EDDY November 2015 OUT

Calderwood Trip Inside Jackson Madawaska Kanu Centre

Iris Leung gives us a look at the Read about my venture to the Sandy Snyder gives us a look Calderwood Lake and 2015 Jackson Dealers Summit... at the trip she and Tom took to some history of the area. it’s more than just boating. paddle in Canada this summer!

Member Newsletter • Chota Club, Knoxville, Tennessee • paddlechota.org EDDY OUT

Click here for the full Calendar...

NOV Join us for the November Club meeting at Bearden Beer Market, 6:30pm, November 12. Check back on Facebook for last minute updates.

NOV The 20th Annual Green River Narrows Race in Saluda, NC Attend the Pre-Race Party Thursday Nov 11th, 7-11pm at Highland Brewing Company

NOV Pint Night at River Sports Wednesday Nov 11th, 6-9pm to benefit our Brian Francis who’s in the hospital after a very devastating accident.

Thanksgiving NOV *REI will be closed **Dirtbag Paddlers will be publishing a nice thanksgiving edition with their online magazine

Member Newsletter • Chota Canoe Club, Knoxville, Tennessee • paddlechota.org from your editor...

Needless to say, if you know me, life has had its way with me lately and our club newsletter has had a bit of a sabbatical. But never fear, it’s back!

I would like to thank everyone in the community both old and new who has been an uplifting means of support to me, as well as my family recently. THIS...this is why I consider Chota such a valuable part of my life...the support system. We literally and figuratively have each others backs. From wrangling each others gear down after a swim to simple friendly notes of support on facebook, to the offer of a helping hand when you’ve been dealt a tragedy or crisis in life. Thank you so very much for all of the selflessness I’ve seen come from this club. I’m not just talking about what I’ve personally experienced, but what I and others have witnessed. We notice more than you’d think, and believe it or not you are impacting peoples lives in a positive way. I know we joke around and pick on each other, but this is why people stick around...it’s a community. So today, hold your head high no matter what trials life is slinging your way and know that we’ve got your back!

Happy happy paddlin,

Rachel [email protected]

PS - Don’t forget to contact me if you want to buy one of the extra shirts left over from the school! $15 each for the cotton shirts. We are nearly sold out of DRI-Fits.

NEED TO PUBLISH IN OUR NEWSLETTER???

Have a date that needs to be brought to everyone’s attention? Or a book you just wrote that could help us all find new rivers to paddle? Then let me know!

ALL information included in that months newsletter needs to be in to me by the 25th of the month!!!

Email your content to [email protected] Calderwood Lake, Fall Colors by Iris Leung Calderwood Lake • June 4-7, 2015 •

Have you ever paddled two states in a day? Yes, this can be paddle through the fifty feet tunnel. Unfortunately, on the day done at Calderwood Lake. Nestled in the Smokies, bordered by we were there, the ceiling of the tunnel was only about two feet Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness Area and the Cherokee above the water. National Forest, Calderwood Lake is partly located in North Carolina and mostly in Tennessee. Lunch stop was at Parsons Branch creek which has silted up quite a bit from storms the past couple of years. There is Four paddlers, Jim Martin, Richard Redano, Iris Leung, and Cheri another backcountry campsite located just up the creek. Due to Devault (a new member) visited the lake in mid-October to view close proximity of the creek to Highway 129, one can sometimes fall colors. Calderwood Lake, formed from Calderwood dam hear the roar of the motorcycles. This was the only distraction (completed in 1930), is accessible via a boat ramp off Highway to otherwise a very tranquil paddle in a lake nestled in 129. The boat ramps can be crowded in the summer time as the mountains. there are numerous campsites located next to the water. However, with the temperature just above freezing the night Other than the two backcountry campsites at the creeks, before, there was only one tent visible on the shores when we Brookfield Smoky Mountain Hydro-power, the operator of the set off. dam, built three other small campsites along the shores of the eight mile long lake. Click here for more information. For the first mile, there was a cold breeze coming over the steep hills. The wind abated as we slipped into Slickrock Creek If you desire to see fall colors on the water, make sure to check out the waterfall. The creek is one of the favorite areas Calderwood Lake is on your destination list for next October. for wilderness camping, accessible via foot or water crafts only. A hiking trail leads up the creek which bisects the two states. As an end note, Chilhowee Lake, the lake below Calderwood is being drawn down for inspection of Chilhowee dam this fall. About another mile and half further down on river right, we It is worth a drive up highway 129 to see the old road bed and came upon a tunnel in the rock face. Before the lake was artifacts being exposed along the shore, especially near Abrams impounded, there used be a railway running up this section of Creek Bridge. the Little Tennessee River. When the lake level is low, one can SIGN UP! Wilderness First Responder Training

January 17-24, 2016

Roane State Community College has an upcoming Wilderness First Responder course that partners with the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont in January. This is the 19th year in partnership for this course for outdoor lovers and leaders!

To register go to (or click): www.gsmit.org/wfr.html

February WFA course graduates (L-R) Lj Lattore, Larry Stewart, Leslie Stewart, Jim Martin, Mary Margaret Eckhardt, Angela Wood, Jusbyn Lockard, Kim Abney, Bob Eckhardt, and in the hammock James Locke. winter roll sessions... Roll Practice at UT Soon we will be holding roll practice on $5 for Club members Friday evenings from 7-9pm at the $10 for Non-members University of Tennessee Pool. $20 for Memberships

--> Don’t forget your gear! Laid Back Paddling What does Some touring trips we do in Chota are not major events. Sometimes we just go for a cruise, have a nice lunch, swim in Chota mean the lake and enjoy the nice weather.

That was the plan for the quick pickup trip we did on Chilhowee Lake on Saturday August 15th. Seven of us met at the Abrams to you?? Creek ramp mid-morning and cruised out under cloudy skies. Answered by Jim Martin For an August day it was not very hot and that is what we were looking for. After about an hour of paddling we found a nice gravel beach to stop for lunch and a few beers. A dip in the lake, a little roll practice and a lot of just hanging out then it was time Several folks opted to make their way home when we got back to head back. to Abrams Creek. A few of us continued on up the creek until we ran out of lake and hit the last rapids on Abrams. Another swim and a little more hanging out in the sun and then back. Four or five hours on the water then back to the real world.

Some of the trips we take are a lot more intense. I like to paddle on windy rough waters, in the ocean, in the rain, cold and hot sun. I like to challenge myself by going long distances at a fast pace. I like multi-day expeditions and camping in the wild. I also appreciate calm waters, a leisurely pace and time relaxing. Paddling connects me to nature no matter what the location or conditions.

The Chota club offers all of that and more. That’s what I like about being a member.

-Jim

Chota Canoe Club 2015 Officers Next meeting is Nov 12, 2015 6:30pm at Bearden Beer Market

President Angela Wood Whitewater Trips John “Gunny” Wiser Vice President Stuart Mckee Touring Trips Jim Martin Secretary Sandy Snyder School Director Aaron Hiscock Treasurer Sean Coombs Conservation Tom Snyder Newsletter/Web Rachel Elise Safety La Dawn Wolfe Tom & Sandy’s visit to the Madawaska Kanu Centre

June/July 2015 by Sandy Snyder

Though we started boating longer ago that we care to remember, both of us returned to paddling last fall after a break of several years. Tom was off whitewater for about seven years due to back issues, while I spent many of those years in an Outrage – an open canoe. Environment: From past experience, we knew that multi-day classes work for us; The Madawaska River is literally across the road from MKC with paddling with instruction keeps us from embedding bad habits. weekday water releases guaranteed by Ontario Power. The class 2-3 We looked around and couldn’t find what we used to find in the rapids start just below the dam and stretch down to a lake takeout, southeast: good instruction combined with the camaraderie and with a path running along most of the whitewater section. This made ambiance provided by good accommodations, great meals and it possible to work one rapid over and over, taking different lines each teaching that starts early in the morning and doesn’t quit until nine time. The instructors chose different rapids to match the skills of the at night. We’d heard about the Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) for classes, and we learned a huge amount in a short stretch of river. years, but it was always a long drive away. This year, we decided to My favorite rapid was “Chalet”, which was technical but not tight and see if the drive was worth it. where slalom gates added complexity when you thought you had a move figured out. “Staircase” was the most challenging, but both The first day, we drove to Niagara Falls, and reached Barry’s Bay, rapids could be run down the middle through big waves or back and Ontario late on the second day. Check-in was Sunday evening, and forth in class 4 moves. Tom said he worked on one move for three days. instruction began Monday morning, lasting through Thursday on the local river, the Madawaska. Friday is usually travel day, when you go to Accommodations were Spartan but clean and comfortable. Tom and I the awesome Ottawa River if you have the skills to run it. So how was had a room with three bunks and walked to a bathhouse next door that our experience at MKC? We’ll divide our comments into two sections: had flush toilets, sinks and hot showers. Wonderful outdoor showers, environment and instruction. a wood-fired sauna and a hot tub that reminded me of old cartoons are behind the bunkhouse. Each morning, I went to stretch and share a beginner yoga class in a screened building where a massage therapist worked on stiff muscles in the afternoon. Meals were served inside or out, depending on the weather, and were spectacular. The food was gourmet quality and the kitchen met everyone’s requirements from requests for gluten-free food to vegetarian entrées.

A small outfitter’s store stocks gear and clothing, but most gear can be rented and is of very high quality. They had a huge variety of kayaks and ; I didn’t see decked canoes, but I may have missed them.

(Continued)

2015 Paddle School Shirts If you still haven’t snagged this years paddle school shirt, we have a few shirts left and are now up for sale! All are cotton except one XS DRI-Fit ($20). They are only $15 each! Come to a club meeting, roll practice, or email Rachel Elise at [email protected].

Yes...we still take credit cards! Tom & Sandy’s visit to the Madawaska Kanu Centre Continued

Instruction: Tom’s group spent the week working on two goals: Tom signed up for a five day class, while I chose the Women’s Retreat Week. The Retreat accommodated paddlers of every level of 1. Preparing to paddle the Ottawa River. Moves practiced on the ability from intermediate to three women who didn’t realize that the Madawaska helped get the group ready for the OMG rapids on week would be focused on whitewater. (The website clearly calls the the Ottawa. For those not familiar with the Ottawa, the put-in retreat “the ultimate women’s whitewater week”.) My week included looks like it’s on a lake, with islands and no perceptible flow. wine and cheese, a nutrition seminar, and an evening scheduled for You paddle across the lake, hoping you’re going in the correct the sauna and hot tub when all the men were expelled to another MKC direction, until you begin to hear a roar. When you get out site. Instruction for the retreat week was less intense than the regular to scout the first rapid, McCoys, you see that the whole lake kayak class, but the key phrase for both weeks was “Challenge by appears to be going off the edge of the world at tens of Choice”. thousands of cfs. There are two slightly offset monster holes and you’re supposed to thread the needle between them. Instructors come to MKC from all over the world: this week, they were from the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. They have 2. Completing the ACA assessment in advance of the Level 4 ACA obviously been chosen for their instructional abilities as well as for Instructor Course or the similar Paddle Canada assessment. their personalities. Women taught the nine members of the women’s Each evening, his group spent time working on river rescue retreat, divided into three groups: beginning and intermediate kayakers techniques, video reviews of their paddling or teaching tech- and open boaters. That week, MKC also hosted a tandem open boat niques, trying out boats or otherwise exhausting themselves class with two boats, an intermediate kayak class that started with five after dinner. and ended with three, and a beginning kayak class that started with In summary, the quality of instruction at MKC was superb and the two and ended with three. I was interested to see that MKC did not environment was great; supportive of the goals of the class. Our week hesitate to move a student who had misjudged his abilities from the there was definitely worth the drive! intermediate to the beginner class. (I’ve been really frustrated with this problem in classes taken at other whitewater schools.)

Club Meeting!!! If you would like to share your experience as to what Chota Canoe Club has meant to you, please email Thursday Nov 12, 6:30pm photos and your story to Rachel at Bearden Beer Market [email protected] Inside the Jackson Dealers Summit by Rachel Elise

October 18-21, 2015 • Rock Island, TN

No doubt in my mind this was one of the most fun and educational weekends I’ve had in a long time as an adventurer and athlete. As many of you know I work with Uncle Lem’s Mountain Outfitters in West Knoxville to promote the paddle sports, and whitewater in particular. Since the shop carries exclusively Jackson brand boats I was afforded the opportunity to venture to Rock Island for a few days of boat demos, clinics, paddling, and of course chilling by the campfire at the 2015 Jackson Dealer Summit. In a word, I was “stoked!”

Having never been to Rock Island, and since I only just stepped up to Class III water after spending the summer in a playboat (Jackson Fun or All star), this little “paddlewan” was super nervous about paddling new waters without my regular boating Lunch at the Jackson factory mates, and my Jedi paddling master. As far as familiar faces? with man himself...! Jonea and Sawyer from Uncle Lem’s, and then Cameron and Brian from River Sports were also out for the dealers summit.

Sunday afternoon Jonea and I piled what looked like everything with your favorite beverages, cotton candy, and new faces. Of we owned into my focus and made our way to Rock Island State course, I probably caught a few folks off guard when I was trying Park to setup camp. Afterward we set out for the Jackson’s to snag a few more votes for my Green Race shirt design...which Ranch to meet some of the other Jackson dealers who trekked in was totally worth it! Anyway, after a VERY eventful night where from around the country. Imagine a beautiful cabin set back in a my new Uncle Lem’s crew became much closer than field where horses graze, the stars are as glimmering as a prairie anticipated, we tossed some wood on the fire, and our friend in a sky, and if you stand quietly you just may feel the rush of white- tent. water over your eardrums since the powerhouse is just across the way. At the house there was no shortage of Orion coolers filled DAY TWO --> The next morning my alarm clock, you call him Sawyer, malfunctioned and these party animals were of course late for breakfast...all I could think was, “way to go K-town kids... really representin...meh, at least we’re surrounded by boaters”. Running late, hungry, waiting on my business coffee (those who boat with me know the routine), and freezing because I’m a moron. How exactly could I pack so much stuff and forget that t-shirts, spandex, and jeans won’t keep my butt warm in the fall weather?!?! Lesson Learned. (continued)

Left: The Green Race shirt design

Right: A Beach full of Jackson Fishing kayaks just waiting to be paddled. Inside the Jackson Dealers Summit continued

and Eric is giving us the run down on them. He’s got us all entranced in the new design features when all of a sudden we hear, ba ba ba ba ba ba ba. Here comes Steve Fisher down the boat ramp in paddling gear on a Onewheel with a boat on his shoulder and paddle in hand. Learning to outfit and fit paddlers to Let’s just say as an athlete new in this particular sport I was thinking, “you’ve boats properly with Colin Kemp. got to be kidding me if I’m going to get some real paddling instruction from all of these guys...what an awesome opportunity!” and while I was thinking that I was so eager to get on the water that I jumped right into a playboat and paddled out. That’s when Eric looked at me and said “why don’t you go put on a PFD?”. Finally got my coffee and as the ignition in my brain fired up I realized my phone was dead and I couldn’t believe I’d done that...but thankfully no one made me feel like an idiot the Green Race shirt design winner was to be like I did! By this point I figured I’d labeled myself as “THAT Girl”...yes...enough posted that morning. So I happen to look over of you know my definition for that. If you don’t it’s fairly self explanatory. We all and Jonea is scrolling her facebook feed and know “THAT Guy”. I just had to ask her to check the Green Race page for me. Now remember, I’m no morning After that little flatwater session, and lunch we had a quick clinic on sizing and person and was off kilter anyway, so when she outfitting a boat to a paddler. Thanks to Jacksons man, Colin Kemp, this was the read aloud that I won I had no idea I screeched most valuable lesson in outfitting a boat that I’ve ever been privy to. Many of so loud that I won. Loud enough that I pretty you know I’m a fan of Dagger outfitting, but I have a whole new appreciation for much everyone heard it. (If you’ve heard the Jackson outfitting now that I know the extent of dialing a boat in for a paddler. story of me announcing to all of Tomato Head Playing so many sports at a high level for so many years, I know how equipment about me walking into the mens bathroom needs to work for the athlete...whether their skills are developed in the sport after safety boating the Knoxville triathlon... or not. However, this weekend was the very first time I’d felt that with my ummm, yeah...it was that loud apparently) paddling gear, and it changed a lot in me as a paddler. Actually I’m willing to bet But whatever! Thanks to all that voted and you there’s SOMETHING each paddler in our club could do to improve the helped me get new tires to haul your demo “oneness” of you and your boat with a Jackson outfitting accessory, and if you’re boats around on!! curious what I’m talking about I’ll show you.

So, back to the important stuff. Our first full Right about the time Colin’s clinic wrapped up we got the call to get gear and load day had a few nice things on the docket, a boats for a down river run and a chance to hit the infamous play wave everyone marketing clinic, talking to vendors, and a short had been talking about. Right about then I was really questioning my skills... paddling trip, but up first a flatwater demo I mean I had been in a playboat all summer and working technical things, but had session. There we are standing around with only been on Class III running the Pigeon in a playboat and in a river runner once Eric Jackson, , and Steven Wright... on Ocoee lite. no they are not related...and yes, you know (continued) I asked.

Now let me stop and rewind for a sec. Back Can you guess what this genius when I mentioned we were waiting on coffee was missing with her gear?!?!? earlier Cameron, our buddy from River Sports, walked over and quietly blurted in my ear, “did you see who’s over at that van?!?!? That’s Steve freakin Fisher man!!! Looks like he’s fish- ing though. OH! OH! And there’s Eric Jackson!!!! This is so cool!” He wasn’t wrong.

So, fast forward back to where we were stand- ing around a slew of brand new Jackson boats Inside the Jackson Dealers Summit continued

Now, in my phone I keep a list of every time paddle whitewater. Whether it’s a river run, or a chance to just hit a play wave, I see it all as training. As I look at the list of my I see my notes of every swim, and every new milestone. The overall goal being to track progression and find what works with boating style, gear, and water levels. But while that afternoon was meant to be my 26th time in a boat and I have a combat roll, it’s putting it lightly to say I was majorly freaked out, and doubting my ability to keep up, despite being surrounded by some of the best athletes in the sport. Maybe it’s still a mental block since breaking my face at Lesser Wesser, but, like usual, it was time to buck up and perform.

We put in and I quickly realized on the shuttle to the top us Knoxville kids were the least seasoned paddlers on the run. After his acrobatic back flip into the river EJ took Cameron and broke off to have a quick roll session and guided trip down the river. Jonea struck a ride in the Dynamic Duo with our camping neighbor and was proud to have set the line for Steve “freakin” Fisher as Cameron dubbed him. Meanwhile, like a guppie I searched for the school of playboats and tried to soak up as much warm up and confidence as I could before we dropped into what would be my first attempt at a legit surf. Thanks to Stephen Wright’s demeanor and instruction, and then EJ’s urging to “get in” the play wave I just went for it.

Scared, thrilled, proud, surprised, and flowing with adrenaline...that’s what I felt riding that wave. I was probably only surfing for 8-10 seconds on my longest runs, but this was that next level I was looking for and I had no idea I’d hit. A few surfs, ferries, rapids, and combat rolls later and I felt like I knew what my skills actually were, but now I had the confidence to go with them. By far this was the biggest moment of my weekend!

Later that evening we gathered at a local joint for dinner and we got a chance to mingle with the other crowd...the anglers. I took this opportunity to sit with non-whitewater folks and it was certainly a great chance to learn about their side of the summit and make some new friends. Not to mention learn a bit about Orion coolers and the Jackson fishing kayaks.

DAY THREE --> more of day one awesomeness except I decided to try a river run- ner for that day’s paddle run and learned some a nice wee lessons. Lesson 1: Don’t lean back on a long boat to roll like in a playboat Lesson 2: A river runner isn’t a playboat and edges differently Lesson 3: Get a longer paddle...by the way mine is for sale

You guessed it...I swam...yeah. Definitely embarrassed, but hey, I tried 5 rolls be- fore popping the skirt, and no yard sale. I swam trying something new, no biggie. The rest of that run though i was filled with awe watching Dane Jackson C-1 a playboat while he and Stephen Wright threw crazy moves down the river even in the flatwater sections. When I say crazy, I’m talking loops on flatwater kids!

This is where I was going to tell you about the amazing Jackson factory tour, but that in itself has so much awesomeness to behold that next month I’ll give you a rundown on how we made a boat. (continued) Inside the Jackson Dealers Summit continued

What was the “I have a surprise” buzz you’ve been hearing about? Well..I managed to spice up my donation to the clubs 2016 paddle school auction. You will be able to bid on one of my shirts signed by the following athletes:

Eric Jackson - World freestyle champion; Olympian; Ever- est Award winner

Dane Jackson - World freestyle champion; Olympian; Top 5 finisher of nearly any extreme race he enters; Redbull athlete

Steve Fisher - Winner of countless freestyle competitions That evening was our last night with our new crew of friends and downriver races; expedition leader and film maker; we’d bonded with from around the country and it was time to numerous first decents; Redbull athlete say goodbye with a farewell dinner back at the Jackson’s ranch. - World freestyle champion; Squirt World But with a bit of daylight to spare I snatched my camera and Clay Wright Champion; Jimicup Winner; numerous first decents; Sawyer drove us down to the beach for one last paddle with our Inventor of the Loop new friend Rachel from Colorado. Not only did we have a great time enjoying the sunset over the scenic views from the river, Stephen Wright - National Freestyle Champion; I got a chance to test out the whitewater prowess of a fishing former US Freestyle team member; Keener Program Head kayak by surfing and ferrying it. Those suckers are like rafts! coach Although despite the stability of the boat I don’t think I’d be trying to take it down Class III rapids like Steve Fisher did with ...and I haven’t even listing all of their accolades. his earlier in the day. That was quite the impressive feat to see him skirting past the waterfalls and standing up in current to cast a line. I can’t wait to see the photos people took from that!

After showering off the day we set out to say our farewells and what a fun night it was. Full of food, fun, dancing, fire, starlight, karaoke, and of course Dane’s glass Porron wine pitcher made the rounds. A big thanks to the Jackson family, and staff for a stellar weekend with loads of wonderful people!

You want to demo a Jackson? Give me a shout!

Left to right: Me, Clay Wright, Steve Fisher, Dane Jackson, and Stephen Wright Paddle Gear For Sale!

A former club member is unloading a bunch of gear and its yours for the picking! Nate Storck has a load of well kept gear for sale. All of it has been stored inside a house, dry and kept clean.

The Hydro top, shorts, and gloves have NEVER even been worn. NO funky smells with this gear just the normal rubber smell. The dry suit has been in the water only ONCE! For a full list of size contact Nate about the gear you see.

Continued on next page. More Gear For Sale!

Esquif Nitro (OC 1) with bilge pump Located in O’Fallon, IL

Made from , this boat is a rare find and in near perfect condition.

White water canoe w/ a double chined hull. By incorporating double chines the Nitro exhibits predictable edge control when side surfing or carving turns and is comfortable in transitions between initial and secondary stability. A deep hull in the center and towards the ends enhances buoyancy and dryness.

Boat has integrated bilge pump, battery, and charger. Also has bow and stern flotation bags. Perfect shape.

$1300 or best offer

If you see something here that strikes your fancy, then email Nate at [email protected] or just click here.

For more info on this boat visit Nate’s Craiglist ad by clicking here, http://carbondale.craigslist.org/boa/5232497794.html 2015 Jackson Dealers Summit

If this looks like you’re jam, get a hold of us and we’ll drag you along to our next misadventure.