding you back in life or causing you injury. This really has nothing to do with stretching per se. If stretching is what you need to do, however, then you do it in order to bring your bone structure back into balance, to take pressure off 20 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 21 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 20 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 21 July/August 2008 July/August 2008

08131NBBSkinnyDip2Mag.indd 1 2/28/08 4:52:00 PM High Intensity Training The effectiveness of this article will depend greatly on how each reader views For Paddlers paddlesports in general. If your idea of a day of paddling consists of floating By Matt Young leisurely down a river stop right here, turn to the next story, and continue reading, because this article has no importance to you. However, if you think of paddling as a series of maximal efforts linked together to descend a river, an intense session of playboating practice, or potentially a swim to a safe eddy, keep on reading; this is going to help.

Nordic skiing can be fun, fast, and really good for you.

Photo by Megan Seifert

www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 23 July/August 2008 Training Your Heart? could help you accomplish this. where the heart rate monitor comes in handy). Repeat several times. For starters, think of the last time you were So use the formula given above (220 paddling a challenging rapid, or surfing a minus age) to predict your max. heart Another good way to fit some interval dynamic wave. Would you compare that rate, then calculate what your heart rate training into your daily routine is to find feeling to a jog or a sprint? Was your would be if it were between 80% and 90% a hill, mountain, or large set of stairs and heart beating at a moderate pace with of your max. This is the range you want to run up for about a minute. Moving up an your breathing steady and regular? Or was be in when doing your intervals, or short incline quickly will surely raise your heart your heart beating quickly with erratic bursts of power. For a 25-year-old person rate to the target level. Once you get to the breathing? Better yet, what would it feel the calculation would be as follows: top, or a minute has passed, turn around, like if you had to exit your chosen craft jog down, and repeat until you feel like and swim in the river? Would your heart 220 - age = estimated max. heart rate you’re going to vomit. beat like you are out for an easy jog or a 220 - 25 = 195 100-yard dash? Interval Training Without 195 X 0.80 = 156 (80% of max. heart rate) I would be willing to bet that in all of the 195 X 0.90 = 176 (90% of max. heart rate) Thinking About it situations listed above your heart would Quite often, other sports that we be beating very quickly—if not at your Thus, this hypothetical 25-year-old would participate in, such as mountain biking or maximum heart rate, then pretty close target his or her high intensity interval cross-country skiing, offer unintentional to it. If you are going to ask your body training between 156 and 176 beats interval workouts. For those of us who to perform at that level of intensity you per minute. need to practice. This type of practice is are lucky enough to experience winter with real snow, there is no better way commonly referred to as interval training, Paddling which is employed by individual and to give your heart off-season practice team sport athletes at all levels. Generally than with cross-country (also called If we are talking about developing better speaking, interval training involves Nordic) skiing. The powerful whole body fitness for paddling, then there is no periods of maximal or near maximal movement associated with both skate and better practice than paddling. You can effort combined with periods of moderate classic techniques combined with some do interval training with any kind of boat effort. To get the most of interval training undulating terrain will get your heart rate although a long fast one will be the most it is helpful to have a heart rate monitor to up in no time. Pick-up the pace a little fun. After an easy warm-up try paddling make sure you aren’t cheating, but it’s not on up-hills, and rest on the downhills; easy for two minutes then sprinting (try absolutely necessary. you’ll really feel a difference come to maintain a heart rate that falls between paddling season. your estimated limits) for one minute. Do The Math Repeat 15 to 20 times. There are a lot Mountain biking is another sport that of different types of interval workouts a provides a natural interval workout. For interval training it is helpful to know person can do. Make sure you are mixing The heart rate gets elevated especially your maximum heart rate. A person’s a period of rest with a short period of high when the terrain gets steep and max. heart rate is the maximum number exertion. Wildwater racers are fanatics technical. If you’re really searching for a of times the heart can beat in one minute. about their interval training. You can find high intensity workout, keep the chain This number is different for each person. a lot of good information about different in the middle ring in the front and power Factors like fitness level, age, gender, flatwater workouts at the USA Wildwater through the climbs instead of spinning in and genetics all play a significant role in website www.usawildwater.com. a low gear. You can certainly accomplish determining a person’s max. heart rate. the same task on a road bike, it just takes The easiest way to predict max. heart rate Running a little more conscious effort to get your is to subtract your age from 220. Although heart rate up really high. this is the easiest prediction, it is also the Probably the easiest way (logistically) to least accurate because it does not take into give your heart the kind of practice it The nicest thing about cross training for account many significant factors. However, needs is by running. Make sure you are paddling with skiing or biking is that for our purposes it will work. If you come good and warmed up before attempting it’s fun. One of the biggest reasons that to enjoy the benefits that interval training any kind of high intensity workout. Try many people do not incorporate higher gives you on the river (or in any other jogging at a moderate pace for 3 minutes intensity training into their normal fitness part of your life), you should definitely then picking up the pace, close to a sprint routines is that it hurts. Doing higher investigate a more accurate method of for 1 minute. During your 1-minute burst intensity workouts on a bike or on skis determining your maximum heart rate. of intensity your heart rate should be One session with a good personal trainer around 80%-90% of your max. (This is www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 23 July/August 2008 This page: An infl atible Kayak in Kahuna on Washington’s Canyon Creek

Next page: The fi nish line at the 2008 Canyon Canyon Creek Race Back Creek Race

on the Water Photos by Thomas O’Keefe

By Thomas O’Keefe

After a couple of down years, Washington’s The Canyon Creek Race was originally thanks to Luke Spencer at Next Adventure Canyon Creek Race is back and attracting organized to highlight the hydropower and the dedicated crew of local folks top competitors to one of the fi nest Class development threat this creek faced when who continue to bring attention to the IV creek runs in the Pacifi c Northwest. a water right for hydropower was obtained spectacular whitewater that makes this Nearly 100 competitors came out to race by a private developer in 1991 followed by one of the nation’s top creek runs. and at least as many came out to watch a formal application to federal regulators with temperatures in the upper 70s for in 1994. A Conservation Alliance grant one day of what was otherwise a very cool supported our original work on this and wet spring. project and AW Regional Coordinator Andrew Wulfers helped spread the Up-and-coming paddler Geoff Calhoun word on the threat and organized the bested local favorite Tao Berman in the fi rst race. In 1997 the permit for the men’s expert class and Christie Glissmeyer hydropower project was cancelled but handily won the women’s expert class. a new application could appear at any Perhaps most entertaining was the raft time, and ultimately we would like to see division with Scott Waidelich and Paul Wild and Scenic designation which would Gamache beating out a competitive fi eld protect this creek from any hydropower that included over a dozen R2 teams. development. Let’s all give a big round of

24 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 25 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Everything you need for your next adventure.

Conquer your favorite paddlesport safely and comfortably with NRS gear.

Go to www.nrsweb.com/americanwhitewater or call 1.800.635.5202

Kurtis, Team NRS. © Chris Hoffer Team Kurtis, to receive a free catalog, and directions to your nearest NRS dealer.

24 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.orgNRS_AW_FebMarch.indd 1 American1/15/08 Whitewater 11:05:35 AM 25 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 McCloud River Flow Studies

By Dave Steindorf

Over the past two years American conducted below the McCloud Dam to Top: Bo Shelby, Ron Rogers, Charlie Guilbault, Whitewater has been attending meeting determine how much water is necessary and Jim Pepin on the McCloud River between the and planning studies on PG&E’s to maintain the health of the river. These McCloud Dam and AH-Di-Nah campground.

McCloud/Pit hydroelectric project in studies were designed to examine flows Photo by Dave Steindorf Northern California. This project is the necessary for fish, frogs, bugs, maintaining biggest producer of power in PG&E’s the river channel, as well as recreation. The hydro system, even though it only has recreation flow studies evaluated flows of Bottom: Doug Whittaker runs Double Drop on the McCloud River during the whitewater flow study. three powerhouses. The McCloud/Pit 1000, 800 and 600 cfs on the McCloud

project produces so much hydroelectric River below McCloud Reservoir. This Photo by Jim Pepin power because of the large volume of 22-mile reach has two main sections. The water in this spring-fed system. Many top 3.5 miles, from the dam to Ah-Di-Nah boaters regularly enjoy late summer runs Campground, is a Class IV-V run through down the upper McCloud. The sight of a spectacular steep canyon. The lower 20 600 cfs gushing from Big Springs on this miles from Ah-Di-Nah to Lake Shasta is make this great resource a reality. run is something to behold. However, after a remote wilderness run with great Class this water reaches McCloud Reservoir, III-IV rapids. Virtually all of this reach River reaches of this length, beauty, and most of the river’s water is diverted to Iron runs through private property, so camping moderate difficulty are hard to come by Canyon Reservoir and then down to the is limited to areas below the mean high in California. American Whitewater will Pit River. Below the McCloud Reservoir, water mark. There is one piece of public be working diligently to improve this flows are reduced to 180 cfs year round. property below Clayborne Creek that is fantastic resource over the next several adjacent to the McCloud River Club. With years of the relicensing process. This past spring, flow studies were your support American Whitewater can

26 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 The iconic “teacups” section of the Upper South Yuba, which has already benefited from new realtime gauge data through PG&E as a result of the Yuba/Bear (CA) Flow Study relicensing project Needs You! Photo by Catherine Howard

By Dave Steindorf

The relicensing of PG&E’s Drum plan is to give boaters flow information, of the flow events, like those on the South Spaulding project and Nevada Irrigation both real-time and forecasted, for each of Fork and Middle Fork of the Yuba, will District’s project on the Yuba and Bear these reaches and then let people go boating. happen as a result of spills. On other Rivers hit full stride in 2007 and 2008. This PG&E and NID have agreed to provide runs, such as Fordyce Creek and the Bear is an extremely large, complicated project. flow information to American Whitewater River, flows will be scheduled in advance. As such, it requires a unique approach and Dreamflows. After boating any of the All of these flow events will be posted in assessing the whitewater resources on reaches that are a part of this study, boaters on the American Whitewater online this project’s 20 river reaches. Doing flow are asked to fill out an online survey that is release calendar. Be sure to check the studies the old fashion way on this project available on the AW website (www.america calendar for boating opportunities that would have broken the bank. There are nwhitewater.org). It is critical that boaters will be occurring on the Yuba and Bear over 100 miles of river between the Middle complete a survey after each of their runs Rivers. And please remember to fill out Fork Yuba, the South Fork Yuba, and Bear to establish the data necessary to complete the online survey each time you paddle Rivers that have their flows controlled the study. This means that anyone and one of these stretches. The information by dams incorporated in this project. everyone has the chance to participate in gathered in these surveys will be used to Doing discrete flow studies on each of this study. One other important difference help craft new flow schedules for each these reaches would be excessively time in this new style of flow study is that it will of these river reaches. Thanks for doing consuming and logistically challenging. be occurring over the next two years, rather your part! Typically, flow studies are done with a than the typical two to three days, giving small team of boaters over a period of more people an opportunity to experience several days. However, in this study, the the runs and make their comments. Some

www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 27 July/August 2008 continued from page 20

Urdhva Hastasana/Upward Adho Mukha Svanasana/ continued from page 23 Arms Pose Downward Facing Dog: is a great way to give your heart Begin by standing with your arms at your Begin on all fours, in the yoga position practice beating fast while at the sides. Rotate your palms facing outward known as Tabletop. Have your arms same time enjoying yourself. I and lift your arms overhead. (Rotating straight down under your shoulders, your originally began participating in out like this moves the rotator cuff tendon thighs straight down under your hips and these high intensity activities only out of the way so it doesn’t get pinched as your shins and feet parallel. Spread your as something to do when I could you raise your arms overhead). Your arms fingers wide and press evenly into your not paddle. Over the years I have should be overhead with your palms facing hands as you push into them and lift your come to look forward to skiing inward now. Ok, can you straighten your knees off of the floor and your pelvis into and biking almost as much as arms? As you try to straighten them, draw the air. Keep your knees bent for now. paddling. the arm bones down into the shoulder Draw your inner shoulders in, draw the sockets. Shoulder mobility should come shoulder blades into the back, spread them High intensity interval training from your shoulder blades and not apart, and lengthen out through the outer should be incorporated as part from your humeruses coming out of the shoulders. Release your neck and head of a daily fitness routine. Interval sockets. So draw down with the inner muscles. As you lengthen through the outer training is by no means the secret shoulders and then feel your shoulder arms, see if you can lengthen through the answer to all of your fitness blades. Draw your shoulder blades into waist and push back through the hips. Lift woes. This kind of training is just your back (this activates a seriously weak your sit bones (those little bones that all another piece that can complete muscle, the serratus anterior, which in your weight rests on when you ride a bike) the fitness puzzle. Two to three most paddlers causes shoulder instability) and release the heels down. Don’t worry if days a week of higher intensity as you spread them apart at the same time. you can’t straighten your legs—keep your training is all you need to feel a Now, without lifting the humeruses out of knees bent if there is strain. There should difference on the river. The key the shoulder sockets, stretch through the not be strain in yoga poses—yoga should here is to prepare your body for outer shoulders and outer arms. Release create peace in your body, remember? paddling a challenging rapid, down through the inner shoulders, draw So, just work towards the final position surfing at your favorite play spot, the shoulder blades into the back, then without injuring yourself. Move your or taking an unfortunate swim. As spread the energy across the back and awareness back to your shoulders and always, the only person that can out through the outer shoulders. Now then back through your body to your legs. tell you whether or not you are lengthen and relax your neck and jaw and Keep working with this pose and you will healthy enough to participate in drop the bottom of the rib cage down. find that your shoulders will hopefully feel this kind of vigorous training is a The rib cage comes up because of tight better (if they feel worse, you may have an doctor. lats, so this exercise is stretching those injury that needs attention—see a medical muscles as well as other torso and arm professional!) and probably also your This isn’t rocket science, so get out muscles in order to get your shoulders back. Sometimes the reason your back there often, have fun, make it hurt, into the proper alignment. Practice this hurts is because those tight hamstring and it’ll all seem worthwhile when exercise with your arms overhead and muscles that are preventing you from you feel better in your boat. with your arms straight out in front of you straightening your legs are pulling on your with palms facing in. When you can do lower back in unnatural ways. Perhaps we it and understand it and straighten your can work on that back in another issue. Matt Young is a Phys. Ed. Teacher and Team arms all the way, you are ready for down For now, stay healthy and safe and run Pyranha Paddler living in Lake Placid, dog, the absolute best exercise in yoga for some cool rivers this season! New York. On any given day, he is probably teaching paddlers proper alignment and participating in any one of the activities shoulder awareness. (Note: Notice how Andria is an avid kayaker and yoga teacher who mentioned above. these exercises are similar to the graceful created the “Yoga for Paddlers” DVD in 2004 to “slalom style” of kayaking—arms straight, address the physical imbalances specific to paddlers. shoulders firm, with the flexibility coming For a copy of Andria’s DVD, Yoga for Paddlers, visit from the torso.) www.yoga-ventures.com.

28 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 28 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 The Length of the Klamath it back up at this point, so I dug my two, and neither is borne of Cascade heels into the soft dirt of the hillside and waters. The Klamath, however, starts with By Tyler Williams grabbed the line with both hands. water that has tunneled out the backside of the spongy Cascades, much of it from I had already been dragging, pushing, and One foot at a time, I crept slowly downhill. beneath iconic Crater Lake. heaving my heavy boat for 15 minutes In theory, the boat would hit bottom in 20 when the portage got interesting. The slope more feet, which was nice, because that The spring sources of the Upper Klamath I was crossing was about the steepness of was exactly how far I had to go before are the very defi nition of purity. They are an advanced ski run. A few steps below me, reaching the cliff edge. Four steps down, clear, cold, and copious, forming instant the hill rolled off into a vertical cliff that I was still holding the full weight. Five rivers of up to 500 cubic feet per second. plummeted 60 feet to the base of the dam. steps, six steps, seven, I neared the edge. Springs of this magnitude take some time My goal with each heave of the boat was The rope slackened, and the weight was to comprehend upon fi rst sight. They are to chock it, however precariously, against suddenly relieved. Hallelujah! I scurried suddenly just there, instant rivers of air- a bush or boulder, then rest and plan my down to the lip and saw the boat sitting clear water gurgling out from a pile of next move. This worked until my route almost vertically, with its nose resting on rocks in the woods. One minute you’re in ended at a gully of solid poison oak. There a nubbin of rock at the base of the cliff. a dry ponderosa pine forest, and the next was no way I was going in there. Scrambling down the drop-off, I grabbed you’re along an idyllic small river. Most of the kayak and stabilized it on the rocks. the Klamath springs originate at the base I found a sturdy mountain mahogany, Another bullet dodged. of a forested lava fl ow coming off Mt. pulled out my throw rope, and put the Mazama, the ancient volcano that holds boat on belay. With a couple of friction Paddling reservoir slack waters and Oregon’s Crater Lake. Within a 10-mile wraps, I could control the descent of portaging dams doesn’t exactly provide radius there is Fort Creek Spring (300 cfs), the monstrous kayak, but there was great incentive to run a river from source Wood River Spring (500 cfs), Crooked one problem: Sixty feet of slope, 40 feet to sea. In the context of the Klamath’s Creek Spring (100 cfs), Tecumseh Spring of rope. entire spectacular course, however, a (50 cfs), and Sevenmile Spring (200 cfs). few dam portages along the way seemed Perhaps the most impressive of all is I let the rope snake around the tree trunk merely a small inconvenience, or so redundantly-titled Spring Creek Spring, as the boat lowered over the edge and I thought. an idyllic bubbler located on the east side out of sight. The end of the coil arrived, of the lava fl ow. and the rope was still taught with the full The Klamath is one of only three rivers to weight of the kayak, which was dangling bisect the Cascade Range. The Columbia Boiling pots of sand litter the bottom of somewhere below. There was no hauling River and California’s Pit are the other continued on page 40

30 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 2007 Annual Report

Dear Members and Donors, As paddlers and stewards of America’s whitewater resources we have much to be thankful for in 2007. Your support of American Whitewater enabled us to gain ground on significant issues facing our rivers both at a regional and national level.

Our regional river stewardship program, an integrated approach to the American Whitewater mission of conservation, access and safety, is performing at a very high level. Our stewardship team is racking up on-the-ground achievements while building internal capacity to more fully involve the paddling community. This Annual Report highlights the methods and achievements of our stewardship efforts.

On the financial side of the organization, 2007 performance was outstanding. Total revenues for the year were $1,443,175 and expenses were $1,353,964 allowing the organization to reinvest $32,365 in its’ reserve fund.

American Whitewater has a great story to tell right now, one that I took with me to Capitol Hill last fall when I provided congressional testimony on the anniversary of the Clean Water Act. In that testimony I shared the story of the Cheoah River in western North Carolina. A river that had been dammed and water diverted through a massive nine-mile long pipe in 1928. The river went completely dry and died. Generations came and went, a resource extraction and manufacturing economy came and went, and by the dawn of the new millennium Graham County, through which the Cheoah flows, was the third poorest county in North Carolina.

About ten years ago, the 50-year old federal license for the Cheoah dam neared its expiration, and the power company was required to apply for another license that would for the first time fully comply with the Clean Water Act. Relicensing a hydropower facility takes years, requiring significant scientific studies and stakeholder involvement.

As one of the stakeholders, American Whitewater helped secure a test release of water into the barren riverbed so that paddlers could explore and assess the river. What we found surprised everyone involved. The Cheoah River was not merely a good recreational resource – it was fantastic and utterly unique – perhaps the best river in the region.

As the studies and negotiations played out, American Whitewater, along with federal and state agencies created a shared vision of a restored Cheoah River. Our vision included protection of riparian land, creation of new river access areas, protection and reintroduction of endangered species, a reinvigorated local economy, and most importantly the return of water to the long dewatered river. We were able to successfully negotiate a new license for the dam that included high flow events for boating. The Cheoah is just one of dozens of similar flow restoration success stories from around the nation. Citizens everywhere are asking for their rivers back.

The stewardship projects contained in this report create a triple bottom line for users and communities. These projects are good for rivers and their ecosystems, they are good for recreational users who spend their wet dollars in local communities and they are good for communities who are dependant on experience-based economies where clean rivers are the destination.

As American Whitewater members, thank you for your continued support. The following project successes are made possible through your dues and donations. Photo by Kevin Colburn 2007 Success... Progress... Expansion! 2007 was a great year for American Whitewater’s River Stewardship Program. Our year was filled with on-the-ground success stories as well as steady progess on our many long-term projects. We expanded our capacity in Colorado through a new staff hire, in California through hiring part-time contract positions, and in the Northwest through various contract and collaborative projects. At the same time we focused on volunteer recognition at events, in our journal and web articles, in volunteer of the month awards, and through granting Ron Stewart a Lifetime Achievement Award. Perhaps the most exciting part of the year was the rise of the Outdoor Alliance from a fledgling group to an influential and extremely productive Coalition. Our stewardship team strived to balance our national and regional projects with our fundraising and outreach obligations, and we are very pleased with the results.

Protection... The rivers we enjoy represent the headwaters of our nation’s river systems and are often the last remaining wild rivers in the region. We The Bruneau River in Southwestern Idaho is one of many rivers that AW worked to protect through Wild and Scenic, and Wilderness continue to play a leadership role in protecting these last wild rivers at both the state and national levels. Our work focused on protection designations. AW has a 50 plus year history of advocating for the protection of our Nation’s wildest and most spectacular rivers. of backcountry rivers through roadless area preservation, Wilderness designation, and Wild and Scenic designation. In addition, we worked to oppose new dams and diversions, and to restore the original intent of the Clean Water Act which has been weakened by recent Supreme Court decisions that removed protection for headwater areas. Over the past year we have seen renewed interest in hydropower as the industry continues to work to define hydropower as “renewable Rivers like the Middle Fork of the Feather in California and South Fork Salmon in Idaho flow through Forest Service lands that currently energy”. Currently more than 500 hydropower projects are proposed in southwest British Columbia and several are already under construc- have no roads and are not protected from future road construction or resource extraction. The backcountry paddling experiences these tion. Several hundred new sites have been identified in the Oregon and Washington Cascades. We conducted outreach on this emerging rivers provide are highly valued, and we have helped policy makers understand the recreational value of these special places. We have issue and have worked to discourage legislative attempts to provide new incentives for hydropower development, while developing plans for helped the Outdoor Alliance become the leading recreational voice for protection of roadless areas. legislative protection of some of our most highly valued rivers.

We play an active and effective role in Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River campaigns. The paddling community knows these headwater Consumptive water uses like irrigation, lawn watering, and drinking are increasingly at odds with the values that water provides while in areas firsthand and speakwith passion to the recreational values they provide. Our perspective is authentic and knowledgeable, and we rivers and streams. On the front line of this issue is the state of Colorado, where a 20% shortfall in water supply is forecasted in the near provide compelling testimony for the protection of rivers’ for their recreational value as well as their environmental value. We conitinue future. American Whitewater created a new position in 2007, the Colorado Stewardship Director, to make sure that whitewater rivers are to play a leadership role in advocating for the protection of rivers in the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, the Snake Headwaters in not sacrificed to wasteful consumptive uses. In Colorado we are working to quantify instream flow needs for recreation and overall river the Rocky Mountains, the Owyhee in Idaho, the headwaters of the Colorado, and other places across the country. health and this work will have implications for water policy throughout the intermountain West. AW forced the US Forest Service to allow the first legal descent of the Recreation... Chattooga in over 30 years in early Rivers need all the friends they can get. We firmly believe that responsible paddling is good for paddlers, good for communities, and good for the rivers themselves. Our work 2007. The trip revealed a beautiful on public access helps ensure that the personal connection between people and rivers is and unique river that is worthy of maintained. protection and enjoyment.

American Whitewater was very pleased to publish the second edition of our Navigabil- ity Toolkit in 2007. The revisions were completed by Morgan Lewis, LLC on a pro bono basis and now serves as the definitive online source for state navigability laws.

American Whitewater maintained the access lands that we own on the Watauga River (NC), Johns Creek (VA), Elkhorn Creek (KY), and Blackwater River (WV), as well as the ones we assist in managing on the Gauley (WV), Big Sandy (WV), and Upper Yough (MD) rivers. These resources were managed collaboratively with volunteers.

American Whitewater has successfully requested that countless new river access areas be constructed in association with hydropower dams. Throughout 2007 we worked on dozens of these opportunities. Thanks to ongoing efforts we saw the opening of new access areas on the Swan (MT), Cheoah (NC), Saranac (NY), Feather (CA) Butte (CA) Pit (CA).

American Whitewater staff maintained our role as the leading non-governmental organization working on river management issues nationally. Throughout the year we met with officials ranging from on the water river rangers to the leadership from the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and National Park Service in Washington, DC. Paddlers may never notice the best management of rivers on federal lands – but behind the scenes a lot of work is required to support public recreation. American Whitewater The removal of Marmot Dam on Oregon’s Sandy River marked a major success has been working with our partners in the Outdoor Alliance to support responsible for our river stewardship program which seeks the removal of outdated, uneco- funding levels for federal agencies’ recreation programs. This work has been highly nomical, or especially environmentally destructive dams. (AP Photo) successful and we are proud to help fund our agency partners.

While we worked proactively and positively on river management issues across the country, we also continued to challenge poor management on the Chattooga River Restoration... (NC,SC,GA). Throughout the year we organized public participation in the user capacity analysis process, including the first and only legal paddling trip on the upper For many years, American Whitewater has viewed rivers impacted by hydropower as a tremendous opportunity for river restoration. We Chattooga in over 30 years. Our work on this issue is maintaining a high bar for US helped restore thousands of river miles, often at places that have been been dewatered for decades, for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and Forest Service management of rivers nationwide. people. In many cases we can put water back in rivers while power companies continue to economically generate hydropower. In other cases where the ecolgoical impacts are high relative to the efficiency of generation, we advocate for removal. American Whitewater celebrated the removal of Marmot Dam, on Oregon’s Sandy River in 2007, marking the conclusion of a major A unified voice... project for our oranization. Through our Campaign for the Headwaters of the Little Tennessee, supported by the Conservation Alliance, we continue to play a leadership role in the efforts to remove Dillsboro Dam on the Tuckasegee River in North Carolina. We also Outdoor Alliance is a coalition of six national organizations devoted to conservation and continued our efforts to remove the outdated Condit Dam on the White Salmon in Washington. On Sullivan Creek in Washington a stewardship of our nation’s public lands and waters. Outdoor Alliance includes: Access utility tried to walk away from a hydropower project that has not been operational for decades and we made a successful case for holding Fund, American Canoe Association, American Hiking Society American Whitewater, owners responsible for dams and facilities on public waterways. International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Winter Wildlands Alliance, and represents the interests of the millions Americans who hike, paddle, climb, mountain bike, On other rivers we are working to modernize hydropower operations so recreational and ecosystem needs can be met while continuing ski and snowshoe. economic production of hydropower and delivery of water for consumptive uses. We conducted ecological and recreational studies on the Sultan and Green Rivers in Washington, Crooked River in Oregon, and the McCloud, Feather, and Yuba Rivers in California. In each of In 2007 we represented recreationists and the places where we recreate on many issues these cases we have the goal of integrating recreational values and ecological needs into future operating plans for these rivers. including the protection of roadless areas, mining law reform, restoration of the Clean Water Act, and funding for federal agencies that support outdoor recreation. Through One of the most significant impacts to headwater areas is the legacy of roads that were built for resource extraction on public lands. working with the people that know public lands the best, we have brought an authentic, Today many of these roads provide access to rivers but they are not being maintained and currently our 380,000 miles of Forest Service passionate, and unique voice to National debates on conservation issues. roads face a $10 billion maintenance backlog. We successfully advocated for a new federal program to remove redundancies in the road network and focus scarce maintenance resources on roads that provide public access. This program is designed to restore water quality of rivers impacted by unmaintained roads. 2007 Statement of Activities 2007 Assets and Liabilities Revenue and Support Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Assets 2007 2006 + / - Contributions 255,964 9,480 226,444 Cash 160,594 153,609 6,985 Membership Dues 235,526 235,526 Accounts Receivable 39,435 21,797 17,638 For the fiscal year ended December Advertising 90,075 133,650 90,075 Grants Receivable 26,699 39,141 -12,442 31, 2008, the total net assets of Grants 8,505 142,155 Investments 188,848 113,300 75,548 American Whitewater increased Events 74,610 74,160 Prepaid Expenses 19,127 18,433 694 by $89,211. This amount included

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/access:start a $8,355 increase in temporarily Sponsorship 51,450 51,450 Inventory 11,844 9,892 1,952 American Whitewater Restricted Net Assets Products 26,491 26,491 would like to give special Direct Deposit Advance - 9,667 -9,667 Management Fees & Services 16,980 16,980 recognition to the law firm Total Current Assets 446,547 365,839 80,708 In-Kind Contributions 527,448 527,448 Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. In 2007, Morgan Lewis Interests & Dividends 7,365 7,365 lawyers contributed more Long Term Assets 2007 2006 + / - Misc. Income 4,631 4,631 than 92,000 hours in pro Lands Held for protection 63,256 63,256 - American Whitewater is a registered charitable corporation under section Net Assets Released from Restriction 134,775 -134,775 - bono representation to Computer Equipment, net 10,093 3,675 6,418 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Total Revenue 1,434,820 8,355 1,443,175 organizations like American Whitewater. Over 25 Morgan Total Long Term Assets 73,349 66,931 6,418 Code. Financial statements are Lewis attorneys committed Total Assets 519,986 432,770 87,126 audited by Stephen C. Corliss, CPA, Stewardship Expenses Unrestricted Restricted Total their time and resources to LLC. Access & Conservation 714,683 714,683 serving the public good in the development on the AW Current Liabilities 2007 2006 + / - Public Education 430,568 430,568 Navigability Toolkit. These Accounts Payable 16,592 22,859 -6,267 Total Stewardship Expenses 1,145,251 1,145,251 volunteers researched case Other Liabilities 8,288 2,722 5,566 Support Expenses law state courts developed to define the scope of the public’s Note Payable, Current - 5,125 -5,125 General & Administration 132,982 132,982 rights and privileges on our Payroll Liabilities 16,314 12,573 3,741 Fundraising 75,731 75,731 nation’s waterways. Total Current Liabilities 41,194 43,279 -2,085 Total Supporting Services 208,713 208,713 Total Expenses 1,353,964 1,353,964 Net Assets Unrestricted Net Assets 328,250 247,394 80,856 Unrestricted Restricted Total Restricted Net Assets 150,452 142,097 8,355 80,856 8,355 89,211 Change in Net Assets Total Net Assets 478,702 389,491 89,211 Total Liabilities & Net Assets 519,896 432,770 87,126 Revenue and Support Expenses 2007 marked the first year of the enhanced flow schedule on the Upper Yough that included 10 new Other 4% Fundraising 6% Saturday releases. AW help empower local paddlers and other stakeholders to create the new schedule. Events & Sponsorship 9% Administration 10%

Advertising 6%

Grants 10% Contributions (Cash and In-Kind) 55% Stewardship Expenses 84%

Membership Dues 16% 2007 Honor Roll Industry Partners Foundations In-Kind Donations Class V Bailey Family Foundation $100,000 + KEEN Butte Firesafe Council Morgan Lewis & Bockius Class IV California Hydropower Coalition $50,000 + Dagger CLSJ Foundation Patton Boggs Jackson Kayak Charles Stewart Mott Foundation $10,000 + Subaru Cloud Mountain Foundation Kayak Session Wave Sport E & B Von Mertens Charitable Trust Kokatat Class III Echo Valley $5,000 + Kokatat Garden Homes Fund Confluence Watersports Patagonia George & Miriam Martin Foundation Exact Target Teva Goldman Foundation KEEN Class II Hewlett Foundation Leiter & Cramer PLLC Clif Bar Hooter Fund II $1,000 + Immersion Research Hydropower Reform Coalition Blue Sky Outfitters Boof Jay Kenney Foundation Bob Center Northwest River Supply KEEN Foundation Clif Bar Pyranha Murray Foundation David Finney Watershed Dry Bags National Environmental Trust Werner Huck Werner North Carolina Community Foundation Immersion Research Wave Osilas Jackson Kayak Astral Buyouncy Pugh Family Foundation Liquid Logic Kayak Session Resources Legacy Fund Foundation Mion Footwear Smith Sport Optics Stanley Family Fund Outdoor Adventure Center Eddy The Arches Foundation Palm USA Brush Mountain Publishing The Mountaineers Foundation Penstock Productions, LLC Chaco William C. Kenney Foundation Seattle Raft & Kayak Girls at Play Smith Sport Optics Liquid Logic Tanya Shuman Outdoor Play Dave Steindorf Palm Equipment Wyman Liquors SNEWS $500 + eNRG Kayaking Leavenworth Mtn. Sports Paul Martzen A flow study conducted on Washington's Green River could lead Patagonia to improved flows in the future. AW is a nationally recognized Snap Dragon Designs expert on recreational instream flow studies. Werner Paddles Photo by Tom O’Keefe WRSI Helmets

Honor Roll continued on page XX 2007 Honor Roll continued Financial Donors In-Kind Donations Big Thompson Watershed Forum Oregon Whitewater Association $5,000 + Donors $500 + Donors John D. Wolken $100 + Birmingham Canoe Club Otter Bar Lodge Kayak School Yvon and Melinda Chouinard Jeffrey Abel Michael Zimber Cascade Wellness Center Blue Ridge River Runners Outdoor Adventure Club Boyce Greer Chris Bell and Beth Maczka Cocoon Design by Salt Blue Ridge Voyageurs Outward Bound Anonymous David J. Berg $250 + Donors Cold River Package Bluegrass Wildwater Association Ozark Mountain Paddlers Eric Bessette Russell Adams Das Rad Haus Brian White Ozark Wilderness Waterways $2,500 + Donors Carl Blakeslee Aire Don Kinser Canoe Club Of Greater Harrisburg PA Org. for Watersheds and Rivers Don Kinser Jayson Bowerman Richard Ernie Anderson Dress Well Outdoors Canoe Cruisers Association Paddlers4Christ Rich and Stephanie Bowers Eric Arons H2O Paddles Carolina Canoe Club Paddle Trails Canoe Club $1,000 + Donors Dave Bowman John Arthur Jack’s Plastic Chico Paddleheads Palmetto Paddlers Alcoa Wenatchee Works William M. Brendle Pam Ashley and Andy Bowen Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center Chota Canoe Club Philadelphia Canoe Club Chris Baggott Carolina Canoe Club Brian M. Aubin MadCap Coastal Canoeists Inc Pikes Peak Whitewater Club Peter Bross Thomas J. Christopher Susan Batiste Matt Leidecker Photography Colgate University Pine Creek Valley Whildwater Association Jim Cavo Hope Concannon Jon Becker Merrell Colorado Whitewater Association Pueblo Paddlers Joshua Crossman Bruce and Janet Cowie Kemper Begley Mountain Air Gear Conewago Canoe Club Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club Paul and Downing Denison Kevin B. Coyne Lee Belknap NOC Coosa River Paddling Club Rocky Mountain Canoe Club Phil Duff Sam Drevo Peter R. Bernstein Northwest Outdoor Center Davidson Outdoors SCSU Outdoor Endeavors Scott P. and Lori Duffens Chip Duckett Nick Borelli Northwest River Supply Dixie Division San Miguel Whitewater Association George M. Feinberg David Elliott David Brauer Patagonia-Seattle East Tennessee Whitewater Club Sequoia Paddling Club Sybille Fleischmann Richard Fernald Anne Brindle Pelican Products Easton Whitewater Parks Commission Sierra Club/John Muir Chapter Gary Franks David Fosdick John T. Britton, M.D. River Rox FORVA Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter Brian Gardel Stuart Fraser John Brower Riversport Face Level Industries LLC Sierra Club SF Chapter Bruce M. and Olivia J. Genereaux Nancy Gilbert Rebecca Brown Sealline Fairbanks Paddlers Sierra Nevada WW Club Jennie Goldberg George and Clarice Gordon Ian Buckley Seattle Raft and Kayak LLC Float Fishermen of Virginia Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club John Harvey Robby G. Hansen Ed Callahan Shred Ready Flow Paddlers’ Club St. Lawrence University Hermann Family Robert W. Harris Mark Canada Team Scum Foothills Paddling Club TN Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club Les Hurrelbrink Charlotte T. Jones Bob Card Teva Front Range Paddle Association Tennessee Scenic River Association John Jerger Ezra Thomas Jones Ross and Tara Cherry Watershed, LLC Georgia Canoeing Association Tennessee Valley Canoe Club Kevin St John Patrick Kessler Chicago Whitewater Association Yakima Georgia Tech Outdoor Recreation The Mountaineers KCCNY Kevin L. Lewis Cold River Package Zoar Outdoor Grand Canyon Priv. Boat. Association Three Rivers Paddling Club Stacy and Dale Karacostas Evelyn Locke Gretchen Cornell Greater Baltimore Canoe Club Toledo River Gang Scott and Devan Koehn Greg Mallory Adam Cramer Events & Festivals Holtwood Hooligans Town Tinker Tube Rental Chris and Caron Koll Paul D. Martzen Brent and Risa Davis American River Festival Hoofers Outing Club Triad River Runners Ken Kyser Memphis Whitewater Craik Davis Deerfield River Festival Hoosier Canoe Club UNCG Outdoor Adventures Tony Lunt Gibson Mokler Glenn Decker Feather Festival Housatonic Area Canoe & Kayak Sq. USU Kayak Club Robert Mingus Phil Montgomery James Deehan French Broad River Festival Huntsville Canoe Club University Kayak Club Joshua C. Moore Northwest Outdoor Center Gerald Delong Gauley River Festival Idaho Whitewater Association University of Colorado Kayak Club Megi Morishita Philip O’Rourke Edward Dery Moose River Festival Jackson Hole Kayak Club University of Utah Keith T. Oldham Peter Quayle Polk Deters National Paddling Film Festival Kayak 4 a Kure Utah Whitewater Club Nicholas B. Paumgarten Brett Redfearn Devious Ohiopyle Over the Falls Event KCCNY Vancouver Kayak Club Pugh Family Foundation Lee Roehrdanz Jack Ditty Potomac River Festival Kansas Whitewater Association Venturing Crew 360 Robert Reiterman Lee Rust Robert Douglas Wenatchee River Festival Keel Haulers Canoe Club Washington Kayak Club Dave Robey Lawton Salley Conor Dowling Lehigh Valley Canoe Club Washington Recreational River Runners Dale Rogerson and Sarah Stanley Paul Schelp Randy Ebersole Lower Columbia Canoe Club Watauga Paddlers Norwood Scott Rick Schoen Adam Elrod Affiliate Clubs Mason Dixon Canoe Cruisers West VA Wildwater Association Ed Sherwood Mark Scriver David C. Ennis ADK Schenectady Mecklenburg Regional Paddlers Western Carolina Paddlers David Spiegel Seattle Raft and Kayak LLC Donna K. Ennis AMC - New Hampshire Paddlers Memphis Whitewater Whitman College Whitewater Club Eli Spiegel Amy Shipman Liz Ferrin AMC Delaware Valley Chapter Merrimack Valley Paddlers Zoar Valley Paddling Club Roger L. Starring Peter Stekel Fluid Kayaks / h2o Paddles Adobe Whitewater Club of NM Missouri Whitewater Assn Jason Stingl Bryan and Michelle Stewart Foothills Paddling Club Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts Mt. Washington Valley Paddlers Richard Thistle Edward Stockman Ronald E. Gardner Appalachian State Univ North East Wisconsin Paddlers, Inc. Barry and Kitty Tuscano Stan Stutts Edward Gertler Arkansas Canoe Club North Florida Whitewater Association Viking Canoe Club Jim and Julia Tibbetts Global Garage LLC Atlanta Whitewater Club Northwest Rafters Association Josh Von Szalatnay Charlie Vincent Stephen Godfrey, MD Bardstown Boaters Northwest Whitewater Association Washington Kayak Club Charlie and Sandy Walbridge Karl and JoAnn Gordon Bayou City Whitewater Club Ohio Valley Whitewater Club Greg Widroe Scott Weems Katharine L. Gray Benscreek Canoe Club Oregon Kayak and Canoe Club Willamette Kayak & Canoe Club Richard S. Griffith Financial Donors continued $100 + Donors continued Macy Burnham and Amanda Marusich Tim Curry Bill Benedict Deborah and Christopher Burt David and Julie Cushing $250 + Donors continued Aida M. Parkinson $100 + Donors Shane Benedict Matt Butcher and Liz Pennisi Robert and Faith Cushman Dave Hammond Robert Peerson AMC Delaware Valley Chapter Suzanne Benson Robert Butera Rex Dalrymple Lucian Hand Pelican Products Michael and Susan Abernathy Tom and Doris Berdeen CMC Adviser Gordon Dalton Edward and Ann Hanrahan Tom Quarles Ann M. Adams Tom Beres Christopher Caffrey Das Rad Haus Michael Harvey Jason Rackley Michael Aguilino Julie Berg California Canoe & Kayak Inc. Sandra K. David George Hedrick Ken Ransford Christopher Akins Allan Berggren Henry Callaway Linda and David Davidson Andrew Holcombe Sean Richards Delia Albin Paul Bergquist Larry Calof Gary Davis Kenneth P. Holmes Shaun Riedinger Ruth Albright Bob Berliner Bernard Y. Calvert, III Leland Davis Paul Holmes Riversport Santo and Kris Albright Tara Bernstein William and Anna Campbell Nolan F. Davis Tyler Holt Paul Robbins Jeff Allen Andy Berry James Capozzi Philip and Donna Dawson Brian Jacobson Gilberto Robles John Allen Kevin Billingslea Bozo Cardozo Shayne Day John Jacoby Ross Romer Thomas Allen Brent Binge Daniel E. Carlson Peter Dayton Jimmy Jehle Julie Scott Rowland Holly and Chase Ambler Lisa Birskovich Daniel Carroll Phil and Mary DeRiemer Rodney Keller Robert Sandow Charles Anderson William J. Bishop John Carter Kerry and Mary Ann Deardorff Chris Kelly and Nanette Laughrey Save Our Wild Salmon H Kyle Anderson Dave Blau Matthew Cary Gene Deaton Nancy Kemp Mark Scantlebury and Audrey Bergsma Matthew Anderson Marc Bleicher Cascade Wellness Center Richard Dechant Paul Killian Steve Scarborough, Family Ryan Anderson Michelle Bloome Kurt P. Casey Norman R. Deets, II Victor Kress and Dawn Meekhof Eric and Tera Schreiber Terrell and Michelle Anderson Blue Sky Rafting Ryan Casey Brad Defrates Bill Krissoff Bill and Maryl Sedivy Mark Andes Clif Bobinski William Center John W. Dennis Jack Krupnick Kathy Shelby Jane and Steve Andraka Philip Bobrow Bud and Mary Jo Chavez Richard and Tamra Dickinson Phil LaMarche Daniel Sherr Ken Andrews Ron Bodinson Helen Cherniack and Mike Shafer Tom Diegel Mark and Sharon Lacroix Jack Shuler Henry C. Annable Donald A. Bodley Joe Cholka Greg Dietsch Leavenworth Mountain Sports Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter Chris J Arnold Ed Bogush Catherine Chung David Dinan Mike Lee Mark Singleton Landis Arnold Darin Bohm Margaret Cipolla Scott Dishman Lehigh Valley Canoe Club Ellis B. Smith David Asbell Steven W. Booth James Ciprotti Anthony J. Distini, Jr. Frank Lorch Peter F. Smith David M. Ashley Scott Bortree Reginald Clapper Dixie Division Eric Lovejoy Chris Sneed William S. Atkins Phil Boudreau Cynthia and Austin Clark Jim Dobbins Lower Columbia Canoe Club Jim Solomon Atlanta Whitewater Club Richard G. Bowden Kathy Clark Robert F. Dobrzynski, MD Brooks Lutterloh Greg Speicher Chris Augustine Arthur F. Bowie Keith Clausen Stephen Dorick Mountain Air Gear Rok Sribar Brent Austin Charles and Nancy Brabec Tim Coburn Michael P. Dowling Bill Mandler Loren Starcher Avid4 Adventure Inc. Bradley Pulverizer Company Cocoon by Design Salt Melissa Dragan Milton Mann Gordon Steindorf David Baer Bill Bradt Steve Codey Ben and Brooke Drury Mimi Margulies Joe Stubbs Mark E. Baier Raymond Bragar and Robin Hertz Russ Condrey Elliott Drysdale Robert and Debora Martz Carl W. Suchovsky Betty Lou Bailey Paul and Laurie Brager Charles Conner Frances Duggan Ron Mastalski Doug Sughrue Gary Bailey Jeff Brandstadt Anne Connolly John B. Duncan Tom McCloud Dave and Kendra Summers Russell and Rhesa Bailey David S. Branham Max Connolly Timothy Dunning James and Sandra McEwan Gordon T.C. Taylor Rod Baird Robert Branizza Andrew Cook Jim Dwyer Joanne and Dan McGrew The Hub Andrew Balogh Mike Brayton Ted Cookson East Tennessee Whitewater Club Kurt McKissick Scott Thomas Gordon Bare Alan and Suzanne Bressler Bob and Linda Cooley Linda Eastman and Bob Langley Lynn McLarty Pam Todd Steve Barnett Bob Brewer and Jonna Hussey Linda L. Corcoran David W. Eckardt Steve McWilliams Robert C. Tyler Jocelyn Barrett Andy R. Bridge James L. Corey Susan Eckerly and Terry O’Donnell Merrell Chloa Ulrich Stephen T. Barron Bill Bridger Todd Corey Craig Edgar Marin Millar United Way TriState Credit Hugh Barrow Scott Bridgham Scott Coultas Charles Egleston Kevin and Michelle Miller Craig L. VanDeList Paul Bartholic Christopher Brobin Brian and Jessica Cox Matt and Deidra Eland Mion David Varner Kim Battle Tyler Brooks Lora Cox and Pete Rainey Gerald A. Eller John Moran Chris Voegele Martin Bay and Nancy Anderson Bradley T. Brooks Michael A. Cox Gunnar Ellsmore Bryan and Patty Morrison Christopher W. Walker Jim Beall Eric Brooks Stephen Cramer Michael Elovitz Tina and Eric Myren Steve Wallace Craig Beasley Richard Brooks Stan Crane Jeff Essmann Northeast PA Kayak School Gary and Joan Warner Carol Beatty and Don Jacklin Allen Brown William F. Crimmins IV Chuck and Lola Estes Chip Norton Kirk Weir Les and Susan Bechdel Charles Brown Bill Crockett Daniel Evans Ronald S. Novak Collin Whitehead Frederick W. Beck Gordon Brown, Jr John Crombie Tom Evans John O’Leary Kent Wigington Dan Becker Robert (Mike) Brown Vamce Cross Evergreen Cafe OSM of South Carolina Inc. John R. Wilson Frank Bell Dennis and Karen Buccella Shannon Crosswhite Face Level Industries LLC Andrew Oberhardt Julianna Wilson Rick Bellows Alan Buckner Derrick Crowther Barbara Fairburn Oregon Whitewater Association Ethan Winter Roger E. Belson, MD Jeff Bullis Margaret Cullen Michael Farrell Dennis and Molly Overly Candice Clark Wozniak Harold Bencowitz Scott Burke Kurt Culver Rick Feinberg Paddle Trails Canoe Club Craig Ziegler Financial Donors continued $100 + Donors continued Doug McDonald Michael A. Nelson Jennifer Koermer and Andrew Douglas Gib and Merrianne McGill Steven E. Nelson $100 + Donors continued Tracy Hancock Chuck Hunley Chris and Suzanne Koerner David A. McGovern Johnny Newsome Kenneth J. Ferguson Greg Hanlon Melinda Hunsaker Jay Koontz David McIlwaine Alex Nichols Chad S. Finch Joseph Hannah Huntsville Canoe Club Nick Kowalski Stacy McInroy Allen Northcutt Dorothy B. Firsching J. Kevin Hannon Idaho Whitewater Association Robert Krase Scott F. McIntyre Northwest Outdoor Center George L.P. Fitz Rosie and Ray Hanson Jack’s Plastic Welding Inc. Brock Krizan Collin McKee Northwest Rafters Association Mitchell Fitzgibbon Max Harbert Kenneth Jackson Brian Krueger Thomas McKibbin Roger Nott Seth Fitzsimmons Kemp Hare Mike Jackson Mark Krumbach Stephen McKinley Michael S. Noud Flow Paddlers’ Club Desmond Harrington Robert and Charlotte Jackson Michael Krumme Robert Craig McKinnon Nova Riverrunners Inc. Alley Fontenot Richard Harris Jacob Laboratories David and Angie Kuklinski Bill McKnight Craig Nyquist Footsloggers Shawn Hartje and Mary Sackett David James David A. Kurtz Samuel B. McLamb Cliff O’Connor Jason Foust Eric Hartman Jerry Jascomb Adrianne Laird John McLaughlin Liane O’Hora John Fralick Alex Harvey Tom and Peggy Jenkins Alina Laird McNeal Graphics, Inc. Keith P. Oberlin Michelle R. Francesco Nathan Harvey Elizabeth B. Johns Kevin Lambert Tony and Karen Mebane Frank Ohrt Ross Frank Jeffrey Hatcher Douglas Johnson Paul E. Lange, DDS Mecklenburg Regional Paddlers Dan Olson Barb Franko Charlotte Hathaway Haynes and Gina Johnson Michelle Lapin Scott Meininger Tom Omiatek Kevin Frankosky Oscar Hawksley Kim Johnston Corey Largman Brian Mellea Darryl D. Ott Tom Franks Carter Hearn Jones Family Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center Gerald H. Meral Outdoor Adventure Center Bob Frater David Carter Hearn Wayne Jones Brian LeDoux Gregg and Karen Merchen Orion Rafting David and Jennifer Frierson Oliver Heim Alice and Greg Jorgensen Matt Leach William P. Merrick Lee A. Owen George and Leslie Fuller Andy Held Todd Jorgensen Robert Lee Merrimack Valley Paddlers Tom Pace Ric and Ann Fullerton William Herbert Michael Jorgenson Lee Leibfarth Jocelyn Metzger Paddlers4Christ JD Gaffney John Herman Dave Joslyn Todd Leigh and Linda Savage Chuck Meyer Paddlesport Publishing Allen Gaither Peter Herndon Peter Juhnke Randy B. Lewis John Michnick Paddling.net, Inc. Christopher Gallaway Henry J. Herrmann Norm Karasa Theodore Lewis Donald S. Millard, Jr. Thomas Palka Peter Gandesbery Andy Hertz Ilona Karow Bruce Lilly Jim Miller Renee Paradis Ed Gates Jonas Herzog Juliet and Ken Kastorff Kevin W. Lindberg Lee A. Miller Bill and Donna Holmes Parks Ken Gfroerer and Lisa Smith Christopher Hest Jonathan Katz David Lipski Steven D. Mills Richard Parry Susan and Robert Glanville George Hicks Laura Kay Brian and Mari Little Brad Milner Chase Patenaude Timothy Glaser Joshua J. Hicks Michael E. Keating Peggy and Bud Lockwood Carla Miner Cindy and Richard Patrinellis Dave J. Glickerman Craig Hightower Roy Keeler Tony and Ursula Long Mitchell Paddles Jeremy Patterson Brent and Jeannie Glover David Hill James Keese Stephen Longley Kevin Mitchell Jesse Patterson Richard Gorbet Don Hillmuth Michael Keith Craig Lorch Richard Modglin and Susan Hinchey William Payne Lance Gorman Darrin Hines Charles Keller Jim Low Robert and Elizab Molyneaux Luke Pazicky Denise and Scott Gravatt James Hird Tim J. Kelley Timothy Luce Richard Montgomery Devon Pearse Mayo Gravatt John Hiscox Kevin J. Kelly Katherine Luscher John Moran Samuel Peek Greater Baltimore Canoe Club Kevin Hisel Wilson Kern Scott Lyden Charles E. Morgan Tom Peil Cecil Greck William B. Hobbins Dave Kessmann Bill MacFarlane Jack Morisey Dan Perka Gary Green Mike J. Hodgman Kettle House Brewing Co. Jim MacIntyre Suzanna Morris Richard Perlmutter Ronald S. Greene Ture Hoefner Britan A. Kilbourne Brian Madsen Chris Morrison Fritz Peterson David Greenwald Ted Hofmann James Kimmel Erica Madsen Jon Moseley Lance Petrack-Zunich Don A. Griffiths Nancy Hogan Dylan King and Audra Faulkner Peggy and David Mainer Robert Moses Ben Petri Barry Grimes Daniel Holzman Mike King Dionigi Maladorno Robert Mosier Edward Pettus and Amy Stout Gross, McGinley, LaBarre & Eaton, LLP Marge and Bill Hone Jeremy Kingsbury Deb Mansfield and Rob Chamberlain Mountain Air Gear Nathan Pfeifer Clay Guerry Douglas A. Honeyford Mary Beth Kinney Alejandro Marangoni Mountain Stewart Physical Therapy Philadelphia Canoe Club John Guthrie Richard L. Hopley Trip D. Kinney Harry A. Marinakis, MD Mary Ellen Mueller Nonny Phillips Carl and Anita Gutschick Greg Horton Matthew Kirk Kerry Marumoto Matt Muir Donald C. Piper Mark Guttadauro Greg Hoskins and Carolyn Rhett Stephen Klaeren Mason Dixon Canoe Cruisers Rory Mulvey Brad C. Piske Michael Haeger Housatonic Area Canoe & Kayak Sq. Hank M. Klausman Peter Mattson Julie Munger Dennis J. Pistoll Chris Haff Peter Hubbard and Allison McCrory W Gregory Klein Steven Matz John Munnell Craig Plocica Richard R. and Julie A. Haick Dave Huckabone Vicki Klemm Ben R. Maxwell, Jr. David Myers Jennifer Plyler and Paula Sorensen Ann Halverson and Harvey Harris Sarah Hudson Kenneth Klipple John W. McCain Sharon A. Myers Robin Pope Hansel Halverson Edward P. Hughes Helge Klockow Bill McCanless Victor E. Myers Chris Port Robert and Brian Hamill Frank W. Hughto-Delzer David and Phyllis and Alan Knight Steve McClelland Burt Nassif Mark Press Steve and Marta Hamilton Jonathon Huhn Bill Knowlton John McClester Doug Nechodom Beth E. Price Daniel Hammes Gary Hull Kurt Knuth James E. McComb, MD Robert Neily Wes Prince Rob Hancharick Randy Humble John A. Kobak Kent McCracken Donald Nelson James Proctor Financial Donors continued $100 + Donors continued Lifetime Members Claire Gesalman David Vican David Ackerman Ken Gfroerer and Lisa Smith $100 + Donors continued Bill and Kary Scarborough Gus A. Stinstrom Brian Vogt Milt Aitken Nancy Gilbert Leonard Prosnitz Scenic River Tours Mark Stivers David Wallace and Betsy Frick Charlie Albright Jennie Goldberg Aaron Pruzan Greg and Dawn Schackel Steve Stohlman Daniel F. Ward Walt Andry George and Clarice Gordon Chris Puchner Marko Schmale Jessie Stone Rich Ward Brian M. Aubin Boyce Greer Robert Pugh John E. Schroeder Kelly Stone Washington Recreational River Runners Sutton Bacon, Jr Joseph Greiner Joe Pulliam Scott Schumacher Eric Stones Chris Washnock Chris Baggott Robbie Griffith and Jeff Redding Julie Pysklo John Scott John Stormon Watauga Paddlers Pope Barrow H. H. Hancock Chip Queitzsch Herbert M. Scull Ken and Fran Strickland Gregg Waterman Keith Beck Robby G. Hansen Jerome D. 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Starring Kevin Colburn, National Stewardship Josh Von Szalatnay State of Washington Missoula, MT Charlie and Sandy Walbridge Kelly Stone Nathan Fey, Colorado Stewardship Scott Weems Dave and Kendra Summers Salida, CO Kate Wempe Tracy Tackett Carla Miner, Membership Werner Paddles Triangle United Way Salt Lake City, UT Natalie Whiteman Martha Truninger and Michael Jacob Thomas O’Keefe, Northwest Stewardship Martin Wick Christopher Tulley Seattle, WA Greg Widroe United Way Special Distribution Account Mark Singleton, Executive Director Kurt Williams United Way TriState Credit Cullowhee, NC John R. Wilson United Way of the Midlands Dave Steindorf, California Stewardship John D. Wolken United Way of the Nat. Cap. Area Chico, CA Brandon Woods United Way of Coastal Empire Ben VanCamp, Outreach Brian Vogt Asheville, NC Bill Ward Kirk Weir Howard Wolosky Craig Ziegler ��

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07_annual_report.indd 8 6/2/2008 8:26:46 PM �� Every Werner Paddle is handcrafted and fully homegrown �� in Sultan, Washington. We take pride in this and the fact �� that we have been handcrafting the best paddles in the �� world for over 30 years. We combine the highest quality �� materials, advanced manufacturing methods with craftsmanship to produce the lightest, strongest whitewater paddles on the market. To view our full line of homegrown designs log on to our website at www.wernerpaddles.com or visit your local Werner Retailer.

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07_annual_report.indd 8 6/2/2008 8:26:46 PM continued from page 30

Spring Creek, indicating where water is camp on an uninhabited island. Local paddler Grant Weidenbach and I saw gushing in from below. Every cobble is the first of these de-watered sections after visible ten feet below the surface. Endemic The next day, I paddled across the lake into we portaged Boyle Dam. We launched bulb algaes cluster together on the riverbed the town of Klamath Falls. Here I passed on a meager 100 cubic feet per second at like a hundred brown billiard balls. The the “A” Canal that diverts about half of the the dam outflow. For the next two miles, place was so beautiful that I felt guilty for river’s water to the farms of the massively we scraped down the low water, making launching my hulking plastic boat there, engineered Klamath Project. I portaged progress only through a series of pins and but from the minute I saw it, I knew that Link River Dam just below the canal portages. Just as the rock bashing became Spring Creek was where I would start my diversion, ran a few Class III rapids, and nearly intolerable, I felt cold water on my journey down the Klamath. took out at the city dock in Klamath Falls. hands, and the flow magically increased. After a day of rest, it was time to switch Springs! Like a prizefighter staggering However, within a dozen miles of the put- into my creek boat, and run whitewater back to his feet, the Klamath struggled in, the water had gone from pristine and below Keno Dam. back to life. For the next few miles, we drinkable to stinky and warm. The main bounced down a lovely small river full of culprits of the pollution are cows who This is where the Klamath cuts through Class IV whitewater. graze along the length of the tributary the Cascade Range in a series of basalt Sprague River. Further hindering the gorges. Some of these gorges are under Six miles below Boyle Dam, two huge water quality is Klamath Lake. This once reservoir waters, some rumble with the tubes spilled down the hillside to the river, rich marshland is now a shallow dammed roar of the river, and some conceal an returning the power-generating Klamath lake that heats up dramatically in the apocalyptic riverbed of dry rocks, while to its riverbed. The river now ran a warm summer sun. I was surprised, then, to see the river is diverted out of its channel into 2,000 cfs as it raced through the Hells a family of river otters playing the warm concrete tubes. Corner Gorge. lake water as I pulled into my first night’s

40 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 41 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 The Hells Corner run has a somewhat brought us to the take-out too soon. I food bag, spare paddle, and cook kit in the undeserved bad reputation among wanted more, but at the same time I was back; camera, binoculars, and maps were whitewater boaters in the region. The glad to have the rapids behind me. I was stashed behind the seat; I was set. rocks are relatively sharp and the water also glad that I hadn’t run it alone. The quality, having come from cattle pastures Hells Corner run of the Klamath is the Horrendous winds slowed my progress on and agricultural runoff, is less than ideal. crux of the river’s penetration through Copco Reservoir, and I had to quit early Still, the whitewater is big and fun, and the the Cascade Range, and it lives up to for the day at a sheltered gravel beach. The warm water is undeniably comfortable. its name. next morning, glass smooth water made for a pleasant paddle down to Copco Dam, “Swims are defi nitely bad for rafting When the water slowed below Hells and the poison oak portage commenced. business on the Hells Corner run,” Grant Corner Canyon, I traded my whitewater said coyly as we approached Caldera, kayak for a 14-foot-long touring kayak, Once safely back at the river with my the biggest rapid on the upper Klamath. the boat I would live out of for the next boat, I rounded a corner to fi nd the entire Indeed, the river was fast and shallow, two weeks. Klamath going into a steel grate, destined and a swim here would infl ict bodily for the Copco #2 powerhouse. The outfl ow damage. Caldera was the start of a nearly I left my truck at a back yard corral behind from the grate spat a fl ume of water not continuous three-mile section of chaotic a friendly rancher’s house (a rancher who much bigger than my household rain and powerful rapids. I made sure to follow thoughtfully fences his cattle away from gutter during a summer thunderstorm. Grant at precisely the right distance—far the river, no less), spread my things out This puny spout of water would be my enough back to change my route if I in the shade of an oak, and began to pack river for the next three miles. didn’t like his line, yet close enough to see my touring kayak for the remaining 220- where he was going. He led me through mile journey to the ocean. Sleeping bag, The low water portaging was similar to fl awlessly, and the continuous rapids pad, and tent went up front; clothes bag, running a river. Each “rapid” would start

40 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 41 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 42 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 43 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Portaging the bypass below Copco Dam.

with a scout for the deepest water. I would surplus flows released during floods. The the hatchery as a part of federal licensing then give the boat a push with hopes normal base flow, however, was a measly requirements, and at the time it seemed that it would thread the boulders, glide 10 cfs. like a fine solution. The dam would downstream, and stop in a convenient produce power, and the hatchery would position. Often it didn’t. I would then Surging up from beneath an old power maintain the fishery. Steadily decreasing boulder-hop down to the stuck boat, station, the re-released river allowed numbers of salmon in the Klamath since maneuver it free of the obstructing rocks, me the luxury of floating once again. It the dam, however, has shown that we can’t and zoom it onward again. This was all carried me for a joyous half-mile before have it both ways. done, of course, while standing knee deep slowing in Iron Gate Reservoir. Iron Gate in the creek. In places where the creek is the last reservoir on the Klamath. Below Ten miles below Iron Gate, the river passed was briefly void of rocks, I was allowed Iron Gate, the river flows unimpeded for beneath Interstate 5, and it was clear that the luxury of jumping into the boat and 190 miles to the Pacific. Above Iron Gate changes were afoot. A range of mountains paddling a few strokes before getting though, salmon no longer swim. rose to the west, and the Klamath carved stuck again. directly into them. Although it was Fish ladders around the dam were never still an arid country, ponderosa pines And so the afternoon went, pulling, installed, so Klamath silver and king began to dot the hillsides, and craggy slipping, and grunting my way down the salmon that make it this far now end volcanic spines jutted into the emerging trickling remnants of the Klamath. It was their upstream journeys at Iron Gate Fish river canyon. hard to imagine that a real river once hatchery, located a quarter-mile below the existed here. A forest of mature alder trees dam. The hatchery was completed in 1966, Undammed tributary streams entered the now filled the canyon bottom, and a high not long after the dam closed its doors. river regularly, and the Klamath’s flood water stain showed evidence of occasional Pacific Power, the dam owner, had to build plain gradually redeveloped. The potato

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42 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 43 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 American Whitewater 7.5 x 4.875 fields of eastern Oregon were long gone. hoppers a time or two, but mostly the then coalesced into a powerful flush of This was the Lower Klamath. state of Jefferson (named after Thomas, white and churned through several deep of course) is a state of mind. In this is hydraulics. After two trips of gear and one The Lower Klamath Basin qualifies as a isolated, mountainous country, outside trip with the empty boat on my shoulder, semi-inhabited wilderness. Residences are influence is slow to gain a foothold. I was ready to launch again at the foot of scattered, and that’s just the way folks here the rapid. like it. Most of the communities along I realized that I was the outsider when I the Lower Klamath are really just a loose passed a few Karuk Indian men standing My long time paddling partner Seth Ricker conglomeration of misfits who live in the on the shore above Ishi Pishi Falls. The met me here, and we paddled together hills, an eclectic grouping of backwoods Karuks are a proud people, and their most through the next section of whitewater loggers and dropout hippies. revered spot on the entire Klamath is a highlighted by Ike’s Falls. Near here, we rapid that I had been warned about for the drifted past the confluence of the Cal- On my way into the riverside town of Seiad last hundred miles: Ishi Pishi. Salmon. Its confluence is a benchmark in Valley, I passed a ramshackle two-story the life of the Klamath. With the waters house with piles of old clothes heaped Every great river has a place where of the Salmon added, the Klamath is window high inside. Forest green paint mountain and water meet in a dramatic noticeably bigger as it begins to bend out was peeling beneath a moss-covered roof. display of force. In the Pacific Northwest, of the mountains toward the Pacific. The A peace-sign wreath of Christmas lights it’s often a place where salmon are slowed interface between the warm interior and hung out front, along with another sign in their migrations, and humans come to the cool coast was dreadfully apparent as proclaiming the property as “Wildwood.” gain sustenance from the traffic jam of a gale intensified. It was evidently not an Across the highway, an abandoned tractor fish. On the Columbia River, that place, unusual occurrence. Trees along the river overgrown with blackberry vines was before it was subdued by a dam, was Celilo canyon were “flagpoled,” as Seth pointed parked strategically to face oncoming Falls. On British Columbia’s Fraser River, out, in a permanent growth pattern traffic. On the tractor’s imposing front it is Bridge River Rapid. shaped by the prevailing upstream winds. blade, a clearly printed message stood out in red letters: “State of Jefferson.” On the Klamath, the sacred spot is Ishi The blow continued as we passed the town Pishi Falls, a Class V-VI rapid that has of Orleans, where the Klamath entered a The defiant title refers to a mythical 51st been run by a number of top paddlers. wide valley, the first such opening since state consisting of northwestern California The Karuks, however, do not look the river had penetrated the mountains and southwestern Oregon, a region whose favorably upon hotshot boaters that below Iron Gate. Pure stands of Douglas inhabitants have always felt disconnected come along to run through their sacred fir were more prevalent than before, and from the state capitals in Sacramento and maelstrom. In light of this, I never even it looked more like the Pacific Northwest Salem. Official proposals for the new state considered running the rapid. Lucky me. than California. At camp that evening, it have actually made it into government The river snaked through giant boulders, was too cool and breezy to linger far from our campfire.

We enjoyed a meal of steak (probably raised on the trampled riverside meadows I had passed at the start of the trip) and potatoes that Seth had brought in as a celebratory protein boost for the final leg of my trip. I barely stirred the next morning at first light when Seth paddled out of camp to return to work. When I peered out of the tent hours later, fog shrouded the ridge tops 500 feet above the river. I was nearing the ocean.

I stopped to eat lunch at the confluence of the Trinity River. It was almost as big as the

Nearing the mouth of the Klamath

44 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 44 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 Klamath, slightly cooler to the touch, and dam politics. of splashy slow progress in wind waves, pale blue in color. Although the Klamath my resolve softened, and I pulled in to had been nibbling away at mountain “There’s a meeting tonight. We’re trying camp. The Highway 101 bridge had just ranges guarding the coast ever since the to get those dams outa there,” he said. receded behind me when I dragged my Salmon confluence, it was here at the Next he repeated the same chorus I had kayak 60 feet from the water to a soft flat Trinity where the Klamath finally made heard from a Lillooet Indian on British area of clay-embedded gravels behind a its break. With the waters of the two big Columbia’s free-flowing Fraser River the driftwood log. rivers joined, the mighty Klamath pivoted previous summer. “I only caught fifty fish northwestward, and made a determined this spring,” he exclaimed. I waited. “Fifty With four hours of daylight left, I decided straight line march to the sea. fish!” he repeated, “that’s not many, I have to go for a walk. Leaving my gear strewn to feed a lot of people.” across the gravel bar at camp, I weaved Motorized fishing boats began to appear around exceptionally clear pools of on the water. One of the powerful As I shoved into the current, I wished him cold water on my way to the edge of the aluminum jet boats came roaring good luck with the fall salmon run. “Oh riverbed. The pools, I assumed, were the upstream toward me, then pulled ashore, they’ll come back,” he replied hopefully. result of river water seeping through the its occupants waiting for my approach. Having seen the upper river, I was less gravels beneath the island I was camped “Hello there,” a square dark Yurok man optimistic, dams or no dams. on. I would learn otherwise. chewing sunflower seeds called out from his captain’s chair. “Hello,” I replied as I Occasional wafts of salty ocean air blew Stepping carefully back to the riverbed paddled over to his beached boat. The upstream, tempting me to stroke through three hours later, I found thigh-deep man asked me where I’d been, and where an afternoon headwind and make it to the water where I had earlier walked across I was going, then quickly jumped to ocean that evening. Following an hour dry gravels. Was this the right spot? After b ��-POD

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46 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 47 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 checking my landmarks and enduring like I was invisible, watching the work of a several seconds of disconcerting confusion, people from centuries ago. I floated past. a light bulb came on. Tides! The surreal scene rapidly warped into I splashed through the cold clear water in real time when I realized that I was on a anxious haste to see if my camp was still river current, drifting headlong for the there. The perplexing clarity of the pools ocean break. A chaos of currents swirled now made perfect sense: ocean water about me as river ran into ocean swell. doesn’t carry much sediment. The Klamath swiftly carried me down The bright red of my kayak was a welcome the beach. Waves broke to my right, and sight, and the rest of my scattered gear was random surges of opposing currents still there too. I had unknowingly pitched exploded in vertical bursts off my bow. As my camp just high enough to avoid the I scanned the water trying to make sense influx of ocean. Water lapped at the new of it all, a woman on shore shouted to shoreline a half dozen feet from my cook me, “There’s sharks out there!” Or maybe �� stove, kayak, and drying clothes. that’s just what I heard. A row of seal heads popped out of the surf, looking at Camp hadn’t floated away without me, but me curiously. the tide was still rising, and there wasn’t �� much higher ground in sight. I dragged The waves magically abated just then, my boat to the edge of a willow jungle and no walls of white loomed seaward. I that was a few feet higher, and pitched a went for it, sprinting straight out to sea quick-getaway camp among giant weeds before the next set of swells broke. Even of clover. in my flurry of paddle strokes, I noticed a shocking cold on my left hand—the No water lapped at my tent during the Pacific. I was no longer on the warm night. In the morning, the water was waters of the Klamath. below the previous afternoon’s level, and I set out on a calm currentless bay. A spit of sand 20 feet tall and a quarter-mile-long Tyler Williams is the author of Whitewater Classics and other paddling guidebooks. In 2008, he will be hid the ocean from view, but I could hear paddling Idaho’s Salmon River to the ocean as part the crash of surf waiting on the far side. of his ongoing expedition: Source to Sea—exploring western North America’s rivers from headwater �� Cool salty air washed over me with an onshore breeze. to salt water. For more information, please visit www.funhogpress.com. �� A rock pinnacle stood on river right at the mouth. This was Oregos, the Yurok’s �� guardian of the Klamath. Seen from the �� correct angle, Oregos appears to be a mother holding a child in her arms. When �� it is time for the salmon to run, Oregos, �� acting like a gatekeeper to the river mouth, �� gives the signal to proceed, and the fish pour in from the sea.

Oregos had apparently just opened the Klamath door, because I saw Yurok men throwing fish nets into the water where the Klamath channel squeezed around the far end of the sandbar.

I wanted to stop and ask the fisherman about this sacred place, and what they thought about the Klamath dams. Instead, �� I found myself caught in a surreal haze, ��

46 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 47 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 “Beer is always goot!” The words of a drunk motorcyclist in Tom Wier (C-1 Paddler), the veteran Austria form the title of this article. We National Team member was able to fight A Report From The 2007 were asking him if we could use a phone off jet lag and negotiate the tight corners U.S. Wildwater Team at in the bar to call Tomás Zástera,to confirm and tunnels of the Austrian secondary a meeting place somewhere near the road system and get us safely to our new World Cups 2007 Czech, German, Austrian borders. We met home, Pension Auer, in Lofer, Austria. Tomás in an open field outside the local The U.S. Canoe and Kayak National by Rich Roehner “burg” and traded several thousand euros Wildwater Team in Lofer for World Cups for all of the Wildwater kayaks & canoes #1,2 consisted of Tom Wier (C-1), Rodney Ever see a Wildwater kayak spin the U.S. National team would need for Rice (K-1), Jeremy DiCasalo (K-1), and the 2007 World Cups series. These races Mike Baker & Rich Roehner (C-2). Joining a perfect 360° on a big breaking are where the best Wildwater paddlers the team in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic wave? Happens several times in the world test themselves against the for World Cups #3,4 were Jennie Goldberg river, and Tomás makes some of the best (K-1W), and Doug Ritchie (K-1 and a day here. I’ve never seen the boats for this in his boat shop located in Team Manager). Hollie Noble arriving in French, Germans, Austrians, etc., the Czech Republic. The drunk could not time for World Cups # 5,6 in Ivrea, Italy understand what we were asking, but his completed the 2007 National Team. have so much trouble. Even the reply gave us a mantra useful for surviving Italians, who have the home court the competition in Europe this summer. The week in Lofer, Austria was spent advantage, are having a tough time learning the courses for the Sprint and The 2007 Wildwater World Cups were Classic competitions on the Saalachtal of it. The course is really tough!” held on the Salaachtal, Teplá, and Dora River. This meant several workouts a day, Baltea rivers (in Austria, Czech Republic, and multiple feedings of brot (breads), – Doug Ritchie, US Team Manager describing the and Italy, respectively). After we did the bananas, salami & cheeses, meuslix, and World Cup #3- Ivrea, Italy,Wildwater Sprint Course deal with Tomáš, the U.S. National team yogurt, all of the best euro quality! The via Internet posting. headed to Lofer, Austria to outfit the new sprint course was fairly technical Class boats and to prepare for World Cup races III+ with several must make turns to avoid #1,2 on the Salaachtal River. Fortunately, pitoning on the limestone rocks studding 48 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 49 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 the course. The longer “Classic” course formed by curious placements of concrete was a shallow Class II affair and short by structures along with wing dams formed Classic standards. It forced you to exhaust by aluminum supported wood sheets yourself in the flats before finishing back jutting into the current. Combine these through the sprint course, just when you unusual hydraulics with scaffolding are in anerobic stupor! We were able erected in the river channel for start and to leverage off of Tom Wier’s previous finish platforms, and you get a totally competitions on the course as well as the different paddling experience—one German Wildwater National competition shared with the several thousand being held on the course during our spectators lining the channel. Mattoni, the first weekend there to quickly learn the European bottled water supplier, was the “lines” through each rapid. The German awesome sponsor of WCs #3,4. Aside from Nationals included juniors, including the main attraction, the event featured twelve year olds and younger, who were bands, karaoke, dance contests, soccer ball more comfortable in their wildwater boats juggling, etc. It was the 10th year of the than some of the U.S. team. It was pretty “Kanoemattoni” festival. As if to ensure obvious to all of the US team in Lofer what visiting teams were even more distracted, it will take to get our country competitive the organizing committee provided a in this sport again. As luck had it, we party at a local castle which included were also in Lofer for the Corpus Christi costumed mimes performing biazarre holiday, complete with parades, outdoor acts. This party, complete with as much mass, and of course – flowing beer! The free Pilsner you could drink, was held the “burgermeisters” oompah bands set night before the classic race—but no one the atmosphere. missed it!

The performance of our augmented US In spite of this weirdness (or maybe team in Lofer was not up to potential; because of it), the U.S. Team improved perhaps we had overtrained during the their percentage times against the lead previous week, or maybe the “Euro” jitters boats in each class. For the most part, took firm hold. We did learn and re-learn the strong Czech team dominated the that this sport of wildwater is all about classes here on their home turf. By the paddling forward WITHOUT bracing end of the Classic race in World Cup #4 strokes. We saw the best teams in the world the competitors were becoming familiar, swimming when they were a couple inches and the races were taking on a community off-line, the result of TOTAL commitment atmosphere, with make-do conversations to the forward stroke in whitewater. at riverside overcoming language gaps.

Next up was the trip north to Karlovy Vary, A little more on the tired side now, we Czech Republic, for World Cups #3,4. The took the road show on to the next venue, trip carried us over the rolling bohemian World Cup races #5 and #6 on the Dora countryside, now with two rental vehicles Baltea river, in Ivrea, Italy. On the way we to carry additional teammates Jennie stopped by the Munich airport to pickup Goldberg (K-1W) and Doug Ritchie (K- Hollie Noble, the final U.S. Team member 1M, Team Manager). Once in the Czech arriving in Europe, along with family Republic we were treated to waves from members of the team now making the trip roadside workers (not highway crews!) to cheer us on. After spending the night in in the small towns, and special attention Munich, we experienced both the high of from the Czech traffic cops enroute to our driving over the Alps, and then the low of rustic cabins overlooking the Soviet era “whiteknuckle” driving through highway resort town of Karlovy Vary. The Teplá construction zones at over 100 mph en River flowing through the town received route to Ivrea. As the international teams timed releases from a lake upstream. The arrived in the sweltering Italian heat, and river wound through this resort town looked at the swollen Dora Baltea river, (whose main attraction is thermal springs) which was slip-streamed through an in a concrete lined channel. Rapids were artificial channel on river right to serve

48 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 49 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 as the sprint course and classic course by managing to stay in her boat when so At the closing ceremonies, shirts were finish, any separation between teams many paddlers couldn’t! East coasters traded, beverages raised, and plans made dissolved: we all now faced a common Rodney, Hollie, and Caz all drew from to continue to push deeper into what enemy. Well maybe the French team was their experience on the Upper Yough. The four time World Champion Gene Burny still slightly aloof. Over the next few days, Internet is full of videos capturing the described to U.S. coach Bill Endicott as the all of the teams threw the best they had carnage. Just type “Ivrea, Wildwater” into “Danger Zone”; where there is a delicate against the course from hell and suffered your search engine if you’d like to see some balance between anerobic threshold, for it. The course comprised of several for yourself. forward stroke technique, and river ledge type drops, with wingdams pushing reading lies. reactive waves to several feet high with That night after the World Cup # 5 sprint abusive side eddies. The eventual World race carnage, our team hunkered down Cup Champion C-2 team from France in our rented B&B (complete with pool, wiped out in a practice run and suffered a dilapidated tile roof, and steel castle door Wildwater! Coming shoulder injury that knocked them out of to the street) and tended to our abrasions Rapidly to a River Near You the competition. Many other competitors and all made the mental commitment to were sidelined with similar shoulder, and paddle the hell out of the relatively flat by Rich Roehner ankle injuries, and abrasions, contusions, classic course (bowing to pressure from and ripped shorts (the result of swims team leaders the race organizers changed So maybe you are a hotshot rodeo star, which included being dragged over poorly the finish of the classic to just after the first or a creeker, or a huckster, or any of the finished concrete). two drops of the sprint course, avoiding other boater categories we put ourselves the meatier lower section) the following in. Maybe you missed out on getting to Our U.S. Wildwater team relied heavily on day. And in good form, most of the US run that 30 footer first, or the first descent “creek boating skills” to make it down the team came up within 10% or better of the of whatever, or maybe you’ve just plain Ivrea sprint course. In particular, Jennie percentage time of the winning boats in have yet to decide how and where you Goldberg (K-1W) using a conventional the classic race World Cup #6. The course want to make your mark. Maybe you are (not a wing blade now standard among in Ivrea is now the subject of heated old school, or maybe new school, but in international K-1’s) paddle became debate as to whether it will be used for the any case you are looking for something the darling of the crowd for pulling off World Championships in 2008. While the in whitewater paddling, some experience multiple combat rolls during practice runs 90% flatwater classic course needs to be that is as new and full as when you ran down the gnar course. In fact, Jennie had upgraded to another site, the sprint course your first rapid. Well here is a suggestion: the highest finish (6th place in sprint) for is a true challenge. Most of the U.S. team take up paddling Wildwater boats (K-1, C- a U.S. paddler in recent world cup history, welcomes another shot at it in the future. 1, or C-2)! And then if you are so inclined

50 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 51 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Wildwater Racing Is …

Wildwater courses have only a start and finish line, no gates, just holes, waves, streamlines, etc.

to progress to wildwater racing you can the river scale it means you are more likely “Sprint” races are 1 to 2 minutes in take this new experience beyond the edge to live longer and experience the benefits length and contested on Class III – IV of what four-time World Champion Jean- provided by the aerobic exercise that courses. Pierre Burny described to U.S. coach Bill comes with Wildwater paddling. Don’t Endicott as “The Danger Zone.” get me wrong, I am not suggesting that “Classic” races are 10 to 30 minutes you quit hole riding, waterfall hucking, in length and generally contested on At first glance you might think Wildwater steep creeking, or any other wonderful Class II- IV courses. paddling is old school since the boats pursuits, only that you set yourself a goal are over six feet long. But Wildwater to extend your paddling capabilities to All wildwater boat dimensions must pre-dates the “Old School.” In fact, I’m Wildwater. I know that once you do this meet rigid specifications set by the here to tell you that Wildwater should be you’ll be hooked on speed and have a link International Canoe Federation (ICF). viewed as graduation from “New School.” with whitewater paddling long after your A Wildwater paddler is free to experience rodeo/hucking days are over. Wildwater Boat Classes include: the entire river. Going with the flow is the • K-1 Men method, following the stream line, the So do it! Beg, borrow—but do not steal—a • K-1 Women essence. The forward stroke becomes your Wildwater boat; and take it down to the • C-1 Men “zazen,” and your ability to read the river river. Do it now, be the first in your Orca • C-2 Men your exercise. pod to “break on through.” Don’t wait for • (C-1, & C-2 Women are being someone else to do it first. You will benefit considered by the ICF) On a more down to earth level, Wildwater from the experience whether your goal is paddling frees you from lugging around to become functional in the boat, make The U.S. Wildwater Team was selected heavy chunks of plastic that look just the U.S. Team, or be a World Champion. in April 2007 at Team Trials on the like everyone else’s. A Wildwater boat Yough, in Ohiopyle, PA. is composite in construction, weighs less than 25 pounds, and easily goes In 2008 the World Championships for zero to a thousand meters in less than 5 Wildwater Racing will be contested in minutes on a river. Your ability to paddle Europe, again in Ivrea, Italy a Wildwater boat is determined by your ability to reaccelerate the boat after every In February 2009, the World Cup wave, hole/stopper, and turn; and so the Series will be held in Tasmania down joy of acceleration becomes your quest under, so START TRAINING! and your addiction. Did I mention you Be prepared to shoulder the costs of decorate your Wildwater boat with your your international competition desires color scheme, stickers, and repair patches as Wildwater is not an Olympic event to make it your own? And girls at play, do (a good thing?) and current USACK you want to beat your boyfriend, husband, funding for the sport is minimal. or brother at something? Chances are you can equal or better their times if you are Go to www.usawildwater.com to just both learning since great bench press learn more! numbers are not much help (and often hinder) in Wildwater land!

One of the best reasons to paddle Wildwater is to derive the same head rush from your local Class III river that you do from regional Class V runs. If you understand statistics and the definition of

The US C2 team in Lofer, Austria

Photo by US Wildwater team member

50 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 51 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 The 27th Annual American beginner clinics or activities for kids and are divided into men’s junior, youth, or adults. Existing paddlers will have clinic adult categories; women compete in River Festival options for slalom, swift water safety and their own division. September 5-7, 2008 more. At dark we break out the videos, including locally produced whitewater It’s a revival of the West’s Best Rendezvous for To be a sponsor or find out more information about the event, visit www.AmericanRiverFe DVDs. Locals have edited their boaters and non-boaters in the traditional footage to show an impressive array of style of LOTS OF FUN! stival.org, email [email protected], or call (530) 626-343 paddling at the Lock, on nearby rivers and waterfalls, and even in some far Skill level does not matter; never boated away places. There will be a variety of before? Doesn’t matter! Age?? Doesn’t Lockapalooza 2008: movies, including a short film about the matter! Lockapalooza Rodeo. Free camping will August 16-17 be available on site. We are talking fun for experts and beginners, friends and spectators, kayakers and rafters, By Paul Twist For more information, please canoers, IKers and river boarders. All are visit www.lockapalooza.org, welcome and all will have a good time!! www.geneseewaterways.org, or www.aerkayakacademy.com. • Henningson Lotus Park , Lotus, California Lockapalooza has evolved into an • Non-Profit to benefit river access, event local paddlers as well as visitors conservation and the community from around the country look forward • Topo Duo (Tandem Kayak) races for to every summer. In August a crowd families and adults of paddlers and enthusiasts pack the • Citizen’s Raft Races and Outfitter’s Cup grounds at Lock 32 in Pittsford, NY to Raft Race watch this celebration of Rochester’s • Kid’s Kayak Fun Fest, clinics and fun! whitewater kayaking community. It is • “milk bottle” Slalom and an expert venue a two-day event that offers a variety of as well activities for kayakers including free • Whitewater Rodeo instruction for participants, organized • Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides races, and freestyle competition. The • Tug-O-Wars on land and water! (individual event is a big attraction for spectators or Bring a TEAM!) and a great place to see the possibilities • Boatercross of our growing sport. Perhaps the most • Raffles, demos, clinics inspiring sight at Lock 32 is the crowds of young paddlers on the water, training, Spectators will have riverside seats for racing, competing, and having fun viewing most of the events and checking out together. sponsor booths and land based activities at the same location. We invite everyone to come to Upstate New York and stop in at Lock 32. Classes Our traditional kick off dinner and film and instruction are always available. Danny Doran and Aaron Roney at Lockapalooza, Lock 32 premier at The River Store in Lotus, CA Mark your calendar for Lockapalooza on Friday night will open the festivities. on August 16th & 17th to see what all Saturday night, come enjoy great food, live the hype is about. The course itself has music and live and silent auctions during the a set of well defined squirt lines, two American River Festival Party. waves and three holes. The holes enable all the new moves: phonics monkeys, Our mission is to educate new and seasoned McNasties, loops, cartwheels, and boaters and non-boaters as well about whatever else you can invent. Best of all, conservation and river related activities. it has consistent water all summer long. We aim to offer a super fun event for river There will be free informal instruction enthusiasts to support and for everyone in the morning and early afternoon. to participate in. Citizens will have the Later in the day the competition begins opportunity to get introduced to river with events such as slalom racing, boater sports such as kayaking and rafting through cross, and a freestyle rodeo. Participants

52 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 53 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Pirates and Superheroes can do more for rivers than to simply use them. Unite For a Cause: The Sean Langevin Memorial Just as darkness set, attention turned to Jesse Coombs and Ben Stookesberry Cal-Salmon Nordheimer who had rolled out an enormous video Race screen on top of a raft trailer. Using the Changing of the Guard: band The Next Shipment’s equipment, By Paul Gamache they unleashed their film Hotel Charley Don Kinser Becomes Next III, which has one of the greatest endings of any kayak movie ever made. Salmon AW President Under the bluebird skies of early May, on the banks of the Salmon River in California, River local Rush Sturges of Young Gun Productions premiered his film Source By Mark Singleton there was a convergence. Boaters, or in this case Pirates and Superheroes with a next and everyone sat bobbing their heads, cheering in awe, as one great film led into On May 17th, the American Whitewater few Supervillians mixed in, had gathered for a themed race down the Nordheimer the next. Mixed in was a raffle organized Board of Directors and staff convened in by Daniel Brasuell, featuring amazing gear Sacramento, California for the annual section of the Cal-Salmon. While the race, river, and party were the reason many had from Colorado Kayak Supply, Kokatat, spring board meeting. At that meeting and Immersion Research. Don Kinser was unanimously approved come, there was another aspect of this festival that deserved far greater attention. by the Board of Directors as the new In the wake of a tragedy, boaters came organization President. The previous together, had a great time, and with the president, Sutton Bacon, resigned from Last fall Sean Langevin, a friend of many boaters and a true example of someone help of some amazing sponsors and that position after having served two individuals, worked together to try and terms. who loved life in every form, was ambushed and killed along with six members of his make a difference. For everyone who Army unit in the mountains of eastern made this festival and fundraiser possible, Don, who lives in Atlanta GA, is an active thank you. boater and a member of the core volunteer Afghanistan. Just a few months earlier, his wife Jessica had become pregnant with team working on the Chattooga For information on how to make a donation Headwaters issue. their first child, a girl named Zoe. After hearing of Sean’s passing it was decided to Sean’s Memorial Fund please feel free to email me at [email protected]. After four years as AW President, Sutton that this year’s Cal-Salmon Nordheimer Race would be a fundraiser benefiting Bacon said, “The time is right to step Special thanks to Daniel Brasuell of down with AW in the best financial Sean’s memorial fund. Throughout the weekend paddlers enjoyed an entirely free AWetState, American Whitewater, New and mission shape ever.” In his two Belgium Brewery, Kokatat, Colorado terms as President, Sutton oversaw a event, camping, and New Belgium Beer not only as a celebration of Sean’s life but Kayak Supply, Immersion Research, remarkable organizational transition Cali-Product, Ben Stookesberry and as the executive offices moved from with the hope of making a difference for the family of a lost hero. Jesse Coombs of Clear H20 Films, Rush Washington, DC to Cullowhee, NC and Sturges of Young Gun Productions, Darin the organization tackled a number of McQuoid Photography, the Salmon River nagging operational issues. As the sun faded along the grassy hillsides of the Nordheimer Campground; paddlers Restoration Council, Orion Meredith of sat among friends, new and old, and retold Meredith Family Vineyards, Diane Gaydos, Norwood Scott, a long time California Matt Hogge of Bigfoot Rafting Company, boater, assumes the role as Vice President. their version of the race. Some clean lines and many ugly ones. The Salmon River the band, The Next Shipment, Grapevine Restoration Council spoke on how boaters Apparel, Face Level, Information Miner, Members of the AW Executive Committee and the Salmon River Outpost. include: Don Kinser - President Norwood Scott - Vice President Chris Bell - Treasurer Jennie Goldberg - Secretary Dave Cernicek - at large

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07_annual_report.indd 18 6/2/2008 8:26:49 PM Why “Paddling” and 12 feet in length should serve your purpose, you also save lots of time. You know how and is likely to be available on the cheap. even the shortest whitewater run seems “Fitness” Do Belong in the to take at least half of a day, between the Same Breath After you’ve haggled yourself a Prijon T- preparation, driving, shuttle, paddling, Slalom (or similar model) for about $25, and more shuttling? Well, with a fl atwater By Ambrose Tuscano all you need is a lake, fl atwater river, or paddle, you can probably spend more time other pool of water. No matter where you paddling than driving, and end up with the Let’s face it. Physical fi tness has never been an live, one of these bodies of water is almost bulk of your day to do all those other things integral part of whitewater paddling. Sure, to certain to be closer to home than your that you never seem to have time for. move that raft across the current you need a favorite whitewater run. Not only is fl atwater certain amount of muscle, and it’s a lot easier paddling good for your physical and mental So, you might say, fl atwater paddling might to roll that kayak or canoe without a big health, it’s good for the environment and improve my aerobic capacity, but what about belly, but at the end of the day, whitewater is your pocketbook too. strength training? Don’t you need access to much more forgiving than many land-based large, expensive equipment in order to make sports. So why did we decide to devote this So what should you do with yourself on your muscles stronger? Nope. Many exercises issue of American Whitewater to fi tness? fl atwater? Chances are you’ve come to can be accomplished with things you’ll fi nd Because improving fi tness can make you so fi nd paddling a boat through fl atwater a in your own home. Try holding a wall sit much better and safer doing what you love. dreaded chore, rather than an opportunity. for a couple of minutes and you’ll fi nd the So the fi rst thing you should do is embrace truth of this statement. Sit-us, push-ups? Many experts agree that the key to physical the concept. When you get that three mile Same thing. We’ve got so much potential fi tness is some sort of regular aerobic exercise paddle out from our favorite whitewater run, for strengthening ourselves right at home, and strength training regimen. Combined, don’t think of it as a necessary evil, realize we don’t necessarily need anything but some they can have a host of positive impacts on that it’s your best chance for aerobic exercise good information about what we can do and our bodies that make us stronger, lighter, all day and take advantage of it. how we can do it. Luckily, in this Internet and better capable of prolonged activity. I age, information isn’t too hard to come by. think back to the Reno River Festival this The next step is to make time for fl atwater So don’t let anything get in your way of this year in which Eric Jackson handily won outings. While it may be hard to get being the year you make physical fi tness an the invitational freestyle contest. I know energized for these at fi rst, after a few integral part of your life. EJ is one of the most technically sound, times out on the water you should fi nd experienced paddlers in the world, but what that they soon become an activity that you Obviously there are many other pursuits that caught my eye in Reno was his physique. look forward to. Flatwater paddling can be will help you improve fi tness both in a boat Obviously EJ’s been training. And I couldn’t mindlessly relaxing. You don’t need to keep and out of one. Several mentioned in this help but think that in order to achieve his your senses on high alert the same way issue, and in previous issues of American extraordinary level of success, he has had you do on a whitewater river. When you’re Whitewater include freestyle paddling, to realize the value of aerobic fi tness and paddling fl atwater, you’ll fi nd that much attaining, downriver and slalom training and strength training. of the feeling of accomplishment comes racing, running, cycling, yoga, and Nordic not at punctuated intervals throughout skiing. There are limitless possibilities for But what if you don’t have a gym the trip (like rapids on a whitewater river), whitewater paddlers to pursue physical membership? What if you’re unable to run but rather at the end of the exercise. After fi tness. If we get out there and seize the because your knees won’t support it? What if a couple of hours of pushing your body on opportunity we’ll all be better, healthier, and you can’t afford a bicycle or a Bowfl ex? Don’t fl atwater you will feel tired in a good, healthy happier for it. lose hope; there are still ways to pursue sort of way. And you can rest assured that strength training and aerobic exercise. the next time you’re out on whitewater you’ll be stronger and less injury prone because of We don’t have the space here for a complete your commitment to exercise. discussion of the subject, but let’s look at one type of aerobic exercise that has been Another big plus to paddling on lakes and overlooked by many whitewater paddlers fl atwater rivers is that it doesn’t need to for years: fl atwater paddling. To make the involve as much driving. Because you can most of this form of exercise you’ll need a start and end at the same point, you don’t touring, downriver, or slalom hardshell boat. need multiple vehicles to run a shuttle. So However, these can be pricy, so if you don’t you and your friends can carpool to the want to spend the money to acquire one of water in the same vehicle (and remember, these, start looking around for a whitewater it’s probably pretty close to home). With so craft that’s survived the 1990s. Anything over much less driving, not only do you reduce your gas expense and carbon footprint, but 64 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 Gauley River Festival September 19 - 21, 2008 ~ Summersville, WV www.americanwitewater.org Silent Auction Music Food Competitions Videos Boat Demos

64 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008

gauley_ad.indd 1 6/3/2008 9:53:50 PM Class V Sponsor Class II Sponsor

In 2006, Keen’s contributions will aid American Whitewater’s projects in the Southeast, and the Pacifi c Northwest. In the Southeast Keen’s support will help American Whitewater’s work restoring the Catawba watershed. Additional funding from Keen will support AW’s projects on the Columbia River Basin and the Cascade range in the Pacifi c Northwest.

Class IV Sponsors Boof Sponsors

Class III Sponsor Wave Sponsors

66 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 67 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Our history spans many generations of to climb, and we just want to help you with the mighty Pacific to the West, the folks working hard to get out there to do get there. Central Cascades to the East and wild rivers what they love. Some of you have been and creeks everywhere in between. If you with us since the beginning, and we Our support for American Whitewater is are in the area paddling the Little White, thank you. Some of you are new to the a commitment to you and a commitment the Clackamas or the Rogue … come by party. Welcome. to our rivers. American Whitewater and see us. If there’s ever anything wrong stands up to fight for and protect our with your rack, tell us and we will work to We’ve been making “bomber quality” racks rivers and we are committed to standing make it right. If you have any suggestions for over 25 years. Our products are more up to protect our planet with our Planet on how we can make things better, don’t functional and durable than anything else Payback initiatives. The choices we make be afraid to share. We’re here to make your on the market and they are created with as a business, the materials we use in our journey to the put-in “sweet and easy” no you in mind. We hold incredibly high products and the community in which we matter where your favorite river might be. standards for our products. After all, we thrive all fall within our Planet Payback use them all the time and there’s no way program. We are proud to work with AW we’re going to use anything except the and all of our great corporate partners to best. We’re a bunch of active, outdoor ensure that our children can paddle the enthusiasts who play hard and work hard same great rivers we enjoy today. so that you can play hard. You’ve got trails to blaze, rivers to run, and mountains These days we call Portland, Oregon home

66 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 67 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Join

Today! s s s s s s American Whitewater has been extraordinarily fortunate in our ability to leverage a strong grassroots Over the years, American Whitewater be sure that everyone you paddle with volunteers have participated in numerous understands the work AW does, and how base—members hydropower meetings as well as you, as an AW member, value that work. instream and recreational flow studies; and other filed comments and assisted with an Membership support is what will volunteers—to uncountable number of filings; appeared determine our ability to continue our as expert witnesses; lobbied; worked to river stewardship work in the years to assist our limited fight new dams, remove existing dams, come. Individual Annual Memberships deny licenses, and improve public access are only $35. If you are a member of your staff with many to rivers and streams. In nearly every river local paddling club and your club is an stewardship issue AW has been involved Affiliate Club member of AW, join as a whitewater river with, the outcome has been favorable Club Affiliate Individual for $25. This is to paddlers. Not only has AW secured less than a tank of gas or an inexpensive conservation and favorable decisions for the paddling night out. This is certainly not too much community, but we are the only national to pay to have a national organization restoration efforts. organization representing paddlers as representing your paddling interests all these decisions are being made. across the country.

A growing membership base is crucial Join on-line today at http://www.america to our ability to continue with our work. nwhitewater.org/membership, call 1-866- Some studies show that there are currently BOAT4AW (866-262-8429), or fill out the over 100,000 whitewater paddlers in the form on the back of this page and mail U.S. American Whitewater currently has it to: 6,300 active members. When considering the amount of whitewater river miles Membership that AW has had a direct impact on, this P.O. Box 1540 membership number is unimpressive. Cullowhee, NC 28723 We need all paddlers to join American Whitewater. If you are a member, please

68 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 PO Box 1540 ~ Cullowhee, NC 28723 866.BOAT.4AW ~ americanwhitewater.org

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C�� I�� Name ______Address ______City, St, Zip ______Telephone ( )______, AND e-mail ______Club Affiliation ______s M�� L�� m $25 Junior (Under the age of 18) m $25 Individual for Affiliate Club Members (SAVE $10 if you are also a member of an AW Affiliate Club) m $35 Individual One Year m $50 Family (Immediate family members excluding children over the age of 18) m $65 (2) Year Membership m $75 Affiliate Club Membership m $100 Ender Club (Receive AW’s annual Ender Club T-Shirt FREE Circle Size: S M L XL XXL) m $250 Platinum Paddler (Receive AW’s IR Platinum Paddler Polartec Basec T Circle Size: S M L XL XXL) m $500 Explorer Membership (Receive a Dry Bag from Watershed FREE) m $750 Lifetime Membership (Receive AW’s Lifetime Membership NRS Paddlers Duffle FREE) m $1000 Legacy Membership (Receive AW’s exclusive Kokatat Knappster Shorty Top FREE) m $2500 Steward Membership (Thank you items will be arranged on an individual basis)

A�� S�� S�� m $5.00 m $10.00 m $25.00 m Other $______m $_____ monthly ($10 minimum via monthly credit m $30.00 Kayak Session Subscription (Includes a $5 donation to AW) card or checking acct. withdrawal. m $40.00 LVM Subscription (includes a $8 donation to AW) Send voided check w/check option.)

M�� I�� m Do NOT share my name with like-minded groups m Do NOT mail me the AW journal, I will read it online (Helps us conserve and, saves AW money too!)

P�� I�� m Cash m Check #______m Credit Card m MC m Visa m Disc m AMEX Card Number: ______Exp Date:______Name as it appears on card: ______Signature:______

68 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org R�� S�� S�� 1954 July/August 2008 The Affiliate Club Program lies at the very Colorado Montana heart of AW’s existence. AW’s original Avid4Adventure Inc., Boulder Beartooth Paddlers Society, Billings purpose since 1957 has been to distribute Big Thompson Watershed Forum, Loveland Nevada information among its Affiliate Clubs. Colorado Whitewater Asso, Englewood Sierra Nevada Whitewater Club, Reno AW’s relationships with local clubs Front Range Paddle Asso, Lafayette have provided the backbone for the Grand Canyon Priv. Boat. Assn., Colorado Springs New Hampshire river conservation and access work it Pikes Peak Whitewater Club, Colorado Springs Mt. Washington Valley Paddlers, Franconia accomplishes. Over 100 clubs are now Pueblo Paddlers, Pueblo West Merrimack Valley Paddlers, Merrimack AW Club Affiliates and they are all San Miguel Whitewater Asso, Telluride doing great work on your behalf. If University of Colorado Kayak Club, Boulder New Mexico you don’t belong to a club consider joining one. Adobe Whitewater Club, Albuquerque Georgia For the past five years Clif Bar has Atlanta Whitewater Club, Atlanta New York sponsored the Flowing Rivers grant, Georgia Canoeing Association, Atlanta ADK Schenectady, Schenectady a joint initiative between Clif Bar and Paddlers4Christ, Ellijay Colgate University, Hamilton American Whitewater that puts money FLOW Paddlers Club, Rochester in the hands of people who are protecting Idaho Housatonic Canoe & Kayak Squad, Ossining the rivers that are running through their Idaho Whitewater Assoc., Boise Town Tinker Tube Rentals, Phoenicia backyards. The 2007 funding supported Zoar Valley Paddling Club, Dunkirk initiatives from the Foothills Paddling Illnois Club (SC) and the Willamette Kayak and Chicago Whitewater Assoc., Chicago N. Carolina Canoe Club (OR). The Foothills Paddling Base Camp Cullowhee, Cullowhee Club is using their funding to enhance an Indiana Carolina Canoe Club, Raleigh access area and purchasing water quality Ohio Valley Whitewater Club, Evansville Davidson Outdoors, Davidson equipment. The Willamette Kayak and Hoosier Canoe Club, Indianapolis Dixie Division ACA, Tuxedo Canoe Club is using their funding to Mecklenburg Regional Paddlers, Indian Trail organize a safety education weekend. To Iowa Triad River Runners, Winston, Salem read more about the two projects see http: Iowa Whitewater Coalition, Des Moines Watauga Paddlers, Boone //www.americanwhitewater.org/content/ Western Carolina Paddlers Article/view/articleid/29549/display/full/. Kansas AFFILIATE CLUBS, we want to know Kansas Whitewater Association, Mission Ohio what you are doing. Send your events to Keel Haulers Canoe Club, Westlake us a [email protected] and we Kentucky Outdoor Adventure Club, Dayton will include them in the Journal. Bardstown Boaters, Frankfort Toledo River Gang, Waterville Bluegrass Wildwater Association, Lexington The AW Journal Club Affiliates by state: Oregon Maine Face Level Industries LLC, Portland Alaska Outward Bound, Newry Oregon Kayak and Canoe Club, Portland Fairbanks Paddlers, Fairbanks Oregon Whitewater Association, Beaverton Maryland Lower Columbia Canoe Club, Portland Alabama Blue Ridge Voyageurs, Silver Spring Northwest Rafters Assoc, Portland Birmingham Canoe Club, Birmingham Greater Baltimore Canoe Club, Kingsville Coosa Paddling Club, Montgomery Mason Dixon Canoe Cruisers, Smithsburg Pennsylvania Huntsville Canoe Club, Huntsville AMC Delaware Valley Chapter, Sugarloaf Massachusetts Benscreek Canoe Club, Johnstown Arkansas Brian White, Boston Bradford County Canoe and Kayak Club, Sayre Arkansas Canoe Club, Little Rock AMC - New Hampshire Paddlers, Honover Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg Conewago Canoe Club, York California Minnesota Easton Whitewater Parks Commission, Bethlehem Chico Paddleheads, Chico SCSU Outdoor Endeavors, Saint Cloud Holtwood Hooligans, Lititz Otter Bar Lodge Kayak School, Forks of Salmon Lehigh Valley Canoe Club, Lehigh Valley River Touring Section, Angleles Chapter Missouri PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, Harrisburg Sequoia Paddling Club, Windsor Missouri Whitewater Association, St. Louis Philadelphia Canoe Club, Philadelphia Sierra Club Loma Prieta Ch., San Jose Ozark Mountain Paddlers, Springfield Three Rivers Paddling Club, Pittsburgh Sierra Club SF Chapter, Livermore Ozark Wilderness Waterways, Kansas City Lehigh Valley White water Club, Lehigh Valley Kansas City Whitewater Club, Kansas City

70 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 71 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Join American Whitewater as a Club Affiliate! 10 Reasons to Join AW S. Carolina Foothills Paddling Club, Greenville Discounted AW as an Affiliate Club Palmetto Paddlers, Columbia Membership for Tennessee Affiliate Club Eastman Hiking and Canoeing, Kingsport Members 1. Receive the American Memphis Whitewater, Memphis Whitewater Journal, the Tennessee Scenic River Assoc., Nashville Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, Chattanooga By Carla Miner, Membership Manager oldest continually published University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville whitewater magazine. AW offers a discounted Affiliate Texas Club membership of $25, a $10 2. Join the list of Affiliate Clubs Houston Canoe Club, Houston savings. If you are renewing your noted in each bi-monthly AW membership or joining as a AW Journal. Utah new member, select the Affiliate USU Kayak Club, Logan Utah Whitewater Club, Salt Lake City Club Discounted Personal 3. List club events in the AW Journal. Membership online at https: Vermont //www.americanwhitewater.org/ 4. Your Club’s members can Vermont Paddlers Club, Essex Junction content/Store/?crn=199. Or, if become AW members for $25. you are renewing or joining by A $10 savings! Virginia mail or telephone just mention Blue Ridge River Runners, Lynch Station the name of the Affiliate Club Canoe Cruisers Association, Arlington 5. Have technical expertise for Coastal Canoeists, Richmond you belong to and you can your Club conservation and FORVA, Roanoke take advantage of the $25 access committees ‘on tap.’ Float Fishermen of Virginia, Richmond membership. 6. Have access to technical and Washington A list of AW Affiliate Clubs can onsite assistance for your Club’s EPIC Outdoor Adventures, Cheney be found on our website at https: event planning. Paddle Trails Canoe Clube, Seattle //www.americanwhitewater.org/ Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club, Spokane University Kayak Club, Seattle content/Affiliate_view_. If you 7. Enjoy VIP benefits for “Joint Venturing Crew 360, Snohomish do not see your Club listed here Members” at AW events. Washington Kayak Club, Seattle please encourage them to renew Washington Recreational River Runners, Renton their Club membership or to join 8. Participate in exclusive AW Whitman College Whiteater Club, Walla Walla AW as a new Affiliate Club. Your Affiliate Club promotions. Club’s membership and your West Virginia personal membership enable our West VA Wildwater Association, S. Charleston 9. Post Club information on the staff to be active and engaged in AW Website to help paddlers Wisconsin the process of river stewardship. find you. Hoofers Outing Club, Madison When you join or renew your NE Wisconsin Paddlers Inc. Appleton membership your support 10. Elligible to apply for the 2008 is helping to meet the many Clif Bar Flowing Rivers grant Wyoming challenges whitewater rivers face. Jackson Hole Kayak Club, Jackson

Canada, British Columbia If you have any questions about Vancouver Kayak Club, Vancouver the Affiliate Club membership, For more information, please contact me. I can be contact Carla Miner at reached at 866_BOAT-4AW or [email protected] membership@americanwhitewa or sign-up on-line at: ter.org. www.americanwhitewater.org/membership

70 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org www.americanwhitewater.org American Whitewater 71 July/August 2008 July/August 2008 Please read this carefully before send ing us Those without access to a word pro ces sor American Whitewater feature ar ti cles should your articles and photos! This is a vol un teer may sub mit their articles typed. Please relate to some aspect of whitewater boat ing. pub li ca tion, please cooperate and help us dou ble space. Please do not sub mit articles per tain ing to out. Do not send us your mate ri al without sea kayaking or fl at water. a release – signed by all au thors and pho- Photos may be submitted as slides, black or white tog ra phers (attached). prints, or color prints or electronic, digital pho- If you are writing about a commonly pad- tos, 300 dpi tiffs, Photoshop or high res jpegs dled river, your story should be told from a If possible, articles should be sub mit ted on a minimum 3”x5.” Keep your orig i nals and send unique perspective. Articles about dif fi cult, 3-1/2-inch computer disk. (Microsoft Word us du plicates if pos si ble; we cannot guar an tee infrequently paddled, or exotic rivers are given if pos si ble – others accepted.) Please do not the safe re turn of your pic tures. If you want us special con sid er ation. But we are also inter- alter the margins or spac ing param e ters; use to return your pic tures, include a self-ad dressed ested in well writ ten, un usu al articles pertain- the standard default set tings. Send a printed stamped en ve lope with your sub mis sion. The ing to Class II, III & IV rivers as well. Feature copy of the article as well. bet ter the pho tos the better the re pro duc tion. sto ries do not have to be about a specifi c river. Articles about paddling tech niques, the river en vi ron ment and river per son al i ties are also ac cept ed. Pieces that in cor po rate humor are es pe cial ly wel come. Open boating and raft ing sto ries are wel come. Profanity should be used only when it is ab- so lute ly necessary to effectively tell a sto ry; it is not our intent to offend our more sen si tive mem bers and readers. Please check all facts carefully, par tic u lar ly those regarding individuals, gov ern ment agen cies, and corpo ra tions in volved in river access and en viron mental mat ters. You are legally re spon si ble for the accuracy of such material. Make sure names are spelled correctly and riv er gra di ents and dis tanc es are cor rect ly cal cu lat ed. Articles will be edited at the dis cre tion of the editors to fi t our format, length, and style. Expect to see changes in your ar ti cle. If you don’t want us to edit your ar ti cle, please don’t send it in! Be cause of our dead lines you will not be able to review the editorial chang es made prior to pub li ca tion.

American Whitewater is a nonprofi t; the ed i tors and con trib u tors to Amer i can White wa ter are not re im bursed. On rare oc ca sions, by pre ar range ment, pro fes sion al writ ers receive a small hon o rar i um when they submit sto ries at our re quest. Gen er al ly, our con trib u tors do not expect pay ment, since most are mem bers of AW, which is a vol un teer con ser va tion and safe ty or ga ni za tion.

Send your material to: Journal Editor P.O. Box 1540 Cullowhee, NC 28723 E-mail: [email protected]

72 American Whitewater www.americanwhitewater.org July/August 2008 SAME AS IT EVER WAS

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