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THE ZIP-LOCK HAS PROVEN KSWAmOOFNESS IN MANY RAPWS AND UINSTORMS AND ?HE WFFEL BA9 DESION HhS VIRlUALLY liIMINA?ED THE -ONE ARW ROPE lECHNIQUE FOR lHAf SWEAmt OR ROLL OF FILM ON THE MmOM OF fHE bA9. YOUR ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENl SERVICE IS AN AUMD PLEMURL. THANKS FOR A WAlPROWC? r OlCK UCE - ALASKA IMPASSE, JUNEAU, ALASKA TAVINO A SVPlRlOR PRODUCl IS ONLY HALF TllE EQUAlfON WHEN If COMES 10 WER EQUfPMENl...BFfH ANU OARY HARPER OF MANOF RUBbELSlARlEU fHEIR COMPANY WflH A BELIEF IN 1HEfR PROWClS, ANU HAVE CAKR1EU IT THROV OH...MhN OF RUBBER HAS ALWAYS BEEN 1HIRI r fOM WAONFR-NORlll AMERICAN RIVER ICWERS, IIICO, WV Wff EN If ABSOLUMY, PosmWEW ff AS TO STAY VRY CALL MAN OF KUWP AT 613-338-2775OR FAX SOO-HWW AVAILABLE IN SIX SEES ANR AN MORTMEW OF @#%A1 COLORS Tom DeCuir, 1st Place, Ocoee Rodeo BILL BURGER Response's advanced design features give you more control plus more stability. This kayak will go as far as you can take it! Like 1st and 2nd place in men's and 1st in women's at the 1990 Ocoee Rodeo! 1st and 2nd overall at the New River Rodeo in Virginia. Top finishing playboat at Montana 's Big Fork Festival. -= Want to know more ? =-- - A - A - - - a = m-mnnmm- Call or write for our free catalog! m 0111 II mum -uuuw~~~rn m m m uw- P.O. Box 1500, Harriman, TN 37748 6151882-0404

I American Whitewater v September/October 1993

gressed his confidence and skill increased exponentially, so that eventually, he be- Humble Pie came just one of the gang, not requiring any special attention. I spent the third week of June eating During the next couple of years I humble pie in the Wild, Wild West... the boated with Snake once in a while, but not Arkansas at 5', the Roaring Fork at 2500 on a regular basis. First he was living in cfs, the Piedra at 3000,the Animas at 6000. Detroit, then he moved to Aspen. I heard Yes, after several years of mediocre melt- that he was getting good, but I didn't real- downs, Colorado's rivers were raging. As ize just how good he was getting. Carla would say, it was the Big Wahoo. But I found that out this summer in Colo- it wasn't just the tremendous flows that rado. It was a real eye-opener. put me in my place. It was the company I It was our second day together and we was keeping... were on the Lower Piedra at an uncom- To be more specific, it was the commonly high level. Snake had never experi- pany of my buddy Snake, a young man enced the Piedra before. I had paddled the known to the non-boating world as Dave Piedra a number of times over the years, Pizzuti. but I had never seen it like this. Let me explain. At more typical flows I consider the I first met Snake in the late winter of Piedra an interesting, but not particularly 1990 on Indian Creek, a tiny tributary of challenging, river. But as we were swept the Youghiogheny River near Ohiopyle. In- downstream toward the final box canyon by the booming, brown water, I started to dian Creek doesn't run often; it takes a lot fresh out of college and new to of rain to bring it up. But when it is really whitewater. Indian Creek was, by far, the get anxious. I knew that the most difficult clipping, like it was that day, it is a vigor- most difficult run he had attempted. He drops on the river lie within and imrnedi- ately below the congested, inescapable ous class IV,demanding and exciting, appeared at the put-in with a mutual though not truly deserving the class V rat- box. And it was becoming increasingly friend, Jan Matthew, full of anticipation this ing bestowed upon it in the very conserva- and enthusiasm. clear that, at level, they were not go- tive, local guide book. I'm generally not wild about nursing ing to be very forgiving. By the time we entered the box my But Snake didn't know that. He was novices down rivers, especially those who whine or snivel, but Snake wasn't like anxiety had given way to genuine concern. I was hugging the shore and catching ev- that. Although he took one swim and his ery eddy, then peering downstream, technique was raw, he was athletic as hell, searching for the holes and pourovers that with a promising roll and a gutsy, go for I knew were surely lurking in the broke attitude. wavetrains, waiting to ambush the un- You could tell that he was one of those boaters who was destined to im- wary. Snake, on the other hand, was having prove quickly. And, he had a great person- a ball... paddling through the heart of ev- ality and was a lot of fun. You couldn't help but like him. ery rapid, occasionally spinning around to nonchalantly surf the ten foot exploding So it came to pass that Snake followed waves. It seemed downright reckless to me down a number of increasingly diffi- me, but he never had a lick of trouble. GARB cult rivers that spring and summer. The Snake was clearly quite comfortable on Middle Fork of the Tygart... the Big Sandy the Upper Yough. I introduced big water; he had no problem dodging the ... Piedra's mantraps. him to class V water. As the season pro- But it was when we stopped to scout

conscious clothing.. Editor: Bob Gedekoh, Box 228, R.D.#4, Elizabeth, Pa 15037 . Emeritus Editor: Chris Koll Graphic design: John K. &ctor, 29080 Westfall Rd., Wiiamsport, OH 43164 Advertising Director: Phyllis Horowitz, Box 85, Phoenicia, New York 12464 (914) 688-5569 Safety: Charlie Walbridge

14760 Memorial Drive, Suite 300-105 Conservation: Rich Bowers, 1609 Northcrest Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20904 Hou ton, TX 77079 Address Changes: Keith Morgan, 2601 Tanglewood Dr., Durham, NC 27705 lu9h Phone & Fax: (713) 589-8747 Missing Copies: Contact Phyllis Horowitz FREE CATALOG DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME American Whitewater is printed by SPENCER WALKER PRESS, INC., Newark OH. All rights reserved. American Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober 1993 the Eye of the Needle that I Late that night as I slid really got worried. As you into my sleeping bag I came might surmise by its name, to several sobering realiza- the line through this rapid is tions. At some point in time a fine one. skirting a log on Snake's sense of daring had the left ah then, -&no; im- I far surpassed my own. He mediately, a recirculating I had joined that cadre of boat- cauldron on the right. ~t ers pushing the limits far be- lower levels it is intimidat- yond what most of us would ing, but I have negotiated it a have deemed possible five number of times without a years ago. Snake was willing mishap. But on that day, at to take chances that I would 3000 cfs, the rapid looked not take... there was no use particularly vicious. The log denying it; he had more guts was surging up and down in than I do. the tremendous current and But there was more to the cauldron looked inescap- it than that It wasn't easy to able. Brian Hopkins, an ac- admit it, but the simple truth complished, veteran pad- was that Snake's willingness dler, and I took a quick look to paddle more difficult wa- at it and shouldered our ter was not just a function of boats. Snake studied the his youth, recklessness or wida bit longer, and then calmly testosterone level. To put it bluntly, started to climb into his. Snake had become a far better boater I was surprised and alarmed. I than I will ever be. cornered him in the eddy above the This was apparent the next day drop. on the Animas at 6000 cfs; while the "Are you sure you want to do rest of us were struggling to stay in this?" I asked nervously. "If you our boats and out of big trouble, miss the line you could be in big. Snake was driving through the meat trouble." of the maelstrom. He looked a bit surprised. I re- It was apparent on the Roaring minded him that the Piedra was Fork at 2500, where I toiled breath- flowing at an extraordinary level lessly to mimic Snake's impeccable and that we had been told that all lines through an intense maze of the local paddlers who had paddled rocks and holes. the Piedra earlier that day had por- Continuedon page 97 taged the drop. I pointed out that if he wrapped on the tree, or got sucked back into the cauldron, there would be little we could do to Page 6: Bob on the save him. Uncompahgre River He just smiled and nodded, say- Page 7: Snake on the ing that he didn't expect that he Uncompahgre River would have much trouble. And so as Brian and I apprehen- sively set safety, Snake traversed the Eye of the Needle on an irnpec- cable line. The situation was much the same at the next major drop, Mudslide. In Potomac; in fact, the first time he ran the this case a technical approach led to an falls was during the race. eight foot vertical ledge with a treacherous He had even tackled the Narrows of backwash. Once again, Brian and I stood the Green a number of times. Snake said by with our hearts in our throats while that he thought it was "a lot of fun". Now, Snake powered through the monster. He I've never experienced the Narrows of the seemed thoroughly nonplussed. Green, but I have scrutinized a number of Later, on the shuttle, I paid a little videos and listened to the tales of a num- more attention to Snake than usual. I dis- ber of survivors. Many of then said they covered that the boy had been getting would never go back. Someday around... the Bottom Moose, the Russell soon, perhaps in ten or fifteen years, I Fork, Gore Canyon at high water, the Up hope to run the Green Narrows. Provided per Box of the Rio Grande. He had fared I'm not too busy washing my car or paint- well at the Great Falls race on the ing my mailbox.

American Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober 1993 Accordingly, a variety of users time to pay the piper for these Let me explain. (boaters, hikers, bikers) have facilities, paddlers are asking Most of the protest is the been participating with park why everybody is not being effort of the Three Rivers Pad- management in a committee to asked to shoulder the burden. dling Club and the Keystone assure that the park under- Park entry fees are common River Runners, Pittsburgh area stands our needs. around the country. We have clubs whose members are Dear Editor. Yet, as i understand it, ev- them at Great Falls. Why not most dearly impacted by fees I would like to present my ery major change that has af- at Ohiopyle? and other park decisions. We point of view on the Yough fee/ fected boating in the last few Regarding purpose. Pad- are fortunate that they are put- boycott1 protest controversy. I years (fees, reservations, allo- dler fees are not being dedi- ting forth the incredible have been eqjoying the Yough cations) was implemented cated to paddling needs. They amount of energy to protect since 1967. I have seen a lot of without prior consultation will go into a general fund. our mutual interests. I can not changes since that time. I with park users. (How would While I can appreciate other emphasize enough the impor- think I have some familiarity you like it if the highway de- parks' and state agencies' tance of local grass routes ac- with the issues. partment built a freeway by needs, why are boaters being tivism in influencing local rnat- I feel that it is incorrect to your house and then held pub- told to be the sole financier? ters. The affairs of Ohiopyle portray the issue of Yough fees lic hearings to see how you I personally can live with State Park are 100% Pennsylva- as just a question of whether and your neighbors felt about the fees and would actually nian. The chain of command paddlers are cheapskates (we it?) So, as impacted parties, welcome user fees if they were involved in park decisions is already know that). The real we are insisting on some con- dedicated to protecting more answerable purely to Pennsyl- concerns center on our ability trol of Our fate. It is clear that scenic rivers or park land, se- vania voters, particularly west- to control our destiny, whether the Park is not out to cham- curing access and supporting em Pennsylvanian boaters, not we are being treated fairly, and pion our best interests. the accompanying infrastruc- those of us who live in D.C. correctness of purpose. Regarding equity. We pri- ture. I am not particularly con- So, if we in D.C., Cleveland, Regarding control. Most of vate boaters are being told to vinced that a boycott is the Philadelphia or anywhere else us expect government to allow pay, while other users of the right tactic to solve our prob- want to see to it that someone citizen participation in its deci- park are not. Ohiopyle is a lems. But I have honored the stands up for our interests at sion making process. Suppos- popular park, every bit as boycott rules, supported the Ohiopyle, if behooves us to edly, the management of much a destination for hikers, protest, and urge all of you to support the people who can do Ohiopyle State Park promised bikers, skiers and tourists as it support the effort too- if for SO. to abide by such a practice. is for boaters. If it is indeed no other reason than solidarity. All that these groups are

American Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober 1993

mm DmMMmmmDDmmmWDDDWmmDHMMmMDDDmmm8mmmUMmmDmmmmmmmDmmWWmDmmDDmmmD~DDmmmmmmmmmm LETTERS

asking of us is the privilege ()f it reduced congestion on the turn heads in any macho representing the paddling co km- river. One would think that backroad bar, I would rather munity in a united front. Cli. L the system would encourage hear about Rapidus horriblis, che that may be, but there is Dear Editor: private boaters to do this. AG not Ursus horriblis. Big bad strength in numbers. Individ lu- legedly, reducing cmgestion bears are easy to find (in als do not count. Every time Let us talk about the You Fees some more. I agree tha was one of the principal Alaska), but where are the one of us crosses the picket goals of the '?eservationn fee monster waterfalls and the line, we undermine their ef- two or three dollars is not worth complaining about. I system. Class V granite boulder gar- forts, and the park can bettei Another goal of the sys- dens! Hopefully, when the au- continue to ignore paddlers. also hate to see rivers overru with people. Ohiopyle State tem was to monitor river us- thors have exhausted the A prominent member of i a Park provides worthwhile sei age, ie. to enhance river thrills of float planes and shot- distant canoe club once told safety by keeping track of gun slugs they will discover me that there was no interest vices to boaters. Stop. Last week I took m folks on the river and to some whitewater. If not, well, in political activism in that make sure that no one was there is always Field and club because the whole reasc first trip to Ohiopyle. I was In looking forward to the token! missing. We all kmthat Stream. they canoe is to get away fro1n this was a ridiculous and I submit my AWA member- all the problems and conflictr and the fees. The car ride wa 5 almost six hours. There was unwieldy idea, and your ex- ship fee along with a request. of the real world. Unfortu- perience proves it. Please leave the sensational- nately, the real world is in ha !nobody at the put-in. The tirnc t.was about 545 p.m. What wa You came a long way to ism for the glossy adverzines; it pursuit. There are those who '1 [ to do? enjoy one of Pennsylvania's does not befit "the best semi- wish to dam our rivers, de- top tourist attractions. To professional whitewater maga- velop their banks and deny w Paddle, right? The sign s:ays the busses run until 8:00 pump mmqi into the de- zine in the world". access. pressed Laurel Highlands Ironically, even parks can 1?.m. Great! Let's paddle. At I,7:50 p.m. my partner and I are ~cwmy.As a Pennsulvania Sincerely, be hostile parties, when thehr iit the take-out. Not to worry, state resident, I'm so& that Gary Holton managers see us not as just a1- 7 you didn't have a better time. Eugene, Oregon other patron but as a head- Ne have money. The driver I certainly take our money, 4ctually, you were lucky. Re- ache. Look at what has hap ioice in the fact that theu pened at Harper's Ferry. Just 1won't he? We signed the clip try to paddle the spectacular t)oard at the put-in. They will Gennessee Gorge in New ejve us a ride. York's Letchworth State Park. Sorry, but no busses, no t Believe it or not, back in the railers, nobody. '60s the National Park Service We did have someone wail il ?gat the lot at the top of the was proposing to deny boaten ill. Too access to the Potomac. jh bad they could not drive down to get us. (Editor's Maybe you just want to go out I have always dreamed of n ote... locked gate.) That is a and play. Fine. But, please, at ' paddling in Alaska (and other I(mg hill. Thank you, Mr. least let the activists know tha- exotic locales). But, because .-t R hnger, wherever you were. you appreciate their work on money is tight and I have a your behall and don't sabotage By God, the following day I got a token and a bus ride. family, I howthat I will prob- their efforts. I ably never really get to go. I try Enough already, makes me to tell myself that rivers are riv- I sick. Does the park and the I To the Editor: Thanks, iver belong to the people or In the May/June issue you ers, waterfalls are waterfalls Ed Gertler devoted 13 pages to Alaska and rapids are rapids, be they he rangers and the outfitters? here in Virginia or far away in am sad. whitewater, yet I found only a Editor's Note: Ed Gertler few lines describing the water. the Yukon. But your recent section on Alaska reminded is a promimt river enthusi- Sincerely, For a moment, I thought I had astfmWashingtq D.C., mistakenly picked up an issue me that I am missing a differ- Thomas Flipse ent kind or river experience. It who has authored several Fostoria, Ohio of Field and Stream. Though comprehensive guidebooks to some of the photos gave was great, keep up the good the rivers of the middtlantic glimpses of enticing work. states. When someone as in- Editor's reply: whitewater, the text convinced sightful and experienced as What is going on at me that Alaskans would rather Sincerely, hhpyle has made a lot of us Jason Tolliver Ed oflers an opinion, it really d get their adrenaline rushes behooves us all to listen! This Right now we don't from bush planes and brown Wytheville, Virginia letter was first published in zow who the river belongs bears. I am not convinced that the Canoe Cruisers' mslet- 0, but we know that it this magazine is the proper fo- ter and is reprinted with his rmned sure isn't us. nun to discuss the landing pemnission. You put on later than ibiiities of Super Cubs and ost boaters, but still had 206's. Let's hear about the enty of time to get to the ~hitewater,not the roostertail ke-out. I would consider ~ehindthe floats! And though at laudable behavior, since I bear story would certainly

American Whitewater September/October 1993 The America Whitewater Affiliation announces the 1993 World Whitewater Rodeo POSTER!

Support the America Whitewater Affiliation and the 1993 World whitewater Rodeo by pur- The World's Best Freestyle Kayakers, C-1, Squirt chasing one of these great full color posters. Boaters and Open Canoes are coming to the Ocoee The poster features one large photo with several for the competition. smaller inset photos depicting the joys of playboating. This poster is sure to become a Countries such as Japan, Gennany, Great Britain collector's item. They're great for framing for and Canada will be sending teams to participate in the office or home. Order your's today by sending $6.00 plus $1.50 shippinghandling to: this competition. American Whitewater Affiliation Friday, October 15 Opening Ceremony CjO Susan Wilson-Gentry 646 Deer Creek Trail Saturday, October 16 Hoschton, GA 30548 10:OO a.m. Freestyle through a rapid: entrance 2:00 p.m. Preliminary: Squirt at Torpedo K-1 at Hells Hole 7:00 p.m. Party at Ocoee Rafting (dinnerhnusidraffle/auction) Boats, bikes, plus all kinds of gear will go for very low prices. Sunday, October 17 11:OO a.m. Finals at Hells Hole 6:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony

All money earned goes to the AWA. We need AWA members in the area to volunteer to help with the Rodeo. More information or to volunteer contact:

Susan Wilson-Gentry 646 Deer Creek Trail Hoschton, GA 30548

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 What's Up? Anita Adams Bob Glanville Mac Thornton Star Route 1, Box 46 66 Deer Run 322 10th Street SE Water level readings from selected Edmond, WV 25837 Glenwood, NY 14069 Washington, DC 20003 North American river level gauges are Ric Alesch Jack Hession Charlie Walbridge "up" on Waterline! 8718 West Floyd Drive 241 East 5th Avenue 230 Penllyn Pike Water levels at your favorite boating Lakewood, C0 80227 Anchorage, AK 99501 Penllyn, PA 19422 spots, and more you haven't explored Bill Baker Bill Hildreth Executive Director yet, may be "up" too! Find out for sure 2953 Birch Street 78 Beechwood Street Phyllis B. Horowitz, where the best conditions are by Denver, CO 80207 Cohasset, MA 02025 P.O. Box 85 calling Waterline while you're planning Pope Barrow Lars Holbek Phoenicia, NY 12464 your next river adventure. 136 13th Street SE (914) 688-5569 Box 63 Readings are updated continually Washington,OC 20003 Coloma, CA 95613 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lee Belknap Diana Holloran President: Risa Shimoda Callaway 1308 Maryland Avenue Route 1, Box 90 Call toll-free, any time of day, for Vice President: Mac Thornton information, sample readings and river Glen Ellen, VA 23060 Fairview Mountain Road Secretary: Anita Adams Risa Shimoda Callaway Reliance, TN 37369 Treasurer: Jim Scott gauge lists. We'll mail you details or if P.O. Box 375 Chris Koll you have a fax number handy, we'll fax Denver, NC 28037 MCK Building Associates you everything you need to call our Phyllis B. Horowitz, Executive Director Tom Christopher 221 West Division Street Waterline gauge phone right now for Syracuse, NY 13204 P.O. Box 85 today's river levels. 931 Union Street Rear Phoenicia, NY 12464 Leominster, MA 01453 Jim Scott (914) 688-5569 Bob Gedekoh 3715 Jocelyn Street NW Washington, DC 20015 Rich Bowers, Conservation Program Director Box 228, RD 4 1609 Northcrest Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037 Pete Skinner Silver Spring, MD 20904 Susan Gentry Box 272, Snyder Road West Sand Lake. NY 12196 Keith Morgan, Database Manager 252 Deer Creek Trail 2601 Tanglewood Drive Hoschton. GA 30548 Durham. NC 27705

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 1993: Our 29th year under the same ownership & management

Exceptional Value, Durability and Performance Choose from 14 models in both fiberglass and KevlaPlfiberg lass composites, available in both solo and tandem. Also choose from 14 models in Royalex? available in both solo and tandem. Our Quality Shows MOHAWK'S NEW VIPERS THE NOVA 16 AND 17 WINNER 1992 OPEN CANOE NATIONALS A Wilderness Tripper that's a Great Recreational Canoe Men's Short Boat Slalom Royalex Class. Fast and sleek, with advanced styling, the looks and performance Two high performance whitewater playboats that experts will of these boats is outstanding. There is ample "flat area" in front of love, but forgiving enough for many novices to paddle. Extremely the bow paddler for comfortable kneeling, yet these canoes have dry, quick to accelerate, superb maneuverability and beautiful one of the sharpest entries of any Royalex boat. Detail lines styling. Steep creeks, big water, side-surfing, tight technical molded into the sides of the Nova, as on our XL series, give a rivers - THESE BOATS DO IT ALL striking appearance never before achieved in a Royalex canoe. Add our newly styled cane seats and deeply contoured carrying yoke. They have a plastic finish with the look of hand-rubbed oil. "My Viper 11 is really dry in big water, has greater control, better From wilderness tripping to close to home recreational use, acceleration and gets me into smaller eddies than any boat I've Mohawk's Novas are the right choice. ever paddled." David "Psycho" Simpson (Steep Creek Pioneed - NOVA "My Viper 11 is the most agile playboat I'veever paddled." 16' 17' BEAMIGUNWALE...... 34"...... 34" WATERLINE ...... 333hn...... 34" APPROX. WEIGHT ...... 66 LBS...... 69 LBS. BOW HEIGHT...... 21"...... 21" STERN HEIGHT ...... 20...... 20 MAX BEAM ...... 35". 35" tability ...Dryness.. . Maneuverability.. .Surfing.. . Big- ...... Water Performance, yet fun on the small stuff. These are the CENTER DEFTH ...... 141/2"...... 14%" features that made Mohawk's XLs some of the most popular LISTPRICE* ...... $799...... $850 user-friendly, playboats ever. Look to the rivers like the Ocoee, 'Plus freight to your dealer. Nantahala,S Yough, Gauley and Kennebec to attest to the popularity of Mohawk's XL's. Length Beam Weight Price* OUTFITTING XL 11 11'4" 29 15 49 LBS. $695 Thigh Straps Lacing Kits XL 12 12'3" 32 15" 54 LBS. $695 Saddles Knee Pads XL 13 13'3 " 30 15%" 56LBS. $695 * SOLD SEPARATELY * XL 14 14'3" 32%" 151/z" 60 LBS. $725 IN KIT FORM XL 15 15'4" 35 15'h" 65 LBS. $750 * * EDGE 14'4 28 15" 53 LBS. $795 or VIPER12 12'6" 29 15%" 50 LBS. $725 FACTORY INSTALLED IN VIPER 11 11'6" 29 15'h" 47 LBS. $710 MOHAWK WHITWATER Plus freight to your dealer. PLAY BOATS

f whitewater canoeing is not your game, we still have a canoe for you. With over 25 designs, you can pick the Mohawk canoe to fit your needs. If you need a canoe built of fiberglass, Kevlaflglass composites, or Royalee for solo or tandem, whitewater, cruising, or tripping, Mohawk has the canoe for you. While building over 90,000canoes since 1964, we have been industry leaders in combining innovative designs and constructionI with unequalled pricing. In 1993, the advantages of Mohawk are clearer than ever with lightweight KevlaP1 glass composite layups and striking new trim that give a rich appearance to every one of our reasonably priced canoes. Our most popular canoe, the 16' fiberglass Blazer, has a suggested list price of only $439 plus freight. &hawk Gmee 963 N. H wy. 427, LONGWOOD, FL 32750, (407) 8343233, Fax (407)834 -0292

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993

AWA provides information and educa- both a uniform national ranking sys- The American tion about whitewater rivers, boating tem for whitewater rivers (the Interna- safety, technique, and equipment. tional Scale of Whitewater Difficulty) Whitewater as well as an internationally recog- CONSERVATION: AWA maintains nized whitewater safety code. AflEation a complete national inventory of whitewater rivers, monitors threats to RIVER ACCESS: To assure public those rivers, publishes information on access to whitewater rivers AWA ar- Our mission is to conserve river conservation, provides technical ranges for river access through private America's whitewater resources advice to local groups, works with lands by negotiation or purchase, and to enhance opportunities to government agencies, and -when seeks to protect the right of public necessary- takes legal action to pre- passage on all rivers and streams navi- safely enjoy them. vent river abuse. gable by kayak or canoe, and resists The American Whitewater uqjustif~edrestrictions on govenunent- AfZliation (AWA) is a national EVENTS: AWA organizes sporting managed whitewater rivers. events, contests and festivals to raise organization with a membership funds for river conservation, including AWA was incorporated under Mis- of over 3000 individual the Ocoee Whitewater Rodeo in Ten- souri non-profit corporation laws in whitewater boating enthusiasts nessee and the annual Gauley River 1961 and maintains its principal mail- Festival in West Virginia, the largest ing address at PO Box 85, Phoenicia, and more than 100 local gathering of whitewater boaters in the NY 12464. The phone number is 914 paddling club aflihtes. nation. 688-5569. AWA is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Rev- EDUCATION: Through publica- SAFETY: AWA promotes paddling enue Code.. tion of the magazine, American safety, publishes reports on Whitewater, and by other means, the whitewater accidents, and maintains

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 AWA CONSERVATION PROGRAM MOVES TO AWA INVESTIGATES POTENTIAL WHITEWmR NEW OFFICE RESOURCES ACROSS THE NATION After spending over a year What do you do when you run out of rivers? sources. AWA is working to at the American Rivers office guarantee annual recreational in Washington DC, the AWA According to AWA Conser- boaters. The greater the gradi- flows to these areas, perma- Conservation Office has vation Director Rich Bowers, ent the better; let's look for nent access, and a better pad- moved to the suburbs! This you find new ones! After a those 200 foot per mile head- dling environment for boaters. new location, while still close century of dam construction, water creeks and fast water. Some represent beginner runs to Capitol Hill and other river locking away hidden canyons The AWA has been doing such as Niangua and New Riv- organizations, offers a larger with access restrictions, and exactly that. And some real ers, some like the Nooksack space, less travel time, and in- bypassing whole sections of ri- prizes are out there just wait- and the Colton bypass on the creased technical resources. verbeds, new outlooks on the ing to be restored. Some have Raquette are cutting edge The office is shared with value of recreation, aesthetics never been run,some have Class V+. All are whitewater. the River Federation, a na- and biodiversity of rivers is been run only in flood, after And the AWA has been dog- tional organization working making this both possible and dark, or after climbing over gedly successful with each in- with state river managers, productive. fences. volvement. Sometimes the re- HoffmadWilliams, a consult- No longer should we be sat- For the last year AWA staff sults are dramatic (32 summer ing group working on water- isfied with maintaining the sta- and regional directors have re- releases on the Deerfield), shed management and other tus quo on our declining searched, investigated, and sometimes subtle (local good river issues, and World Waters, whitewater rivers. We now helped conduct whitewater will on the Tallulah), and many working on rivers in Eastern have a very real opportunity to studies on Moxie Stream (ME), times frustrating. But we keep Europe and Russia The new actually "win" back rivers Pemigewasset (NH), Deerfield inching towards that ultimate address is. which have been lost and for- (VT-MA), Tallulah Gorge (GA), goal ... more rivers ... more gotten, in some cases for over Piers Gorge on the Menominee whitewater ... more wilderness American Whitewater Affiliation 80 years. (MI), Nisqually and Nooksack ... better environment. And in Consenation Program Office For rivers which have been (WA), New (VA), Rwuette, the end, boaters win - more riv- 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 910 developed for hydroelectricity, Black and Beaver Rivers (NY), ers to play on! And, if we can Silver Spring, MD 20910 the opportunities are even Niangua (MO), and the better the water quality, greater. It seems that power Mokelumne (CA). biodiversity, and use and rec- Phone: (301) 589-9455 producers are attracted to the Each of these represents re- ognition of river values, so Fax: (301) 589-6121 same rivers as are whitewater stored recreational river re- much the better!.

On June 17,1993, Rich nizations, the Roundtable was Discussion topics during this all day meeting included Bowers, Conservation Director composed of representatives of of the AWA, along with Ameri- select Federal and State Agen- The fact that the Federal Power Act only leased can Rivers and Trout Unlim- cies, Native Indian Rights the nght to use rivers for power. These leases are ited, represented a coalition of groups, hydropower developers, now up, and the public must reconsider the best over 30 river interests across and each of the four newly use of their river resources. the nation in discussing the fu- elected FERC Commissioners, The right and extent of state agencies to de- ture of hydroelectric dam including Chairwoman Moler. relicensing. During this Roundtable, con- termine the best use of the rivers in their state. This meeting was the first servationlrecreation representa- The need to time that FERC has ever con- tives outlined the critical issues lbetter include the public in future vened a public discussion of needed to restore the health and proceedmgs this kind. The need for this was use of our river systems, and laddress dam decommissioning and brought about by the 157 highlighted the adverse affects removal responsibilities in 1992. relicensing applications(af - of hydro development on these laddress basin wide impacts of dams on fecting over 100 rivers) up for rivers. "...right now, in the our river systems (of the river basins renewal in 1993. According to relicensings, the projects need affected by the 1993 relicensings, 28 Chairwoman Elizabeth A. to be accountable to a new envi- river basins contain six or more Moler "It is an unprecedented ronmental and recreational situation in our history. I am awareness" said Rich Bowers, projects). hoping... to truly... balance these relicenses provide an "op better follow the National Environmen- competing concerns and to portunity to reflect and redefine tal Policy Act protect the public interest." the modem public vision of [guarantee public access to out rivers. In addition to these three what our river values are right lhold additional meetings of ths kind. conservatiodrecreation orga- now.".

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 Tatshenshini River Saved! The development of the controversial Windy Craggy cop- WASHINGTON, DC per mine, which had threatened the Tatshenshini River, has Pope Barrow and Rich Bowers of the AWA's Conservation been halted by the announcement that government of British Program met on June 15 with Lyle Laverty, Director, and Dean Columbia will establish a wilderness reserve in the northwest Lundeen and Randall Sheffield of the US Forest Service's Division section of the province. B.C. Premiere Michael Harcourt an- of Recreation, Cultural Resources and Wilderness Management. nounced that the company which owned the mineral rights and Discussion centered around how to better represent non-com- had planned to open the mine would be compensated. mercial boaters in USFS policies and management plans, how to "While we recognize there will be economic costs from this assure private access to rivers under USFS jurisdiction, and pos- decision, the benefits to the global environment from this sible development of a future AWAfForestService partnership world wilderness reserve are unmatched," Harcourt said. program to implement these concerns. At this time Director "This is wilderness on a truly grand scale, and it has been Laverty is reviewing the AWA Access Policy. saved," celebrated Tom Cassidy, General Counsel for Ameri- To best improve communications between these two groups, can Rivers. "The only other conservation victory comparable Dean Lundeen (USFS Wild & Scenic Program) recommended that to this one was the one stopping the dams in the Grand Canyon AWA regional directors, and private boaters in general, contact in the 1960s." USFS Supervisor's in their area At this time, input on manage- The new provincial park will encompass the 2.5 million ment plans, access concerns, and priority land acquisitions acre watershed of the Alsek and Tatshenshini rivers, an area needed to assure river access could be discussed. A listing of two times the size of the Grand Canyon. The park will adjoin USFS Regional Planning Directors follows: existing parks in Alaska and the Yukon; the total protected area will be 21 million acres. Repion 1 James Hagemeier, Northern Region - USFS Environmentalists and river conservationists had argued Federal Bldg., PO Box 7669 that the run off from the mine would have had devastating con- Missoula, MT 59807 (406) 3293511 sequences to the massive watersheds. It had been projected Redon 2 David Anderson, Rocky Mtn. Region - USFS that the mine would have produced 1 percent of the world's 11177 W. 8th Ave., PO Box 25127 copper during the next 25 years. It would have been the Lakewood, CO 80255 (303) 236-9427 hemisphere's largest open pit copper and gold mine. Redon 3 Art Briggs, Southwest Region - Forest Service Political reaction to the decision to block the mine and cre- Federal Bldg., 517 Gold Ave., SW ate the park was predictably mixed. Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 8423292 Vice President Al Gore complimented Harcourt for acting Repion 4 John P. Butt, Intermountain Region - Forest Service "boldly and with foresight to protect and preserve the natural Federal Bldg., 324 25th Street heritage of one of the world's most important rivers." He had Ogden, UT (801) 6255605 earlier termed the proposed mine "an environmental nightmare Reaion 5 Kathy Clement, Pacific Southwest Region - USFS waiting to happen," 630 Sansome Street But Alaska Governor Walter Hickel was quoted in the Sari Francisco, CA 94111 (505) 8423292 Washington Post as lamenting the decision and the "loss of Reaion 6 Tom Nygren, Pacific Northwest Region - USFS tremendous potential economic value." 319 SW Pine Street, PO Box 3623 And Wayne Spilsbury, a Canadian mining industry repre- Portland, OR 972208 (503) 326-3625 sentative, reportedly told the Reuter news agency that the deci- Repion 8 John Rich, Southern Region - Forest Service sion would cost the region 2500 construction and mining jobs. 1720 Peachtree Road "A thousand people a year go in there. Who are they? Atlanta, GA 30367 (404) 347-4177 They're rich Americans." Redon 9 Don Myer, Eastern Region - Forest Senice Last year Canadian Ric Careless was named the Percep- 310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Room 500 tion, Inc. River Conservationist of the Year for his role in lead- Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 2913693 ing the fight to stop the mine and save the Tatshenshini. (See Redon 10 Fred Norbury, Alaska Region - Forest Service MayIJune issue of American Whitewater.). PO Box 21628 Juneau, AK 99802-1628 (907) 586-8886 I OMNIBUS WILD & SCENIC LEGISLATION FOR CALIFORNIA Friends of the River (FOR) ers listed in the AWA's top early as this summer. Interested John Doolittle, Vic Fazio, Elton have compiled a listing of 75 whitewater issues of 1993 (else- boaters and clubs should write Gallegly, Dan Hamburg, Wally rivers and streams in California where in this journal) and many brief letters to Representative Herger, Rick Lehman, Ron which they are recommending of the 2,517 total whitewater Miller, Senator Feinstein and Packard and Bill Thomas. for inclusion in the upcoming river miles contained in this Senator Boxer urging them to Wild & Scenic legislation. At state. Whitewater rivers such as include your wildest river or For additional information stake are some of the wildest, the Trinity, Rubicon, and stream in this Wild & Scenic on which rivers are listed and most ecologically and Clavey are only a few which legislation. For those of you how to help, contact: recreationally significant, and could be protected. who are natives, a letter to your Steve Evans, FOR most threatened rivers in Cali- It looks like legislation representative would also help. (916) 4423155 fornia Included in this listing could be introduced in the Representatives with rivers on or Susan Scheufele, AWA are each of the California Riv- House of Representatives as FOR'S list include Dave Dreier, (408) 459-7978.

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force power companies to do whitewater studies at a number of outstanding sites, the Tdulah Gorge in Georgia, the Pine in Wisconsin, the Deerfield in Massachusetts, and several in New York State. Under an interim plan already in effect for the Deerfield, there are 20 whitewater releases this year! One of the most exciting victories was the passage of Congressman Tom Bevill's bill to make Alabama's Little River Canyon TOP 40 a National Preserve. An equally exciting victory was the new Federal law requiring the removal of 2 existing hydropower dams (Gliies Canyon WHITEWATER ISSUES and Elwha) on the Elwah River in the Olympic Peninsula This is a great precedent for other possible dam removals. FOR 1993 Probably the biggest hit from the 1992 top 40 list was the defeat in Congress of by Pope Barrow and Rich Bowers the Auburn Dam proposal which would have flooded out large segments of the North and Middle Forks of the American Each year AWA surveys regional coordinators and and greatly damaged the scenic, ecological, and recreational qualities of the river. whitewater groups around the nation to idenw the top Thirty-one miles of Sespe Creek in Cali- fornia was also designated as a national 40 whitewater conservation and river access issues of wild and scenic river. In the midst of these sensational victories, there were a few disappointments. the year. Our picks for 1993 are listed below. Statewide wild and scenic campaigns are still stalled in Washington State and West Virginia and only a few rivers have been added to the Federal wild and scenic rivers Looking back at the "oldiesn of 1992. system since last year's top 40 report. there havgbeen some notable hits, soke The National Energy Act was mostly a bombs, some 1992 top 40's are still on the hit. The most sought after provision, the charts this year, and a few new issues State protected rivers section, was yanked have moved up in priority. out of the bill at the last moment by pro- First, the hits. AWA's aggressive focus hydro Senators, but the hydropower indus- on hydropower relicensing has begun to try was totally blown away in its efforts to pay some dividends. This is a once-in-a- insert language in the bill to streamline lifetime opportunity so AWA's staff and (i.e. short circuit) the licensing of new hy- volunteers have been jumping on it hard. dro dams. We have been successful in persuading the Hydropower development continues to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to be one of the major threats to some of our

American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober best whitewater runs;the Klamath in Or- egon, the North Fork of the Payette and the Falls River in Idaho, the Kern, Clavey, and Mokelumne in California, and in many . other locations. Internationally, there were huge victories involving rivers in Canada and Chile. The Bio was given a reprieve just several months ago when the courts in Chile ruled that the Endesa Electric Company lacked the water rights it needed to construct or operate the Pangue Dam on the Bio. On the same day as the Bio victory, the Canadian authorities declared the watershed of the Tatshenshini River to be off- limits to the proposed Windy Craggy mine. The mine would have severely damaged the wilderness quality of this amazing wild and beautiful river by dynamiting the top off Windy Craggy Mtn, creating a huge open pit mine, storing 18,500 tons of highly acid waste rock each day in a 4 11'2 mile long reservoir, and earthen dam located on three earthquake faults. But battles with harmful hydropower development continue on some of the best paddles for theI. enthusiast 'Pit whitewater in the world in Costa Rica and .>4" e Kenya. As in 1992, river access problems continue to plague the whitewater boating community. The rights of noncommercial boaters to er\joy free - and fair - access to whitewater runs continues to be threatened at numerous locations, including Letchworth Gorge (NY), the Youghiogheny (PA), the Kennebec (ME), the Mokelumne Serving the (CA), the rivers of Georgia, and on count- less Federal-and State-regulated Western pa~~~.,;gts streams. A potentially troublesome access J~DA~ problem on the Upper Blackwater in West Virginia was resolved by boaters through quiet negotiation with State Park officials, SHOGUN - The ultimate whitewater play boat but then a similar issue arose just one county away at Valley Falls State Park in- RIVER RUNNER - Top recreational kayak volving the Tygart. RAPID - Proven freestyle winner Still made using tough cross-linked polyethylene construction 1. Kennebec, Maine Issue: Access Our SEDA Sea Kayak line consists of the famous Glider, Current Status: The Central Maine Viking, Swift, Tango and Vagabond. Power Company (CMP), which owns the access to the Kennebec River, began im- Our SEDA open and decked recreational canoes are highly posing access fees on private boaters and regarded by customers throughout the nation and Canada. fishermen in 1992. Initially set at $5 per day, the private boater fee was reduced to Our SEDA accessories include Coast Guard approved lifevests, $1 per day, but the amount to be charged in top design wet suits and a comprehensive line of whitewater and the future is totally left to the company's flatwater gear. discretion. Worried about the precedent, AWA and local boaters continue to resist the fee. In a disappointing ruling, FERC en- Call today for our 40 page bargain-packed catalog and dealer nearest you. forcement personnel held that the company's FERC license did not disallow the fee despite language requiring the com- SEDA PRODUCTS, 926 Coolidge Ave., National City, CA 91950 pany to provide "free public accessn to the Tel: 6191336 2444 river. New strategies are in the works,

American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993 however. Boaters will be submitting a Dryway). Protection of streamside lands the applicant, faced with additional costs, stockholders proposal to be voted on at and scenic easements on thousands of pulled the rug out from under this plan. the next shareholders meeting for CMP. acres of forest lands owned by the paper The applicant is now surrendering its li- Adding insult to injury, CMP has begun to company elsewhere in Maine is also at is- cense and the fate of Moxie Stream is still draft their preliminary recreation plan for sue. This is an ambitious effort which is al- uncertain. the eventual relicensing of Harris Dam Sta- ready out in front of the relicensing tidal For more information, contact tion, the site of the access problems. To wave. Whatever happens, this case will be Rich Bowers at A WA (301 -589- date, the company has refused to even rec- a landmark in the relicensing process for 9455) ognize downstream access as a concern at years to come. As we go to press, prelimi- this project. nary settlement discussions are beginning For more information, contact among the various parties involved. 4. Dead River, Maine Tom Christopher (508-537- For more information, contact 4285) Rich Bowers at A WA (301 -589- Issue: Relicensing of 9455) hydropower project, 2. West Branch Penobscot, Current status: Central Maine Power's 3. Moxie Stream, Maine current license for its Flagstaff Storage Maine Project expires December 31,1995. This Issue: Relicensing of project controls the flow for the 16 mile Issue: Relicensing of whitewater section of the Dead to its hydropower project. confluence with the Kemebec. AWA has hydropower project. Current Status: Moxie has been de- participated in scoping sessions and pro- Current Status: The relicensing of a pa- scribed as the best class IV run in Maine, vided comments on the project, which in- per company hydro project which controls with at least 4 runnable class V rapids and clude inproving access, an economic study flows in Ripogenous Gorge is a "Flagship" an exciting take out above the 80 foot drop of recreation on the area, and drawdown relicensing case. Groups of every ilk are in- of Moxie Falls. The whitewater is all in a 2- studies. The problem is that the owner is volved, from the AWA to the National Park mile reach of the river downstream of the faced with re-managing its summer draw- Service, New England Flow, the Conserva- dam which normally has no mumble flow. down schedule, which may affect recre- tion Law Foundation, and the Appalachian The AWA has worked with local landown- ational releases. CMP is also toying with Mountain Club. Whitewater flows in the ers, agencies, conservation and fishing in- surrendering its license which could seri- Gorge seem secure at the moment, and terests, and with the applicant (Central ously jeopardize recreation. most of the groups involved are looking to Maine Power), and was successful in For more information, contact achieve much more from the relicensing of drafting a plan which would manage this project, including flows in other Rich Bowers at A WA (301 -589- Moxie as an environmental and recre- 9455) whitewater reaches impacted by the ational area (including six weekends of project (like the Back Channel and the whitewater releases). At the last minute,

American Whitewater SeptembedOctober 1993 a unique system of local coordinating the AWA is a founding member, has been 5. Pemigewasset, New committees rather than the National Park extremely successful in establishing itself Hampshire Service. as a player in New York politics, policies, For more informution, contact and related issues. Besides working on Issue: Relicensing of Rich Bowers (301 -589-9455) relicensing issues, this group has been involved in settlements to protect riparian hydropower project. lands, and has begun to create a strong, Current status.. A coalition of 16 recre- 8. New York Rlvers balanced coalition of river interests in ation groups, including the AWA and the New York. Merrimack Valley Paddlers, have intervened in the Ayers Island Project. To date, Issue: Relicensing of For more information, contact a general agreement with the owners, Pub- hydropower projects. Pete Skinner (51 8-585-7580) lic Service of N.H., has been reached for Current status: In the last year, the up improvements including: better parking, per management of the state's largest portage trails, and access. However, a flow hydrodeveloper (Niagara Mohawk) has 9. Youghiogheny, schedule has not been agreed upon, and changed, and river interests are increas- Pennsylvania this summer a survey is being conducted ingly optimistic over their ability to im- to determine the economic value of recre- prove existing conditions. The AWA has ' Issue: Access ation on this river. continued to work to improve whitewater CmntStatus: Like the Genessee in For more informution, contact releases, access, and scenic improvements New York, the Lower Yough in Ohiopyle Rich Bowers at AWA (301 -589- 1 at a large number of hydro sites owned by State Park has become a case study in 9455) NIMO and now engaged in relicensing. over-regulation. There are astronomical Whitewater studies, requested by the fines now in place for running Ohiopyle AWA, have taken place on the Beaver, Falls and private boaters are continuously 6. Deerfield, Massachusetts Black, and Raquette Rivers, and look to of- persecuted and subjected to a humiliating fer scheduled releases on each of these in tangle of fees and red tape by the State Issue: Relicensing of the future. The AWA is now immersed in Parks authorities. Local clubs conducted a hydropower project. negotiations to protect and improve second "boat-in" on July 17 to highlight whitewater releases on the Salmon River. this problem. The AWA is working in Har- Current Status: After many public and The statewide river conservation organiza- risburg to try to permanently end this situ- private meetings and an extended period tion, New York Rivers UNITED, of which ation through future legislation. of negotiation, an agreement has been reached between recreationallenviron- mental interests, led by New England Flow (a coalition of all concerned groups), and the New England Power Company. The agreement will provide for flows for recreational use and will establish a fund, which the company will pay into annually, to be used for environmental mitigation and scenic enhancement. It is expected that FERC will include this agreement in a new license to be issued to the power company for three darns on the Deerfield. An interim agreement is already in effect; boaters are requesting 32 weekend releases per year. The National Canoeing ~h&io&hi~swere held on the ~eerfield in July, with the slalom and wildwater events scheduled for Sept. 17-18-19. For more information, contact Tom Christopher (508-537- 4285) 7. Farmington, Connecticut Issue: Wild and Scenic Current status.. A proposal by Con- gresswoman Nancy Johnson would designate 14 miles of the West Branch and main stem Farmington (CT) as Wild and Scenic. Protected on the main stem is the section from Goodwin Dam in Hartford, to the New Hartford - Canton town line. If established, the river would be managed under

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 For more information, contact Virginia Rivers Coalition are planning to BavToscano, AWA, or Tom open negotiations with the supervisor and 15. Pigeon River, North Imin(4 12-676-471 3) with other officials in West Virginia State government to resolve the dispute. For more infomtion, contact Carolina 10. Shenandoah Rich Bowers at AWA (301 -589- [ssue: Hydropower relicensing 9455) Current status: North Carolina Power Issue: Access md Light holds access rights to the put-in Current status: For years the put-in for for this whitewater section on the North this river has been plagued by break-ins, 13. Gauley and New Rivers, kolina -Tennessee border. The Federal theft, and vandalism. Recently the only Energy Regulatory Commission has not safe area was sold to a new owner and its West Virginia nade a final ruling on the terms of a new status as a put-in is in question. The state icense, but preliminary rumors list three of West Virginia is interested in working Issue: Expansion of National lays of releases per year. For years the Pi- out a solution if access can be found. The River and Recreation Area geon has been an untapped whitewater re- number of accessible take-outs are becom- Possible hydro development at source due to hydro projects and water ing fewer and fewer also. The administra- luality problems. tor of the Harpers Ferry National Park Gauley Dam For more information, contact wants only "historical" rather than recre- Current Status: The House of Repre- Pave Brown (615) 524-4814. ational uses of the park, and has banned sentatives held hearings and passed a bill boating or tubing take-outs at the park. A sponsored by NICK RAHALL of West Vir- parking lot on river left at Knoxville, used ginia to expand the GAULEY RIVER Na- 16. Clear Creek, Tennessee by fishermen and boaters, has been locked tional Recreation Area and the NEW by the National Park Service personnel on RIVER Gorge National River by more than [ssue: Water supply reservoir the C&O Canal. 12,000 acres. Most of the land, 8,819 acres, Current status: The Farmers Home Ad- For more information, contact would be added to the Gauley NRA. The ninistration is looking to loan and grant Rich Bowers (301 -589-9455) State park at Carnifax Ferry would also be he Catoosa Utility District $3,370,000 to included. Pipestem State Park would be lam Clear Creek above its National Wid added to the New River National River. md Scenic area The dam would remove a 111. Rilssell Fork, Virginia The possibility of hydroelectric power de- ninirnum of 1.5 million gallons a day of velopment at the base of the Summersville Nater from the river and construction of and Kentucky Dam is still alive although any hydro plant .he reservoir would degrade water quality built at that location will have to comply Issue: Recreational flows n the entire downstream reach. Besides with very stringent terms and conditions m outstanding wilderness area, Clear Current Status: In June of last year the to protect the recreational usage of the 3eek offers of the state's finest fishing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a river. The put-in for private boaters, as md whitewater boating streams. There Draft Environmental Assessment of pro- well as for commercial boaters, may have as been no public participation. posed operational changes to Flannagan to be moved slightly and improved and the Reservoir, and reduced flows to the river astounding sight of water pouring forth For more information, contact in the middle of these studies. Since then from the tubes would disappear forever, '2ich Bowers (301-589=9455) the days of optimum whitewater releases but otherwise the river would remain the (1,000 to 1,500 cfs.) for four weekends in same. One provision in the Rahall bill, October, have been replaced with only 860 however, has been vigorously opposed by 17. North Chickamauga cfs. Responding to this assessment, and to boaters. The provision would require the Creek, Tennessee the defective U.S. Fish and Wildlife studies Park Service to provide private boater ac- which recommended only 300 cfs., the cess at Woods Ferry (river right) and pro- Issue: Protected status AWA filed a Freedom of Information Act hibit the Park Service from buying any Current status: This 12 mile Class IV-V (FOIA) request, which has just recently lands in the Gorge for any purpose until creek has come under protection from been responded to. The AWA is continuing that access land has been purchased. Bowater Inc.'s "Pocket Wilderness" Pro- to research both flow and technical fish is- gram. AWA, The Conservation Fund and sues on the Russell Fork. On the local other interests are working to gain perma- front, Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA) 14. Red River, Kentucky nent protection for the entire watershed is trying to find funding for the Corps to Issue: Wild and Scenic which offers outstanding hiking, boating, undertake another study. climbing, and wilderness just outside of For more information, contact Current status: Senator McConnell of Chattanooga Steve Taylor (301 -587-1204) Kentucky recently introduced bill S. 250 to protect 19.4 miles of the Red River, down- For more information, contact stream of highway 746, under the National Ron Stewart (615 - 756-3170) 12. mgart, West Virginia Wild and Scenic Rivers Bill. The Red River offers Class 11-111 rapids in a state with Issue: Access only 510 total whitewater miles, none of 18. Tallulah, Georgia Current Status: The supervisor of Valley which are permanently protected. For more infomtion, contact Issue: Hydropower relicensing Falls State Park has warned kayakers that Current Status: Tallulah Canyon below boating through the State Park on the Val- Rich Bowers at AWA (301 -589- the Georgia Power Company's Tallulah ley Falls section of the Tygart will no 9455) Falls Power Project is an incredible place. longer be permitted. AWA and the West

nerican Whitewater SeptemberIOctober Georgia In addition to the scenic beauty, (See ~alldaharticle elsewgere & the Issue: River access problems this gorge has 2 miles of class lV Journal) Current Status: A 1ega.lcase to deny whitewater which is bypassed by the For ?nore information, contact project diversion. The run includes 15 to recreational access was brought by a river- RichB~~~~~ (301 -589-9455) side landowner against kayakers and ca- 50 foot (Oceana) runnable waterfalls, and noeists who allegedly behaved badly on begins at the base of 96 foot Hurricane Falls. AWA persuaded FERC to conduct a streamside lands. The State Supreme 1Q. Court has already upheld a lower court fantastically successful whitewater study Armuchee Creek, this opinion that Arrnuchee Creek is of the Tallulah earlier year and is now nonnavigable and can therefore be closed to recreational boating by landowners. This decision suggests that no whitewater river in Georgia would be considered legally open to recreational boating. A jury trial was scheduled for August 9th, but the opposing lawyer was attempting to only seek a hearing with the Judge that ruled against boaters before. The Georgia Ca- noeing Association has hired Attorney Bobby Lee Cook to work on this jury trial. The bottom line: Georgia has the worst ac- 1 cess situation in the nation so far as river 1 runners are concerned. Update: Just after the July 4the holiday, a Superior Court Judge ruled that the GADNR had no legal jurisdiction to close 14 mile of John Kazimierczyk, Millbrook Boats Ichauwaynotchaway Creek. 49 Lufkin Road, Weare, NH 03281 (603) 529-3919 For more information, contact Andy Warshaw (404-373-6683) 20. Coosa, Alabama Issue: Hydropower relicensing Current status: For 10 years boating interests have been attempting to secure boating releases on the Coosa river in the Jordan Dam tailwater. During this time Alabama Power Company has been doing everything possible to skirt the question. Their most recent attempt was to use a fishery consultant, and a Sport Fishing Survey to develop a whitewater feasibility study. From the preliminary work the AWA has done, this study does not do jus- WHITEWATER PADDLERS : THIS NIMBLE INFLATABLE tice even to sport fshing interests. CANOE WILL BLAST YOU THROUGH CLASS IV, CATCt For more infomtion, contact: EDDIES, HANDLE LOWER FLOWS... Rich Bowers (301 -589-9455) Solo and Tandem lnflatables - II and 16 foot models RUGGED HYPALON SELF-BAIL CONSTRUCTION 21. Pacquare-Reventaton, Perfect for Da v Trim /Ideal for Wilderness Runs Tracks ~reaiinflatwater, Lakes and Ponds Costa Rica, Bio, Chile LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE - SMALL BUNDLE FITS Issue: Hydropower CAR TRUNK, PICK-UP, 4x4, CAMPER, RV, AIRPLANE Current status: An environmental im- All you need to be... Somewhere On A River pact statement will be begun in December CALL 1-800-280-SOAR for the Pacquare. Thus far, boaters have had little influence over the proposed dam plans and the feasibility studies now being INFLATAPLES carried out involve almost no public input. However, fmancing has not yet been ap- 507 N. 13th St. #409, St. Louis, MO 63103 proved and river conservationists believe I PHONE:314-436-0016 FAX:314-436-2332 that the project may be in trouble. For the

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American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993 Reventazon, the all-powerful Costa Rican sas every year, the Arkansas is not only Calaveras Co. Water District and Northern utility, Instituto Costa Ricense de the most popular whitewater run in the na- Cal. Power Agency have applied for pre- Electricidad (ICE) has joined forced with tion, but one of the most troubled. Com- liminary permits to build the Ramsey- one of Costa Rica's most powerful fami- mercial use has been growing at 18% per French Meadows hydro project which lies, the Rojas family, to build a very de- year in recent years. With so many river would eliminate the Boards Crossing Run structive dam and diversion on users, the management plan must now be on the N.Fork of the Stan. This project re- Reventazon. The project would take water supplemented to allocate outfitter user ally has conservationistsworried since, at around the best 12 miles of whitewater in days. Private boaters are indirectly af- an estimated 4 cents per kilowatt hour, Costa Rica and divert flows into the fected since the system for commercial this would be the cheapest big hydro Pacaure. All of this is being built within an boaters will one-day be regulated. There project built in California in recent years. area with a high level of seismic activity. are other problems. Several dam propos- The U.S. Forest Service has recommended The project is being financed by the Rojas als (City of Colorado Springs and Aurora) the affected section for Federal wild and family which owns most of the land along are pending, a wild and scenic study is un- scenic designation, but the agency is un- the Reventazon. They are already building derway and local boaters are working to der a lot of political pressure to reverse its a huge hotel which is coincidentally just improve private boater access. Nothing in decision. above the level where the lake will be. In the State river management plan prevents For more information, contact Chile, the fabulous Bio river has gained a dam construction and the city of Colorado Steve Evans (91 6-442-3155) reprieve, and river interests hope this will Springs has proposed 2 different dams be permanent (see Top 40 opening para- (the Mount Princeton and Elephant Rock graph). dams) above Buena Vista, each of which 26. Kern, California For more infomtion, contact: would divert up to 1/3 of the river. The River Conservation BLM wild and scenic study ignored the in- Issue: Hydropower relicens@ International (202-463-4378) credibly scenic Royal Gorge section. For more information, contact access. Ric Alesch (303-985-8620) Current Status: One relicensing case is 22. Rio Grande, New Mexico now pending before FERC with 3 others due in 1996. The minimum streamflow in Issue: Wild and Scenic 25. Stanislaus, Main Stem the Kern is now 0 cfs in winter and sum- Current status: New Mexico Senator mer flows for whitewater are not what Jeff Bingaman has proposed legislation to and North Fork, California they could be. It is clear that changes in designate 12 headwater miles of the Rio Grande as Wild and Scenic. Senate Bill 375 Issue: Water would offer protection just downstream of project and Everyone Deserves a Taste of the currently protected Wid and Scenic Rio Grande. possible For more infomtion, contact: hydropower Southern Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) project Current Status: Fried 23. Animas, Colorado Irrigation districts in the San Joaquin Creekin' Issue: Possible irrigation Valley have plans to divert water diversion from. the Main This video is 45 minutes of extreme paddling Current Status: The proposed $640 mil- Stemofthe on some of the South's most outrageous creeks lion Anirnas La Plata Project would divert Stanislaus just up- water from the Animas near Durango into stream of the and rivers. Features the Tellico, Watauga, the LaPlata to provide agricultural water Goodwin Dam run, Overflow Creek,the Whitewater, the Toxaway, to farmers south of Durango and for the which includes Mr. and forbidden Mystery Creek. Paddlers include Ute Indian Reservation. A groundbreaking Toads Wild Ride, a Dave 'Psycho' Simpson, Nolan Whitesell, Forrest ceremony was recently held although class lv-v run. Callaway, Ruse and Kent Wigington. funding for the project is not yet available They have already Kullmar, and the whole project is temporarily invested over The video climaxes with first descents of Triple jammed up by a lawsuit brought by the Si- $70,000,000in a ca- Falls and 50-foot Coon Bog Fds on Mystery erra Club Legal Defense Fund to require nal and tunnel to Creek Music and narration add to your enjoy- the Bureau of Wrecklamation to study the take the water, ment of the unbelievable action! effects on fisheries in the San Juan River. speculating that the diversion will For more infomtion, contact Send $26.95 plus $3.00 shippinghandling to: Bill Baker (303-972-8437) receive regulatory approval. The whitewater charac- Gentry Video Productions 24. Arkansas, Colorado ter of this run 646 Deer Creek Trail would be dramati- cally altered if Hoschton, GA 30548 Issue: Almost everything. (706) 654-2725 Current Status: With more than 190,000 these plans go for- commercial passengers and an additional ward. The 18,000 private boaters floating the Arkan-

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 power plant operations to provide mini- md the shoreline is subject to FERC au- mum streamflows, together with episodic hority. EMUD is reluctant to let boating 32. Payette, ldaho releases for recreation, would improve :et a serous foothold on this run since Issue: Wild and Scenic, this river's ecosystem and recreational po- they want to raise the Pardee Dam to tential. Meanwhile, on the wild and scenic bring more water to Oakland. This would hydrodevelopment section of the river a new Forest Service :ompletely flood out the Middle Bar run. Current status: Congressman Larry management plan has raised commercial me AWA will be participating in LaRocco has offered legislation (HR 233) limits from 125 passengers to 180 per day. whitewater studies this summer on the to protect 25 miles of the N. Fork Payette, That plan also established new private Mokelumne, in order to gauge the eco- Cabarton Bridge to Banks, under Wid and and commercial limits for the North Fork nomic benefits of recreation on this area Scenic designation. To support this, write: of the Kern. The plan increases private For more information, contact Chairman Bruce Vento, Sub-Committee on and commercial per day levels from 15 Susan Sheufele (408-459-7978) Natural Resources, US House of Represen- boaters each to 18 each. Permits are first tatives, 812 House Annex 1, US Capitol, come first served. Washington, DC, 20515. On the South For more information, contact 29. Sixth Water, Utah Fork, the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) mission denied the petition of Inter Moun- Issue: Irrigation diversion tain Power Corp. to rehear the application Current status: Terminal - Originally for the 3.1 megawatt Oxbow project. This 27. Clavey; California created by piping water 3.5 miles from the denial saves the proposed dewatered, one Strawberry Reservoir to irrigate the Span- mile stretch of canyon. Issue: hydropower proposal; ish Fork region, a Central Utah Project has For more information, contact possible wild and scenic. built an alternate transport pipe which will Wendy Wilson (208-343- 7481) Current status: The Clavey, is a scenic bypass the upper six miles, but leave in- class V whitewater run and the longest tact the lower three miles. Project con- free-flowing stream still remaining in the struction has started. 33. Mid-Snake, ldaho For more information, contact Sierra Nevada mountains. The Forest Ser- Issue: Hydro relicensing vice has refused to grant wild and scenic Mark White (801 -582-3445) status claiming prohibitive costs of man- Current status: For the first time in aging such a remote wilderness river. The seven years, there was enough water this Turlock Irrigation District has applied to 30. Meadow Creek, ldaho spring to run the Murtaugh section of the build a 423 foot high dam and reservoir, Mid Snake. In the last few months, the drowning 2.8 miles and all but eliminating Issue: Wilderness designation AWA has joined with other river interests the flow in the remaining 19 miles below Current status: congressman Lany to comment and participate in the recent the dam. TID has also proposed a 105 foot LaRocco has proposed the Idaho Wilder- comprehensive plan put forth by the Idaho dam and powerhouse just upstream of the ness Bill (HR 1570) which will protect cer- Water Resource Board. Of primary con- Clavey's confluence with the Wid and tain critical lands as wilderness or special cern was the multitude of whitewater re- Scenic section of the Tuolumne, three management areas. Unfortunately, Gover- sources possible on this stretch of the smaller diversions on tributaries, two nor An&, remaining true to pledges Snake, including the Murtaugh section. miles of pipeline, 11 miles of tunnel, and made during the 1980's, opposes wilder- The AWA also intervened on the Kanaka miles of transmission lines and roads. ness designation for the Meadow Creek Rapids project. Also up for relicensing is For more infomtion, contact drainage. Meadow Creek is a 38 mile, the Boulder, Star and Empire projects. Susan Sheufele (4 08-459-79 78) Class V-VI steep creek (average drop 161 For more infomzation, contact foot per mile, two miles at 240 fpm.) which Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) flows into the Selway just above Selway 28. Mokelumne, California Falls. Meadow Creek offers true wilderness qualities and continuous whitewater. 34. East Fork of Owyhee- Issues: Proposed hydropower If exempted from protection, this area is Bruneau-Jarbidge, ldaho projects; access restrictions, prime for exploitation by timber interests. For more information, contact Issue: Environmental water projects. Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) Current Status: Amador County's li- degradation due to bombing cense application before FERC to build range the Devils Nose Dam is still pending and a 31. Clearwater, ldaho Current Status: The Air Force is pro- preliminary permit has been obtained to posing a 1.5 million acre electronic com- investigate construction of a Middle Bar Issue: Wild and Scenic bat zone which will impact on the East Dam. Both dams are environmental night- Current status: 20 wild and scenic suit- and South Fork Owyhee rivers, and on the mares. The Middle Bar dam would wreck ability studies have just commenced in the Bruneau and Jarbidge basins. Under this a 2.5 mile class 11-III whitewater section Nez Pierce and Clearwater National For- proposal, 80 planes a day would be in- just downstream of the Electra run (and ests. Whitewater rivers which could ben- volved in wargames over these canyons. possibly the Electra Run as well) while efit from this include: South, North and Local groups, led by Idaho Rivers United, the Devil's Nose project would ruin a Little North Fork Cleanvater, White Sand are vigorously opposing the Air Force class 11-V segment. Meanwhile the shore- Creek, Brushy Fork, the Bear Creek drain- plans and are targeting Secretary Bruce line of the Middle Bar run remains closed age, and both Moose and Meadow Creeks. Babbitt to put a moratorium on this type to all recreation due to restrictions by the For more information, contact of Federal land grant An environmental East Bay Municipal Utilities District Wendy Wilson (208-343-7481) impact statement is expected in the fall. (EMUD). This is a navigable waterway

American Whitewater Septembedoctober 1993 100% bomber is how we make all our products. We recognize outdoor products are dependent on materials and processes that cause environmental degradation. For this reason we strive for the best made products we can possibly manufacture. We are constantly asked to produce cheaper versions of our products. We believe this is environmentally irresponsible. We search out the highest quality components, from thread to hardware, all made in the U.S. A., so every product we produce will last from season-to-season. In keeping with this philoso- phy we offer a lifetime guarantee to keep our products working for you as long as possible. We believe it's worth investing a few extra dollars to buy products that keep on working and don't end up in land-fills. Isn't it time we changed from a throw a way society?

Wilderness Designs 954 60th Street, Oakland CA 94608 uwwmwmmmwwmmmmmwwmwmwmmmm For more information, contact the Mid-West including the Pine River. Wendy Wilson (208-343-7481) This project has recently been found ready for environmental analysis (which means the last chance has passed for public com- 35. Klamath, Oregon ment), and the AWA has filed requests and recommendations along with many local Issue: Possible hydropower recreational clubs. Other area whitewater development (Salt Caves rivers in the FERC relicensing process in- Project) clude the St. Louis through Jay Cook State Current Status: Last year, the State of Park (MN), Piers Gorge on the Menominee Oregon denied the City of Klamath Falls a (MI), and the Peshtigo (WI). A recreational 401 water quality permit on technical flow study will be conducted on the grounds (water temperature). Just re- Menorninee this summer, as water levels cently, the Oregon Court of Appeals up permit. held this denial. This case may well go to For more information, contact the Supreme Court, but unless a total re- Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) versal is delivered, this heavily contested project should finally be dead. For more information, contact 39. Alaskan Rivers Bob Doppelt (503-345-01 19) Issue: Ownership Current status: Alaska's Governor 36. Nisqually, Washington Hickel is planning to file a comprehensive "quiet title" lawsuit to assert state owner- Issue: Hydroelectric relicensing ship of lands beneath most rivers on pub- Current status: The AWA has filed an lic (Federal) lands. If upheld, this would intervention in this City of Tacoma open dozens of rivers (including project. At stake is a incredible two mile whitewater rivers) now protected within canyon which is totally devoid of water, National Parks, wildlife refuges, and those and is off-limits to the public. Within this protected under Federal Wild and Scenic canyon are continuous Class IV-V-VI? rap- status (about 113 of Alaska's land base). ids. The FERC has ordered Takoma to This move would effectively repeal the conduct whitewater studies, but the appli- river protection provided by the Alaska cant has told the Agency (and the AWA) Lands Act of 1980, and open rivers for that they never allow access to the can- mining and oil exploitation. It would also yon, and refuse to conduct the tests. allow the unrestricted use of motorized For more information, contact craft on these rivers, including motor and increasingly popular jet boats. Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) For more information, contact 37. Middle Fork Nooksack, Jack Hession (90 7-276-4048) 7 Or- Washington , ;' 40. Tatshinshini Issue: Hydro proposal Issue: Designation as a Class A Current status: The City of Bellingham operates an existing diversion project on Provincial Park this river, a tunnel takes approximately Current status: On June 22, British Co- 400 cfs. out of the river and through the lumbia Premier Mike Harcourt announced adjacent mountain, where it connects with that the entire 2.3 million acre AlseW a 70 cfs. pipe. STS Hydro proposes to use Tatshinshini watershed would be perma- this excess flow for power which would nently preserved, and called for the entire change the boating season on this river. area to be nominated as a United Nations JEFF RICHARDS The Middle Fork Nooksack flows from the World Heritage Site. In combination with Ocoes Rdao glaciers of Mt. Baker, and offers a 4.5 mile adjacent existing parks in Alaska and Photo By - G-%- run dropping 700 feet. Starting with Class Canada's Yukon Territory, the region's 21 SANDY LOFTIS , GSd III rapids, the Nooksack boasts a solid million acres would constitute the world's mile of continuous Class V rapids with a largest protected area which crosses na- gradient over 200 fpm. tional boundaries. A landmark environ- For more information, contact mental "win", this action effectively kills plans to build the Windy Craggy Project Rich Bowers (301-589-9455) for copper, gold and cobalt. The owner iIGH PERFORMANCE! claims to have spent over $39 million in 38. Pine River, Wisconsin exploration of the site. The "Tat" is consid- DURABLE ered to be one to the world's top ten raft- 2450 JONES ROAD Issue: Hydroelectric relicensing ing adventures, and the Alsek Canyon is LENOlR CITY TN 37771 Current Status: Boaters and river con- legendary among whitewater boaters. (615) 986-9387 servationists are trying to improve the rec- For more information, contact CALL OR WRITE FOR FREE BROCHURE I reational opportunities on several rivers in Rich Bowers (301 -589-9455). American Whitewater ~~eptemberl~ctober1993 g International Acl se Hyd in Chi

Environmental and human rights activists from arow~d the world are banding together in opposition to the Chinese government's plan tc 1 build a dam on the Yangtze, the third longest river in the world. The proposled Three Gorges Dam would inundate a spectacular 200 km.stretch of deep ca nyons, which for centuries has captured the imagination of Chinese artists and poet s. The project would also flood six counties and -lace 1.2 million people, a mov ,e activists claim is an m- ceptable human rights violation.

The dam would be the largest hydropower project in the world, IChinese opposed to the project have been denied the right to speak against it. Opponents to the pr .eject, including engineers, scientists and journalists, have been silenced by govenment threats autd by the imprisonment of Dai Cheng, one of China's most influential and respected writers. The writer was imprisoned and kept in solitary confinement for ten months because of her public oppo!sition to the dam. At one point during her incarceration Dai Cheng was threatened with execution

Dai Cheng t, who is a recent winner of the $60,000 Goldman prize for environmental activ- "I have already ism, is free now, 1:put is not permitted to publish in China Copies of Iher book, Yangtze Yangtze, conquered the fear have been desho)red by the government. In its dete:rmination to harness the power of death," she says. of China's greatest river, the Chinese government " is relying on a feasibility study which activists '&They claim is seriously flawed. The dam would be con- c&nnot take structed in a potei ntially active seismic region. No final resettlement plan has been announced for my spirit away the 1.2 million refiugees that the project would create. A tentative pl;an would have resettled 400,000 &om me.'' Chinese into the E[ashgar prefecture in the Wiang Province, more than 300 km away. Critics of that plan charged that the move was intended to con!To1 the border area, an indepen- dent Turkistani state until taken over by the Chinese government bn 1949. Tensions already run high between ethnic minorities and the Chinese government in that region. One of the principal proponents of the plan is Ki Sig,a hard I line Communist politician, who reportedly played a key role in the crackdown on prodemocracy s tudents in Tiananmen Square four years ago. The actual death toll from the Tiananmen massacre! remains uncertain, but the Chi- nese government has admitted to close to 300 deaths. American Whitewater v mmmmmmmmmmmmmwmmmmwwammmmmmmmmmmmawmmmmmmwmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwmmmmmmwmmmmmmm CONSERVATION

Area of detail Owen Lamrners, the executive director Yangtze? The U.S. government is in a very of the International Rivers Network, says, good position to call attention to this trag- "At Tiananmen Square there were cameras edy before it happens, and we are calling and the world watched the violation of the on the Clinton administration to see that it students' rights. Who is watching out for does." the rights of the one million people who "We are calling on Clinton to consider have no say in their future along the forced relocation a human rights violation, and as such an area in which demon- strable improvement is necessary to en- sure the extension of China's Most Fa- vored Nation Status beyond June of 1994." The cost of the project is estimated to be between 1230 billion dollars and the project would be largely funded by loans from other nations. International hanc- ing has yet to be secured. But in August of 1992 Menill Lynch and a group of Indo- nesian and Taiwanese investors were granted access to China's finance and in- surance market on the condition that they provide key financial support for the dam. Meanwhile, officials of BC Hydro of the Canadian consortium CYJV participated in the feasibility study for the project, a study that has been intensely criticized by the International Water Tri- bunal because the environmental and resettlement plan were deemed incomplete. China's Vice Premier Zhy Rongji, an engineer and proponent of the dam, recently leader in whitewater instruction since 1972, MKC toured Canada and lobbied for the project with British Columbia Premier Michael offers highly personal instruction from Beginner to Expert Harcourt and Quebec Premier Robert levels in both kayaking and open canoeing. Located on the Bourassa. Madawaska River, we provide all the comforts of a vacation And, in December of 1991, the U.S. resort. And better yet, our rivers are clean, warm and un- Bureau of Reclamation signed a contract crowded. Weekend and 5-day courses. to provide consulting services for the dam, with commitments from the U.S. Box 635 Barry's Bay Ontario KOJ 1BO Army Corp of Engineers to assist with the Summer: (61 3)756-3620 Winter: (61 3)594-5268 project. American activists are seeking legal means to block these agencies from participating in the project. Individuals interested in opposing the Chinese plan to dam the Yangtze may contact the International Rivers Network at 1847 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, California 94703 (510) 848-1008..

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober Tom Irwin fights his way down Pillow Rock

always eqjoyed listening to questioned my fitness, he admitted er people's recollections of that he was tripleader for the CCA and first runs down the that he thought I could handle it. That Gauley River, but they're usually very was all I needed to hear. I think this different from my own. For although I was the third "club trip" to run the can not claim to have been among the river. very first to tackle this whitewater Twenty-two years ago the West classic, I knew most of the pioneers Virginia highway system was a bit who did, and I came onto the Gauley more basic. Route 19 did not exist in scene not long after their initial exploits current form, and its junction with rations. Route 60 was a battered meeting of John Berry ran the river in open ca- two-lane country roads. Coming in noes sometime before the dam was from Clifton Forge at midnight, I had built during the mid 60's. The first paddling. to get out of the car, push the under- closed boat run was in the summer of Back then racing was a great way growth aside, and read the faded road 1968. Over the next couple of years a to meet good boaters. I'd heard about signs with a flashlight. We found handful of boaters followed. the Gauley and was interested, but Summersville Dam at 2 AM after get- My first run on the Gauley was in wary. The river was spoken of respect- ting lost several times. There were October of 1971. A recent college fully by John Sweet, Tom Irwin, and only a handful of us, so the Corps let graduate, I'd been hired to teach sev- the other Penn State paddling gods I'd us sleep in the pavilion near the play- enth grade Biology in the Washington, met at the Loyalsock Slalom. Then at ground. D.C. area. I'd taught myself to paddle the Fall Savage Race I got into a team The next morning sixteen of us with friends in a college outing club, run with Ed Gertler. (Editor's Note: from CCA met Ed and Barb Brown in first in open canoe and then G1. I v~as Read Ed Gertler's letter to the editor in the grey morning mist at the base of looking forward to trying new rivers, this issue.) the dam. In addition to the hard-boat- and I had deliberately moved into the After the race he asked me if I was ers, John Dragan's Wildwater Unlirn- vital center of East Coast whitewater planning to run the Gauley. When I ited was running a few of his rafts

American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993 down. At the time he was the only out- Laslo Berti and Dave Gunther the development of the HiFloat Life fitter on the New River, and he was do- run Insignificant Vest. ing the Gauley with some of his most In later years, as more people came experienced customers. A handful of to the river, the show continued others put in later. No one else was meant certain death. As we ap- unabated. I started running without air there. proached, mist rose up from the lip of bags because I felt it gave me "added The rapids at first seemed power- the drop, turning my bowels to jelly. incentiven to roll. On one run of Pil- ful, but manageable. I was doing fine Terrified, I grabbled the center eddy low, I popped my sprayskirt halfway until Pillow Rock Rapid. We scouted, and hustled carefully over to the far down. The stern quickly filled with wa- but I had no idea what I was getting left chute. I'd never seen anything so ter, and a decade before the first squirt into. Once in the rapid, I found out too mean-looking! boats, I paddled my Hahn vertically late that it was the biggest water I'd Below here, it was a hard push to through the big waves. It was only ever seen! I ran up against the big pil- make the tracks before sunset. when the boat started to sink that I de- low near the left-hand rock wall, Koontz's Bend passed quickly, since cided to bail out. flipped instantly, and swam. My foot we were too tired to play. I finished I continued to sneak Sweet's Falls. caught in a thigh strap; the G1 went to the day physically exhausted and men- Boaters gradually learned that the one side of Volkswagon Rock and I tally drained. I wasn't sure that I ever "killer holen was an exploding wave in went to the other. I got dragged over wanted to do that again! The Lower disguise. Dragan at first lined his rafts, the top of the rock and was driven Gauley the next day was easier, but I empty of customers, around the drop, down to the bottom of the river like a came around a corner and found an but eventually the rafts started going pile driver. I guess I was too stupid to eddy full of boats. A swim of Lower over. A few hard-boaters made the let it shake me up. Mash followed. After a tough run I run, then many. Intimidated by fmt- The only takeout we knew of was close my eyes and see the river unfold run lore, I was one of the last holdouts. the railroad bridge at Peter's Creek. It ahead of me. I rode home that night As I was scouting Sweet's Falls one made for a long day, especially with dreaming of enormous holes and afternoon, Susie Lilly, the 15 year-old swimmers in every major rapid. We waves. But soon I forgot my fear and daughter of a West Virginia paddler I'd portaged Iron Ring without question, looked forward to getting back. boated with occasionally, came up and noting the corpse of a horribly bat- Pillow Rock was always my nem- asked me how to run it. I told her I tered deer in an eddy below. esis. For years no one knew how to didn't, but pointed out the line. She Approaching Sweet's Falls, I was run it, and almost everyone rolled or smiled, said "O.Kn,and skipped back warned in no uncertain terms that the swam. I was always pleased to roll to her boat. She ran the big ledge al- hole at the bottom was an absolute back up, but stayed in my boat only most sideways, bouncing off of what is keeper. Bill Funk had kayaked the half the time during the years it took now called Dildo Rock and flipping in drop the previous year, but he refused me to figure things out. All this aquatic the frothy mess at the bottom. She to discuss his route. He said only that activity, combined with the words of quickly rolled up, yelled "Whoopie", the line was only 6" wide and to miss it Idaho's Dr. Walt Blackadar, inspired tossed her paddle, and continued

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober downstream. I figured I could paddle in 1972, and several of us offered to beauty to be savored, not rushed. at least as well as that, and while the guide groups down the river the fol- Wally Dyer and his partner, Ben Cass, drop still scares me I've been doing so lowing fall. In 1973 I took sixteen were a top-ranked doubles team from ever since. Southeastern boaters down the run, in- Philadelphia Wally was an intense, Iron Ring retained its evil reputa- cluding Claude Teny and his son, competitive man, but not exactly a big- tion. During the early years few ran it Mike. With only two runs under my water paddler. Naturally I delighted in and many carried. On my second run belt I didn't know the river all that telling him all my Gauley River horror only Jim Snyder, 16, handled it with well, but I felt comfortable moving stories before his first race. Looking at any style. Now the situation is re- from eddy to eddy. Making a key stop the starting list, he saw a pair listed he versed; almost no one makes that por- above drop two of Lost Paddle, I was didn't recognize. He turned to me and tage. Even though I can see the line immediately pinned to the shore by a asked pointedly, "Who's this Singley and realize that the drop is probably horde of following boaters. I had to and Wilkinson?" easier than it looks, I'll still walk. The fight my way through the crowds to Now they were friends of mine, a Gauley makes me awfully mellow, and peel out into the next drop. Mike Terry couple from Blacksburg who raced in all that adrenaline would ruin the was fearless and I spent the day won- the men's class because there weren't mood. And I just can't get that dead dering if he was going to kill himself. enough boats around to form a mixed deer out of my mind. His attitude would be pretty normal to- division. But I made up a story about a We kept hearing rumors of plans to day. hot British team that had won all the dam the river. We expected a big po- One of the things we did was spon- races in Canada that summer. I though litical battle, so strange as it might sor a downriver race from the top of seem today, several of us conspired to Mash to the pool at the base of Pure lure more boaters to the river. I wrote Screaming Hell. I tried it once, but de- about the Gauley in the AWA Journal cided that the Gauley was a thing of A1 Louande in Iron Ring-Note Mae West PFD and llliad Paddle!

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aU of Lost Paddle Rapid along the railroad tracks. Lower down Chip Queitzsch, a fellow C-boater, was surfing a big hole at Koontz's Flume when he noticed his air bags floating downstream. The seams of his fiberglass boat had parted! Later the day turned bitterly cold. After looking at all the flooded upper tributaries, we settled on the North Fork of the Cherry only to get snowed on. I stayed up in the headwaters for the rest of the weekend. Commercial rafting on the Gauley began in the mid 70's. The owners were people we'd boated with, and we weren't shy about telling them that Wally was going to swallow his trade- as something of a shock to the old tim- they were making a big mistake. I re- mark cigar! Later his partner came to ers. There were three very attractive member sitting in eddies with my bud- me and begged me to lay off so he women serving as shuttle bunnies for dies in Lost Paddle, chuckling as those could get some sleep. a group from South Carolina We got big rubber boats swamped and floun- Over the next few years the num- down to Lost Paddle only to find them dered, totally out of control. Their bers of paddlers steadily increased. nude sunbathing on rocks dispersed sweep oars broke, the guides lost con- The boating community was still throughout the rapid. Definitely un- trol, and guests fell out of the rafts by relatiwely tiny, and the quantity of safe, we agreed. Could cause acci- the score. Pure entertainment! Gauley Boaters smaller still. But now dents! We felt that they'd never be able to you didn't have to arrange to meet We soon outgrew the capacity of make rafting on the Gauley a success. someone to have a shuttle. the pavilion at the top of the dam. One Today, as the guides hold their We knew who was already on the weekend I arrived in a driving rain. smooth, precise lines through the rap river by the cars at the parking lot. We The pavilion was jammed, and we ids, I realize that we underestimated, could tell who was paddling at a dis- spent a sleepless night greeting new as usual, the ability of river runners to tance by the colors of their boats and arrivals and telling lies to each other. improve their equipment and skills. I gear. If we didn't know you and you The next day a few idiots backed their certainly never visualized the crowds weren't with someone we did, you cars over the saturated lawn to load that we have today. probably didn't belong here. their gear, getting stuck and leaving During the first few years we left One year two small, inexpensive huge ruts. This motivated the Corps to our boats at the mouth of Peter's rafts were beached below Insigrufi- keep Battle Run Campground open in Creek, walking in along the tracks the cant, their floors ripped out from un- future years, but we were banned from next day to m the "Lowern down to der them by the force of the water. An- the pavilion forever. Swiss. After several people had boats other year saw a horribly mangled That morning the Gauley was run- stolen some of us began leaving our Blue Hole canoe washed on the shore ning at 5,000 cfs and the Meadow was craft above Koontz's Bend and walk- near the head of Pillow Rock Rapid. putting out 10,000 or so. Route 19, ing out through the mile-long railroad We cnuckled knowingly at these which we called "Conidor Ln, had just tunnel under the ridge. This split the wrecks, and paddled on. been completed. Many folks hiked into river distance nicely, allowing us to Then one fall the number of boat- the Lower Meadow to view the chaos. run the great play rapids downstream ers jumped from dozens to several The few who tried the Gauley had wild at the beginning of day two. hundred. For the first time there were stories. Tom McEwan hit the hole in The walk through the mile-long lots of people around who I didn't the bottom of Pillow Rock and lost his tunnel, however, was spooky at best. It know. And most of them were ca- helmet and glasses. He carried out. took about twenty minutes to get pable boaters who handled the river "Fearlessn Fred Young and his group through. We almost never remem- .with nl-n~ A11 thnnn rrnxxr nnnnln csmn -I?-:a -----A. ---:--.. ..-a,.> -.-.-A..fi vv rut L-. un~~~ at^ vv r-urrb bur.&- uL IIMUW~SL IIL~WWS ~ILUCU ..-UP C;~L~I~ULS bered to bring flashlights, so we

American Whitewater SeptembedOctober 1993 stumbled about in the dark, stubbed venerable politician told him that he cooking facilities, and graded roads our toes on the ties, and floundered in "didn't have much to give to environ- have taken away the wilderness feel. the filthy puddles all the way to the mentalists today." Brown countered The river is more accessible, and un- other end. One clown brought a small by explaining that outfitters were told thousands have gathered strength compressed-air horn and almost bringing over $10 million into the area and sanity from passing through. But scared us to death! I never got caught during the four week Gauley season. something very special has been lost. by a train, but those who did described That got the Senator's attention! The While I still enjoy the river imin detail the unpleasantness of lying efforts of AWA and Citizens For mensely, I miss the wildness we found face down in the mud as the cars Gauley River, which coordinated op in the 70's. The precious sense of ex- roared by, close enough to touch. So, position to the project from kayakers, ploration and wonder felt by our small, even though the road is unsightly, I outfitters, and local businessmen, self-reliant groups as they moved care- was not totally unhappy to see Appala- eventually bore fruit. There's still fully and respectfully down a wild, chian Whitewater's develop an access much to do, but in theory the river and trackless canyon seems indescribably at Mason Branch. its flows are protected. distant today. Another year we were hanging By the mid 1980's the scene had While I regret the loss of the mar- around at Swiss waiting for our changed. The season moved from Oc- velous camaraderie we shared in the shuttles. Not knowing that railroad tober to September, trading the maj- days when everyone knew each other, cars stick out well past the tracks, two estyof changing foliage for warmer air I meet new people who become fools had parked their vans right next temperatures. Traffic increased. Cars friends every year. And, when I put on to the mils. A local man drove up and entering the parkhg lot below the dam late in the day, about the time that said, "You'd better move them things, were tightly controlled, and txaffic most of the other boats are nearing the 'cause there's a train acornin', and jams at other access points became end of their run,the years slip silently they wrecked some feller's car last normal, not unusual. In previous years away, as the solitude and majesty of week." Spurred by the approaching the area below the dam was like old the Gauley Canyon c!oses in around whistle, we did what we had to. One home week, a huge reunion of East me once again. van was easy; we broke in through the Coast paddlers. Now, rather than seek- The "good old days" may be gone, side window, released the brake, and ing out places where boaters congre- but the Gauley will always be a special pushed it away. gate, I try to avoid the crowds by using place. So get some friends together But, to our horror, we discovered off-peak put-in times and access and enjoy! that the second one had a lochg points. steering column. We got all the people But crowds are not the whole we could find, thirty or forty strong: story. The Gauley during the Fall is an boaters, guides, customers, and the lo- amazing display of the latest high-tech cal man who'd warned us. We grabbed plastic and rubber gear. People have Todays boaters approach Sweet's Falls the van and muscled first one end surprisingly good skills, and swims are with a more cavalier attitude than in the over, then the other. The front end was rare. Innumerable access points and Good Old days. Photo: Keith Unfried at really heavy, and we had to bounce lunch stops, complete with tents, Sweet's Falls taken by Jim Cavo, 1992 and skid it a few inches at a time. Now you understand why I don't mind paying a few bucks to park! The commercial rafting business on the Gauley Continued to grow. To- day the need for extra guides is met by Western boatmen who travel east for Gauley Season, but during the late 70's it was not unusual for company managers to cruise around the paddler camping slots below the dam offering $120 or more to experienced paddlers who would guide for a day. That was real money, but I came to play, and the idea of being on the Gauley in a boat full of guests made me nervous. But while the crowds are a nui- sance, they helped save the river by turning it into a major tourist attrac- tion. Dave Brown recalls being ush- ered into West Virginia Senator Byrd's office on Capitol Hill. This was the beginning of the Reagan Era and this

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 BOAT-IN AT OHIOPYLE A

Boaters from all over the East gathered in Ohiopyle State Park on July 17 to voice their displeasure with Park policies. Top among their gripes was the user fee insti- tuted in 1991 by the Pennsylvania A new organization was recruiting ing. When invited to speak on a Pittsburgh DER. members and taking a survey of issues. radio talk show, Tom explained, "Although Over 100 people participated in FRIENDS OF THE YOUGH signed up the Park calls it a reservation fee, boaters picketing and dialogue with Park about 250 people during the Boat-In. Mark who don't need a reservation still have to Sargable of Canowingo, MD became the pay. We wouldn't object to a reservation users. Carrying signs with slogans happiest Friend of the Yough, when at 300 fee, if it were for reservations only. If they like "FREE THE RIVER", people his name was drawn as call access to the Park a winner of a New Wave In- reservation, then every- walked the pavement in the boat- finity Cruise Control kayak. hodv--- should be paayingn ers parking lot from 7:00 A.M. un- Mark, who comes to AWA Regilonal til 3:OO. At 3:00 paddles replaced Ohiopyle a couple of times Coordinator Barry a year with the Conewago Tuscano was manning the placards. Canoe Club, said, "I have a Friends of the Yough problem with paying a fee table for most of the day. that doesn't get used in People were asked to fill Ohiopyle. Boaters I out a survey to determine shouldn't be singled out to . * their feelings about the is pay, when other Park users sues. men they were en- don't." i -G .. .* tered in the drawing for Debbie Patz, President 1 prizes. Besides the boat, of Keystone River Runners Karen Yotter of (a local club), said, "We just want to be in- Magadure, OH won a Patagonia T-shirt, cluded in the decision-making process and Jan Matthews from Pittsburgh won a here. We're hoping to open some dialogue paddling jacket, both contributed by with the State Park and the DER. I think Riversport in Confluence, PA. Peter that private boaters can contribute some Disroth of Hazelton, PA won a spray skirt valuable input to the management of a contributed by Mountain Surf of river." F'riendsville, MD. Tom Irwin was acting as spokesperson "We want to survey boaters so we can for the Friends of the Yough, when a Pitts- accurately say what the important issues burgh TV news crew and three newspa- are and so we can act as true representa- pers interviewed him. "Our key com- tives," Tuscano commented. "Maybe we'll plaints are overregulation, river safety and get the Park to talk with us now." discrimination,"he explained. "When the Park Supervisor Doug Hoehn did very Park issues decrees that limit access to little talking. When asked about the safety the river, charges fees or creates bureau- issue, he said, "I'd rather count on the raft cratic hassles, the best boaters just stay guides for safety on the river. I know what away. Under the present quota system, the training is for the guides; I don't know these slots are being used by unguided what the training is for the private boat- rental rafts, creating a dangerous imbal- ers." ance between experienced and inexperi- But many of the guides must consider enced people on the river." themselves to be private boaters also, be- Tom also made the point that private cause they too were lining up to register boaters are using no more of the facilities their opinions with the Friends of the in the Park than other users who pay noth- Yough.. American Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober ...... m......

At a hastily called meeting at the Patz house, we discussed everything from legal action to boycotts. Over the next few months, we slowly evolved a piecemeal strategy of confront- ing the DER in Ohiopyle, while working the political scene in Harrisburg. Debbie was the catalyst. This diminutive mother of two who works in public relations was able to mobilize almost evew member of the Keystones. At the same time Tom Irwin, repre JUST WHO ARE senting Three Rivers Paddling Club, was a steadying influence with years of experience in battling the Harrisburg bureau- ME" FRIENDS OF MEYOUGH "? cracy. An engineer during the day, he spent his evenings firing off letters or com- piling data on the computer. By Barry Tuscano Ron Gardener, a machinist who ad- mits to being., an ex-coal miner with a red We started out as a motley crew. We what Park Management called us too, but neck, was able to muster a crowd simply came from all walks of life and varying lev- I think they gave us more credit than we by bringing his family. Ron, who is deeply els of commitment. The group changed deserved. religious, says he knows when something from month to month, and the energy level Debbie and Phil Patz started things. is wrong and feels compelled to work to was constantly waxing and waning. We Debbie was the newly elected President right it. never called ourselves by name, although of Keystone River Runners when the Don Frew, a perennial in the National occasionally we referred to ourselves as Pennsylvania DER slipped in a private Open Canoe competitions, has been one the "Ohiopyle Troublemakers". This is boater user fee like thieves in the night. of the work horses. Always available with +n I I OUALITY WHITE WATER PRODUCTS I I 1)- The BWA National Paddlin J Film Festival IAWIC~Nwebding s mfg. presents

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 BRIEFS his time and sweat, Don could be counted on to get things done. Bob Sioa and I became actively involved in this group after being arrested by Park Rangers for sign-in violations. People had been using the sign-in sheets to express their outrage with Park policies. We believe the Rangers wanted to make an example of us. Bob, a former Park volunteer, has been a leader in the paddling community for over 20 years. When I agreed to become the AWA Re- gional Coordinator for this area, I was There were others too. Jeff Prycl people writing letters wasn't going to fur- committed to working to protect the Up- made his office available for our monthly ther our goals. We needed to broaden our per Yough from the kind of bureaucracy meetings. Mike Bailey and Neal Dana base to include the out-of-town crowd. that had taken over Ohiopyle. It seemed were both involved from the early days. We needed to show that we &d represent to me that the battle in Ohiopyle should be We were small in numbers, but we the interests of all private boaters in fought by those who use the river. But were committed and managed to get some Ohiopyle. We also needed to get more then, my 14year-old son caught the pad- things accomplished. We consulted with a people involved. dling bug, and the lower Yough was the lawyer on the legality of the DER actions. From my experience in AWA, I knew only intermediate summertime option in We gathered data on Park use and safety that the way to get a boater's attention is the area So for the sake of future genera- records. We wrote letters to state offi- to give away a boat. Once John Schreiner tions of boaters and fueled by the pain of cials. We met personally with local agreed to supply a boat, we decided that the unjust lash of the law, I jumped into elected officials and then travelled to Har- we had to define the primary issues that the fray. risburg to meet with more. We arranged a boaters care about. Bob Ruppel, owner of Riversport Out- meeting with the head of the Bureau of And then we needed a name. The fi- fitters and Paddling School, became in- State Parks. We waited some more. nalists were "The Yough Supporters" and volved after resisting the current of Park As summer boating season neared, we "The Friends of the Yough". regulations on his own for years. He was decided that we had to change our ap- And so we became The Friends of our local connection. proach. Fifty people demonstrating or ten the Yough!.

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 MEISSUES AS SEEN BY

1) The Park calls it a reservation 6) On any summer day hundreds of fee. It's not. If you go to Ohiopyle on people swim in the river above the falls or a weekday or even after noon on week- in Entrance Rapid, a clear violation of ends, there is no need for a reservation. Park rules. Meanwhile, private boaters are But you still must pay the fee. It is a user arrested for incorrectly filling in the sign- fee, and boaters are being charged only be- in sheet. Two cars are left in the parking cause boating is convenient to regulate. lot after dark -the one with boat racks No other users in the park are charged for gets a ticket; the one with gun racks using the same facilities that we use. doesn't. (Actually happened!) 2) The numbers that the Park has col- 7&8) Anyone who has been there re- lected over the past years clearly show cently knows what a circus the rental that there is no need for quotas on week- scene is. Anyone with a credit card can days. The same argument can be made for Fish Commission law dealing with the haz- rent a raft, and most don't know how to most Sundays and many Saturdays. These ardous operation of a boat and fined up to hold a paddle. If private boaters didn't figures have been available to the Park; $2,000. help them out, there would be many more why haven't they figured it out? 4) Four pages of regulations concern- unhappy people, and possibly a few more 3) Ohiopyle Falls in low water is a ing private access to the river provide for tragedies in Ohiopyle. Rentals could be re- Class IV rapid. Many of the long-time resi- summary penalties for offenders. Most of quired to be accompanied by a minimum dents of Ohiopyle have jumped, swum or the rules have nothing to do with safe or number of experienced boaters or made to paddled the falls at one time. A birchbark efficient management of river use. take a guided trip. canoe was filmed making the run for the 5) At no time since the imposition of 9) River use was supposed to be split 1935 version of "The Last Mohicans". But the quota system have private boater inter- 50% commerciaV50% private. Now, with Doug Hoehn says that anyone caught run- ests been solicited when decisions con- the unguided commercial trips (rentals), ning the falls will be prosecuted under a cerning private boaters were being made. usage is over 90% commercial.. Don't be sticky... Let $20 find a hole in your pocket 6% The A WA is fighting to save our whitewater resources. You can help. Your $20 membership fee is funneled directly into our effective river conservation actions. Plus-every member receives a bi-monthly subscription to American Whitewater... the best semi- '-%\ . professional whitewater magazine in the world! -. ' Join the AWA today and receive American Whitewater at home Yes, I want to join the AWA and receive a subscription to American Whitewater. I've enclosed my tax-deductible contribution of $20.00 ($25 Canada, $30 overseas) to help conserve our whitewater resources and promote river safety. Name . Address .rn I would like to make an additional contribution to AWA's Whitewater Defense Project as indicated below. . AWA membership dues...... $20.00 rn WDP contribution ...... $- Total amount ...... $- . . Remember - you can contribute to the AWA conservation program through the Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #0839 rn

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 Lawsuits Threaten Whitewater Recreation

A Bucks County, Pa jury recently avoid such liability. Outfitters maintain awarded $800,000 to the family of a man that providing such protection would The National Park Service has who drowned on a family outing. The jury make that cost of such river trips prohibi- published a 100 page handbook that ruled that the canoe and innertube rental tively expensive. serves as a guide for conducting company, Point Pleasant Canoe Rental Just two years ago RE1 decided to quit recreational assessments for and Sales, Inc., was negligent in not super- renting whitewater kayaks because of li- streams and rivers. The handbook, vising the trip, by providing lifeguards ability concerns. The company maintains Instream Flows for Recreation, along the river. The company asked the that because renters tend to be less expe- provides a framework for designing judge to overturn the verdict, but before he rience, they are more prone to accidents studies, exploring the effects of could rule, the case was settled out of and subsequent litigation. RE1 is also con- flow on resource conditions, evalu- court for an undisclosed amount. sidering dropping its line of mountaineer- ating flows and adopting protection Other outfitters and canoe liveries ing gear, in response to the series of per- strategies. For a free copy of the around the country have expressed con- sonal injury lawsuits that led Chouinard, handbook contact: Doug Whittaker, cern about the implications of the ruling. Equipment, Ltd. to file for bankruptcy law River Trails and Conservation As- They argue that it will be inordinately ex- protection.. sistance Program, NPS, Alaska Re- pensive to provide riverside monitors to gional Office, 2525 Gambell SL, An- chorage, Alaska 99503 (907) 257- 2654..

We supply kayaks, guides, DEERFIELD RIVER food, accommodation, tents and transport within RELEASE DATES Australia. The New England Power Company and New England FLOW have announced the Paddle the untamed torrents following release dates for the Deerfield -0ngpristineWorld Heritage River in New England. For some of the most 900 c.f.s., four hour releases are slated paddlers! isolated and inaccessible at Monroe Bridge on July 10-11, July 17-18, whitewater on earth. July 2425, July 31-August 1, August 7-8, August 14, August 21-22, August 28, Sep- tember 5 and September 17,18,19. The Na- tional Championship Downriver Race is slated for September 19 at Monroe Bridge the raging whitewater of tropical holiday of a lifetime! tropical North Queensland. and recreational boaters are asked to use ore exhilarating the river only when racers are not on the whitewater than you would For complete details, contact: course. The Open Boat National Champi- normally experience in one EXPLORE KAYAK onships and the Slalom National Champi- entire season! Bodo Lenitschek onships are slated at Zoar Gap on July 7-9 Ph: 61 70 32 1468 and September 16-18, respectively. Fax: 61 70 32 2248 & Releases on the Fife Brook section are P.O.Box 53, Manunda, scheduled at a minimum of 700 cfs for 3 Leave the freezing winters Cairns, Q. 4870, Australia. hours starting between 9:30 am. and noon and icy waters of the on the following dates: July 7-11, 1418,21- northern hemisphere behind 25,31, August 1, 58,12 -15, 19-22,26-29, - no wetsuits or paddling September 1-5, 1519,22-24,2930,October cags required here in tropical 13,610, and 13-17. North Queensland. For additional information including the exact release time call the Deerfield River Flow Information Line at 413-625 8414..

American Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober An Employee Owned Company Generd Information ...... 704 / 488-2175 Custom Programs ...... 704 / 488-2175 Instruction Programs ...... 704 / 488-6737 Adventure Travel ...... 704 / 488-2175 Rafting Reservations only ...... 800 / 232-7238 Carolina Cycle Tom ...... 704 / 488-6737 Bike Rentals ...... 704 / 488-6737 Race & Special Events ...... 704 / 488-6737 Outfitten Store Mail Order ...... 800 / 367-3521 River's End Restaurant ...... 704 111488-29 Relia's Garden Restaurant ...... 704 1488-9186 Nantahda Outdoor Center 13077 Hwy 19 West, Bryson City. NC 28713

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 '96 Olympics by Jonathan Katz

The National Olympic Committee theof 35:35; a raw score of 37 into 30, the crux of the Dragon's Tooth. At the has announced that it will include and an adjusted time of 3500 flat. Russell Fork the toughest target place- whitewater biathlon as a demonstra- McBride is convinced that the in- ment necessitated sidesurfing immedi- tion sport in the 1996 Summer Olym- clusion of the event in the Olympics ately above El Horrendo to make a hit. pics. Races will be staged at the sla- will give wildwater biathlon interna- Surprisingly, most contestants in these lom come on the Ocoee River. Pad- tional recognition. races managed to "make these kills", dlers will compete in men's and "Biathlon combines the best of although it took an average of four women's Gl, K-1 and OG1. Mixed downriver racing and practical marks- shots for each target. double teams (1 man11 woman, in an manship. It has done wonders for my Whitewater biathlon paddlers are 0-2) will also be eligible. The event is eye-hand coordination, as well as my armed with standard sidearms... nine made possible by a $250,000 grant sidesdg. And it's fun for the whole millimeter automatics in shoulder hol- from Smith and Wesson, which will family," McBride said, as he accepted sters. They are allotted a limited also supply equipment. the $5000 first prize at the Monroe amount to munition, 90 rounds in 6 Whitewater biathlon originated in Bridge competition. clips. They must hit all 30 targets with Arkansas and evolved rapidly in Ken- "I love whitewater biathlon and the fewest shots possible; a perfect tucky and West Virginia Its popular- only wish it had been around when I score is 30 out of 30. Each miss carries ity grew exponentially as a result of was in my fifties." a 5 second penalty. Contestants who the Colt .45 Challenge Series last sum- Wildwater biathlon contestants miss a target completely or run out off mer; a series sponsored by Colt, Indus- race the clock downriver on a stag- munition are disq~a~ed. tries, Inc., makers of the AR-15 and M- gered start. There are no gates. Tar- Though some contestants carry 16 sporting rifles, and by the G. gets consist of beer bottles filled with their guns in their control hand, most Heilman Brewing Company, bottler of a red solution, placed in clusters of elect to reholster between target Colt .45 Malt Liquor. These compa- one to five, positioned along the shore zones. The pistol is tethered to the nies undenvrote the three races that and on midstream boulders. Contes- paddler's neck with a safety line. were held on the Monroe Bridge sec- tants are aware of the target place- Ammo is stashed in packets in the tion of the Deerfield in Massachusetts, ments in advance, but they are often PFD. Reloading requires two hands the Russell Fork in Kentucky, and the difficult. Frequently targets are posi- and is difficult. North Fork of the Payette in Idaho. tioned in the midst of large rapids, With 1Wh accuracy a contestant Dr. Theodore "Bam Bam" where it is impossible to eddy out to may be able to hit all 30 targets with McBride, who will no doubt be a force aim. only one reload, but perfect marks- to be reckoned with at the Olympics, On the Deerfield, for instance, manship is virtually unheard of and a won the Monroe Bridge race with a three bottles had to be hit on the fly in single miss mandates a second reload. American Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober 1993 Dropped clips, swept into the river, re- lighter, female bow paddlers usually ply targets. The American Rifle Asso- duce firepower and cany a 75 second do the shooting. ciation is contributing heavily to the penalty. Jammed weapons can be "No way is he getting development fund and lobbying exten- cleared on the water, but are costly in sively for live TV coverage. terms of lost time. behind me with a gun!" says "We're delighted to help sponsor According to enthusiasts virtually Becky 0ak.e~who this event," said ARA representative everyone who tries whitewater Bud "Bubba" Cracker. "The Ocoee is biathlon becomes addicted. Ken competes in the OC-2 the most dangerous small river in Omaha, who won the Class 5+ North division with her husband America Last year three people were Fork Race in an open boat with an ad- shot out there. If we can teach boaters justed time of 4325 and a 46 into 30 Paul. Becky is a deadly one to paddle safely with firearms, we can shooting day, waxed ecstatic while re- handed shot, who popped 30 make the country a better place to live ceiving his award check in. And, we can help foster this new "Paddling down a big bottles with 33 shots on the sport, one which everyone should get river... blasting away... Hell, it's better Deerfield. a real bang out of. Ow motto is: 'An than sex! On my second roll in Jacob's armed paddler is a safe paddler!'" Ladder I came up firing and had two in It is expected that at least fifteen Of course, wildwater biathlon is the red before my head broke the sur- countries will compete in the two day still a dangerous sport, almost as risky face!" long Olympic demonstration on the as paddling without a gun. Fortu- The targeting on the Ocoee is ex- Ocoee, with the Cambodians and nately, the only casualty so far has pected to test the limits of the sport. Bosnians being favored. been competitor William Nealy, who Boaters will have to kill five targets "on Smith and Wesson will be supply- shot himself in the foot on a competi- the wing" while running Broken Nose, ing the 9 nun automatic weapons for tion on the Narrows of the Green. and blow away another five while side the Olympic event. Budweiser and Final details regarding the qw- surfing Hell Hole. 0G2 mixed teams Heineken are bidding for the beer con- ing rounds and mandatory drug testing generally have an advantage since the cession and the exclusive right to sup- program (for reds, 'roids and crack) for the Olympic event will be published soon. Meanwhile, interest is increasing in a new variant of the sport known as the Reverse Biathlon. In this event teams of two paddlers take turns m- ning the river. First the members of the Blue team paddle while the Red Wilderness Kayak Expeditions Team shoots at them from shore. Fly-Ins and Day Trips Then the teams switch roles. Scoring Rentals, Instruction is complex, with points awarded for Raft Supported Trips hitting paddlers and boats, while pen- I alty points are added for each hit a team sustains. In Reverse Biathlon paintball guns are used instead of real 9O,-M9-&88 weapons.. 3732 Encore Circle WHITEWATER OUTFITTERS Anchorage, AK 99507 I

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American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993

Mike Hipsher (NOC) 50' Oceana Falls unning white for just over two miles in Northeastern Georgia, the Gorge dropped 650 feet in the flrst half mile, over waterfalls such as Tempesta (76 ft.), Hur- ricane (96 ft.), Oceana (50 ft.), and Bridal Veil (17 ft.). With the assistance of numerous side falls dropping over 1000 feet into the Gorge, falls such as Caledonia, Stairway, Ribbon, Hawthorne, and Vandevere, the Tallulah River ran an average of 600 cu- bic feet per second. According to early visitors it could be heard from over a mile away. The volume and intensity of the river was well respected by the origmal inhabitants of the Tallulah area, the Cherokee, who created many myths about the Gorge. Little people, Yunwi Tsundi, were said to live in crevices and caves deep in the gorge and in . grottoes under the waterfalls (called Ugunyl). Whitewater boaters have, on numerous occasions and on various rivers, claimed to have seen these or similar creatures, usually snagging paddles! From 1882, and the completion of the railroad, to 1913, the enormous popularity of the natural wonders of this gorge allowed the town of Tallulah dam was considered a technological Mike Hipsher (NOC) Falls to grow into one of the largest wonder. The Tallulah project had suc- below 96' Hurricane Falls tourist attractions in the Southeast. At ceeded in blasting a 6,666 foot tunnel its peak, there were seventeen hotels through solid rock and diverting the and boarding houses in and around entire river to create, at the time of its town, the largest, Cliff House, had construction, the plant with the high- from the loss of its natural resources. room for 300 guests. In 1877, it is esti- est head (drop) east of the Rocky In time, the growing need for power mated that 1,800 visitors made the trip Mountains. At this time Tallulah Falls harnessed the remaining power of the to the falls. dam was the biggest power develop Tallulah and Tugalo rivers (formed by Unfortunately for the Tallulah, the ment in America, with the exception the confluence of the Tallulah and beginning of this century also signaled of Niagara Falls and the Keokuk on Chattooga). Today, fully six dams the beginning of the industrial revolu- the upper Mississippi. @urton, Nacoochee, Mathis, Tallulah tion and hydropower development in While industrial development and and Tugalo, also the takeout for Sec- the United States. The Tallulah Gorge, energy production provided society tion 4 of the Wild and Scenic as well as many other rivers across the with growth and improvements, it did Chattooga) impact the flow and scenic country, fell victim to an age when the not come without cost. Today we real- beauty of this area. beauty of nature was often overshad- ize the negative effects of this growth; Today, the Tallulah Gorge, owed by the power of man. In Septem- hydropower on rivers, steel produc- Georgia's deepest river canyon, is dry. ber 1913, in order to provide the ex- tion on air quality, strip mining on our Only about 5 cfs., or leakage, resides in panding city of Atlanta with light and landscape, and overgrazing. In the the Gorge. The only fish are a few pool power, 18,000 horsepower of electric- early 1900's, the costs were not as vis- locked species. Very few people come ity was sent from the TaUulah Falls ible. However, even then, while At- to see this once great natural attrac- dam,and the river ran no more. lanta was flourishing with power from tion, and even fewer come to experi- As with most of the dams built dur- the Tallulah River, the town of ence it first hand. Besides being ing this time, Georgia Power's Tallulah I Tallulah Falls was rapidly declining robbed of its flow, the Tallulah Gorge

American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993 On December 18,1991, Georgia Power filed for a new license for their North Georgia Project (which includes all six listed dams including Tallulah). In February of the following year, the American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) requested, with the Federal En- ergy Regulatory Commission, that additional studies be performed to determine the ecological and recreational values present in the Tallulah Gorge. In November of 1992, the AWA met with Georgia Power, and state and federal agencies, on how to best cany out the recreational sections of these studies. On January 7,1993, American Rivers, Georgia Canoeing Association, Atlanta Whitewater Club, and America Out- doors joined the AWA in a motion to intervene in the North Georgia Project and in the future of the Tallulah Gorge. Through this process, these organi-

Jerry Jascomb Atlanta W. W. Club has also been legally closed to the public due to concerns over safety, liability, and endangered species (Trillium persistens). The town of Tallulah Falls, just off US. Highway 23 and 441, and South of the North Carolina line, now has a population of approximately 142, and the local counties of Rabun and Habersham are among the poorest in Georgia In ruins today, the Glenbrook Cottage is the only hotel still standing from Tallulah's resort era. \ However, nature,through time, and those most affected by its treasures, through patience andlor persistence, 1 have a way of regaining their lost strength and glory. In the case of the Tallulah Gorge, there now exists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore much of the scenic, environmental and recreational potential of this area, and in so doing, perhaps help restore the economic health of this region also.

American Whitewater SeptembedOctober 1993 - PADDLE & PAC! I I OUTFITTERS

PNP Padded Thigh Straps $28.95 PNP ABS Grunch Kit $27.50 PNP 314 in. Knee Pads pr $5.95 CANOEING KAYAKING BACKPACKING Extensive product line featuring zations hope to successfully protect Mohawk, Mad River, Infinity, the non-power values of the Tallulah Extrasport, Norse, Sawyer, River. Included in this is the restora- Bob Foote, Eureka, Technica, tion of flow, both for whitewater rec- and many more. reation and as a daily minimum for Free Shipping Most orders aesthetics, fish habitat and ecological See catalog for details balance; development of a systemwide plan for the Tallulah watershed (which Whitewater Club "the Tallulah packs Call or write for catalog looks at managing all six dams to ben- more quality whitewater per mile, than PADDLE & PACK efit the river and its use); and guaran- any river I have boated." teed public access to the gorge for rec- Nolan Whitesell, representing the OUTFITTERS, INC. reation. public "at large" commented that "I P.O. Box 50299 Both bureaucratic red-tape and don't know of any more beautiful, Nashville, TN 37205 short time frames for public participa- challenging whitewater run than what 1-800-786-5565 tion have kept this process as a little we've been on - in the East". known opportunity. In Georgia, these On Wednesday, amid full media at- issues, combined with a unique politi- tention from major local TV stations cal climate, has kept all but recre- and newspapers out of Atlanta, boat- ational interests from signing "on the ers carried their boats down dotted linen. Fortunately, whitewater Wallenda's Walk (600 feet in less than boaters and hydropower developers half a mile) to the top of Bridal Veil usually look for similar characteristics Falls, known locally as Sliding Rock, in rivers - gradlent and speed - and so, and bushwacked to the base of Huni- for once, boaters were ahead of the cane Falls (considered by most to be curve on this issue. With remarkable un-runnable at present). For the first results so far! run down to the Tallulah powerhouse, On Wednesday May 26th and Thurs- the river was at 427 cfs. day May 27th, the AWA requested After lunch, this scenario was re- whitewater studies were conducted in peated at 751 cfs., considered by many the Gorge. For the first time since to be the optimum level studyied. But 1913, the Tallulah River was restored at this time the participants were able for a few hours to its original gran- to access a narrow trail which ran di- deur. Ten boaters, representing each rectly from Tallulah Park to the base of the intervening parties, were able to of Hurricane. This is the route of make the first "official" whitewater de- choice for boaters, as it eliminates scent of the river. Wallenda's Walk and the carry up- The Tallulah proved to be an in- river. However, this is privately owned credibly fantastic whitewater run. De- and not under Georgia Power's license scribed by the Atlanta Constitution as agreement. It remains to be seen if this a "1.8 mile stretch of almost non-stop access route can be opened either falls, cascades, and shoalsn, the through the relicensing process or pri- Tallulah provided continuous Class IV vate negotiation. On Thursday, a third entertainment, capped by Class V run at 513 cfs. was conducted. Oceana Falls, a runnable 50 foot wa- The run above Hurricane Falls was terfall. While short in length, the not within the scope of this study. This Tallulah provided play spot after play area, which would offer another short spot in an incredibly beautiful setting. section of whitewater, including According to John Bell of the Atlanta Ledore and Tempesta Falls, the water-

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 AMERICA'S FUNNIEST PADDLING HOME fall was made famous in 1972 during the center route. This route drops you the filming of "Deliverance". 35 foot through trees, into the edge of VIDEOS Overall, the Tallulah offers a true the upthrust ledge. This ledge then wilderness experience for the ad- provides a "dynamicn surf (stage left), REWARD: $300 vanced boater. Besides the "rushn of and into the far side of the Thing. At running, and rerunning (or thinking of this point you are dropped another 15 Gentry Video Productions wants to running) Oceana Falls, boaters can foot into the hole. Given the trees and include your funniest, most outrageous easily spend the day dropping over 17 the bodies limited ability to immedi- home paddling video in our upcoming foot Bridal Veil, or playing in any of ately surf left after this drop, I'd give video - America's Funniest Paddling Home Videos. Send us a of the clip the numerous surfing spots on this this route a good Class VI rating. Not and you could win the $300 prize for the run. In the lower quarter of this run, for the faint hearted! Funniest Paddling Video Clip. If your clip boaters enter into one of the most There is no doubt in the minds of is chosen to be included in the video, you beautiful river panoramas anywhere. those who ran this gorge, that it offers will win a free video. We know you've Against a right bank tuxn, the Tallulah a fantastic whitewater run. The goal is captured some great moments on video, has cut out a 1500 foot natural area to get scheduled releases each year, and now you can share them with called the Amphitheater, a natural paddler's everywhere. Include your name, perhaps in mid-summer when nothing address, phone, and a brief descripiton bowl that, during local showers, hosts else is running. At times, the problems along with the clip. We will return all numerous ribbons of falls. In the encountered in reaching this goal entries. So come on, send it in! Deadline middle of all this splendor, is a spot seem insurmountable. It was incred- named the "Rodeo Hole". Surfing, ible to read the local news stories, blasting, and a general good time can Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Gentry Video Productions be had here. And, when executing one (DNR) reports, and Georgia Power's of your better moves (or blunders), comments, each of which stated that 646 Deer Creek Trail you can also here the roar of the spec- this run was suitable only for a small Hoschton, GA 30548 tators in nature's arena group of expert boaters. Nothing could Phonelfax (706) 654-2725 A special note needs to be made have been further from the truth. If re- about Oceana Falls -this is one "awe- leases are provided under a new li- some" rapid. Siarto other drops in the gorge, Oceana is a long sloping drop over a smooth ledge. But it is BIG! A 50 foot drop and running 150 to PADDLE COMPANY 200 foot in length. Running Oceana is a lot like running other waterfalls, its WHITEWA TER easy to do, just paddle over the edge. But three quarters of the way down it CANOE& KAYAK PADDLES gets interesting. Stretching from right with proven to left is an upthrust ledge (upstream performance you demand is more accurate, a painful view with durability you want no water as the ledge is about head value that makes $ sense high to a boater) which funnels most Call or write for information & outfitters in your area: of the water left into what John Bell, of RD 1, Spring Mills, PA 16875 814 -422-8844 the GA. Canoeing Association, de- scribes as "the Thingn. The Thing is an incredible roostertaillwave that pulses 12 to 15 If you need a hat, get a hat If you need a helmet, you need a foot in the air, and is equally wide. 1 Boaters, including open boats, actually disappear into this explosion of water, brace off the tip of the ledge, and blast out the left side - directly into the huge hole at the base of the falls. Fortu- nately, if you have managed to reach field of the bottom in one piece you are mov- your he ing so fast that the hole seems incon- sequential, at least during the study. Of course, most rapids offeer several possible routes; this approach is P.O. BOX 411 1 BO just the one taken by most of the pad- ~ 303-449-8599 dlers. AWA's Kent Wigington also ran

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 193'5, was established by Congress to reduce administrative confusion in planning and regulating hydropower sites. While this was largely an attempt to encourage hydro development, many of the proponents of this legislation, such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, saw the need to provide both a license term which would allow a generous return on investment for developers, and provide a long-term method to reevalu- ate the needs of the public interest and guarantee the public's control over the use of their rivers. Congress resolved these conflicting objectives by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to is- cense, hundreds of advanced and ex- sue private developer licenses with a pert boaters would participate at each THUMBNAIL HISTORY OF maximum life of 50 years. In 1962, a le- release. RELICENSING ON THE gal case (Androscoggin Case) made in As this article is written, two TALLULAH clear that all projects on navigable wa- months after this release, we are begin- ters must be licensed. The Commis- sion ruled that the modern definition ning to understand the true success of this this effort. First, getting Georgia Power How relicensing opportunity of navigability, logdriving and rafting, to provide test releases was a big suc- came about on the Tallulah is also only began in 1943, and determined to cess in itself, and boaters now know rooted in history. The conservation grant 50 year licenses for all pre-1935 the real value of the Tallulah Gorge. movement is sometimes considered a (the change to the Federal Power Act) But the real beauty and success is recent phenomenon, but there have al- projects from the last day of that year. that now everyone knows the value of ways been those who looked ahead or F&y years from 1943 is 1993, and so this outstanding area Since the re- looked at the larger picture in man's today, over 150 licenses, such as lease, conservation groups throughout development. To provide reference, Tallulah Falls, have expired and are the state are attempting to become a Yellowstone National Park was estab- seeking new licenses for the future. part of this license proceeding. DNR, lished in 1872, the Yosemite Act Through these efforts and deci- originally opposed to any release of passed in 1890, and in 1901, the city of sions, the public now has a short, water, is now talking about a minimum San Francisco applied for permission once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get flow of up to 100 cfs. daily, with 400 to to dam Hetch Hetchy. involved in restoring these rivers and 600 cfs. on holidays Unfortunately, In Georgia, as a precursor to their use. Many have had no flows for they are still adamantly opposed to today's grassroots environmental con- whitewater boating. The National Park cerns, a movement was begun in 1900 to make Tallulah Falls into a national Service has also weighed in on the im- portance of the Gorge for recreation. park. The Tallulah Falls Conservation Finally, the local residents of the area, Society attempted to enlist the sup- who have been trying to restore the port of then President Taft, and water for many years, now see the mounted a large publicity and legal prospect of the return of tourism. campaign to save the Falls. In fact, the movement to protect the Tallulah As boaters continue to seek future this releases, both on the Tallulah and at started from a fear that river would share the same fate as Niagara other sites, each of these factors will Falls. Efforts were made to tie the play an important part. There will always be those opposed to any use of Tallulah movement to the campaign to save Niagara Falls. this area, but others are recognizing this that a short but critical opportunity ex- While effort failed, the plight of ists to restare this river. In the end, this the Tallulah River, and the larger pic- recognition, and the partnerships ture of river development, began to strike the right cords at certain higher which will evolve, is good news for anyone who spends time on the water. levels of influence. American Whitewater v SeptemberlOctober 1993 I NEW693CANOE many years (no water means no recre- TALLULAH WHT'ITWATER I The Rapid Solution to your ation, no fish, little wildlife, and limited shortboat dilemma. Shorter, biodiversity), and most have been locked PARTICIPANTS away from the public. Lighter & Quicker Rich Bowers, AWA and study co- Now is the time to get involved. Peek ordinator. into those canyons you have always won- dered about, crawl under that fence, or Boating members: simply talk to the dam managers. Get a project number and call the Federal En- ergy Regulatory Commission in DC. (202) Jim Silavent, Georgia Canoeing 208-0200. With this project number you Association Mark Levine, Georgia Canoeing can track down the project manager, and find out the status of the license and how Association John Bell, Georgia Canoeing As- you can participate. sociation Fopr those interested in additional in- Charles Brewer, Atlanta formation about the Tallulah area, the Whitewater Club READY - TO - PLAY AWA recommends The Lve & Times of Jerry Jascomb, Atlanta Satisfaction Guaranteed! TaUulah %Fads, The Gorge, The ... Whitewater Club Call today or Try a Test Drive at our Town,by John Saye. Much of the histori- Nantahala Outpost cal facts contained in this article was di- Ron Stewart, AWA Regional Co- this ordinator 404325!330 ~tlantaweekdays rectly provided by bookletA Kent Wigington, AWA Nolan Whitesell, "Public at 7W2386Nantahala River large" Left: Bill Hester Mike Hipsher, NOC Bottom: Nolan Whitesell Bill Hester, NOC du Walter Lynch, Georgia Power 23624' MenLhive, NE Atlanta, CA 30341

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American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993 by Markus Whiting

Editors note: Yellowstm. The name conjures up iwesof jagged mountains, wild, roaming animals, wondrous thermal features and ... of course... Yogi Bear. But to a handful of hard core western kayakers there is a lot more to Yellowstone than meets the eye. For these individuals the name Yellowstm elicits an almost mystical sense of intrigue. It seems there is a river$owing throwht the park... Those who claim to have paddled this river... the Yellowstone... maintain that it is as exceptionally dzflicult as it is spectacular. But there is no question about one thing. Paddling the river within the park boundaries is quite illegal. The following account of an expedition on the Yellowstone may or ma2/ not be true. We suspect that it is, but you decide for yourseK In any case the author, who remains anonymous, assured us in his cover letter that all of the names have been changed... to protect those innocent at heart, but guilty by law. yachts jet skis and sail boards filled fear of a felony conviction always con- the senses with commotion. RVs, vinced me to boat elsewhere. I geuss campers, trailers and poodles with fat not all kayakers are born to be out- ladies in tow crowded the shoreline. laws. For about a decade I had been But downstream the river had Nonetheless, a complete dissolu- hearing hair raising stories about the been, for the most part, untouched by tion of my moral turpitude occurred secluded Yellowstone River, which humanity, and, of course, most consci- when Ray Piskadson called to an- flows through the heart of the two mil- entious people, including myself, nounce that Thomas Charleson was lion acre National Park The section of wanted to preserve it as a low impad willing to "guide* us down the the river in question started a bit be- area However, the idea that river Yellowstone. low the massive falls in the Grand Can- would be decimated by a few kayakers Having run the river a dozen times yon of the Yellowstone and ended at drifting down it every year seemed to without capture, Thomas was gener- the park's northern boundary. Rumor me a bit far fetched. ally considered to be the Yellowstone had it that the run was solid Class V, a My interest in the Yellowstone con- River Guru. With this in mind, Ray real adventure. It was no rumor that tinued to grow over the years, but the and I bowed to temptation and started running it was very illegal. to make clandestine plans. Unfortunately for aquaholics, the As we slinked into the park under National Park Service had a policy of the cover of darkness, Thomas regaled "No river running in the park". They us with the legal ramifications of our offered many reasons; foremost Lefl: The Yellowstone intended adventure. Three of his Jack- among them was the need to keep the Gorge: Forbidden Fruit son Hole buddies had been the most park "pristine*. Ironically, upstream recent miscreants caught doing the il- on the Yellowstone Lake, motor boats, legal aquatic act. They were forced to

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 abort the run, carry their boats four miles, fined $250 each, spent a night in jail, and, worst of all, had all their whitewater gear impounded. I started to have serious misgivings and I could tell that Ray was having them too. Charleson then told us the tale of a well known kayak rep who turned himself in while on the Yellowstone to report an accomplice's aury and to request a helicopter rescue. Both were subsequently con- victed and ordered never to return. But, being an adventurous kind of guy, or maybe just a slow learner, the boat rep did return... the very next season. As fate would have it, a back country ranger spotted our hero and ordered him to pull over to shore. Knowing that a second capture would have unpleasant consequences, he decided to make run for it. As might be expected, armed officers were waiting The judicious route for him at the take out and soon he was hand cuffed and on his way to the pokey. At about this time Ray and I were convinced that running the Yellowstone was not appropriate for rational, respectable river runners. We figured it probably wasn't appropriate for us either, but that wasn't the point. I wasn't about to be the one to back away from the challenge; I figured I would let Ray chicken out first, then I could begrudgingly agree to turn around and go home with him. Little did I know that Ray was secretly waiting for me to throw in the towel. Hence neither one of us spoke up to express our concerns. Meanwhile, Thomas continued his litany of horror stories as we continued on our way. A word about Thomas is in order. He was renowned for his epic adventures. Simple day trips had reputedly been transformed into survival epics that compared with the exploits of the invites you to come experience the National Wild Donner Party. A whole chapter in Tales of Terror could reportedly have and Scenic Chattooga River. We are a licensed been dedicated to our fearless guide professional outfitter and offer a complete selec- and leader, Thomas Charleson. tion of paddling equipment and services. We are About thirty miles from the put in, open seven days a week April through October Thomas navigated our vehicle into the Yellowstone employee housing area, and on weekends all winter. where he informed us, we would be Hwy. 76 Box 147 staying. On the floor of the cabin of a Long Creek, S.C. 29658 ranger friend's cabin, no less! This sounded to me like sleeping with the banker's wife the night before a heist, but like teenagers bowing to peer pressure, Ray and I acquiesced.

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 We climbed into our bags at 11 p.m. and set our wrist watch alarms for 330 am. The plan was to get some sleep, then be ~p and on the river, half way through the sixteen mile run,before the rangers awakened from their slumbers. But, as 1 lie on that floor, contem- platmg my future life behind bars, I heard the 12 o'clock beep. The 1 and 2 am. beeps seemed to follow not long thereafter. "Ray! Are you awake?" I whis- pered. "Uh huh," came the reply. "What the hell are we doing this for?" A long silence followed. "Because we really have to," I said. Ray sighed, "I know... we really do owe it to ourselves." Above: Scouting the mighty Yellowstone AU too soon the 330 alarm sounded, waking Thomas with a start, but merely annoying Ray and myself, for we were still wide awake. We quietly climbed into the car and stole away. At the dark put in the Yellowstone was mysterious and intimidating. A steamy mist rose from the surface of the water into the cold night air. Tho- mas pointed out that the water was at an unusually high level. By 5 am. we were tackling big, class IV rapids. Al- though the day was just dawning, I was already exhausted and I knew that Ray felt just as lousy. Several miles into the run the canyon walls began to tower above us and the gradient increased. This created extremely big and violent drops. In an innocuous place the fast moving water slammed Ray onto a rock just under the foamy surface. He was immediately pinned, the water leader in whitewater instruction since 1972, MKC bent both the bow and the stem of his offers highly personal instruction from Beginner to Expert boat downward. As the boat folded, it levels in both kayaking and open canoeing. Located on the trapped Ray's legs, creating a grave Madawaska River, we provide all the comforts of a vacatior situation. With a mighty drawstroke resort. And better yet, our rivers are clean, warm and un- Ray pulled himself off the potentially crowded. Weekend and 5-day courses. lethal rock and back into the flow. We eddied out to regroup and in- Box 635 Barry's Bay Ontario KOJ 1BO spect the damage. Ray was okay, but Summer: (613)756-3620 Winter: (61 3)594-5268 his boat was pretzelized. He faced a difficult decision, to attempt the remaining 21 miles of difficult whitewater in a damaged boat, or to walk five miles back to the car. Ray made the prudent choice, shouldered

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 his boat, and started hiking. Charleson and I continued on. Within a quarter mile Hell Roaring Fork spilled more volume into the Yellowstone, boosting it to around 6,000 cfs. The rapids became extremely powerful, tossing our boats around like tiny corks. About two miles after we lost Ray, we came upon a horrific drop which I chose to portage. Now I like to think that I have the "right stuff" as a boater, but at the level we were running, the drop was a thundering class VI. Predictably, Tho- mas decided to go for it.

I should have seen the "Thomas Factor" taking shape. Halfway through the portage, I looked over my shoulder to see a tiny Thomas, rniniturized by the immensity of the rapid, strugghg valiantly to to stay on line. At the critical last move, a deceivingly powerful The Yellowstone- mnning a bit on the high side current shoved him toward a giant boulder which separated the good (Class V+) side of the rapid from the bad (Class VI) side. For a time Thomas stalled there, This cold winter side surfing a ffieen foot pillow, hoping that fate would flush him in the nght direction. He dug his paddle hard experience into the foam and fought to reach the favorable route. Then he was gone. He had flushed down a far left chute into a vertical rock jumble with wrmculture about 1,000 cfs pumping through it. Water gushed out from under the boulders fifty feet below the spot where Thomas had disappeared. Honified, I waited. And waited. There was abso- hris Spelius created Expediciones weeks of exciting whitewater adventure. lutely nothing I could do to help. After Chile to satisfy the adventure The Triple Crown features the Rios Bio Bio, 45 very long seconds his kayak ex- paddler in himself. His international Fuy, and Futaleufu. It is the ultimoChile paddling experience has taught paddling hip for expert kayaken who want ploded from a viciously recycling hole C to spend 3 weeks touring Chile's best riven. him the recipe for an unforgettable white- at the bottom of the rapid. It rose from water vacation: "the best whitewater on Our new video about the region's culture, the surface like a breaching whale. A earth", the most comfortable base whitewater and our trips won 1st few seconds later Thomas popped to campsa blend of rustic place at this year's National outdoors combined with Whitewater Paddling Film the surface as well. I could see that he luxuries, great food, unique Festival in Kentucky. Send a was shaken, but coherent. hassle-free logistics-with check for $15 to receive this But the river was not done with lots of time on the river, exciting video. Give us a call him yet. It sucked him back into the and incredible scenery. orwrite for info on this heinous pourover, where he Realize your dream season's trips and join us in kayaking vacation by joining Chile for the paddling recirculated for ten more seconds. us for one, two or three experience of a lifetime. I finished the portage and C HI LE scrambled back to the river as quickly 333 Earl's Road l Bwon City, NC 2871 3 0704488-9082 as possible so that I might help. I chased him through some easy Class V water (sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it?) and caught him

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Amencan Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 ing at him. Ray froze and stared back. The bear did not budge. Ray decided to be assertive, so he beat his paddle against his boat and yelled. The bear did not have a boat or paddle, but he wanted to be assertive too, so he growled back. At that time Ray decided to alter his strategy and to assume a submis- sive role. He quickly scrambled up the nearest tree. Luckily, the bear eventually lost interest in this game and wandered off. After a respectable time, Ray shim- mied back down to the ground from his perch, picked up his boat, and re- sumed the trek

Back on the river, Thomas and I silently stole past the rangers' outpost as the sun's first rays broke over the hori- Fighting hard to stay on line on the turbulent Yellowstone zon. Almost all of those apprehended kayaking the river had been nailed here. At any moment I expected some green uniformed Dudley Dooright to The Kayaker 's Edge start yelling and radioing us in. There Fast paced whitewater instruction video unlocks the secrets behind basic and advanced was even the possibility that he would stroke techniques, smooth surfing and sidesurfing, rolling and bracing. 58 min. New Release. shoot at us! "The best general instruction video on the market." Outside Magazine "This is going to be it," I thought. I "I'm going to jail." I SOLO PLAYBOATING! But absolutely nothing happened. Inspiring instructional video packed with information for open canoeists. 43 Minutes. We just silently drifted by. "Entertaining.. Super job of pesenting technical points. Nicely pac &...fun to watch." Not far below the outpost we en- Charlie Walbridge, Wildwater Designs "Every intermediate who wants to improve their skills should watch this tape. Highly tered the second canyon. Once we informative and energetic approach to advanced boating technique.' had entered the granite walled gorge Bob Foote, Foote products we were committed to finishing the Available fmm your favorite whitewater store or send $33.95 to: run, irrespective of our ongoing paddle Kent Ford 160 Hideaway Road, Durango, C081301 303-259-1361 shortage. Throughout this five mile canyon the rapids were immense. Thomas and I approached each drop very deliberately, ready to eddy out at the mere suggestion that a portage might be in order. Thomas fierced up and was hand paddling strongly. To add some degree of safety, I stayed slightly ahead, so that I might determine what lie downstream and to better be able to assist him in BEAK case of a swim.

When we encountered a rapid -HELMET -- VISOR - SYSTEM -- which could not be hand paddled, I would boat on through, then cany the Send $12.50 Check or M.O. to SALAMANDER paddle back to Thomas. He would i0.Box 2895, Seal Beach. CA 90740 then run the rapid, leapfrog past me, 1 Or check out your local Paddle store. then bring the paddle back Using this process, we negotiated some very exciting class V whitewater.

American Whitewater September/October 1993 Shot into the air like a wet bar of soap out of a clenched fist

Although this technique worked, it the point where we felt comfortable As we relaxed on the roadside, was a dangerous one. The individual hanging on to one another and floating basking in the glory of having "done with the paddle was definitely on his cata-yak style through some of the something wrong" and gotten away own, unable to count on any rescue as- drops. We laughed as our boats and with it, we spotted a ranger driving our sistance. bodies bashed off each other, as we way. Suddenly I wasn't gloating any- While I was in the middle of a spun about clumsily in the swirling more; despair set in. The ranger fixed particularly gnarly set, Thomas paused current. his eyes on us and thrust his arm out to shoot some pictures. A monstrous Our adrenaline levels subsided the window. Our hearts raced and our wave broke over me, completely bury- once we knew we had survived the palms began to sweat. ing me and my boat. A second later heaviest of the water and that we had "Damn," I muttered. "We almost the buoyancy of my boat had its way reached a point where we could com- pulled this off." and the kayak exploded from the wa- fortably hand paddle the rest of the Then suddenly the ranger smiled, ter. run to Gardner, Montana. gave us a big, warm "Have a nice day" This was no ordinary back ender! I Unfortunately, the take out was in kind of wave, and drove right by! rocketed skyward like a wet bar of a populated area, crammed with tour- We were home free! We had suc- soap ejected from a clenched fist. This ists, hikers, fisherman and... rangers. cessfully tackled the Yellowstone, a was big, wild stuff! Through the last mile the river was truly great river, and we weren't even Soon we encountered two more slow and wide. All we could do was facing hard time! And, we had gener- drops which were genuine bone crush- drift along and try to be inconspicu- ated another great, colorful pile of B.S. ers; each required a substantial por- ous. A few fishermen waved and we to add to our book of Absolutelv Ri- tage. Both of us agreed that, if we nervously waved back. diculous River Adventures. didn't wind up in jail, we would return Once we arrived at the take out, What more could any self respect- at lower water and run all of the rap- we quickly scrambled up the hill, ing kayaker ask from a morning of ids. stashed our kayaks and slipped into paddling?. Finally the wentmellowed to our street clothes.

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 - - Standard size Tight Skirts (smaller than keyhole) Larger size Tight Skirts (keyhole or larger) Sprayskirts available in Blue or Black Tee Shirt (L,XL) A .- - JAG MANUFACTURING, INC. Tank Top PT P.O. Box 9571203 Jansen Avenue (L,XL) US.Canoe and ffipk Team Johnstown, NY 12095 Shirts available in ~cialticensee Phone (51 8) 762-9558 Fax (51 8) 762-2807 Gray or Black Tackling New Hampshire's Fowler River My name is Bi. My passion is whitewater. Thoreau once said, "Nature is my mistress." Hair is mine. But Hair Boating is an ephemeral sport, I those times too hot or too on, and I know there are , choose to prostitute themselves figuratively by g alternative activities such as skiing or climb- those unfortunates who Top: Addicted to s literally during the off- hair Bottom: Fowwwwww....ler

e away the hours in discotheques, pursu- whatever sexual diversion to which they may be in-

But me... I spend my down time writing about rivers. I've managed to overwhelm the with thousands of pages of inco- herent whitewater babble. The dark, impenetrable ssed mind in need, taking the tten word on a holiday through my own per-

gripped, perhaps even seized, by an ethic as ?rfulas a well spring. Consumed by the need are... to communicate with others of my .... the ecstacy of LOCAL HAIR! was aroused early that morning by the nor of the telephone. Expecting my course enthusiastic boating partner, Rich, I was sur- jed to hear the voice of Alzheirner, another of paddling buddies. He sounded concerned. "Hello, Bill? Something's wrong with Rich!

b says he doesn't want to go boating!" "Fear not, Alzheimer," I replied ~nfidantly." He just needs to hear that the nith is running three feet." But, when I phoned Rich and told im the good news about the Smith, he mut- ered in an eerie monotone, "Bill, I hate the ;mith." I must tell you, dear reader, that the tcharacteristic tone of his voice raised the from the receiver sent my faithful dog Ephus scurry- theor another. ing behind the T.V. To be certain of my "If I wanted my *- I had to ask but pulled, I'd do it myself," Rich roared. "The "Rich, when was the Contoocook sucks and time you had a bowel the Swift is even worse for its pretense of "Three weeks ago- beauty! Listen to me, we ran Swallow Falls and listen to me good. Yough," he groaned. We have got to find some Hai better be nearby, becauseL I ar )bus started to howl. todeathofdrivingasIamof~. .-, wtn a nanay pi "Rich," I said, "I want you to class 314 rivers!" polypropylene. know that I understand what you I pointed out, timidly, that the turn of events. Ordinarily Rich was a are going through. And though it may Smith was, in actuality,a continuous good natured fellow, and I realized offer little consolation, there are other class 4 run. that the symptoms he was manifesting boaters out there going through the "Continuous class 4 my ass," Rich could only be those of a serious same thing. There is a medical proce- replied scornfully. "Its one long rapid boater's Life Crisis. I had seen this be- dure that you could have. But... if you all right, and its called Piss Rapid. Get fore and you probably have too. It in- are willing to take a chance, there is a me Hair, Bill, real Hair, or I swear it variably presents with a boredom with Hair Creek nearby that may be up. It's will be that demented excuse for a dog one's usual rivers, loss of appetite, re- got a name and its name is Fowler. of yours that pays for my wrath!" fusal to travel and, of course, nihilism. The Mighty Fowler!" Ephus clearly heard and under- Many of our greatest Hair boaters have Thus, faithful AWA reader, it was stood this threat, for soon I noticed a suffered from such Life Crises at one the inexorable workings of our pas- streamlet flowing from behind the T.V., imminently threatening one of my favorite rugs. As I pondered Rich's demands I ab- Journal of North sent-mindedly dammed the vile efflu- American Competition Paddling

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 Right: Snowmelt on the Fabulous our brains had been fowler. Right page: Ned Brown above and some potent neu- Sexual Telepathy on the Fowled otransrnitter had been thereby Page 70: Phil1 the Drill, DMD. on the ecreted, so that we were all Fowler quite mad! As we stood awe- by the Fowler's mad rush to sions which led us to New e flatlands, we concluded that it Hampshire's Mount Cardigan, the reached it's crest, less than ten source of the Fowler. Ephus and I lours after the rain had ceased. steered an erratic path driving up From the put-in at the AMC from Alexandria I was craning my Lodge the Fowler droped at 200 neck trying to gauge the water levels feetlmile for one and a half miles. in the roadside streams, while Ephus Though primarily class IV,this oscillated back and forth between the section contained two closely front seat windows of my pickup. placed slides, Frequent Micturi- During the entire fifteen years that IS and Revisited, which approached Ephus and I have spent together she ,.& VI in daculty when the river has insisted, with an intensity that mir- was in flood. Near the end of the run rors her excitement, in panting for Club Hut, at the very base of lurked Welton Falls, invariably a class breath on alternate sides of the front VI. This two staged, thirty five foot this Cardigan. Arriving at the generous seat. It is by unfortunate habit that parking lot we spotted Rich's Suburu, falls plummeted into a beautiful tear E~hushas come to incur the everlast- shaped grotto bounded by steep cliffs. g but neither he nor Alzheirner were at in scorn of Rich, as well as her nick- hand. Boldly I entered the lair of the On that day we hastily domed our name. But I must admit, on that par- AMCers, an assemblage I've always whitewater gear and launched over ticular day, I was most certainly the viewed as spiritually akin to kayakers the snow banks into a roadside pool. most excited beast in the truck. because of the intensity of their pas- Here the Fowler was but eight feet sion. I found them happily listening to wide- Rich's proverbial Piss Creek- but an environmental lecture-- at 8 am. that would change quickly. Almost im- on a Saturday! mediately the Fowler dropped into an- Like Darwin on the Canaries I con- other creek of equal magnitude, then sidered this epiphany, "Here, save sev- roared off through a culvert under the eral evolutionary giant steps, goeth I." road. Among these AMC fanatics I felt like The balmy air of our sunny pool re- Charlton Heston in the Planet of the ceded quickly as we peeled out into Apes, isolated in a world populated the current, experiencing that familiar, EUROPEAN only by cruel and homfying carica- exhilarating acceleration of falling wa- tures of myself. ter. Enveloped by swirling vapors, we I staggered out of their lair and set were swallowed by the ominous dark- KAYAK off towards the Fowler. Deep in ness of the culvert, and then, just as thought, I almost bumped into my suddenly, we were ejected into the erstwhile companions. Rich appeared dim bastion of the Upper Fowler. The Specially for the American to be in a state of agitation. Fowler's steep banks were covered whitewater enthusiasts,KSE is "Hair!" he roared, by way of saluta- with evergreens; they raced by as we organizing a kayak adventure on tion. braced over pourovers, boofed log- the most famous whitewater rivers The spectacle of the Fowler that jams and boat scouted congested of Europe.This unmissable trip day put us all into a dither. Some routes. okes place over two weeks in June, during which time we visit: FRANCE ITALY SWITZERLAND -PERCEPTION-HYDRA-PRIJON-HARMONY-MC)HA\VK- SLOVENIA -YAKIMA-BODY GLOVE-BERMUDES-HELLY HANSEN- & AUSTRIA -KOKATAT-SIL'V'ER CREEK-EXTRASPORT-SEDA- For further information about this -DISCOUNT PRICES - FAST MAIL ORDER SERVICE- unique opportunity contact: Kano Ski Europe (KSE) -CALL OR WRITE FOR A FREE CATALOG- Hoofdstraat 202, 6024 AB Budel The Netherlands 30940 LORAIN RD. NORTH OLMSTEAD, OH 44070 Tel: 00-31 2521 1 1369 or 00-31 4950 1 8497 (216) 779-4545 Fax: 00-31 4950 1 8462

American Whitewater v~epternberi~ctober1993 row chutes ripe with pinning potential materialized at our very bows. Overhead a nar- 4 row ribbon of blue sky mir- rored our class IV descent. dle closely with my We squeezed our vessels at as I squeaked through through slots less than a narrow entrance slot. I meter wide, we clutched w several braces, first as onto foliage in eddies in- opped onto a slab of adequate to offer true e, then as I crashed into refuge from the mael- e foul tempered hole at the strom, we executed rminus of the drop. Im- wild maneuvers to es rsed in froth, I felt my mo- cape the infamous ipate. After an eter- broach. ndoed in slow mo- We hammered into microel ctuary of an aa- just upstream of ominous horizons, then peered over our shoulders into whooped with joy and re- the glorious unknown. At places the the death grip on my paddle. forest provided a complete canopy Radiantly, I gave the okay signal to over the m9wFowler. We slid over cut, the second- a nasty hole. my friends above, followed by the bedrock, plunged through holes and Alzheimer started to raise objections three digits of my hand, raising the zoomed along the moss covered to Rich's intention to plunge on... mock conceit that Frequent Micturi- banks. We cranked to the left and Wasn't this the very place where some- tions was only a class III. then to the right, ferrying just above one had drowned during a hurricane? Rich confidently hammered into menacing drops. But Rich just dismissed his concerns view and I glimpsed the colorful hull Soon we found ourselves at Fre- with a snort. of his kayak as he boofed the initial quent Micturitions and Revisited, the I ski jumped over the preliminary drop. He landed on the slide, then hardest runnable rapids on the Fowler. edge into a small eddy, then peeled out shot through the hole, careening into Each one a hundred feet long and toward the horizon, aligning my the eddy where I sat waiting. twenty-five feet high, each featuring its own brand of peril: the first- an under- .. , , Presents Whitewater Dancer II Thisvideo has it all! Underwater rolls, the 89 Worlds, Rodeos, Hot waveandhole surfing, Class V wipeouts, Tunes by World Famous Fiddle Master Papa John Creech! HI-FI stereo 55 Min. .low to Organize a Successful River/Outdoor Cleanup intertaining and informative. Of special interest to clubs. Get nvolved. CLEAN UP A RIVER. HI-FI stereo 18 Min.

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 "Fowwww.... ler," he howled, and knew his Life Crisis was in resolu- tion. But, alas, Alzheimer was not so fortunate. He failed to tuck his paddle adequately on the approach. We could almost feel his agony as his knuckles scraped along the bedrock walls of the initial slot. He cartwheeled in the hole a couple of times, finally was spat out, only just before he disappeared into R ited. Fearing for his safety, I peeled out in pursuit. Soon I was bracing off pillows and holes, stroking strategically to weave my way through the monster. I spotted Al safe downstream as I emerged from the final hydraulic into a soft say, Rich did the same, but in supplica- eddy. Rich joined me a few seconds tion to the river. later. "Oh Great Fowwwww.... ler!" he Knowing that the worst was be- howled again and again. "This creek is hind us, we eqjoyed a mile of class IV so sweet. Fowwwww... ler!" water before approaching the vertical Rich was beginning to get on poor defile on river right which marks the Al's frayed nerves. Not only had Al portage around one of the most seduc- been trashed at Frequent Micturitions, tive but he had broached at another spot, class V1 drops I have ever seen... necessitating a rescue at the hands of Welton Falls. Alas, a detailed descrip- the beaming Rich. tion of the allure of Welton lies be- Fortunately Hair Jordan was the yond the scope of the simple missive. type of rapid, thrilling, but forgiving, And so, gentle AWA reader, that could turn any day around. We all dreams came true that day on the Up- had clean runs. per Fowler. True love was realized. We paddled through Last Resort, a Below Welton Falls the Lower Sec- dynamic slide with the potential to pin, tion of the Fowler began, dropping 100 and out of the Tumescent Mile. The feevmile for five miles. Accessible Fowler was still dropping, but the from a road via a spur of the Manning tough stuff was over. We stopped at a Trail, the Lower Fowler lie waiting for five foot ledge to catch some endoes those not ready to challenge the Up and some rays. Then we floated per. through some class III/IV rapids, While the Upper Fowler was tight around some meanders, exchanging and boulder congested, the Lower was pleasantries and gloating. all slides and bedrock. The initial seg- Two miles below the bottom of Tu- ment, known as the Tumescent Mile, mescence we walked Sphincter Insuf- gradient 150 feevmile, proved to be ficiency, a rapid with a final aperture the most difficult... a scaled down which is a bit too garbled and under- Chatooga Section 1V. cut for my taste. It didn't matter. We Sexual Telepathy lie just 100 yards were at peace and we didn't need it. below Welton Falls, where the creek Even Rich had his fill. funneled into a powerful locus of We leaned back on our decks and cross currents. Immediately thereaf- relaxed as we bobbed along. Below a ter was Hair Jordan, the most memo- set of power lines we reached the rable of the drops in the Turnescent Fowler Gorge, the final half mile sec- P.O. Box 122 Long Creek, SC 29658 Mile. Here the Fowler poured over a tion of whitewater that served as the ledge, runnable on the right, dropping dessert to the meat upstream. Play- (803) 647-9912 into a tight chute flowing perpendicu- fully we challenged one another to larly to the left. As this chute opened, catch eddies and to boof tiny drops. the flow slides ten feet into a hole. And, all too soon, we reached the take- As Alzheirner and I nervously out, a bridge by the Fowler River scouted Hair Jordan, Rich waxed elo- Bluffs development. quent and ecstatic about the glory of As we stood by, idly watching the our spring Hair run. And as Alzheimer ever dependable Alzheimer loading

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 our boats, Rich bellowed a final flood the land upstream, and that across the plateau surrounding Cardi- "Fowwwww.... ler! " would include the lair of the AMCe rs.... gan I hammered down hills, leaned Then, after a moment of deep I suppose they might turn mean... but into my turns and boofed over pot- thought, he offered an interesting Ephus could guard our place from in- holes, barely managing to stay within proposition. terlopers." the white lines. "You know, we should all chip in Such was the whimsical nature of In truth, my mind was already and buy one of these dilapidated farm our conversation at the take-out, and starting to ponder the Cascade Section houses. It could be a home base for an again, back at the put-in, when we ar- of the Fowler, located upstream of the outfit like the AMC, only for Hair Boat- rived to claim my car. Fortunately the Upper Fowler, a section which is ru- ers. Maybe the state would even build Upper Fowler had fallen to an mored to drop at 500 feethile. a dam for us, so that we could have unnavigable level, because, had it still outrageous parties with guaranteed been running, we would, like Pavlov's Editor's Note: Bill is a Hair Boater big water releases on the Fowler the dogs, all have lapsed into a state of agi- from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Some- next day." tation again. times he boats with Rich and sometimes "Alzheirner,"he continued, "you And so we parted company, A1 and with Alzheimer, but his closest boating could operate the dam and coordinate Rich going one direction. while Ephus companion is Craig Gunderson, from the flows. Of course, we would have to and ~\e$ed another. ~kvin~home whom he is inseparable..

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 tains. And in summer and fall, before the annual rains begin, you should head to the largest watersheds, the Klamath and Trinity, both of which are supplemented by regular dam releases. With that basic plan in mind, you're ready to tackle the wild North Coast - provided it doesn't tackle you first. Make no mistake. Many of the rivers and creeks here are tough and demand solid skills and judgement. The water's cold, the rapids continuous and the more challenging runs tend to be remote, with little chance of outside help - at least for a long time. But none of that should pose too much of a problem for veteran boaters. Really, all that stuff is fairly rou- tine, nothing you haven't seen before in West Virginia, or Idaho or wherever you're normal stomping grounds might be. No, it's not the rivers themselves miles to the next blob. This is the San that are likely to prove you're undoing. Though, admittedly, there are an It's the...shall we say... extracurricular awful lot of counterculture types Francisco Bay Area and, though not quite as dense as the LA. blob, it is a activities. around. You see them from time to Are you afraid of ghosts? Do you time when you're running shuttle, their blob nonetheless (and, to make mat- ters worse, one sprinkled generously shiver at the thought of goblins and rainbow-painted converted school ghouls and long-leggedy beasties and buses emerging from the fog like with chardonay-sipping, BMW-driving, cellular phone-gabbing yuppies). things that go bump in the night? If so, ghosts from the Summer of Love. then you'll definitely want to stay away But like I said, that's not really my Now, fmally, move all the way point. What I'm trying to get at is north, from the Oregon border down something a bit the coast to Cape Mendocino and then more... well... supernaturaJ. It's a weird inland roughly a quarter of the way to- kind of energy, a sort of pulse if you wards Nevada You have just traced will, that boaters can feel at certain the outlines of a vast rectangle and times and places in this remote, mag- you will note that it contains no brown nificent land. Sometimes this energy blobs whatsoever. Not one. What it stays quietly in the background, more does have, on the contrary, is lots and or less minding its own business. But lots of bumpy green background criss- other times it manifests itself in less crossed with a network of little blue subtle - even frightening - ways. lines. I guess what I'm really trying to say And any whitewater paddler is that the far North Coast is haunted. knows what that means. I know that may sound silly. But That's right, there's rivers in these come boating here for a week or two mountains, and lots of them. Big and you might just end up agreeing booming, wide open rivers. Super- with me. steep, hyper-technical, boulder-choked First off, you'll need to know just creeks. And everythmg in between. It's exactly where "here" is. When you get a whitewater smorgasbord to satisfy a chance sometime, refer to any map even the most voracious appetite. or atlas of California Notice all those And, as with many all-you-can-eat large, brown blobs, scattered about buffets, the biggest problem is simply like some sort of blight? Those are the knowing where to start. Often, the mega-cities of the most populous state best advice is to go with whatever is in in the nation. There's a huge one about season. In wintertime, that typically a fourth of the way up from the Mexi- means the Smith, a crisp, invigorating can border. This, of course, is the Los treat only a handful of miles from the Angeles region, a post-modern night- sea In spring, the Salmon is usually mare, a vast, out-of- control urban excellent, as are the many other rivers sprawl. and creeks that drain snowmelt from Now move north a couple hundred the region's higher, more inland moun-

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from certain parts of the North Coast. Like Bluff Creek, for example. This frothy stream, a tributary of the Klamath, is one of the most intense steep runs on the North Coast, if not anywhere. And it was here, on an overcast spring day a number of years ago, that a pair of horse packers made a discovery that changed their lives. The pair had been headiig up stream alongside the creek, using the edges of the stream-bed as a natural trail into the wilderness. Things were going well; the wildflowers were in bloom and the snow melt was on, the roar of the creek creating a soothing white noise, the kind that lulls you into a tranquil, almost dreamlike, state. someone else - typically a camper or a And then they saw it. It was a logger - will emerge from these woods large creature, as big as an NFL line- shaken and ashen faced. Or so the sto- man. And it was hauy and naked and ries go. loping across the far side of a meadow To my knowledge, none of the with a long, gangling stride. No, it handful of paddlers who has de- wasn't a raft guide, nor was it some scended Bluff Creek has ever spotted overgrown hippie; this was the early a Sasquatch but, then again, how could 1960s, several years before the evolu- they? They've been far too busy simply tion of either of those life forms. trying to stay alive. Danbl McMulbn Rot1 It was a Sasquatch. Like the Green Narrows and other Skeptics, of course, will have a cutting edge descents, Bluff Creek is hard time believing this. Luckily, the outrageously steep, up to 400 feet per horse packers had a home movie cam- mile. But it is also much more pushy era with them and, after their initial than most of its counterparts. And, like shock, they whipped it out and started many salmon streams, it is numbing. filming. Every spring, these incredible fsh Today, some 30 years later, no one somehow battle their way up the falls 80 -not any of the many scientists and and drops of Bluff Creek to the hatch- P.O. Box film experts who have examined the ery at its headwaters. Roughly during Albright, WV 26519 footage - has been able to prove it a the same season, a few kayakers fight fake. No one really knows what to their way in theopposite direction. (304) 329-2359 make of it. But every once in a while The two journeys - of the fish and

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 the boaters - are basically mirror irn- ages of each other. Both involve an ur- gency born of desperation, the salmon leaping high into the air, jumping ledges and falls, dodging granite boulders, negotiating chute after chute, occasionally bashing themselves sense- less, literally giving their lives for the chance to spawn, while the kayake rs... we ll... testosterone-poison- ing is no laughmg matter. But maybe that's too cynical. What- ever their motivation might be, once the kayakers put on, they are commit- 12 ORIGINAL FULL COLOR ted to a six mile descent with no relief Salmon, the Scott, even the mighty PADDLESPORT GRAPHICS until the creek finally spends itself in HAND SCREEN PRINTED ON HIGH Trinity all merge with the Klamath. QUALITY 100% COTTON WHITE the slower waters of the Klamath. In contrast to most of these swift T-SHIRTS. This river, the second largest in the tributaries, the Klamath is, for the state, sweeps through a large swath of bend check or money order for $12.95 most part, a gentle giant - wide, dark plus $3.00 shipping. Specify "Steep" the far North Coast, from the high and smooth with occasional sets of design, L or XL. We ship UPS or plains along the Oregon border to a frothy waves next to swirling pools. Express Mail. windswept beach in Redwood Na- This is especially true duringthe surri- tional Park, some 50 miles north of Eu- mer and fall, typically the time of low- reka Along the way, it collects the est water on the North Coast. If you're run-off from the bulk of the region's here then and your tastes run exclu- 3usiness end club inquiries invited. premiere whitewater runs. The sively to raucous whitewater, you

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 swirly - even in late summer. But be- ware of overly prolonged mystery moves; some of the pools in this stretch harbor monstrously large, sin- ister-looking creatures. I am referring to sturgeon, an ancient breed of ar- mor-plated, bottom dwelling fish that can easily reach several hundred pounds. If there truly are Sasquatch around, maybe this is what they eat. Then again, maybe they've vegetax- ians. There's certainly no shortage of plant life along the far North Coast. Many local rivers are lined by extremely dense vegetation, a tangled mass of ferns and other undergrowth presided over by towering trees, most notably Redwood near the coast and Douglas Fir more inland. Such terrain would, no doubt, provide excellent camouflage - if not for a Sasquatch then at least for another legendary denizen that haunts these woods. And this latter creature is one I h"'" encountered personally. It was an overcast day near the Salmon River, perhaps the least appre- ciated whitewater drainage in the entire state. While thousands of Califor- nia boaters know all about - and flock to - Sierra Nevada runs like the North s of the Kla- Fork American, few make regular trips I choose to to the Salmon. one of two No wonder. It's a long way off (up technically on to eight or nine hours from the Bay Ive it and in- Area and God knows how far from led "Upper LA). But it's also worth the hassle. lerness run The reason is simple. Unlike the vast terrain along majority of runs in the closer Sierra, rder. the Salmon has not been tampered s way gentler, with by misguided engineers. Its two re accessible; major forks and the main canyon they dong the 100 form remain completely een the Sarah unencumbered by dams and other wa- the village of ter projects. The result is at least 50 $way 96 fol- miles of free-flowing whitewater flowing for (more if you count the Salmon's many ?ut-insand tributaries, including Wooley Creek, a ibly won't no- full-fledged Class N-V river in its own ater. You'll be right). 'enery - a se- And what whitewater the Salmon ines, jumbled has: Perrier-clear, granite-strewn, ever- ;ossed sea. No changing. Indeed, the Salmon is like a the river here whole collection of rivers rolled into z Indians who, one. Its upper South Fork, for ex- orld Renewal ample, is a serious test for even highly CS. skilled boaters, a furiously paced yet ibe particu- technical descent through a narrow, ion of the Kla- walled-out canyon. Immediately below Starting just is the tamer Methodist Creek run, ffluence with Class III ledges and shoals framed by is deep and lush forestland. Further downstream - DEALERS

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JOIN THE AIRE FORCE Support Your Local Dealer P.O. BOX 341 2, BOISE, IDAHO 83703 (208) 344-7506 FAX (208) 345-1 856 in the main canyon - is the big enchi- NASA. They eyed me suspiciously lada, the Nordheirner section which, from the confhes of their vehicle, a when the melt is on becomes a thump- battered old Ford pickup. They were ing series of waves and holes, a place bumping along behind me and, as they where rapids have overly macho swung wide to pass, I stuck out my names like Achilles, Anplane Turn and thumb. Freight Train. They slowed, then stopped. Then there's the North Fork. This "Where you goin?" said the driver. one is an amalgam of all the above, a He was a long-haired, bearded man mixture of power and technicality, a with deep furrows around his eyes and non-stop, boulder-strewn slalom on his forehead. course sprinkled with extremely clean "Forks of Salmon," I said. ledges in the two to five foot range. His companion in the passenger And it was here - on a windy little seat opened the door and slid over. He road bordering the river - that I had my was practically a mirror image of the own Close Encounter of the North driver, only his furrows weren't quite Coast Kind. as deep. "Hop in," he said with a gap- I had been running (actually walk- toothed smile. ing) the shuttle, when - out of nowhere I did, but as we headed off down - THEY appeared. They were some- the road I couldn't help but be alarmed what strange-looking creatures - hu- by the driver's style - or lack thereof. manoid, to be sure - but beyond that I As we cruised along, he was holding wasn't sure what to make of them. the wheel like a cigarette stub pinched The feeling was, no doubt, mutual. lightly between his thumb and forefin- Sealed into my red and blue drysuit ger. He seemed totally unconcerned with its black latex cuffs, I must have that whole sections of the road, large looked like some sort of reject from Menasha Ridge Press

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 Now and again, you hear stories about recluses who, for whatever reason, hide out in the most remote mountains of the North Coast and grow their crops. And you also hear about how they supposedly guard their plants with tiger pits and pungie sticks and other exotic boobie traps worthy of a Rambo movie. But like the Sasquatch stories, it's difficult to tell what's real and what's fiction. That's just the way it is around the North Coast. These fog-shrouded for- ests seem custom-built for perpetuat- ing myths and legends. Maybe you can even contribute to the regional lore yourself. If you come boating up here and run into some local paddlers, tell them all about the strange sight you witnessed out on the main Salmon. You know, that battered red Toyota, with a couple kayaks tied to the roof, just floating along, driverless, taking a perfect line through Freight Train..... ** *>m* ---. -- ~--* - semicircles, were eroded away and I watched as he and the passenger had fallen into the river below. grabbed shovels and started scooping I thought about how Poco had lost mounds of wet, grey dirt into the open his car, just 10 or 15 miles downstream bed of the truck. from here. "This stuff's volcanic in origin," the It had been a sort of comedy of er- driver explained to me. "It's great for rors, I am told. First some rocks fell in growin things." front of the Tercel, blocking the road I scratched my head and, sure and bashing the windshield and front enough, the little lightbulb went on. end. Poco's girlfriend, who was driv- "What are you growing?" I asked, ing, stopped. The pair got out to inves- trying to sound as innocent as pos- tigate and, much to their horror, saw sible. more rocks falling. Poco yelled for his The driver stared at me for a sec- grilfriend to run away while he himself ond or two. "Lawns," he said. Then he made a beeline for the car, in order to smiled. "You know. Like for landscap- rescue his beloved dog, a half Irish Set- ing and stuff.'' ter half Golden Retriever. He got him I nodded. "Lawns," I repeated out and the pair bolted for safety. They slowly, fairly certain that there was no made it, but the car didn't. At some major housing construction going on point over the next several hours, for at least 50 road miles away. while Poco and crew were hiking "Lawns," he said again, with a little along, looking for help, a wave of de- laugh. bris came crashing down from above I grabbed a shovel and helped the car and swept it into oblivion. them dig. Fifteen minutes later we About the closest anyone's gotten were on our way. When we got to the to it since is by running far river left on take-out and I watched them drive off, the rapid created by the landslide. I couldn't help but wonder: were those All of a sudden, my musings were guys the real thing? Not just dope rudely interrupted. The driver, both growers, mind you. They're a dime a hands now on the wheel, was swerv- dozen on the North Coast. No, I meant ing hard right and aiming for a small were those guys growers of a very par- cul de sac next to the road. We ticular kind, a sort that has been more stopped and he hopped out. "We gotta or less mythologized around the North run a little errand," he said. Coast.

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American Whitewater ~~eptemberl~ctoberI993 Return off the River By Peter N. Skinner P. E. Photos : Todd Waddell

Editor's note: Pete Skinner is ver the last two decades, I've done to change unreasonable to everyday fun.... a long time AWA Director and y share of steep creeks and big Consider, if you will, John Best of New whitewater paddler from New 0water. Each run was less of an ex- Hampshire... Until last month, I had never York State. A winner of periment and more of a validation of what I heard of the guy. But now, he's poised Perception's River Conservation- believed to be reasonable river running. alone at the top of the 70 foot waterfall - ist of the Year for his work on hy- Nothing is more satisfying than demonstrat- Big Mama on the Raquette River's Colton dro licensing, he divides his time ing a mastery of the calculus of proper in- reach. Like a golfer sizing up an all impor- amghis family, river advo- terpretation of local hydraulics and applica- tant putt, he seems remarkably calm con- cacy, environmental engineer- tion of appropriate athletics and skills re- sidering that some 1300 cfs are plunging ing, and teaching at Rensselaer sulting in a fine run. Sure, we all have had down the drop, creating a carpet of froth Polytechnic Institute. those ugly surprises, but usually the math interlaced with hydraulics, super fast has worked for me. I've always assumed flumes, and a dreadful looking keeper at that when my calculus shows a run is the bottom with only a small sneak route unrunnable, I'm right.... around it. I can't believe it - neither I nor Given this engineering approach to river anyone else has any interest in running Right: Bill Kiepers of Rochester emerges running, there have always been icons of this one. In fact, this is the same falls that from the Cuisinart for the final descent urnability in my diary - like the Sept my long time paddling buddy, Barry, and I into the keeper. Steve Massaro looks on Soews waterfalls on the Rouge near Ot- walked and agreed would never be run by for safety. tawa. Imagine then my amazement and anyone in this decade and here is some Leftt: New Hampshire boater, John Best, chagrin a couple of years ago when I guy actually thinking of doing it RIGHT boofs Stone Valley Falls as Bary viewed the video of half a dozen Canadian NOW - in front of all kinds of power com- Robinson looks on. boaters tumbling effortlessly down the pany people, who are making the release drops without major incident. Heck, even Bottom: Steve Massaro, AKA the possible for a relicensing test. We've one of our senior boaters swam the drops staked out every possible site with throw Manchild, pilots the big raft down Stone with little more injury than his pride. Image ropes, cameras are poised and the sus- Valley Falls. after image of kayaks falling 20 feet into pense is palpable. Thank heavens, I think, killer keepers only to reemerge ready for the first run at half the flow this morning the immediately following waterfall be- was remarkably successful, considering fuddled my calculus. I can only conclude the nature of the beast. Best better be that paddlers and their equipment continue good...

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober ONCE lMXT9 NOW FOW

Whitewater paddling in states like New to help determine the "feasibilityn of re- Feasibility Study York has gotten kind of ho-hum to some of creating a paddling resource on this seg- the more experienced paddlers. In fact, ment of the Raquette. The Colton section of the the word 'jaded' might even describe a To be honest, I and Barry, felt a bit put Raquette is actually but one of kind of vague experiential malaise which out. We had actually run fragments of this several feasibility study sites has intruded itself upon the psyche. I very segment several years earlier and had around New York. The Moshier mean, how many times can you paddle the hiked around this and other waterfalls. Hudson Gorge and still get that same first What were these people doing even think- section of the Beaver is another time buzz? ing about running this huge drop? Heck, as are two other sites on the So, when someone says - "Hey, want to our calculus had clearly showed that this Raquette. And there are more try a dynamite new stream?" - people sit falls was out of the question - at least dur- too! A WA's mission is to work up and take notice. And so it was that ing the next decade or so.... Sighing, I de- with the resource agencies and here in olde New York, Caren Koll's excel- cided to keep my mouth shut, let the oth- lent organizing and the pro-active [see ers come to the same conclusion, and by- the power company to create a box] cooperation of Niagara Mohawk have pass it as we had done before. Really, constellation of new mns and put a bunch of us standing atop a 70 or so making such decisions is exactly what a special releases at old sites foot high waterfall wondering whether it feasibility study is for anyway. across the state - largely as a could be run. The river is about as well result of relicensing. In fact, known a New York River as you could get (save the Hudson and Niagara) -the Top:.John Best of New Hampshire flies even the staid Niagara Mohawk Raquette - but this run is essentially a first down the last part of the Big Falls at 1300 crew has gotten excited, creating descent. cfs. a holistic look at whitewater Normally, the Colton power plant de- Bottom:. The Upper section team resources at all of their many waters a three plus mile segment that we reconnoiters the Big Falls as it flows at 650 facilities through a "Systemwide are now preparing to try out. The 650 cfs cfs Whitewater Plan." of water gushing over the straight falls and Left: John Best catches some air on the Big steep slides today for the first run came Falls on the Raquette enroute to its first courtesy of the company. We are all here The Colton study has been (and only) descent at 1300 cfs. perhaps the most ambitious. Thanks to extensive pre- p1annin.g between Todd Waddell from the-Company and Caren Koll of AWA, two paddling team simultaneously tested diflerent parts of the bypassed reach - the steeper upper part and the Lower Class 11 - N section. Both groups filled out questionnaires after each run and participated in a video taped assessment of the day's experience. In addition to the waterflow, the Company supplied a shuttle truck and other amenities. To say the test ONCE ILCET'! NOW FOUND FREE CATALOG 1-800-635-5202 A

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NRS Sprint #I020 -was NOW $1,058 1 The banks and face of the falls are literally swarming with NRS Sprint R1025 SB was &486- NOW $1,270 curious locals, power company staff and consultants and yes, - a dozen or so paddlers. A smooth tongue of water jets out from the base of the large taintor gate at the dam, spreading recreational wealth across the river. We slip and slide between dry places on the defile, peering over the ledges and hanging plunge pools which make up this challenge. I must admit that as time drags on, what looked impossible three years ago seems more reasonable every minute. Some of the fellows are actually beginning to reject impossible routes and prioritize the more reasonable ones. Jeez, I think even I might try it down this way.... So much for that calculus.... It's at that very moment that Barry suddenly appears at the crest - in his boat. Gosh - he's gonna run it first - I never got a chance to talk to him first! But what a route he's chosen.... Ocoee Canoe Co.. Inc. down a diagonal cross falls flume that dumps its flow into a Complete Canoe Outfitting: high rock walled caldron of foam half way down the drop. Boy, that's not how I'd do it I think just as Barry disappears Thighstraps over the penultimate lip into the maelstrom. Saddles Out of sight from everyone but me and one other paddler, Barry's boat emerges upside down. Battered by tumbling wa- Air Bag Lacing Kits ter on two sides, Barry attempts roll after roll in this room of doom halfway down a waterfall. Suddenly he's up, but now Foot Braces bridged between the walls perpendicular to the flow. His Knee Pads paddle flails against foam and rock. High above him, we shout encouragement as he fights the conflicting currents, battering Canoes water from above, and treacherous foam piles. Finally, a herculean effort extracts boat and paddler into a sheltered and part of the pool atop the big slide. We cheer with elation and Gear relief. A swim here on the first run would not make this feasibility the success that we were all hoping for. We learned one Give us a call for a •’ree price list thing.... Barry's route is relatively infeasible! W.1, Baa 412 OeoeqTn57361 615-338.4156 Above: The author finds a clean route at Name Your Poison. "See you at Gauley Pest" Steve Massaro supplies safety.

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 Top left: This is where it all begins - the taintor gate at the Colton project dam on the Raquette River. Top right: New Hampshire boater, John Best, executes the perfect boof at Name Your Poison. Bottom: The author approaches supersonic speed on the Right Side of Name Your Poison. Photo by John ~ecklau

By now, the other paddlers have staked wonder, is this?" Some paddler nut from bit confused about what is really do-able. claims to particular routes. One by one New England plans to run it I'm told, and I elect to try the Right Side - it looks more they try various approaches to the halfway so is one of New York's preeminent open challenging. So does Barry. His run in- pool, all of them making it without inci- boaters, Bill Kiepers! Wow, what's hap- cludes an impromptu spin at the crux from dent. Soon one attempts the f'inal big pening to my runnability calculus? Are which he masterfully recovers. I avoid his slide, deftly avoiding the mean looking hy- there some critical parameters missing in move and accelerate nearly out of control draulic at the base of the drop. My run the equation? over the right side ledge - albeit with seems anti-clirnatic after all that has hap Poised on a rock next to the swirling dreadful scrapes from sharp rocks. Others pened. Heck, even the Manchild pilots an cuisinart, I marvel that anyone thinks they joyfully find a number of neat approaches 18 foot raft down the falls. Where have I can emerge unscathed from this thing, to the Left Side too. been for the last few years, anyway? At much less the hungry beast at the bottom We hike out for lunch in the power- some kiddie pool? of the second ledge. Suddenly, the cam- house as the operators jack the gate to al- Well over an hour has elapsed and the eras go up and the kayak appears on the low 1300 cfs to escape for the second run entourage moves downriver to the next lip. It falls gracefully into the center of the of the day. The powerhouse which hereb "problem," a complicated 15 foot ledge. gyre, disappears, then magically re- fore had probably never seen the likes of We bump and grind uneventfully over it emerges upright along with tons of water us paddlers becomes an impromptu forum and the next one down as well. We arrive for the final flight to the pool below. Bet- for tales of exciting and enjoyable pad- at Stone Valley Falls - a spectacular ter yet, the boat does not get stuck! More dling from top to bottom. Adirondack river jewel featuring a triple or less the same thing happens soon after Oh yeah, you may have been wonder- channel and multiplicity of waterfalls. The to Bill in his open canoe. Well, I'll be.... it ing about John Best at Big Mama... He crux falls is the last one on the far end of appears that the sport has definitely fast makes the right moves all the way down, an island. Water pours over one ledge, forwarded, leaving me and my outdated including a short surf in a hole at the top falling some ten feet, into a nasty growler calculus in one of this sport's eddies. Must and a jarring collision with the wall at the hydraulic. After swirling and regurgitating be some 'new math!' bottom, just skirting the giant hole. No what falls into it, the beast discharges its The final problem is the island drop - one else tried it, though. I still think this contents like projectile vomit over another Name Your Poison. The Right Side is a falls at 1300 cfs is unreasonable, but now 15 foot falls into a recirculating keeper - or Class 11-111 drop leading to a zoom shoot obviously runnable. Maybe its time to so it seems to me. Heck, I figure this one's over a diagonal slide on the right or a look into a field study course in the new out of the question - I'll walk it with every- nasty flume next to a wall on the left. The math.... I'll talk to the wife about a little one else. No sooner done, then I hear a Left Side falls 20 feet off a bumpy drop trip down South to see the Gorilla.... call for a throw rope station. "What, I into a pretty pool. By now, I am getting a

American Whitewater ~~eptemberl~ctober ONCE LOST? NOW lFOW

PRO-ACTIVE PRO-ACTNE, a., a descriptor applied to initiatives taken to prevent or minimize problems and create and/or enhance positive outcomes. In the world of business, '9ro-active" planning is the new management buzz word. Proper exercise of pro-active programs results in a kind of pre-emptive strike ccgainst competitors. When government regulation is involved, pro- active management can create a 'beyond compliance' scheme for their enviromental or worker safety programs - schemes which sell well not only to regulators, but also to the public. A WA's whitewater release requests, especial1y in relicensing, are one place where pro-active companies can shine their image. Photographs and video clips of paddlers cavorting in whitewater made possible by power companies can grace stockholder's reports and public service spots. Programs like river sports facilitation also create a positive aura among non-paddlers and other regulators as well, especially when rate increases become unavoidable. Best of all, the costs to the company for such releases are generally small, compared to the costs of fuel, transmission lines, payroll, power plants and the like. Sometimes, achievement of power generation goals actually can be enhanced because of release arrangements. Niagara Mohawk is one company which appears to be seizing the pro-active concept with conviction. Besides all the feasibility studies, this Company has created the Sacandaga Whitewater Recreation Area, complete with a low profile river manager, free take out and put in facilities, and low cost shuttle. Thanks to the creation of a paddled local representative/outfitter advisory committee, operational issues are dealt with eflectively before disputes become problems. The Niagara Mohawk is already far ahead of the curue. Hopefully, as relicensing process proceeds and commitments for releases across its system appear front and center, their pro- active vision will mangest itselfin a new universe of river recreation opportunities across the state.

American Whitewater SeptemberlOctober 1993 The Raquette River, dubbed the workhorse of the North, arises in the heart of New York's Adirondack wilderness regions. After dozens of impoundments and powerplants, it jlows placidly into the St. Lawrence SCALE N LCES River near Massena. This river was an important fur trading route and later became the site of many mills and power plants and river corridor prosperity in years gone by. Most of the power plants on this and other Adirondack Rivers will get new licenses from the Federal Government in the next few years. Special conditions attached to these licenses could open up a whole new array of recreational and scenic opportunities. (see the map)

NYRU Formed AWA is no longer alone in its quest of hydropower plant reform in New York. Thanks to Paddling Jackets Spraydecks grants by American Rivers, River Network, AWA and others, a new river advocacy group has Paddle Bags Buoyancy Vests been formed in New York - New York Rivers UNITED. Under the energetic guidance of Bruce Neoprene Pogies Paddling Pants Carpenter, this Rome, New York, based operation pushes Neoprene Vests & Shorts for river corridor conservation and enhancement, especial1y through relicensing. Among its For catalog and information: goals are better recreation and 7503 New Market Dr. access opportunities, scenic enhancement, more enlightened Bethesda MD 208 17 land use and fishery management, and bio-diversity Faxltel: (301) 229- 1748 programs. American Whitewater ~eptembd~ctober1993 FRIENDS OF THE YOUGH Please take this opportunity to voice your opinion about the issues that concern you the most as a private boater here in our state park in Ohioplye. Your response will be used to determine which issues will receive priority in our efforts to lobby state officials on your behalf!

Please rank these issues on a scale of 1-5 according to how strongly you feel about each issue. i.e. 1 NOT IMPORTANT I NOT AN ISSUE 2 SLIGHTLY IMPORTANT I MINOR ISSUE 3 IMPORTANT Voice your- o~inion.- 4 VERY IMPORTANT I DESERVES ATTENTION Mail this today to: 5 EXTREMELY IMPORTANTI MAJOR ISSUE Friends of the Yough 1 Imposition of user fees on private boaters and not other park users. R.D. #I BOX 32 2 Quotas on weekdays. Bolivar, PA. 3 Illegal to run Ohiopyle Falls. 15923 4 Over regulation of private access to the river. 5 Exclusion of private boater input into relevant park administrative decisions and regulations. 6 Harassment of private boaters by park officials. 7 Decline of safety record in recent years. 8 Unregulated rafl rentals to unskilled paddle 9 Commercial domination of the river.

Other concerns:

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 may be allowed into the lungs, but the air that the victim desperately needs doesn't get in either. Unconsciousness from lack Near Drowning- It of oxygen soon follows. In other cases, such as being recirculated in a hydraulic, the victim may voluntarily hold his breath. While the urge Drowning is most commonly thought to breath is strong,the victim persists. of as asphyxia, or suffocation due to sub- With the physical exertion of attempting to Doctor Bill Arrives mersion. But other problems can be stay at the surface, the oxygen levels in the by Wayne A. Sundmacher, Sr. present. blood drop and the victim slips into un- A drowning can be categorized as ei- consciousness. President, Rescue 3 East, Inc. ther wet or dry, depending on whether wa- Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen in the ter has been drawn into the lungs. Only blood, causes the victim's skin to have a When a near drowning occurs, pad- about ten percent of drowning victims die bluish tint. As the oxygen level of the dlers may not realize the seriousness of from true asphyxia, or dry drowning. The blood decreases, the brain is deprived of the situation once the victim has revived. rest either draw in water during a final at- oxygen as well. The victim looses con- Even when a near drowning victim exhib- tempt to get air, or have water pass into sciousness and the brain begins to die. its no apparent problems, hidden life their lungs while unconscious. Also, without adequate oxygen, an irregu- threatening complications may still be at Usually a drowning victim will make lar and ineffective heartbeat known as work. Untrained rescuers may let the every attempt to gulp in large breaths of ventricular fibrillation can occur, ulti- level of care diminish with time, thinking air. The timing of these gasps may allow mately leading to cardiac arrest. that the victim has come through the water to enter the airway. Once the victim Concurrent with the decrease in the worst of the incident and is out of danger. begins to cough, more water can be invol- oxygen level in the blood, the level of car- What is generally not known is how long a untarily inhaled. bon dioxide increases, lowering the pH of near-drowning victim should be moni- Water passing the larynx, or voice box, the blood and making it more acidic. tored, or the complications which can ef- initiates the choking reflex, which we have If the laryngospasm which closed off fect a near-drowning victim hours after the all experienced when drinking too fast. the airway relaxes after the victim be- incident. During a drowning the strength of this comes unconscious, allowing water to en- What happens when a person is spasm may be so great that it will seal the ter, or if water enters the lungs during a drowning? airway. In this situation very little water last desperate attempt to draw in air, the

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American Whitewater ~Septembed~ctober1993 SAFETY lungs may be damaged. Freshwater re- the victim has revived. cians don't deal with water related injuries moves the chemical surfactant which cov- Contaminants in the water, such as very often, they too may underestimate ers the inside of the alveoli, the small sac- bacteria or chemicals, present additional the seriousness of the situation. So if the like structures in the lungs where gasses problems. Bacteria may cause pneumonia exam seems a little incomplete, don't hesi- are exchanged between the air and the to develop, while chemicals may cause tate to ask questions. Make sure the physi- blood. Surfactant is important because it damage to the alveoli and airways di- cian understands the seriousness of the maintains the elasticity of the lungs and rectly. Either of these problems can be life situation.. helps keep the alveoli open. If too much threatening, but may not be apparent mtil surfactant is flushed away, portions of the many hours after the incident. lungs may collapse, so that nonnal gas ex- Understanding the complexities of change can not occur. drowning gives us a list of potential com- Another process which begins after plications that may or may not occur in water enters the lungs is known as osmo- any given case. But it is important to note sis. During osmosis freshwater can be that many of these complications can de- drawn across the walls of the alveoli into velop or continue for some time after the the bloodstream. This extra water dilutes victim has revived. In some cases they the important electrolytes, sodium and po- may not become apparent for twenty-four tassium, and can cause the red blood cells hours or more. They include life threaten- to rupture. The amount of osmosis that ing problems such as pulmonary edema occurs varies from case to case, but it is (accumulation of fluid in the lungs), aspi- present to some degree in most cases of ration pneumonia, chemical (electrolyte) wet drowning. imbalances in the blood and irregular In particularly muddy water or in salt- heart rhythms. water osmosis may cause water to shift That is why in a near drowning if there the other way, from the bloodstream into is any question as to whether the victim the lungs. This may lead to shock, due to may have drawn fluid into their lungs or if the decrease in the volume of the blood, the victim lost consciousness for any pe- or to ongoing hypoxia, because lungs full riod of time, they should be examined by a of fluid and debris can't exchange gasses physician. well. This process may continue long after Unfortunately, because some physi- mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Paddler Mugs, SAFETY Each mug is unique. Each one is made on a potter's wheel and hand sculptured with colored clays. These paddlers do it all... ender, surf, run drops, etc., and of course, goof up! They paddle Applications are now being accepted "For example, the variety of kayaks, canoes, C-1's and squirt for boating safety project grants to be boats. Find your face or that of a awarded in early 1994 by the B0ATN.S. innovative projects we paddling buddy in these "Mugs." Foundation for Boating Safety. The dead- supported this year ranged from line is November 2. Since 1988 the Foundation's billboards promoting personal Grassroots Grants Program has awarded watercraft safety in Mississippi, nearly $175,000 to volunteer boating to a direct mail boating safety groups and other non-profit organizations to support boating safety projects at the lo- campaign in California, to a cal level. program in Maryland that "We encourage rewards children for wearing community organizations to their lifejackets." submit grant applications for Organizations wishing to receive a projects reflecting a unique and Grassroots Grant application packet White Tree Pottery should write B0ATAJ.S. Foundation, 880 Melinda McDaniel repeatable way to reach the South Picket Street, Alexandria, VA 22304. public with boating safety The B0ATN.S. Foundation for Boating 405 Windsor Drive Safety is a non-profit education and re- Rocky Mount Va 24151 programs," said B0ATAJ.S. search organization funded by voluntary PH. (703)-489-3722 Foundation Director Jim Ellis. contributions from boat owners..

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American Whitewater SeptsmberlOctober 1993 ...... OCOEE RODEO FEVER -CATCH IT! By Tim Kelly Photos by Sandi Lofti Susan Gentrv The 1993 Ocoee Rodeo will be remem- - bered as the flood waters that marked whitewater rodeo as a sport! An incredible 141 competitors -the most ever - mysteried, cartwheeled and pirouetted like never before. The winners came away with more than the usual prizes and brag- ging rights. This year the finalists became members of the Eastern U.S. Freestyle Team and will compete in the 1993 World Championship Whitewater Rodeo on the Ocoee October 16 and 17. But what was the rodeo really like? The Ocoee Rodeo is scheduled as a two-day competition, but for most it has become a three-, or even fourday, paddling orgy. Make no mistake about it; these whitewater cowboys spend all spring practicing their moves. But despite the excitement of the competition, it seems most paddlers just come to be part of the event. By Friday things are in full swing. From water's release to shut off, Torpedo

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 ...... OCOEE RODEO FEVER and Hell Hole showcase nonstop squirting and play boat acrobatics. That night the campground at Ocoee Rafting resembles the Tailwaters the night before Gauley Fest. Boaters move from fire to fire, swap ping epic stories about spring runs or winter trips taken south of the border. You know, Good Old Boater bonding. AWA DirectorIRodeo Coordinator Su- san Gentry and her volunteers have orga- nized the rodeo into a real class act. Com- petitors, boats and spectators are shuttled to Hell's Hole to help ease the traffic problems. Stepping off the bus, you hear tunes echoing off the canyon walls. Sponsor banners color the backdrop, as the Ocoee's rocky banks are transformed into a whitewater arena. The formalities begin with a competitors meeting. Judges are introduced and rules explained. A total of five judges will evaluate three areas: two judge technical difficulty, two judge style and one judges variety. Scores range from one to ten. Each contestant makes three runs and drops his lowest score. This process serves as the preliminares for the expert classes. The top eight in these classes then shoot it out head to head in a single elimination bracket. There are a few differences between squirting and freestyle competition besides the obvious. Although both have a time limit for each run,when a freestylist washes out of a hydraulic, he has the op tion to end his run or make it back to the hole within 15 seconds. This keeps things action packed for the spectators. And spectators there are! The number of neon bikinis on shore make the banks of the Ocoee look like the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Although this doesn't seem to distract contestants, I saw a couple of judges staring the wrong way during a few not-so-spectacular runs. The increase in "fans" is probably the largest area of growth the rodeo has seen over the past few years, and no doubt will The Hwricane redefiner the be the keystone to whitewater rodeo growing as a sport. Keeping the action flowing and the fans entertained will be a major factor in any future format changes. hull affd kde low wlume @m. ReSinct hespinning, On Saturday the water was late in ar- inrtantanewf enderr and unkliwable edge control make tor a Free (ataloq (ontae riving. Little was happening, when Woody S O US , Callaway, the voice of the Ocoee Rodeo, thir the ultimate ndeo hole and wave lurfing boat. WILDWASSER P RT A IMC. came across the PA. "Jimmy, everybody's PO Box 4617, Bould~r,(0 80306 watching..." Woody was referring to the PHONE: (303)444 -2336 / ~nx:(303) 4u-2375 master of the mystery cult, Jim Snyder. In flemenb ofthe Prijon ahfltage: a class of his own, Jim gave us all a lesson. Hi@ perf~rmantein errtry dd@ This was Jim's first rodeo as a contes- * Revoldonag matrrial and manufamrlng pro(61d:HTP PI tant, and he was not ashamed to admit he Be rtrongdr pIa& equallcd by none was a bit nervous. I said, "Jim, even if you turope'i -t have three "bad" runs, the rest of us are unri~llcdmanufamer with p yean expcriem still just battling for second place." How ;il

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 ......

move of the day. The women's expert class continues to s be dominated bv Susan Wilson-Gentrv and

% .-, $$@, Young Kirby Erdely ran away with the A - C-1 Expert title, as he stunned all with spectacular cartwheels. Chris Manderson and Norwood Scott battled it out for second and third to round out the Eastern G1 Squirt Team. Following the squirt competition, everything was moved to Hell Hole, and open canoes took center stage. These canoeists showed what real boaters can do with half the paddle and twice the volume. They surfed, endered and pirouetted for the top three male and top two female spots. When all was said and done, Bob Beazley, Billy Davis and Dale Johnson finished one, two and three from a field of 21, while Kathy Howerton and Brenda Dent claimed first and second in the women's event. The 0G2 competition had eight teams with Bob Beazley and Shane Benedict winning, Brian and Judy Anderson taking second, and Dick Comer and David Rose Tony Reeves Bob McDonough placing third. As soon as the competition ended, the party was rockin' back at Ocoee Rafting in true those words would be. For a bad day tied for fourth and fifth, with David win- Ducktown, TN. As usual, the lasagna din- to the father of squirt boating is still more ning on the tie breaker. Clay Wright fin- ner was fantastic, and the silent auction spectacular than the best day for any mere ished sixth. was a huge success. mortal squirthead. Fred Davis hit the deepest, darkest Shortly after dark, prizes for the day Jim worked all facets of the rapid with and longest mystery of the day, winning were awarded and the serious partying got about every move in "The Bookn to in- both a "Lizardhead" helmet and the most under way. The Greasy Creek Band clude a few Schnitzel throws and a couple cherished prize, a custom paddle made played backup for the toe choppin', har- Atillas (page 125126). Mostly though, he and presented by Jim Snyder for the best monica playing Francis Mallory. Francis focused on mysteries along flatwater seams. The seams never really opened for Norwood Scott Jim, but he would transition from these flatwater mysteries to flashy washouts, work in some screwin' around and finish with crisp cartwheels. Tony Reeves gave Jim a run for his money, as he showed off spectacular hand-paddle cartwheels. He combined this with good seam work and added some past-vertical screw ups. Tony came the closest to matching the fluid moves of the master. Wayne Gentry, producer of "Southern Fried Creekin"', flashed one- armed bandits mixed with killer washouts on top of some serious down time to capture the third and final spot on the Eastern team. The water delay and large number of contestants forced the finals to be modi- fied. Only the top six made the finals. And instead of going head to head, finalists made two runs with only their best score counting. David Frierson and Woody Callaway merican Whitewater v SeptemberIOctober 1993 060EE RODEO FEVER had the packed campground stompin'! of the day. Karen Mann had done well Sunday featured the G1and K-1 play enough in the quarter finals to remain fifth boat competitions. Scott Shoup ran away and make the team. with the C-1 title, followed by Alan The final event of the rodeo was the K- Braswell. It was a close battle for the final 1 Men's Expert class. Here 23 "aquabats" spot on the team, as Tim Maisincupp bid for a shot at World Whitewater Gold. edged out Norwood Scott. Lee Bonfiglio, Corran Addison, Marc Lyle, The K-1 Expert classes were real shoot Doug Wellman, Bob McDonough, Chris outs. Only the top five women and top six Spelius, Shane Benedict and Brian "Lone men would make the Eastern Team Wolf" Fischer made the quarter finals. Roxanne McDonough won the prelirni- Bob, Lee, Corran and Doug advanced naries with a commanding margin, fol- to be the final four. Bob and Corran lowed by Susan Gentry, Rebecca Weis, turned up the heat with great runs to make Hannah Swayze, Karen Mann, Lythia the finals. Metzmeter, Barbara Moore and Elizabeth A repeat of the 1991 Ocoee Rodeo? Cheek. The showdown then commenced, Not this time. Corran edged out Bob by as the top four women shuffled to make half a point! No doubt, Bob will be look- r '-Q the semi-finals. Susan now held the top ing for a rematch come October. The final spot, followed by Hannah, Rebecca and standings were Corran, Bob, Doug, Lee, Roxanne. Marc, Chris, Shane and Brian. The pressure intensified. All four had So there you have it. The crown jewcl solid runs, but only Susan and Roxanne of whitewater rodeo has set the stage for would advance to the finals. The two had the 1993 World Championships. swapped the lead all day, but Roxanne Who will be whitewater rodeo's Mr. went on to win the title with her best run October? Bob Beasley

Playboat Freestyle National Squirt Boating Open Canoe Competition Championship OC-1 Men Expert K-1 Men Expert K-1 Expert Men Squirt 1. Bob Beazley 1. Corran Addison 1. Jim Snyder 2. Billy Davis 2. Bob McDonough 2. Tony Reeves 3. Dale Johnson 3. Doug Wellman 3. Wayne Gentry OG1 Women Expert K-1 Women Expert K-1 Expert Women Squirt 1. Kathy Howerton 2. Brenda Dent 1. Roxanne McDonough 1. Susan Wilson-Gentry ndlr ry nvwerwrr 2. Susan Wilson-Gentry 2. Risa Shimoda Callaway 3. Judy Anderson I 3. Rebecca Weis 3. Jocelyn Hernried T 0G2 Expert K-1 Men Intermediate K-1 Intermediate Men Squirt 1. Bob Beazley and ! 1. John Grurnbine 1. Preston Orr Shane Benedict h 2. Jeff West 2. Tim Daly 2. Brian and Judy 1 3. Mark Travis 3. Cameron Stewart Anderson 3. Rick Connor and K-1 Women Intermediate K-1 Intermediate Women Squirt David Rose 1. Dottie Kibler 1. Jennifer Wiger 2. Christy Coggin 2. Karen Morton Curvin 3. Ava Carr 3. Diana Holloran

C-1 Men Expert G1 Expert Men Squirt I. Scott Shoup 1. Kirby Erdely 2. Alan Draswell 2. Chris Manderson 3. Tim Maisincupp 3. Nonvood Scott

Dale Johnson 1

American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 GAULEY FESTIVAL VIDEOS 7:00 pm Green Summer 7:30 pm Southern Hair

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Gentry Video Ocoee Canoe Company Higgins Hardwood Gear Perception JAG Manufacturing Possum Point Productions Keel Haulers Professional River Guides of West Vir- Kirkwood Winery Sidewinder ginia Kokatat Silver Creek Paddles Rapidstyle L'eau Vive Starrk-Moon Outfitters Riversport School of Paddling Lunatic Designs Swiftwater Publishing Sidewinder Madawaska Symmetria Sticks Soar Inflatables Man of Rubber Tectonic Outdoor Clothing Symmetria Sticks Menasha Ridge Press White Tree Pottery Tectonic Outdoor Clothing Co. Millbrook Boats Whitewater Toys Waterline Mohawk Canoes Wilderness Designs White Tree Pottery Mountain Art Glass Wilderness Systems West Virginia Rivers Codition Mountain Gear Wildwasser Sport USA Wildwasser Sport USA Mountain Surf Wildwater Designs FORUM continued from page 7 And it was particularly apparent on later, I followed. experience. Snake is not the first young the Uncompagre, when Snake calmly an- His line was flawless, and so, as a con- whippersnapper to leave me in the dust, nounced that he intended to run a steep, sequence, was mine. and I know he won't be the last. serpentine class 5 rapid in which an unfor- At the bottom of the drop we were And, although there is something sad tunate Tennessee boater named Gary both beaming. about that, there is something gratifying Stacks had perished two days before. We about it too. Because every time Snake studied the rapid for some time. The When I think back on my early days in pushes the limits a little further, I take Uncompagre was thundering and, al- a kayak, I can remember several times comfort in the fact that some small part of though we did not know the specifics, I when it became obvious that my skills had his accomplishment is mine. could imagine at least ten different sce- surpassed those of one of my mentors. So, Snake, go for it! Do me proud. narios that might have led to Gary Stack's Most of those folks were really gracious Just give me a quick wink as you glide death. about it. by. I'U be there in the eddy with the other After some serious soul searching I de- In fact, surprisingly so. It isn't easy to old fogies, telling them that I knew you cided to pass on the rapid; I would set come to terms with the fact that someone when! safety along shore with the others. But who used to follow you like a puppy is then, just as Snake was getting ready to now the point dog. But it is an inevitable Bob Gedekoh put on, my adrenalin surged in that old familiar way, and I shouldered my kayak and followed Snake over the riverbank. Al- though we had not spoken of it, we both knew that there had been a reversal in our I A 1-1 THE SOURCE FOR CUSTOM roles. When it came to running rivers BUILT BOATS things had changed forever. Now Snake would lead, and I would follow. And as we paddled the screaming mile &,,! long approach to the rapid- it took about three minutes- I was right on his tail. We caught a swirling eddy at the lip of ,' ,' 6KwC/E$+pc< the drop. Snake flashed a confident smile and a thumbs up. 7780 Chamber Hlll Rd. I swallowed hard... several times. I wasn't swallowing water. I was swallow- Harrlsburg, PA 1 7 1 1 1 ing my pride. And there, on the brink of a potential disaster, it went down easy. Sqwr Boars Dealer lnqulrles lnvlted Snake peeled out and, a few seconds

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American Whitewater SeptemberIOctober 1993 Well this river has a similar rapid that we named the Annihilator. But it is twice as nasty. I tell you, the odds of getting through the Anni- hilator without getting hurt have got to be less than fifty percent. And, catch this, you have to run it! It can't be portaged!" "Ga aa... roovey!" I replied. "And just below that there's a must make class 5 ferry right at the lip of a real Only this one is five miles longer and twice H0'~endiomaLike that fen^ above Atom by Carla Garrison . as steep. hdthe blacmes! worse than Bomb Falls on the Middle Fork of the Feather, rveseen in ~~~b~~,even on the only harder. And the rapid below is just like My friend Jody is a lot like me. Loves :Taureau in July!" :Lurnsden Falls on Cherry Creek; it terminates to have fun. Always game to toss the boats Jody continued, "I'll tell you, ain't no- in a that a undercut on the roof and streak off to the latest . body gonna survive a hike out of there. face. But this runs across the steep creek. There is nothing we like more :But that's okay, cause everything on the river and the undercut is the to a than to pioneer hair. river is runnable!" cave." So when Jody calls with the scoop on a . "Wow!" I exclaimed. "And with that "Sounds like fun!" . 'Oh, it is!" Jody exclaimed. sister hot new run, I listen. Take last Monday, gradient. Guess you had to scout quite a for instance. :bit. " Heather cartwheeled in that hole four times me before I got the throw rope to her. Good thing "Damn, Carla, I'm sorry you couldn't . u~ah,"~~d~ "you one make it," Jody said. "This one is a real . whole river lies in a box canyon, like the f Heather caught cause if she had g into beaut! Steepest section drops 1900 feet in one on the Anirnas, only deeper. Cliff faces that she be to China this minute.n less than four miles. It makes the Green plummet right into the river. It would be a &g a ood Narrows look like Vacation Bible School! :511 rock climb. Nope, once you start into g to be true!" I replied. "I Makes the Big South look like a Love Boat . it, there ain't no turning back." can't wait to see it." Cruise!" you scouted from the eddies?" I : "Oh, I haven't even told you about the Well, you best believe my interest was asked. gnarly stuff. It goes on for mile after mile." piqued. "what few there are,njody replied. "NO kidding. Bet it's really pretty in "And you say it's less that twelve miles :" Can't be more than ten on the entire run, :there." from the interstate and that this was the and they're as squirrelly as hell. Like that Jody paused. "Well, in a wierd way. With . On first descent? Wonder how we overlooked . one just above Suck Hole on the Top the iron and mercury all the rocks. it all these years?" :Yough. You know, the one that feeds back That uranium mine upskeam really must be a "Well, it's kind of hard to find. You . into the siphon. Except they're a fraction big One. Bigger than Ones in Nevada need a four wheel drive with real high of the size." Hell, the crayfish actually glow in the dark!" . you finished the river late?" clearance. Fact is, we tore the oil pan out "So you ran a lot of the stuff blind?" 1 from under Garv's 4x4 on the shuttle. And inauired. "Yeah. Might as well have been ~addliig" the put in lies within some kind of private . - "ye&, most of it. you have to. me in a tomb those last two miles. TOO dad. I would have loved to have seen the look on reserve, owned by one of those fanatic f whole river is like ~~~p~ ~~k~ a ~~alon skinhead survivalist cults. Like those the Lower Meadow. You pick a slot, :Gary's face when he tripped.. over that rattler at goons we kicked the crap out of in Idaho." charge into it, and hope fbr the M~~~ ;the take-out. Maybe we'll get an earlier start The memory of that confrontation put of the time we were pretty lucky. next time." a big smile on my face. God, how I love to "Most of the time?" "Gee, it sounds like everyone had a really beat up neo-Nazis! "Oh, except for C.G. He had no way of :@eat the! So we're going this weekend?" I "But you've got to hand it to these knowing about those falls. Poor sucker re- .demanded guys, they have a crazy sense of humor," ally got hammered. 1would have been "SUIT 'nuff. I'll pick You up at four, satur- Jody continued. "No wimpy 'No Trespass- right behind him except I heard the noise.n day morning. Just don't get too tanked at that ing' signs for them! They've posted signs The noise?" party Friday night." that say, 'Do You Believe in Life After "yeah, the sound of the snout of his : "Moi!" I exclaimed. "You know that I do Death??? Trespass Here and See!!!'." boat being crushed. I never heard anyone .my best work when I'm hungOver. "Cool!" I replied. "But were you ready piton that hard. N~~ even at ~l~~al~~h That's when I really don't care if I live or die." to handle those nuts on their own turf? on the ~~rth~~~kof the ~l~k~~t~~."That's good," Jody chuckled. "Cause if it That ilk keeps a lot of firepower stashed coursethis drop was nearly twice that :keeps raining like this, there's a chance that away. Machine guns and even grenades. high." we can catch something even better. A sister And they're just itching for the chance to "Is C.G. okay?" I asked. creek that parallels this one. No one has laid use them." "yeah. H~~~fine. to^ said he might eyes on it yet, but according to the topos it is "No big whoop. I had my 44 with me. even be off the crutches by Gauley Sea- :twice as steep, has three times the watershed Besides, I doubt they'd ever spot us. The son. Course being laid up again is gonna and is four times as long!" brush is so thick that you can't even see cost him his job. So he'll probably loose "0000hhh,"I moaned with anticipation. your own feet. Thickets of greenbriar and the house." "Please... not another word! I'll see you Satur- red haws and stinging nettle. Poison "roobad," I replied. "~'llbet his wife is :day. " By this time I was practically orgasmic. sumac growing thirty feet high! Five times peeved." Who could blame me? more poison ivy than in the Black Canyon, u~~~ sure,n ~~d~ ushe . Like I said, Jody knows what I like. and you know how that is." packed up the kids and left. Looks like I like have fun. And something tells me I'm in for some- The mere mention of it made me itch she's gone for good this time." thin with pleasure. "Good riddance," I replied. "Tell me : g good! "Fortunately there is a semblance of a more." trail to the put in. Reminds me of that "okay... you know rill^ on the Editor's Note: Carla Garrison is a three mile Death March into the Giant Gap Green? Where no m&er how good you :regular cohmnist who is a~~rentbo? section of the North Fork of the American. are, surviving is still a matter of chance. her medication wain.

American Whitewater v~eptembed~ctober1993 For the past fwenty years, our nation has been committed to cleaning its rivers, the arteries of the continent, and bringing them back to life. We can be proud that Eastern rivers whose toxicity once peeled the paint from nearby houses are now clean, and that funding a new dam regardless of merit is no longer the Western senator's rite ofpassage into largesse and clout.

making their way back to the sea.

In many places concerned mostly 1 dams and wild biologists and salmon must coexist, anglers. Wild and the efforts to salmon are going manage this coexis- the way of the buf- tence are and will be falo: their numbers complex and expen- are declining at an sive. Yet elsewhere astonishing rate. we currently allow a The loss of wild simpler solution to salmon would be excape our notice: serious in itself, but that it is to tear biologists are espe- down the dams we cially alarmed Young Salmon swlmmina to the ocean because salmon are an indicator species: their ability to survive is a test of the We have been damming our rivers for two hundred years: a capacity of our waters to support life. What threatens salmon large share of these structures are obsolete, many more are endangeers the environment as a whole. marginnal and no longer do what they were built to do-- they would never be built today. These dams should be identified, Wild salmon can survive in American rivers. What will save and breached, or removed. We ask for your support for two them will save other forms of aquatic wildlife: protection of current efforts to restore the Rogue in Oregon, and the streambanks from grazing cattle, alteration of logging and Kennebec in Maine as examples of what can be done across road-construction techniques that silt over spawning grounds, the country. and cessation of overfishing.

But agruably the greatest threat to wild salmon (and other sea-run species) comes from dams- from excessive releases For more inforination on the Rogue and Kennebec cam- that raise water temperature and kill fish, from inadequate paigns, and on American wild salmon and what you can do (or nonexistent) fishways that block passage to spawning the help the local and national groups working to save them, grounds, from turbine blades that grind up young salmon call the Patagonia Guide Line at (800) 523-9597

1609 W. Babcock St. P.O. Box 8900 Dept. 702448, Bozeman, MT 59715 Patagonia pledxes 1% of sales to the preservation a restoration of the natural environment. @Patagonla Inc., 1993 Patagonia is a registered trademark of Patagonia Inc., used under license.

American Whitewater v September/October 1993 NON- PROFIT US. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #622 NEWARK OHIO Correction Requested