Volume 4, Issue 2 | March 2018

PADDLEACA | - - SUP - Raft - Rescue

Plastics vs. Water Bringing Awareness to the Challenge

Learn about FreeStyle ACA Sponsors Environmental Film Category

Instructor of the Month – January & February

www.americancanoe.org | March 2018 | Page 1 Table of Contents

ACA News Education 3 Mission Statement & Governance 27 January Instructor of the Month 5 Meet Your ACA Staff 28 February Instructor of the Month 8 Partners 29 ACA Produces Infographics 9 Bieg Named ProStaffer of the Month 30 ACA Pro School Spotlight: 12 NSBC Selects New Executive Director Spain's First Pro School 31 Charleston Fest 33 Getting Introduced to FreeStyling Stewardship 36 ACA Offers Level 1-2 Symposium 14 Paddle Green Spotlight: 36 ACA Launches Leadership Academy Trashy Tuesdays 15 ACA Pursues Charged Issues 17 Plastics Vs. Water 21 ACA Sponsors Environmental Category Adaptive 22 ACA Stewardship Initiatives 38 Adaptive Summit Scheduled 23 Rancocas Creek Offers Beauty, History 39 Equipment Spotlight: Paddle Pivot 40 New Instructor Endorsement 41 Upcoming Adaptive Paddling Workshops News Near You Competition 43 State By State 69 Slalom Team Trials Slated for April 50 Support Pine Creek Gauge 69 ACA Hires Slalom HP Manager 51 Winter Paddling in the Southwest 70 Strength Coach's Corner 52 Reap the Benefit of Winter Paddling 71 Youth Olympic Games 53 Bosque Del Apache to Elephant Butte Lake 72 Upcoming Races & Events 55 Winter Boating on the Rio Grande

International Membership 75 Europe to Host Instructor Academy 58 ACA Outfitter Spotlight: River Rock Outfitter 59 Ocmulgee On My Mind Paddling History 63 ACA Member Benefit: 76 Historic Burgees Moving Water Video 66 Member Photo of the Month

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 2 ACA Mission Statement Founded in 1880, the ACA is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition, exploration and recreation.

NATIONAL STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wade Blackwood - Executive Director Executive Committee Chris Stec - Chief Operating Officer President - Peter Sloan (NC) Marcel Bieg - Western States Outreach Director Vice President - To be elected Kandace Bowers - Financial Coordinator Treasurer - David Bell (OK) Kelsey Bracewell - SEI Manager Secretary - Anne Maleady (CO) Dave Burden - International Paddlesports Ambassador Amy Ellis - State Director/Membership Coordinator Board Members Mike Foreman - Conservation, Stewardship & Public *Terms expire at the annual meeting of the year listed Policy Director Katie Hansen - Membership Coordinator At-Large Directors Kimberly Jenkins - Paddle eMagazine Editor • William Irving (North Carolina - 2019) Brett Mayer - Public Policy Chief • Lili Colby (Massachusetts - 2019) LeighAnn Rakovich - Insurance Coordinator • Robin Pope (North Carolina - 2018) Carrie Schlemmer - Education & Grant Coordinator • Kirk Havens (Virginia - 2018) John Sims - Social Media Coordinator Independent Directors Competition Department • Jeff Rouse (Virginia - 2019 Morgan House - High Performance & Competition Director • David Bell (Oklahoma - 2019) Rafal Smolen - Slalom National Team Coach • Peter Sloan (North Carolina - 2018) Chris Barlow- Sprint High Performance Manager Zsolt Szadovszki - Sprint National Team Kayak Coach Affiliated Organizations Director Aaron Huston- Sprint National Team Canoe Coach • Vacant Aasim Saleh - Sprint Jr. Team Manager Shaun Caven - Paracanoe High Performance Manager/Coach Property Management Committee Zuzana Montagne - Slalom High Performance Manager • Bill Micks (Virginia - 2018) • Safety Education & Instruction Council • Steve Hutton (South Carolina - 2019)

Cover photo Competition Council The ACA Raft Instructor Course on the Rogue River • To be elected Nate Wilson photo Elite Athlete Directors • Slalom - Scott Mann (Virginia - 2019) • Sprint - Stanton Collins (Georgia - 2019) Follow us on... • Paracanoe - Kelly Allen (Oklahoma - 2019)

Immediate Past President • Anne Maleady (Colorado)

Liaison Members(non-voting) • Tom Uebel - Sugar Island (New York)

Ex-Officio (non-voting) • Wade Blackwood - ACA Executive Director (Virginia)

Page 3 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org SAFETY, EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION COUNCIL (SEIC) STATE DIRECTORS Chair - Steve Hutton (SC) AL - Chris Anderson NE - Steve Kuhl Vice Chair - Trey Knight (TN) AK - Levi Hogan NV - Available Secretary - C.C. Williams (SC) AZ - Available NH - Available Past Chair - Robin Pope (NC) AR - Tom Burroughs NJ - Jason Parker CA - Alexander Morris NM - Robert Levin Committee Chairs CO - Theresa Zook NY - Mike Cavanaugh Adaptive Paddling - John McDonald (OH) CT - Available NC - Doug Stager Coastal Kayak - John Browning (MI) DE - Chris Beckman ND - Available Intro to Paddling - Beth Wiegandt (VA) DC - Meredith Waters OH - Ryan Pepper Prone Kayakying - Adam Masters (NC) FL - Tommy Thompson OK - Aasim Saleh Rafting - Elisha McArthur (CO) GA - Scott Fraser OR - Available River Canoe - Greg Wolfe (OH) HI - Indar Lange PA - Steve Barber River Kayak - Mike Arnoff (VA) ID - Available PR - Omar Ramos Safety & Rescue - Sam Fowlkes (NC) IL - Lenore Sobota RI - Available Stand Up Paddleboard - Raphael Kuner (Germany) IN - Joe Rozsaheqyi SC - Jefferson Atkins Surf Kayak - Sean Morley (CA) IA - Available SD - Cory Diedrich Surfski - Chuck Conley (VA) KS - Available TN - Bob Snuck Touring Canoe - Molly Gurien (OH) KY - Nathan Depenbrock TX - Charley Kemp Institutional Members LA - Ben Sandmel UT - Available SEIC Chair Appointment - Josh Hall (SC) ME - Rob Hutchison VT - Available SEIC Chair Appointment - Peter Casson (RI) MD - Chuck McMillin VI - Available MA - Kevin Beckwith VA - Steve Eudy Liaison Members MI - Micheal Gray WA - Bill Corson BSA Liaison - Rob Kolb (TX) MN - Bridget O’Boyle WV - Evan Young USCG - Tom Dardis (DC) MS - Brian Ramsey WI - Thomas Schrader USCG Auxiliary - Don Goff (MD) MO - Justin Adams WY - Helen Tozer-Wilson MT - Available

For information about the State Director Program, please contact Amy Ellis at the ACA National Office.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 4 Meet your ACA Staff How would friends describe you in three words? Wade Blackwood Executive Director Intelligent, dedicated, kind

Mike Foreman Rakovich Conservation, Stewardship & LeighAnn Rakovich Public Policy Director Insurance Coordinator Friendly, knowledgeable, caring Kind-hearted, loyal, compassionate Brett Mayer Public Policy Chief Energetic, determined, passionate

Chris Barlow Sprint High Performance Manager Kelsey Bracewell Competitive, loyal, tea drinker SEI Manager Kandace Bowers Busy, hungry, on the run. Financial Coordinator Sassy, competitive, control freak. Page 5 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org Meet your ACA Staff How would friends www.americancanoe.org/staff describe you in three words? Christopher Stec Chief Operating Officer Committed, dedicated, caring

Carrie Schlemmer Education & Grant Coordinator Boisterous, energetic, active

Katie Hansen Membership Coordinator Upbeat, funny, talkative

Dave Burden International Paddlesports Ambassador Adventurous, outgoing, active John Sims Social Media Coordinator Creative, hard-working, sociable

Morgan House Marcel Bieg High Performance & Western States Outreach Director Competition Director & Grant Manager Helpful, intense, disciplined Mellow, fun, teacher Zuzana Montagne Slalom High Performance Manager Caring, strong, well-read Continued on page 7

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 6 Making the World a Better Place to Paddle! Since 1880.

Zsolt Szadovszki Sprint National Team Kayak Coach Athletic, competitive, optimistic

Aasim Saleh Sprint Jr. Team Manager Amy Ellis Honest, loyal, hard-working State Director/Membership Coordinator Reasonable, dedicated, candid

Aaron Huston Sprint National Team Canoe Coach Funny, loud, enthusiastic

Kimberly Jenkins Paddle eMagazine Editor Rafal Smolen Shaun Caven Kind, open, sensitive Slalom National Team Coach Paracanoe High Performance Reliable, passionate, dedicated Manager/Coach Scottish kayak coach

Page 7 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PARTNERS We are grateful to these organizations and companies for their significant commitment to help us achieve our mission and goals.

Partnership Opportunities If you would like to align your business with the nation’s oldest paddlesports organization, please click here for partnership opportunities with the ACA. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 8 ACA staffer selected asProStaffer of the Month

Marcel Bieg, an avid paddlesports enthusiast, was selected by AquaBound as ProStaffer of the Month for January 2018.

Marcel Bieg, Western States Out- the Yampa. These films were my first When I was 16 my Scout troop took reach Director & Grant Manager for real exposure to adventure sports a canoeing trip to Quetico Provin- the ACA, was chosen as Aqua-Bound and they certainly planted a seed. cial Park in Canada. It was on this ProStaffer of the month for January two-week expedition that I fell in 2018. Bieg is a professional whitewa- I was also part of the Boy Scouts love with on-water adventures. ter kayaker and guide. He’s also an throughout my young life and was Instructor and Instructor Trainer in extremely fortunate because my From that point on, I became more several paddling disciplines. scout leaders were experienced aware of what paddling was and be- mountaineers. So, I was exposed to gan to seek it out. When my parents AB: Let’s start with your back- a lot of technical mountain sports, asked me what I wanted for my high ground. How did you get started specifically rock, ice climbing and school graduation present, I imme- in paddling? backcountry skiing. diately said “A kayak!”

MARCEL: When I was young my As a teen these passions grew and I had never even sat in a kayak be- parents would regularly take my my life began to revolve around fore, but somehow I knew I would sister and me to the IMAX Theater snowboarding in the winter and in Denver. With each feature there rock climbing in the summer. I lived was an included short film, typical- outside of Boulder, Colorado, so I ly on some type of adventure sport. had a playground right out my back Rock climbing in Yosemite, rafting door. I worked as a life guard to sup- the Grand Canyon, or even port my adventure sport habit. Page 9 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org love it. I took an introductory kayak This has changed in my 20+ years of As I mentioned earlier I real- class from Boulder Parks and Rec paddling. In my experience, the dif- ly am in debt to paddlesports and was on my way. ference between paddlesports and and so I do try to give back. all other adventure sports are the I am always on a board of directors It took a just over a year before I paddlers. We river and ocean folk of a local group working to educate nailed my first combat roll and met are wired just a little differently. It’s people and protect watersheds, and a group of people to paddle with at these people who have kept me so volunteer regularly to teach at events. college in Glenwood Spring, Colo- engaged and enthusiastic about pad- rado. Once I did, everything else fell dling for more than half of my life. Here in my local community I work to the background. I started teach- with the Willamette RiverKeep- ing roll classes for a local paddle- I love being on the water with a er and take part in their monthly sports shop and became a commer- brand-new paddler and seeing them Trashy Tuesday River Cleanups on cial raft guide in the summer. The following year I moved to Alaska to finish school and added sea kayaking to my re- sume.

My four-year degree is in Wilderness Studies, and I ultimately earned a graduate degree in Experiential Edu- cation.

Most of the great things that have happened to me have somehow been related to my profession and career as a paddler, experiential educator and adventure guide. Bieg with students in his outdoor classroom. I have visited countless beautiful places, met the most amazing peo- ple, experienced hardship and tri- grow just as much as I love paddling the Willamette River in Eugene, Or- umph – I even met my wife through harder water with my team of dialed egon. I regularly volunteer to safety paddling. Ultimately I am indebted paddlers who I trust 100% to have boat for a variety of events and I am to all my experiences and the people my back as they trust me. It really is always looking for opportunities to who have helped form me. a beautiful thing. help wherever I can.

AB: What do you love about it? AB: How do you give back to the AB: How else are you involved in community through paddling? your local paddling scene? MARCEL: When I first started paddling it really was about the ad- MARCEL: I try to make my profes- MARCEL: I teach paddling and venture. Pushing my limits, maybe sional life about teaching others to instructor level classes for the City scaring myself a little, getting away live and love the outdoors and show of Eugene Parks and Rec program from people outside of my team, how critically important the natural (Continued on page 11) and going to beautiful places most world is for us all. people never get to see. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 10 as well as the University of Oregon I love Aqua-Bound for so many rea- strengthen their chance at making Outdoor Recreation program. sons and have paddled AB adventure education a career. for well over 10 years. I would like to do more locally, but I AB: Do you work with any specific travel a great deal with my job as the AB: How do you introduce a new groups in paddlesports, like veter- Western States Outreach Director paddler to kayaking or rafting? ans or youth? for the ACA. Although I may not be able to do as much activism locally MARCEL: For the most part I get MARCEL: Absolutely! Through the as I would like, I travel all around new people paddling through for- City Program I work with, we reg- the western states from the Rock- mal education. I teach a substan- ularly have veteran and youth-spe- ies to the Pacific, teaching classes, tial number of kayak, rafting, swift cific classes and often have fully supporting clubs and events and water rescue and adaptive paddling integrated paddlesports classes. In educating the public on issues that classes each year for a variety of or- addition to that, I’ve been working affect our rivers and oceans. ganizations. on becoming an Adaptive Paddling Instructor Trainer for several years. AB: Is there a local Aqua-Bound Additionally, I’m an Instructor dealer you help out? Trainer and Instructor Trainer Ed- This program allows me to teach ucator for the ACA so I regularly Adaptive Paddling Workshops all MARCEL: Unfortunately, the Eu- mentor Instructor Trainer Candi- over the country to instructors who gene area doesn’t have a true pad- dates to help elevate them to IT or would like to work with students dle shop. But I push Aqua-Bound ITE status. with a physical disability. Through throughout my travels and am al- this program I’m involved with re- ways carrying enough paddles for This allows them to make a bigger vamping and writing the curricu- people to demo whenever they impact on their paddling communi- lum and help plan for events like the would like. ty as well as improve their ability to ACA Adaptive Paddling Summit.

PagePage 1111 || PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 www.americancanoe.org www.americancanoe.org National Safe Boating Council names new executive director

Following a search process that be- coming boating community, and ness administration from Georgia gan in October 2017, the National I am grateful for the opportunity Southern University, and recently Safe Boating Council has named to lead the National Safe Boating relocated from Estero, Florida to Peg Phillips, former ACA State Di- Council,” shared Phillips. the Washington, D.C. area. rector for Florida, as the organiza- tion’s new executive director.

“We’re excited to welcome Peg to the NSBC,” said NSBC Board Chair Chris Stec. “She brings a wealth of translatable experience and fresh perspective from her ten- ure with the College of Life Foun- dation and US Foods, as well as her volunteer work with ACA Florida. Her career commitment to service and outdoor recreation will serve NSBC and the boating community as a whole well and we look for- ward to working with her.”

Phillips is a seasoned management professional offering a proven track record in both nonprofit and corpo- rate settings, consistently exceeding defined goals through disciplined, organized execution of planned objectives. For the last eight years, Phillips served as vice president of the College of Life Founda- tion, which offers historical kaya- Phillips understands the value of Established in 1958, the National king and hiking adventures for the giving back to her community, Safe Boating Council is the fore- whole family. Under her leadership, having served as president elect of most coalition for the advancement the College of Life Foundation re- the Rotary Club of Estero and vice and promotion of safer boating ceived the American Canoe Asso- president of Friends of Koreshan through education, outreach, and ciation President’s Award 2016 for State Historic Site. training. For more information stewardship along the Estero River. about NSBC programs and profes- An outdoor enthusiast, Phillips en- sional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org. “It’s an honor and thrill to join such joys hiking, fishing and boating. a wonderful organization and wel- She received her bachelor’s in busi-

www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 || PagePage 1212 STEWARDSHIP

Page 13 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org www.americancanoe.org Paddle Green Spotlight Trashy Tuesdays on Willamette River

rashy Tuesday is a monthly river cleanup organized by the Willa- mette River Keepers and supported by the ACA and various mu- nicipalities throughout the Willamette River Valley. The cleanups Ttake place along the full length of the Willamette River and several of its tributaries from Portland to Eugene Oregon.

In Eugene the cleanups are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month and focus on a different section of river depending on the amount of trash. These cleanups are incredibly important because not only do they help keep the local communities safer, looking nicer and healthier; they also affect every community down river and even worldwide as this trash has the potential to reach the ocean and end up anywhere on the globe, on a beach, in our fish or in the ocean’s depths. So find your local river cleanup opportunity and do your part to help.

For Oregonians near the Willamette Valley who wish to get involved visit http://willamette-riverkeeper.org for more information.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 14 ACA pursues hot button stewardship, policy issues

By Mike Foreman, ACA Conservation, Stewardship and Public Policy Director and Brett Mayer, ACA Public Policy Chief

The ACA's Stewardship and Public 2. The Gila River water develop- The Boundary Waters Canoe Wil- Policy department is pursuing a va- ment projects; derness remains threatened by H.R. riety of hot button issues on both 3. Proposed military training ex- 3905, Minnesota’s Economic Rights the state and national levels. ercises over the Gila and Aldo in the Superior National Forest Bill. Leopold Wilderness area; and This bill threatens the Boundary In the past few months the ACA 4. A newly passed rule that makes Waters Canoe Wilderness by re- has worked closely with the state of it illegal for New Mexico resi- newing all existing claims to mine New Mexico to distill and commu- dents to fish and float sections in surrounding National Forests, nicate four important issues to New of streams and rivers within the preventing the creation of any new Mexico members: boundaries of private property. National Monuments in Minne- 1. The recommendation to sota, and leaving National Forest change the proclamations of The ACA thanks New Mexico State lands open to new mining claims. Rio Grande del Norte National Director, Robert Levin, and State Monument; Board Member, Norm Gaume, for Pollution from mining tailings in their leadership on these issues. this region could severely affect

The ACA is working with the state of New Mexico on several important waterway issues, including an executive order from President Trump that could affect the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Page 15 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org www.americancanoe.org The Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness remains threatened by H.R. 3905, Minnesota’s Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Bill. water quality in one of our nation’s tions once considered permanent of the Interior to eliminate Master most iconic paddling landscapes. subject to political whim. Leasing Plans, which essentially ex- H.R. 3905 narrowly passed through cludes paddlers from participating the House of Representatives and The ACA supports S.2354, the An- in the process of land management may reach the Senate floor in the tiquities Act of 2018, which official- plans on public lands. coming months. The ACA urges ly declares congressional support members to write a personal note for the 51 National Monuments cre- It remains a challenging time, and letting their Senators know what ated between 1996 and April 2017, the ACA is committed to ensur- the Boundary Waters means to reinforces existing law that states ing the voice of the paddling com- them as a paddler. that presidential proclamations munity is heard when it comes to designating monuments are valid protecting our nation’s paddling re- Nationally, the policy landscape re- and cannot be reduced or dimin- sources. The ACA supports an open mains challenging. Numerous piec- ished, further enhances protections and inclusive process and is con- es of legislation threaten the Antiq- by requiring management plans for cerned about legislation that limits uities Act and codify changes made monuments be created within two the ability of the paddling public to to existing monuments. The ACA years, and ensures that monuments get involved in public process. The opposes H.R. 3990, the National receive additional resources to meet Stewardship and Public Policy De- Monument Creation and Protec- their unmatched economic, recre- partment is committed to making tion Act, which ends the availability ational, and cultural benefits. members aware of key policy move- of the Antiquities Act as a meaning- ment on the state and national lev- ful conservation tool and gives the Finally, the Bureau of Land Man- el and providing opportunities for executive branch the power to undo agement made recent changes un- members to make their voice heard existing protections, leaving protec- der the direction of the Department on issues. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 16 Plastic vs. Waterways

Most everyone reading this knows that plastics are bad had for only $1. There’s a “disposa-pan,” which meant for freshwater and saltwater critters and their habitats. no more scouring pots after cooking, that contained a So, how did we get into this predicament? How bad is steel frame and eight heavy disposable foil pans for a it? And, what can we do to mitigate the problem? mere $2.98. And more ambitious was an entire throw- away barbecue that came with a stand, an asbestos shell, The rise of plastics and how they helped us a wire grill, and an hour’s worth of charcoal – all for 79¢. become a throwaway society Plastics do provide benefits to our lives in several ways, On August 1, 1955, Life Magazine published an arti- and some of them are essential. Conversely, many uses cle called “Throwaway Living—Disposable Items Cut for plastic are detrimental and unnecessary as has been Down Household Chores” (p. 43). An interesting photo discovered over the past decades. About 15 years after appeared on the lead page depicting a family tossing the Life Magazine article, the environmental movement several ordinary household items into the air that rep- began to focus on the problems of excess production resented at least 40 hours of work for a housewife (and and waste and the benefits of recycling. At the time, this yes, we were not such an enlightened bunch back then) was not a bad solution. However, as we know today, to clean. The point was to illustrate that if a person did recycling is no longer the panacea – especially in light not have to bother cleaning certain things, they would of China’s January 1, 2018, ban on importing half the have much more free time. Considering the extensive world’s recycling waste. Today, recyclables are piling up conscientiousness of saving and reusing items following in overwhelming numbers throughout North America, the Great Depression and World War II, this was a pret- Europe, and other locations, and it›s too late to put the ty radical departure only a decade after the war’s end. genie back in the bottle. So what do we do? And, what does this have to do with water? As we’ll see, a lot! The article highlighted some of the items that now make life easier: plastic plates, cups, cutlery, table cloths, and Plastic and watersheds flowers; popcorn sold in a toss-away pan [Jiffy Pop], disposable diapers, and even throwaway draperies. Many find it difficult to comprehend that every person Also shown is a pet feeding bowl on a wrought-iron on Earth lives in a watershed. The U.S. Geological Sur- stand with disposable, waterproof bowls that “eliminate vey defines a watershed as “the area of land where all washing-up chores.” The stand and six bowls could be of the water that falls in it and drains off of it goes to a common outlet...Watersheds are important be- cause the streamflow and the water quality of a river are affected by things, human-induced or not, happening in the land area ‘above’ the river-outflow point.”

In this context, what›s on the ground, washes down – to a stream, a lake, a bay, or an ocean – meaning unwanted items are carried down- hill through a watershed until they eventual- ly make their way to one of the great ocean trash gyres. These gyres hold enormous

Washed-up plastic parts, including sever- al BIC “disposable” lighters, litter the ground at Eastern Island at Midway Atoll-Washed. C. Northon photo Page 17 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org A Laysan Albatross feeding its chick on The carcass of a Laysan Albatross found on Midway Midway Island. C. Northon photo. Island shows that the bird had ingested various forms of plastic. Chris Jordan photo amounts of garbage – of which most is plastic – and do they get in our waters? This happens mostly from it’s estimated that 80 percent of the contents originate spills at factories (about 80 percent) and the rest at sea, on land as opposed to being dumped from ships at sea. when containers full of nurdles go overboard. There have been two rather massive spills from just a few Bits & Pieces, Nurdles, and Microbeads shipping containers over the last five years. One spill in Hong Kong during July 2012 involved six containers Because of the accelerating demand for plastics, in- releasing 150 tons of nurdles, and the other in Durban creased production over the recent decades, and its Harbour during October 2017 is estimated to have re- hardiness (difficulty in breaking down), the problem leased 49 tons from two containers. This equates to bil- is ubiquitous. Most plastics are not biodegradable, but, lions of nurdles (average count of nurdles per ton is ~ instead, they break into smaller and smaller “bits and 50,000,000). And since both of these spills were close to pieces” over time, and they never truly go away – well, fishing grounds and fish farms, the immediate impact at least they haven’t in our lifetime. These objects can of ingestion was able to be observed. It is known that resemble colorful confetti, and this, unfortunately, at- eating fish and sea food contaminated with nurdles is tracts sea birds because they think it’s food. Also, fil- harmful to humans. ter feeders, from clams to whales, strain the waters and (Continued on page 19) consume many of the plastic fragments.

These plastic bits affect some of the most remote areas of the world, such as Midway Atoll which lies about 1,300 miles northeast of Honolulu. Laysan albatross and other sea birds, green sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals are found on Midway and Eastern Islands. Sadly, Midway is also a place of death for many of the Nurdles or pre-production plastic pellets found on albatross who ingest or are fed plastic by their parents, a beach in Hawaii. NOAA photo because it resembles fish eggs, plankton, and other food particles. Ultimately, their stomachs fill up, and they starve to death.

Nurdles are another overwhelming problem for aquat- ic organisms. These are the building blocks, the raw material, for most of our plastic products. How, then,

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 18 Microbeads seen as specks in toothpaste. Microbeads that have been filtered out of toothpaste. NOAA photos

And, let’s not forget microbeads. But wait, there’s more!

Introduced in 1972 as an additive to personal care Plastic bits are not the only problem to contend with. products, such as facial scrubs and toothpaste, they are, Discarded fishing line, commonly known as monofila- despite their minute size, something that can kill ma- ment, is a tremendous hazard to fish and wildlife. Birds, rine life. Our waters are laden with high concentrations especially, are injured or killed from this essentially in- of them which are also attractive as food to aquatic crit- visible trap. Often the line will have hooks and weights ters. Unfortunately, they are so small that even our most on it that are also ingested. In 2015, Anchorage Water- sophisticated waste water treatment plants cannot filter ways Council established the first monofilament collec- them all out, and eventually the toxic sludge they create tion and recycling program in Anchorage. Since then needs to be cleaned up. Where will the sludge go? Un- hundreds of miles of line have been sent back to Berkley doubtedly, to landfills. Industries for recycling and repurposing. AWC recently submitted a grant to expand the program and to work Alarmingly, some of the fish and seafood we eat are now on reducing Alaska’s “plastic” footprint. An excellent carrying pollutants that have adhered to the microbeads video by University of Alaska Anchorage Conservation before being ingested. Microbeads are not only harm- Biology students was created in 2017 on this problem ing aquatic organisms, but they are working their way titled, The Dangers of Monofilament, and it was filmed up the food chain to us! And, recent studies have found right here on Anchorage’s urban creeks. Check it out! that they are entering our drinking water sources. In December 2015, Congress amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by passing the Microbead Free Waters Act of 2015, which will phase out their manu- facture and use over the next few years, but they remain out there in the environment. You can’t call them back.

A Common Loon floats on Jewel Lake near Anchorage with monofilament wrapped around its beak. C. Northon photo.

Page 19 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org And let’s not forget cigarette butts!

Dr. Thomas Novotny, a renowned opponent of tobacco and cigarette butt waste recently wrote, “[u]sed ciga- rette butts are not just pieces of non-biodegradable Cigarette butts plastic. They also contain the carcinogens, nicotine and wash down a storm drain on Tudor toxins found in all tobacco products. We have found Road in Anchorage. that one cigarette butt soaked in a litre of water for 96 C. Northon photo hours leaches out enough toxins to kill half of the fresh or salt water fish exposed to them.”

What are you doing in your life to effect change regarding plastic?

In an effort to reduce the impacts of plastic on our wa- ters, Anchorage Waterways Council is implementing dialogue in order for people to become more aware of The ground around this bench at University Lake, Anchorage, and examine their personal lifestyle choices and how is littered cigarette butts. C. Northon photo each and every one of us, while contributors to the problem, can also be part of the solution.

Cigarette butts and their 95 percent plastic-based fil- Think about your daily routine. Do you need that straw ters are the most common litter item during cleanups with your ice tea or soda? Can you remember to carry by the Ocean Conservancy as noted in their 2017 re- cloth bags to stores and reduce plastic bag consump- port when nearly 2 million were picked up. Birds and tion? Maybe suggest to that store clerk who is automat- fish swallow them, they add carcinogens to water, and ically bagging the one or two items that you purchased they are unsightly on the ground. that a bag is not necessary. How about buying a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water? Pay It’s difficult to not notice how many butts are tossed attention to the types of takeout containers that restau- away before entering a building or a vehicle or when rants use – plastic foam or compostable paper? What sitting on a bench. And from there, it’s just a short trip other things in your life can you change? Try a bamboo for that butt to the storm drain and into our waterways. toothbrush or reusable food storage wraps. There are so many ways that each of us can make a dent in this overbearing problem.

About the Author Cherie Northon has a master’s and a doctorate in Geography from the University of California Berkeley, where she taught for 19 years. She is also a cartographer – working in GIS, remote sensing, and GPS- acquired data. Her areas of interest are habitat protection and improvement of the natural environment (flora and fauna), student outreach (K-12), and generating public participation in environmental issues. She has been the executive director of Anchorage Waterways Council since 2010. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 20 ACA sponsors environmental category in film festival

The lineup for the2018 Reel Paddling Film Festival outrun a hungry grizzly, and learn about the Talhtan’s has been announced. fight to protect their homeland.

The ACA is proud to sponsor this year’s Best Environ- The World Tour is currently touring to more than 100 cit- mental Category, which features Chasing Wild: Journey ies around the globe. To attend a 2018 Paddling Film Fes- into the Sacred Headwaters by Tyler Wilkinson-Ray, tival screening near you, visit the World Tour Schedule. Colin Arisman and Luke Kantola. Since 2006, the Paddling Film Festival World Tour The film is about three friends and their 400 km bike- has been showcasing the very best paddling films. The packing and packraft expedition through the heart of World Tour screens in more than 120 cities around the the sacred headwaters in Northwestern British Colum- world. Join us for this year’s best paddling films. You’ll bia, birthplace of three critical salmon rivers and home be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push ex- to the Tahltan people. tremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle and appreciate the wild places. Their journey is an exciting, sobering window into the wild landscape. They pedal through vast boreal forest, For tickets and showtimes, visit www.paddlingfilm- paddle through frigid , catch monster trout, festival.com.

Page 21 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Stay up to date on ACA’s stewardship initiatives

Interested in the political process? Check out some of the local and regional policy letters the ACA has submitted on behalf of paddlers: www.americancanoe.org/PublicPolicy

Want to help your local waterway? Watch these videos from fellow paddlers at their Paddle Green Events: www.americancanoe.org/PGEvents

How much is there? Where does it come from? Help the ACA and NOAA ‘Track Trash’ and clean up your local waterway in the process! Learn how to participate: www.americancanoe.org/TrackTrash

How do the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace apply to river corridors? Learn more at: www.americancanoe.org/LNT

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 22 South Jersey waterway offers beauty, history By John Anderson, Conservationist

“The third annual cruise of the Atlantic Division ACA on the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek was held on May 25 and 26, 1912. 36 Club members participated. Friday evening after paddling down from Hanover Furnace camp was made on an island in the Lake. Saturday morning the cruise got under way about nine o’clock.

Some especially enjoyable features were added to the usual trip. Fast water was found above the dam at Birmingham and in the raceway at Mt. Holly. Camp for the night was pitched at Cedar Springs, below Mt. Holly. Tents were pitched, and everything made ready for the night. Sunday morning all arose early, the cruise proceeded lazily with the tide to the Delaware River and thence upriver to Burlington.” Forest and Stream magazine, June 22, 1912

n 1912 and years prior, Amer- Non-tidal on its eastern reaches, north of the Ports of Philadelphia ican Canoe Association Clubs the tide joins the Rancocas Creek and Camden. conducted an annual three-day in Mount Holly on the North Iovernight cruise of the The Rancocas Creek Na- North Branch of the Ran- tional Water Trail (NWT) cocas Creek from the Pines Initiative began after an to the Tide. Three days of open community forum paddling in New Jersey? five years back. Based on Yes, New Jersey! the ACA principles of conservation and steward- The North Branch of the ship as well as hundreds of Rancocas Creek origi- hours of paddling along nates in the New Jersey the Rancocas Creek’s es- Pine Barrens headwa- tablished canoe trail and ters and drains 36 miles untamed stretches of the west into the Delaware Rancocas tidewaters, many River estuary in Delanco trials and tribulations were at Burlington County’s encountered and con- Amico Island Park. Composed of Branch and Lumberton on the quered along the way. three main branches, the North, South Branch. Flowing westerly, South, and Southwest, the Ranco- the two branches join at the con- Rancocas Pathways, a 501(c)(3) cas Creek Watershed consists of fluence inside the 1200-acre Ran- organization, was incorporated to 360 square miles of pristine water cocas State Park where it forms the manage all areas of the NWT appli- largely protected from outside or main stem leading 10 miles directly cation, marshal multi-use entities modern influence. to the Delaware River. These tide- and cultivate sustainable individual waters are approximately 14 miles and community ownership of the

PagePage 2323 || PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org The Rancocas once served as the major highway through Burlington County.

RCNWT nomination. The com- of maritime heritage anchors your Paddling for all ages awaits your bination of Rancocas Pathways’ introduction to regularly seen bald family at Melpine Landing and community-supported agriculture, eagles, herons, ospreys, sand-pipers, Mount Holly on the North Branch kayak excursions and rentals, Adopt owls, beavers, otters, muskrats and and Lumberton and Hainesport on A Creek events and Learning Can many other forms of wildlife. the South. Be Fun, Naturally programs create a matrix supporting best manage- If you prefer an “in town” trip Get involved in the Rancocas Creek ment practices of the NWT. around the Mount Holly Oxbow Water Trail. Paddle down, Volunteer Channel or the wide, unflinching at an Adopt a Creek, help with creek Whether you enjoy canoeing, kaya- expanse and vistas of NJ State Park cleanups, participate in program de- king, fishing or just being outdoors, Natural Areas, there is a landing for velopment and facilitate outreach the Rancocas Creek offers all you your launch as the NWT connects efforts. See you soon! could want. Four hundred years the Rancocas for you, and to you!

www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 || PagePage 2424 The ACA Career Center Website is now better than ever!

Use it as a one-stop shop to find awesome jobs all over the country at places like REI, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and more.

You can even sign up for email notifications so you know when new jobs get posted to the site!

Visit www.americancanoe.org/Employment to find your dream job in the outdoor recreation industry today.

Page 25 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org EDUCATION

www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 || PagePage 2626 January Instructor of the Month Sean Podrecca

ean Podrecca has been kayak- as well. You can be a great paddler, “I have been fortunate to paddle ing since 2005 when he went know you can make a line, and due to in many different locations with on his first trip through his the dynamic and unpredictability of many different people and enjoy Suniversity’s outdoor recreation pro- a rapid still not be 100% perfect but the mentorship that comes with gram. He quickly took to it, becom- still persevere through uncertainty.” instruction. I have recently taken ing a raft guide in North Carolina up to diver- for two summers before heading In a typical season he tries to get 30 sify my skills and to reinvigorate to Colorado where he not only raft to 50 days on the river between per- my passion while paddling with guided but became an ACA white- sonal trips and instruction. As an friends and family on more mellow water kayak instructor in 2008. outdoor guide for the U.S. military, runs,” he said. “Currently I aspire to he splits his time guiding among paddle with other open boaters that He has worked with many differ- many sports and is not always able can teach me and mentor me in the ent paddling programs since then, to devote as much time to paddling same way I have done with others including managing two chapters as he would like. through .” of Team River Runner (a nonprof- it for wounded veterans), First Descents (a nonprofit program for young adults with cancer), the National Outdoor Leadership School, and both the US Army and Air Force, with whom he is currently employed.

“Paddling has been a big part of my life since my first experience with it in 2005. I have paddled on both coasts and everything in between within the United States, as well as guided trips in Europe,” Podrecca said. “I find that paddling provides me as an individual the ability to focus on the moment, to be fully committed to a rapid or line, and to push everything else to the side- lines. It puts things into perspective

Page 27 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org February Instructor of the Month Jessica Amendola

am one of the lucky ones who Amendola is an ACA-certified Stand “I teach several classes daily here in “ can say that her entire life Up Paddleboard Instructor, Yoga St. Augustine and hold bimonthly revolves around her biggest Alliance registered E-RYT200, cer- teacher trainings, where I am able tified SUP Yoga Instructor, BOGA to certify others to teach SUP yoga Ipassions,” said Jessica Amendo- la, founder of SUP Yoga Center. Yoga Ambassador, and she brings and live the life of their dreams as well. I have truly Just a couple years been blessed because ago she took the the line between work plunge and decided and pleasure is so to become complete- very thin and neither ly self-employed and is something I ever create her dream life, tire of,” she added. following her heart and turning her pas- “The most incredible sion into her business. thing about paddling She opened her first to me is being so per- SUP Yoga Floating fectly connected to Studio on the beau- our beautiful planet. I tiful island of Maui. love lying on my pad- Moving back home to dleboard after a SUP Florida in 2016, she Yoga class, with my brought her business with her. over a decade of experience as a hands dangling in the water, feel- practitioner and expert instructor. ing as if my body is just floating on “I am happy to say that my entire She teaches SUP and SUP yoga earth. My years on the water have life revolves around being on the classes that are inspired directly from inspired me to take action in reduc- water. I spend as much time on her time in or around the ocean. Her ing my carbon footprint, making a the water as I possibly can,” said classes are a blend of challenging positive impact on our planet, and Amendola. “Being a single moth- movements, interwoven with spiritu- in turn inspired me to take even er to a 1-year-old (who already ality and a heavy emphasis on align- better care of my own body. You LOVES paddling with her mom- ment of the body and movement with have two homes to take care for: my!), it certainly doesn’t happen breath. The purpose of her classes is your body and your planet. Every as much as it used to, but I truly to help guide her students into living single time I am on the water, my cherish every minute I’m on the a life of purpose and passion, find- passion to take care of both is re- water and dream of being on the ing peace of mind and strength of newed,” she added. water every minute I’m not.” body.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 28 ACA produces creative infographics to promote boating safety

Last fall, the ACA finalized its proj- The heart of this project focused on Through the project, the ACA ect titled Creative Photography Se- high-quality photographs. Groups has produced 15 creative and ries & Information Graphics, which of photographs have been taken eye-catching infographics: was funded through a grant admin- in sequence, edited, and arranged istered by the U.S. Coast Guard. side-by-side in a manner that il- 1. Life Jacket Wear lustrates a paddling safety message 2. Defensive Boating The goal of this project is to spread without the need for video, audio, 3. Know Your Limits vital safety information concern- or additional instructions to explain 4. Cold Water Immersions ing paddlesports and their role in the content/message. This unique 5. Paddler’s Safety Checklist the overall boating world. It spe- take on paddlesport pictures serves 6. Float Plans cifically addresses several compo- as a dynamic representation of the 7. Communications nents of the 2012-2016 Strategic ACA’s ongoing safety message. 8. Obtain the Knowledge Plan of the National Recreational (Classes, clubs, research) Boating Safety Program: Objec- A succession of infographics com- 9. Paddlesport Safety Facilitator tive 2, Boating Safety Outreach plement the Creative Photography 10. Trip Leading and Objective 8: USCG Required Series portion of this project, but 11. Youth Paddling Safety Equipment. with the added component of text 12. SUP Leashes and data which provide further 13. SUP Life Jackets With the Creative Photography Se- connection and meaning between 14. Paddling Participation & ries & Information Graphics proj- the paddling public and the on-wa- Fatality Stats ect, the ACA continued to target ter activities. These progressive 15. Safety Tips the Non-Profit Organization Grant informational infographics are an Program’s Areas of Interest: No. 1: attractive messaging tool for other Develop and Conduct a National organizations who share ACA’s mis- Year-Round Safe Boating Cam- sion of disseminating effective and paign and No. 9: Media “Toolbox.” pertinent water safety messages.

Page 29 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org ACA PRO SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

The ACA is proud to announce that Spain now has its first Pro School.

Clube Kayak de Mar Bueu received this designation February 9, 2018.

ACA Pro Schools are some of the best organizations across the country to find top quality ACA-certified instruction. Plus, current ACA members receive discounts on certain Pro School instructional programs.

Please visit www.americancanoe.org/ProSchools to find a Pro School near you.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 30 EAST COAST PADDLESPORTS SYMPOSIUM ON-WATER CLASSES. EXHIBITORS. CHARLESTON.

“The instructors were leaders in their field and we learned { so much.” }

CHARLESTON, APRIL 20 - 22 SOUTH CAROLINA 2018

CHARLESTONCOUNTYPARKS.COM/EASTCOAST

Page 31 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Charleston Outdoors Fest combines and EAST COAST fun fitness Mark your calendars! The Charleston Outdoor Fest is festival’s East Coast Paddlesports Symposium, which set for April 21-22 at James Island County Park. Wheth- features world-renowned instructors and sports equip- PADDLESPORTS er you’re a devoted outdoor sporting enthusiast or just ment manufacturers. beginning to explore nature’s playground, you’ll find your perfect fit for fun and fitness at this amazing three- Other features of the Outdoor Fest include: SYMPOSIUM day festival. • Vendor Village - Leading manufacturers and out- ON-WATER CLASSES. EXHIBITORS. CHARLESTON. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, fitters exhibit a wide variety of products in the slacklining, mountain biking, archery—even disc golf— Vendor Village. Here, you can try out boats and there’s something for everyone! Charleston Outdoor equipment, talk with vendors, and get a chance to Fest attendees can try out equipment, compete in races try before buying. and other hands-on activities on site, and learn every- thing from the basics to expert skills in each sport. • The Try It Zone(Saturday and Sunday only) – At- tendees can purchase a Try It pass and experience As part of this event, the East Coast Paddlesports Sympo- an archery range, a bike obstacle course, a moun- sium will be held April 20-22. This annual event is a three- tain bike short track, the Challenge Zone (activi- day immersion in the history, technique, hands-on expe- ties and brain teasers), disc golf, climbing, and the rience, and fun of kayaking, canoeing, SUP, and more. The slackline course. Plus, Try It passholders can demo “The instructors were leaders symposium is the heart of the Charleston Outdoor Fest, sea , SUPs and . Kids are encouraged in their field and we learned and paddling enthusiasts will not be disappointed. to take part in Sunday’s cardboard canoe race. { so much.” } On-water classes are designed to enrich your sympo- Anyone who enjoys being active in the outdoors will sium experience. Symposium participants will also find something exciting at the Charleston Outdoor Fest have access to unlimited boat demos from leading and East Coast Paddlesports Symposium. For more in- manufacturers, social opportunities with top instruc- formation, including schedules or to register for sym- tors, an event t-shirt, and more. Paddling enthusiasts posium classes and other programs, visit www.Charles- of all ages and experience levels will delight in the tonCountyParks.com or call (843) 795-4386.

CHARLESTON, APRIL 20 - 22 SOUTH CAROLINA 2018

CHARLESTONCOUNTYPARKS.COM/EASTCOAST

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 32 Getting introduced to FreeStyle Canoeing By Bruce Kemp, Paul Klonowski, Marc Ornstein Photography by Ray Halt, Marc Ornstein and Paul Klonowski

After many years of paddling on es from the canoe. They were “as FreeStyle paddling, which aspect rivers and creeks, up to Class II + one” with the boat. I wasn’t par- became apparent to me the first – and more than a few multi-day ticularly interested in the music time I paddled a creek back home Canadian canoe trips – I figured I and “dance” facet of this activity, soon after my first lessons. And knew how to paddle a canoe pret- though it was fun to watch, but that was just how useful the tech- ty well. I sure did want to learn how to niques I had been learning can handle a canoe like that. It was the be to one’s everyday paddling, on Some time ago I came across skill level, the utter at-homeness whatever kind of water one may FreeStyle Canoeing, more or less in the boat – call it the “Advanced find oneself. by accident. My first exposure Touring Techniques” – that caught to FreeStyle was a short demon- my attention. I tried using the techniques on stration of what I later learned a gently moving creek, and then is called “Interpretive FreeStyle,” I soon took some FreeStyle pad- on rivers that were moving more which involves paddling a choreo- dling lessons, in all four quad- quickly, in small riffles and larger graphed routine to music. rants, as they are known, and rapids. I consciously applied the learned a bit about these advanced techniques and found they really I was thoroughly smitten, aston- paddling techniques. I had expect- worked. I was hooked; as I learned ished even, at the complete con- ed that these maneuvers – “tricks” more, I found just how versatile trol the paddlers had over their if you want to call them that – and effective all of this was in any boats, and the almost effortless, would be cool and fun to do, and paddling situation. As time and subtle and, in some cases, near- indeed that is certainly the case. practice have progressed, all of it ly imperceptible ways they were But I was not at all prepared for becomes part of one’s paddling using their blades and bodies to another aspect of learning about repertoire, one’s paddling vocab- bring about dramatic respons-

Page 33 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org ulary. I’ve found that in any giv- Any time you paddle, there are nu- Interpretive FreeStyle is at the end en situation I just respond, with- merous forces acting on your ca- of the spectrum. In this discipline, out thinking about it consciously noe. You as the paddler, of course, folks experiment with the various much at all. As someone has said, are one of those, but there are also maneuvers to see just how far they “Most FreeStylers do most of other things such as wind, waves, can take them, what ways they their FreeStyling on the rivers and and current. Because these Free- can make the canoe behave, and creeks back home they paddle all Style techniques involve a high how smooth they can make it all the time.” degree of communication between look, while paddling a rehearsed paddler and boat, and a strong em- routine to music – sort of like fig- It is often the case that FreeStyle phasis on precise and efficient use ure skating, with the not inconse- paddling is seen in the broader of the blade, they are simply best quential advantage that the water paddling community as a quiet taught and learned in a situation doesn’t hurt as much when they water activity. It is certainly the where all other forces are mini- fall over. case that the FreeStyle instruc- mized, as much as possible. tional symposia are conducted on These are the folks who are ex- small and sheltered ponds when- In that situation, a paddler knows ploring, pushing against the ever possible. There’s good reason that whatever the canoe does, it boundaries of just what a pad- for this, but it’s not because such does because of whatever she or dler and canoe can do together. It conditions are the only place you he did to influence the boat with is a small group of folks who are can use FreeStyle; it’s because qui- blade and body position. How driving the sport to its limits, and et water is simply the best arena better to learn paddling skills than (Continued on page 35) in which to first learn these tech- when the only influencing source niques and maneuvers. is the paddler?

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 34 thereby re-defining those limits. While using these techniques or rock in the middle of the river, But the simple fact is that most on a river, one can glide gracefully you’ll know how to sideslip grace- people who learn these techniques from one side of the river to anoth- fully aside, without ever breaking never do, nor do they ever intend er as the current or obstructions your rhythm or stride. to, try the Interpretive side. They suggest; sweep into a stopping po- just want to learn to paddle better, sition parallel to the shore, rather All paddling instruction is ulti- have less muscular pain at the end than have to shove the boat bow mately about boat control, and of the day, and become a better first and damage the hull. In turns FreeStyle is one of several paths to partner with their boat. on the river you may be heeled over that goal. And yes, some of us dab- a bit to help facilitate the turn, but ble a bit in Interpretive FreeStyle, The techniques learned in trying to the gunnel is not even close to the because we’ve discovered it’s just a perfect those more dramatic moves waterline, and yes, you’re still just whole lot of fun to do it. Pushing work equally well in real life, and comfortably, normally, kneeling the limits – both yours and the ca- FreeStylers use them all the time, with your backside perched on the noe’s – is about the best learning though generally they are not car- canoe seat. You may sometimes find tool there is. It’s just another in ried to the extremes one sees in ex- yourself exploring some serpentine the already lengthy list of “Ways to hibitions. There’s rarely any need to channel, only to find it to be a dead Have Fun in a Canoe.” The fact that heel the canoe down to the rail for end, too narrow to turn around. these techniques so greatly enhance instance, or pitch it as dramatical- This is where those cross-reverse the enjoyment of our everyday pad- ly as one sees in Interpretive Free- maneuvers have an application. You dling back home is a bonus. Style. One usually doesn’t need to just move your body into the trans- do a 180o turn – except eddying out verse position and simply paddle For more information, please visit perhaps – 90o or 120o will do just back out, no problem. And if you www.FreeStyleCanoeing.com. fine in most real-life paddling. should come upon a tree stump

Article reprinted with permission fromwww.FreeStyleCanoeing.com .

Page 35 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Level 1-Level 2 Symposium scheduled for September

The ACA and Active Learning & Living Outdoors are excited to offer the second Level 1 & Level 2 Symposium and Instructor Updates. Scheduled for Sept. 15-16, 2018, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the symposium is designed to address the specific needs of Level 1 & Level 2 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP instructors.

This is your chance to increase the quality of the clinics and as- sessment courses you offer by improving your personal paddling and rescue techniques, learning new teaching methods for begin- ner paddlers, and enhancing your ability to assess the strokes and body mechanics of your students while providing them with clear, targeted feedback on their technique.

You’ll paddle and learn from Instructor Trainers and Instructor Trainer Educators who have exten- sive experience working with Level 1 & Level 2 students and instructors across multiple disciplines. We hope you’ll join us for this unique experience!

ACA launches new Leadership Academy

This summer, the ACA will debut a new format for the annual paddlesports conference. The event is being transitioned into an ACA Leadership Academy to target all facets of the paddlesports community.

The new format will feature educational tracks for paddling clubs, competition disciplines, the SEIC, and retail store employees, as well as whitewater and flatwater paddling opportunities.

The first ACA Leadership Academy will take place -Au gust 24-30, 2018, in conjunction with the Paddlesports Retailer Show being held in Oklahoma City.

Paddlesports Retailer is a trade show – endorsed by the Paddlesports Industry Coalition – providing the pre- mier commercial and cultural experience for exhibitors, retailers, media and industry advocates alike. This year's event takes place Aug. 27-30 in Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center. For more information, visit www. paddlesportsretailer.com.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 36 ADAPTIVE

Page 37 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org TheACA , in partnership with Adaptive Expeditions, will host the second Adaptive Paddling Summit November 2-4, 2018, in Weeki Wachee, Florida.

Highlights for 2018: • Exciting on-water and classroom events for paddlers of all experience levels • High quality educational sessions • Paralympic opportunities in paracanoe • New Adaptation Modules for: o Whitewater Rafting o Stand Up Paddleboard o Kayak Fishing o Wave Ski o • The latest in adaptive equipment demonstrations • New ACA Advanced Paddling Curriculum Updates for Advanced communications: o Vision impairments o Speech challenges o Hearing impairments o “Try-It-Zone” time where participants will get hands-on with the latest adap- tive paddling equipment Registration will be available online this summer. For more information, please visit www. americancanoe.org/Adaptive_Summit.

If you are interested in presenting at the 2018 Adaptive Paddling Summit, please click here for more information and to access the Presentation Application. Proposals are due by June 15. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 38 EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT Paddle Pivot

The combination of Creating Ability's Universal Base with this pivoted paddle adaptation allows one-arm control of a kayak. It also provides support to completely remove the weight of the paddle from the paddler's arms. The pivot assembly snaps on to any paddle shaft, and the paddle & pivot assembly lift out of the base for ease of entry and safety in the event of a wet exit.

Paddle not included.

Please visit the Adaptive Paddling section of the ACA eStore for more information on all of the adaptive equipment available for purchase. Don’t forget to log in for ACA member pricing!

PagePage 3939 || PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org Adaptive Expeditions to develop new adaptive paddling instructor endorsement

As a chapter of Disabled sessment and management, and effective facilitation of on-water Sports USA, Adaptive Expe- effective facilitation of on-water group dynamics for paddlesports ditions submitted a proposal group dynamics for paddlesports programs that include individuals within DSUSA’s 2018 Veteran programs that include individuals with these disability types. \ Administration Grant. AE requiring alternative and advanced proposed to lead development of communications to participate with The resulting product will be a new a new ACA Adaptive Paddling a high level of success. national level instructor credential- Program Instructor Endorsement, ing that will benefit veterans and likely to be called the Advanced On May 6-9, 2018, Adaptive Ex- all other people who have vision Communications Adaptive peditions will host a Curriculum impairment or blindness, hearing Paddling Endorsement. Development Summit at Seabrook impairment or deafness, as well as Island, South Carolina. Travel ex- speech, language, and/or perceptual The AC-AP Endorsement curric- penses, single occupancy lodging, impacts from traumatic brain injury ulum will cover best practices for per diem, and all meals will be cov- and/ or other acquired brain injury, paddlesport instructors to effec- ered for 10-11 selected applicants. such as stroke, brain tumor, etc. tively, efficiently, and seamlessly For more information and to apply, integrate veterans and all others please visit http://www.american- Each of the three days will in- who have vision impairment or canoe.org/AdaptiveModules. clude 9-10 hours of session-time, blindness, speech and/or language split equally between conference impacts from traumatic brain inju- room based theory development ry, as well as individuals who have The goal of the ACA curriculum and on-water trial and error theory hearing impairment or deafness. development summit shall be to testing. Selected participants will AC-AP Endorsement curriculum codify the most effective strategies be required to produce 8-10 hours will include effective strategies for teaching and learning, risk as- of work (research and information for teaching and learning, risk as- sessment and management, and synthesis) prior to the summit.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 40 Upcoming Adaptive Paddling Workshops

April 28-May 3 Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop + Adaptive Paddling Workshop St. Johns Island, South Carolina

June 7-10 Adaptive Paddling Instructor Certification Workshop Durham, New Hampshire

September 20-23 Adaptive Paddling Workshop Big Bay, Michigan

October 5-7 ParaCanoeing World Conference Stockholm, Sweden Visit the Adaptive Event Calendar to stay up-to-date on APWs happening near you!

PagePage 4141 www.americancanoe.org|| PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.orgPADDLE | March 2018 | Page 41 NEWS NEAR YOU

www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 || PagePage 4242 State by State

Alabama The Locust Fork Invitational was a rocking success in February, and the Birmingham Canoe Club, Huntsville Canoe Club, Friends of the Locust Fork, and Alabama Cup Racing Association are looking for- ward to putting on their next race, The Mulberry Fork Canoe & Kayak Race March 3 & 4 on the banks of the Mulberry River in Garden City, Alabama. Details can be found at www.alabamacupraces.com. In addition, the BCC is continuing to host roll sessions every other Thursday in March under a new Alaska kayakers use to prevent capsizing partnership with the Downtown Kayakers used to braving frigid Alas- — and rolling, used to right cap- Birmingham YMCA. kan waters have been able to train sized kayaks. in a more leisurely environment this Chris Anderson, AlStateDirector@ winter. In January, the Skyview pool Although there’s nothing wrong with americancanoe.net offered a series of eight weekly kay- beginners starting outdoors, Pyhala ak open pool sessions. said the pool offers a safe and pre- dictable environment for those new The Soldotna Community Schools to kayaking. It’s also a lot warmer. Program, which is run by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, “If you’re going to capsize, doing it also partnered with the Immersion in 80-degree water is a little better Paddling Academy to provide an op- than Arctic conditions,” Pyhala said. portunity for community members to receive guided instruction during An Anchor Point native, Pyhala is a four of the eight sessions. certified level 5 instructor with the American Canoe Associa- Matthew Pyhala, owner of the tion who has been paddling for the Immersion Paddling Academy, last decade. gave lessons on basic strokes and maneuvers in the first two instruc- Levi Hogan, AkStateDirector@ tional sessions. The last two ses- americancanoe.net sions included more advanced tech- niques such as bracing — which

Jeffrey Rease Photography

Page 43 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org

California successfully work toward common Attention paddlers in Florida: Southern California has had a pret- goals and provide Florida paddlers The Endangered Apalachicola - ty nice “winter.” Most paddlers have and visitors to the Sunshine State A National River Conference is been jumping at opportunities to with a safe and rewarding paddling coming up March 14-16 at Flor- take advantage of the warm air and experience to inspiring destina- ida State University. It’s packed light wind. A lot stand up paddlers tions. The Florida Paddling Trails with three days of river systems have been seen at surf breaks up Association’s website serves as a experts and features a keynote and down the coast. valuable information site for local dinner with former Florida Gov- and visiting paddlers with trails and ernor and U.S. Senator Bob Gra- Paddle racers of all types came to- access information. ham. Find tickets today at www. gether for the Hano Hano Huki apalachicolariverconference.com. Ocean Challenge on January 27 in Mission Bay. The Hano Hano Huki In the development of standards for Club puts on this event on-water boating education, ACA every year. It is a welcoming event volunteers Todd Bishop and Tom- that, because of its size, feels like a my Thompson joined ACA Chief “gathering of the tribes.” Outrig- Operating Officer, Chris Stec, in ger canoers, stand up paddlers and St. Petersburg at the end of January prone paddlers of all experience for the introduction of the National levels come together and compete On-Water Standards Program. for fun and bragging rights. This year, the weather was perfect and so Brandy Minchew, Todd Bishop, Sergio were the attitudes. We’re all already Rodriguez (Puerto Rico), Tommy excited about next year! Thompson at the Surf Expo

Alexander Morris, castatedirector@ Florida ACA volunteers recently This work has been produced in americancanoe.net staffed an information booth at the part through U.S. Coast Guard grant Surf Expo in Orlando, providing re- funding to US Sailing to facilitate a source information to those in at- consensus-based process by which tendance from throughout the U.S. a team of diverse group from across the recreational boating commu- nity develops on-water, entry-lev- Florida el, skills-based performance stan- The Florida ACA is working togeth- dards as part of a National System er in a newly formed collaboration of Standards for Recreational Boat with the Florida Paddling Trails Operation. To learn more about this Association (a 501(c)(3) nonprof- training and education program vis- it) in a combined effort to promote it www.onwaterstandards.org. paddling safety, environmental stewardship, and the development Tommy Thompson, FLStateDirec- and maintenance of paddling trails. Jessica Smith (LI SUP Instructor) and [email protected] With a cadre of volunteers, the Ryan Dadds (pro SUP paddler) talking Continued on page 45 Florida ACA and FPTA can more with visitors at the ACA booth..

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 44 Lafayette Travel photo/Jesse Guidry

Louisiana A lunch stop will be taken at Ver- a.m. Paddlers will break for lunch Lafayette Travel and the Bayou milionville with the opportunity around the midway point where Vermilion District have partnered for a brief guided tour of the village there will be an extended break to to create the Vermilion Voyage, a and watershed exhibit. Overnight explore. Overnight will be at Pal- three-day overnight paddle tak- will be at Southside Park where metto Island State Park. Live mu- ing place March 22-25, 2018. The primitive camping will be available sic and dinner will be provided. trip will launch from the Acadi- with access to electricity, bathrooms There will also be an optional pad- ana Park Nature Station and travel and water. An outdoor movie dle through Palmetto’s canoe trail. down to Palmetto Island State Park. screening and dinner provided. Day 4: Return to Bay- Fifty participants will have the rare Day 2: Southside Park to Rich- ou Vermilion District opportunity to paddle just over 50 ards Sales Barn | 17.38 miles Paddlers will be picked up on consecutive miles of Bayou Vermil- The second day will start with a gr- the fourth day at Palmetto Is- ion through Lafayette and Vermil- ab-and-go breakfast launching from land and transported back to ion parishes. Southside Park at 8 a.m. Paddlers their cars at Vermilionville along will break for lunch around the with their gear. Paddlers wish- Registration for the event includes midway point where there will be ing to leave Saturday night must paddlecraft, life jacket, guide, shut- an extended break to explore. Over- make their own arrangements. tle service, insurance costs, break- night will be at the Richard’s Sale fast, lunch and dinner with some Barn. Live music and dinner provid- For more information, please con- beverages as well as evening enter- ed in a historic cattle-auction barn. tact Jesse Guidry at jesse@lafay- tainment. The itinerary is as follows: ettetravel.com or call (337) 769- Day 3: Richard’s Sales Barn to Pal- 3816. Day 1: Nature Station to metto Island State Park | 11.68 miles Southside Park | 21.52 miles The third day will start with a Ben Sandmel, LaStateDirector@ The event will launch from the grab-and-go breakfast launch- americancanoe.net Acadiana Park Nature Station ing from Richard’s Sale Barn at 8 Thursday, March 22 around 8 a.m.

Page 45 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Michigan a very active family component of Water in the amazing loca- Those from the heartland get their and children’s symposium. tion of Grand Marais and the hackles up a bit when the media end of Pictured Rocks National speaks only of the east and west • June 22: Port Austin Sea Kay- Lakeshore. The event has been coasts. With Michigan’s 3200 miles ak Symposium: refreshed and has evolved into of Great Lakes shoreline, the U.S. Although this event is also very more of a progressive skills most certainly has a third coast, or beginner friendly and conve- learning model for beginners the Fresh Coast, as Michiganders nient to those on the east side through intermediate paddlers. like to think of it. of the state, the host, Riverside It you haven’t been in a few Kayak Connection, has also years, it’s a whole new deal. Michigan paddlers have enormous been pulling in coaches from coastal opportunities from urban the UK the last few years. So… • October 4-7: The Gales Storm day trips on the Detroit River to if you want to get your British Gathering: three national parks to play in for canoeing fix, this is a good bet. Another Superior event, this extended trips. Canada is just across more advanced skills-oriented a bridge tantalizing outdoors enthu- • July 13-15: The Door County gathering is limited to only 35 siasts with Superior coast options Sea Kayak Symposium: participants to manage risk and that rival Alaskan Wilderness in This is another good entry point ensure high-quality coaching. It beauty and WILD…plus, you don’t to the sport that is super conve- doesn’t matter what part of the have to carry days’ worth of water. nient to those that would like to world you are from, this one is try out the Lake Michigan Ferry worth traveling for. Through the Great Lakes, sever- or those from the Chicago area. al kayak symposia offer paddlers Michael Gray, MiStateDirector@ chances to sample boats, meet • July 18-22: The Great Lakes americancanoe.net instructors and tune up on tech- Sea Kayak Symposium: Continued on page 47 niques, or simply try it out. Al- Touted as one of the oldest though numbers seem to have kayak events in the U.S., this dropped on symposium gathering is hosted by Power attendance nationwide the last few years, the Great Lakes have started to see an uptick in new paddlers. Here is a sample (may be incom- plete) of this year’s choices for Fresh Coasters to sample or get involved in teaching:

• May: West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Sym- posium: This event has been go- ing on for nearly 30 years during Memorial Day weekend and is a terrif- ic gateway event to get started. They even have

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 46 Missouri Paddling Clinic. Additional guests • 30 Days Paddling Through the Winter Paddling Clinic & and visitors at the lodge enjoyed the Grand Canyon, Myles Arbeeny exhibits, attended sessions, and net- • Missouri Paddling Clubs pre- First Day Float worked with paddlers. sentations from St. Louis Ca- By Dave Tobey, Deputy State noe and Kayak Club, Paddle Director, Missouri Executive Council Ten paddlers participated in the KC, Ozark Mountain Paddlers, Last Day Paddle and nine partic- Missouri Whitewater Associa- The Ozark National Scenic River- ipated in the First Day Paddle. A tion, and OTA ways, Missouri State Parks and the kayak bought with funding from • Fly Fishing the Upper Current Missouri ACA hosted a Winter Pad- the ACA was raffled off during the River, Mark Van Patton - VIP dling Clinic and First Day Float on event. Calvin Brennan from the the Upper Current River December OTA won the kayak. Brennan does Exhibitors at the Winter Clinic in- 30-January 1. The clinic was held at a lot to support the park and all cluded the following: Echo Bluff State Park in conjunction user groups. with their New Year’s Eve Celebra- • Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla tion. On January 1, paddlers cele- Formal presentations at the Winter 2 of Division 5 brated the New Year with a float on Clinic included the following: • Missouri Department of Con- the Current River or the Jack’s Fork servation River and then gathered at Current • Wilderness First Aid, Dr. Perry • Alpine Shop (two members River State Park in the afternoon for Whitaker present) a bonfire with beverages. • Camp Cooking, Marty Koch • Ozark Trail Association (several -VIP members present) The event allowed Missouri • Dry Land Basics for Paddlers, • Missouri State Parks ACA to connect with paddling Jennifer Hahn - ACA Instructor • ONSR groups bringing clubs from St. Lou- • Keynote Speaker, Greg Poleski • Outdoor Photography is, Kansas City, and Springfield to- - Missouri Paddling Coalition by OZARKPADDLER.NET gether to share ideas and activities • Winter Paddling Equipment, across Missouri. Sessions were at- Myles Arbeeny, Alpine Shop Justin Adams, MoStateDirector@ tended by 273 people at the Winter Manager americancanoe.net

Page 47 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org North Carolina The ACA NC’s participation in Car- olina Canoe Club’s MMRT event was a resounding success. We pro- moted the ACA while helping stock the food bank for Lot 2540-A Sal- vage and Recycling Ministry. This event collected about 700 pounds of canned goods and other items needed for Lot 2540’s food bank. Also, the cleanup of the Mayo River near the take-out resulted in about New Mexico • Downriver Rodeo 20 bags of trash, a flat screen TV, a It’s hard to believe in 1957 when • Parent-Child Tandem used tire and various auto parts be- Chevys had fins and Elvis was sing- • Downriver Raft with 4- and ing cleaned up and removed from ing “All Shook Up,” New Mexico 6-person teams the river bank. had its first whitewater Mother’s Participants and spectators are wel- Day Races. The races would even- come, but there is some question Another river cleanup will be held tually name the most famous white- on who has the better boaters, New March 17. The event will be spon- water run in New Mexico on the Mexico or Colorado? Throughout sored by the Haw River Assembly and Rio Grande where, in 2017, 40,000+ the running of this spring race, that Carolina Canoe Club and take place people rode the 10-mile run, appro- title has been traded back and forth, on the Haw River near Pittsboro. ​​ priately called The Race Course. with Colorado taking the downriv- er and slalom titles. Who will it be Doug Stager, NcStateDirector@ The race organization and atten- this year? What is certain is that a americancanoe.net dance has had its challenges over good time and camaraderie of the the years, but this year the 61st An- boating community will be had by nual New Mexico Mother’s Day all! Races will be hosted by an alliance between the private sector and the Stay tuned for more information commercial boating community. as we update our social media and The New Mexico Raft Guides and webpages: Outfitters Association, represented by New Mexico River Adventures www.facebook.com/mdrgwf/ and the Adobe Whitewater Club, will plan and host the event which www.adobewhitewater.org/ will take place over the Mother’s Day weekend with the races run on Special thanks to: May 12. Britt Runyon Photography New Mexico River Adventures This year’s race events will include: Adobe Whitewater Club Continued on page 49 • Slalom • Downriver Kayak & SUP Robert Levin, NmStateDirector@ and Canoe Solo & IK americancanoe.net

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 48 Wisconsin Wisconsin boaters are full into pool session season. Brave boaters with dry suits and good layering do brave some of the rivers and open water, which is only slightly warmer than the air temperature in most cases. With ice shelves in many places, we have been urging all paddlers to use extreme caution in any endeavors as even the small- est mistakes can be fatal at this time of year.

On a happier note, the paddling community looks forward to Ca- noecopia in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center. Anyone attending the event can see the latest in ev- erything paddle-related from open water to quiet and whitewater river paddling and all the gear for get- ting to and from the site, including camping overnight, that these fun trips use.

Tom Schrader, WiStateDirector@ americancanoe.net Ohio On May 5, 2017, Five Rivers Met- had always been a mandatory por- roParks in Dayton, opened its new tage. The design of the structure attraction, the RiverScape River took into account continued flood Run. It is built on the Great Miami control, improving water quality, River right in downtown Dayton. opening of safe paddling lanes, as The river run offers several differ- well as drawing more people to the ent chutes to accommodate both downtown area. By all accounts the flat water and whitewater paddlers project has been a huge success for as well as kayakers, canoeist and everyone in the local community. paddle boarders. Ryan Pepper, OhStateDirector@ The project replaced a dangerous americancanoe.net flood control low head dam that

Page 49 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org ACA supports the Arkansas Canoe Club’s efforts for Pine Creek Gauge By Arkansas Canoe Club

Class III and IV whitewater in Wildcat Creek, although we suspect ing us keep this treasured gauge. Oklahoma?? You bet. Flagpole many more lie untouched on top of While there are some plans in the Mountain near Clayton, Oklahoma, Flagpole Mountain. Of these, Pine mix to secure long-term funding, is a unique plateau unlike any oth- and Buck are known to hold water 2018 and 2019 will be pivotal years er area of the Ouachita Mountains. for multiple days after a good rain. for this project because it will allow It offers 10 (or more) whitewater explorers to calibrate the ideal levels streams for paddlers to explore, The kicker is that we needed a and educate other paddlers about ranging from Class II to IV+, and gauge on which to base the wa- the area. We need your help now! it is a short drive from Oklahoma ter levels. Previously, there was no To facilitate our fundraising efforts, City, Tulsa, Little Rock, Dallas, and true way of knowing if any of these we’ve set up a GoFundMe page: Shreveport, Louisiana. creeks were running without calcu- www.gofundme.com/pinecreek. lating rain totals and driving hours Let that sink in for a second. These based on a hunch. In 2016, thanks Any paddlers living in Texas, Lou- runs are some of the most accessi- to donations from numerous sourc- isiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas ble whitewater segments for mid- es, including the Arkansas Canoe stand to benefit from this gauge, dle America. Paddleable segments Club and OKC Kayak, that dream as do any whitewater boaters trav- include Buck Creek, Pine Creek, became a reality. eling along the I-30, I-40, and I-35 Clear Creek, Maxwell Creek, Lit- corridors. The Flagpole Mountain tle Cedar Creek, East Fork of Little The Pine Creek gauge is now ideal- creeks often run when nothing is Cedar Creek, Crumb Creek, and ly situated on beautiful Pine Creek, going in Arkansas. There are state a sporty Class III run. The gauge parks within a 30-minute drive of provides dependable pool-height the gauge itself. This is very real readings and can be accessed here. opportunity to advance whitewater Once we understand the minimum paddling in Oklahoma and we ask level, we will be linking the gauge that you be a part of it. to American Whitewater and the Ozark Creek Information Summa- Here’s the breakdown: ry. Our best guess at a minimum 1. We need to raise $2, 273 by floatable level April 1 (of 2018) to keep the currently is at gauge alive through 2019. least 7 feet on 2. After that, we will need to raise the gauge. $2,600 to support the gauge through March of 2020. Funding will be the major Both of these totals include Go- issue mov- FundMe’s charges. All donated ing forward. funds are overseen by a collection Per USGS, of Arkansas Canoe Club-affiliated the mainte- paddlers, so you can rest assured nance fees that your donation will go straight total $4,000 toward funding this gauge. Any- annually. Your thing you can donate will go a funds will be long way to helping us open up put directly Flagpole Mountain to the white- toward help- water community!

www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 || PagePage 5050 Winter Paddling in the Southwest Intro by Robert Levin, New Mexico State Director

Waterway traffic during winter in New Mexico is not quite as busy as the 40,000 people that travel down the Rio Grande Race Course during the summer tourist season. However, winter paddling has its rewards for those prepared. Ben Duplessie and Mark “MD” Wilson are two of those paddlers that do not let their boating skills get rusty over the winter months. On most any Saturday at the aquatic center in Rio Rancho, these two are practicing hand rolls and stalls. And, many Fridays they can be found on the Rio Grande Race Course near Pilar, New Mexico, regardless of the temperatures of the water or air. Adam Hill can also be found paddling some of the more peaceful southern stretches of the mighty Rio Grande. Adam rediscovers this and other seldom run sections in and around the famous Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge, where thousands of Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife are in abundance. Atom Crawford finds winter paddling has its own rewards. We are pleased to have these three consummate boaters contribute their knowledge to Paddle eMagazine on the next five pages.

Page 51 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Reap the benefits of a winter paddle trip By Benjamin Duplessie

When the best time of year to paddle? The answer is year-round. Winter paddling has its challenges, but it has some great rewards as well. The roads are less clogged with campers and summer travelers, you have the river to yourself, and the water has gone back up as most locales further north have cut off irrigation. Best of all, the water is a crystal-clear blue-green as the spring and summer silt has settled out – a true treat to those used to pad- dling New Mexico water. A few minor adjustments are all that are needed for winter.

You do have to swap over to a dry suits/tops, gloves, etc. The bigger adjust- ment is what time of day you paddle. During the winter we tend to push paddling to later in the morning. Mark and I usually meet around 10:30.

Experience has taught me that getting there early is of no value in the win- ter. You need the sun up for an extra hour or two to warm the air and ac- count for the later sunrise. We usually have the river all to ourselves after Thanksgiving.

At the end of December, we were treated to another river guest, a bald eagle. It followed us over a stretch of water diving for fish. We were able to watch the eagle enjoy his lunch on a rock in the river as we paddled by.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you from paddling, it is much easier to keep the skills up when you don’t hibernate from boating six months out of the year.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 52 Paddling the Rio Grande Bosque Del Apache to Elephant Butte Lake By Adam Hill

A tranquil stretch of Class I-II is geese and more. (A more compre- off the refuge and can camp. There located between San Antonio, New hensive list of species found on the appears a river access at mile 15 – Mexico, and Elephant Butte Lake Bosque Del Apache refuge at www. so 2½ miles past the fence that you State Park. The river there is simi- fws.gov/uploadedFiles/BDA2008_ should be able to get to from the lar in river type and difficulty to the WildlifeList.pdf.) San Acacia access. Corrales stretch of the Rio Grande for those familiar with the river in There’s a great put-in that can be To get to the San Acacia access the Albuquerque area. The stretch accessed just north of the Bosque roads, take the San Acacia exit from is great for wildlife viewing and Del Apache by taking the road be- I-25 to get on 178 or follow the old can be done in two- to three-night tween the river and the ditch on the Highway 85 south of the Bosque multi-day trips, or smaller sections west side of the river and following until you get to 178, from there can be run in a day as there are that road south to just before the proceed through the large gate multiple river access points. The refuge boundary. The refuge is now marked “Armendaris Ranch.” The described section starts at ~4580 ft. open to boating but no camping ranch is private property, but 178 elevation and drops to ~4390 ft. el- is allowed, so you need to try and is a county road (wide, well-grat- evation at just under 4 feet per mile. make about 15 miles. I have set that ed dirt road), and the service roads put-in as mile 0 for my map of the it leads to are not private (though I have run the portion from Mile stretch. It's best to launch near the there are signs indicating “road not 23.5 to mile 45 (setting zero at refuge and there is a good place maintained for public use.” Turn at the put in just North of Bosque to leave vehicles there. It also ap- a service yard that stores the equip- Del Apache), and know people peared to be a good place to camp ment for maintaining the diversion who have run the Bosque section, though there is not a well-used and you will be able to access the which was until recently against camp established. diversion roads that run north to refuge regulations. I look forward within a couple miles to the refuge to doing that section very soon. On A fence crosses the river at the and south several miles – the access the float below the refuge, along southern refuge boundary at mile at river mile 23.5 is about 6 miles with beautiful views of the Fra San 12.5. This will likely require a por- south of where you cross the bridge Christobol Mountains, we spotted tage unless you can sneak your over the diversion. deer, red fox, turkey, skunk, cranes, boat under it. Once past it you are

Page 53 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Access at mile 23.5 that is a little be the Narrows of Elephant Butte enjoy the company and aroma of primitive but will allow you to get Lake, but as of 2017 it is river and live cattle. a vehicle to the river (some willows has been long enough to make it to push through but not bad as of difficult to discern the high water Flows of ~1000 or more CFS on the December 2017). mark. The accesses at mile 0 and San Antonio Gauge is great flow mile 45 would be fine for large for rafts with very few sandbars to At mile 45 there is access at a USGS rafts, the access at mile 23.5 would dodge. At 700 CFS there will be gauging station at rock house (AKA require pushing through some wil- some sandbars to dodge – at ~500 upper Narrows at the very North lows and up/down a steep 5-foot CFS it would be quite low and may end of Elephant Butte Lake State bank but it could be done, and include some getting out and drag- Park). To get there take the Red there appears to be more river ac- ging and is more suitable for ca- Rock exit (exit 100) from I-25 and cess points South of the mile 23.5 noes at this level. That is my best es- follow HW-1 South a few miles, access if you simply continue to fol- timate – I only ran it at ~1000 and turn left under I-25 at the rock low the diversion road South. scouted some of the access points at house sign and take the dirt road around 700 CFS. I believe it to be back north on the east side of I-25 Somewhere near mile 33 we en- very similar to the Rio Grande in called Upper Narrows Road. countered a large cattle corral with Albuquerque. many cows. The river banks are That road will eventually bring you impacted for several miles before Sandy Ballard was kind enough to down near the river to where you and after the corral and would not create and share a google map with can access the water. This used to make for good camping unless you the key points labeled.

Deer are among the many species of wildlife typically seen while paddling down Rio Grande.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 54 Winter Boating on the Rio Grande By Atom Crawford

As the Rio Grande enters New al monument. The classic runs are cuts through a dramatic gorge. Ba- Mexico from the San Luis Valley in the Upper Box IV-V, Lower Box III- salt rock on river right and pinkish Colorado, it slowly picks up steam IV and Racecourse III. The in-be- quartzite river left create a unique as it winds through the surround- tween areas boast awesome scenic and spectacular experience. If you ing basalt landscape, eventually floats for all manners of craft. keep a watchful eye you will likely cutting to a depth of 750 feet in see otters, bald eagles, waterfowl the Taos Lower Box. The sublime Like most southwestern states, the and, if you are lucky, the occasion- landscape of the Rio Grande boasts best boating is in the spring and al mountain lion. It has between over 80 miles of quality river run- early summer due to snowmelt. 300-700 CFS in the winter, ning from the Colorado state line However, a little secret is beginning making it great for surf- to The Embudo Station, in Embu- to emerge for those wanting a win- ing and river do, New Mexico. ter boating fix. Yes, the Rio Grande is lower in the winter, but there is Most of this stretch lies always enough flow to boat the within the Rio Grande Racecourse and the mellow floats Del Norte Nation- on the north and south ends of it.

The Racecourse is a 6-mile class III roadside run just south of Taos that

Page 55 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org running. My preference is to ski in canyon with fun rapids and tons is another remote run, so dress and the morning and kayak the RC in of wildlife viewing. It is a long run act accordingly. the afternoon. and not much sun hits the river. Make sure you are geared up ap- The best book I have found with The class II+ Orilla Verde run propriately for a winter run in your everything you will ever need on above the Racecourse and the Class kayak or raft. Flow above 600 CFS these sections and more is The Rio II Bosque section below the Race- is highly recommend. Grande : A River Guide to the Ge- course are scenic floats suitable for ology and landscapes of Northern stand up paddle-boarding, kayaks If you’re needing a Class IV-V New Mexico by Paul W. Bauer. and rafts. winter fix, The Upper Box is a 6- to 7-mile classic and is runnable in Hope to see you out on the river If you’re wanting a longer and more a kayak above 350 CFS. It is best this winter. remote experience, the Lower Box when there has been a warm spell Class III-IV is just upstream and to melt potential ice hazards. This will give you 15 miles of a deep

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 56 MEMBERSHIP

Page 57 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org ACA OUTFITTER, LIVERY & GUIDE SPOTLIGHT

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River Rock is what you would expect from your hometown outfitter, providing all the top brands in gear, apparel, and shoes while employing certified guides and instructors to connect their clients to the outdoors. River Rock Outfitter, located in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, is owned and operated by April and Keith Peterson.

April is an ACA-certified SUP Instructor and has created a robust academy that focuses on getting people on the Rappahannock River – paddling, rock climbing, and hiking local river trails. The river has explod- ed with SUP and kayak paddlers of all ages and the community has a new appreciation for their amazing river resource.

Learn more about River Rock Outfitter atwww.riverrockoutfitter.com or info@riverrockoutfitter.

Find an ACA outfitter near you using the convenient search tool on our website!

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 58 Ocmulgee on My Mind Story and photos by Burt Kornegay

I think there is no form of travel reservoir euphemistically that goes as smoothly and silently December last year. I noticed named “Jackson Lake.” But as what you experience when thatOcmulgee when RiverI shipped for five my dayspaddle in though it has a truncated start, you glide in a small boat down and let the river carry me, I did below the dam the Ocmulgee is a southern river. Travel by foot not feel the slightest disturbance worth getting to know. or horseback, bicycle or sailboat in the boat. It moved as smoothly is not as smooth and quiet, and on the river as if it were one of the certainly neither is travel by any motorized vehicle. By "southern surface. It moved as quietly as the Oconee,The river where flows the for almosttwo rivers 250 river," I mean those rivers in the clouds,white clouds too. Atreflected times inI imagined its glassy joinmiles to to make its confluence Georgia’s with mighty the coastal plain that move steadily Altamaha. Along the way it toward their rendezvous with then I’d see my blue-green canoe passes National Forest lands and the ocean without any waves I was floating on a cloud. But state wildlife management areas. or agitation or hurry, sliding serenely through forests draped Ifreflected you are in not the river,familiar with with me in the it. it is designated a River Water in Spanish moss. Ocmulgee, it starts southeast of Trail,It flows and through it skirts Macon,the impressive where Atlanta, where its headwaters ancient Indian mounds of I say this having experienced are penned up behind Lloyd such travel on Georgia’s Shoals Dam in a hydroelectric After it passes out of the Ocmulgee National Monument. Georgia's Ocmulgee River offers a wild and remote setting for paddlesports enthusiasts.

Page 59 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org Piedmont into the sandy Coastal There were a lot of birds to see, and the man was looking back Plain, the Ocmulgee slows and including anhingas, wood ducks, into the woods. I couldn’t tell if starts meandering. This is the he was getting ready to launch reach I was on. I think were lesser yellowlegs or had just taken out. Then he feedingkingfishers, along herons, the banks. and When what I saw me, and we raised hands in In her guidebook Canoeing and got close, the yellowlegs would a silent greeting. That was my Kayaking Georgia, Suzanne closest human contact. Welander gets it right when she alarm. At night I heard barred says that in the Coastal Plain the owlsfly off tuning with shortup for loudtheir criesmating of Welander is also right when she Ocmulgee’s “setting is generally season, which is in late winter. notes that sandbars are common wild and remote.” When I on the Ocmulgee. In some launched at a primitive landing It surprised me how few houses stretches I’d come to a sandbar on the left when the river bent on wild river winding through a which are usually common on that way, then before it was out of swampcalled McCrannie’s, corridor miles I found wide. myself I came to, or even fishing shacks, sight behind me I’d see another houses I saw were built on top sandbar coming up on the bend I also found that the river was all ofsouthern tall bluffs streams. that the Most Ocmulgee of the to the right. my own. I saw almost as many rubs against when it meanders alligators as I did people – two. out to the edge of the swamp. The But the term “sandbar” doesn’t houses appeared to be vacation do justice to many of these open just in front of me with only its getaways—and the vacationers expanses; the biggest of them dark,The first knobby gator head cruised showing, along were all back at home. stretched for a quarter of a mile then it quietly submerged in an along the river. I felt as if I was eddy. The second was sunning I was even more surprised not skirting ocean beaches. The sand on a bank. I paddled 34 miles to see other boaters—at least extended into the river too, and boaters who were underway. The I liked looking down at the river paddled 36 more before reaching second morning, while passing bottom slipping past. When I thebefore second, I came and to the last, first bridge bridge. I’d I an unnamed landing, I did spot a reached the end of a bar, the sand go under before my take-out on would suddenly drop off like a boat. The boat was on a trailer cliff into deep water, as if it was farther on. parkedman standing at the nexttop toof histhe fishingramp, Continued on page 61 the Altamaha at US 221, 14 miles

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 60 the continental shelf, I pulled down and when I went over the bill of it, I felt like a mariner outward bound. toboggan over it,my and cap, cinched fit a Where it wasn’t the hood of bordered by sand, my rain jacket over all, then through a thick forest paddled on. I ofthe cypress Ocmulgee and tupelos, flowed paddled hard as well as river enough to birches, sycamores stay warm, and water elms. And but, actually, on the bluffs, the dark- not that hard. green crowns of native The Ocmulgee southern magnolias was in no rush stood out in the predominant stayed clear the whole trip. But because of the change in weather, winter gray of beeches and oaks. those cloudless skies turned and neither was I. I paddled out to be a mixed blessing. The along steadily, wrapped not only In terms of weather, it was a in warm clothes and rain gear white and black kind of trip. meant I paddled for days directly While eating lunch on a sandbar intoOhoopee a brilliant flows doubledue south, sun which – the my snug study while rain beat on sun in the southern sky with its thebut windowpanes.in thought. My canoe became sunny, light breezes, could not twin directly below, mirrored in bethe morefirst day, comfortable.” I noted, “72 degrees,But the the Ohoopee’s black water. The One of the things I thought next day proved me wrong. two suns were so glaring it was about was the paddling itself. I Wearing a tee shirt, I lounged in hard to see what lay ahead. I even noticed that when I approached the dappled shade of a willow began to worry about damage to on a warm beach beneath a my eyes. I swore never to paddle like a cypress knee or a lodged sky with white sailing clouds. stick,something a single fixed stroke in the got water, me It was Georgia canoeing at its days of winter again. past it. This meant I was moving a south-flowing river in the short out lunch for two hours. That’s why I picked the Ocmulgee the length of my boat) every time December finest, and I stretched this time. In its lower reach, it Iforward dipped aroundthe paddle. 15 feet (roughly But at noon on the third day— the mid-point of the trip—dark That would put the sun at my Wondering how many times I clouds and rain swept in from the shoulderflows mainly or back, east rather and north. than was dipping it in a given mile, I north on gusty winds, bringing dead ahead. But the Ocmulgee’s divided the canoe’s length into my lunch to an abrupt halt and direction of travel turned out to sending me under wraps. The be a mixed blessing, too, because trip went from chilly to chillier, after the cold front blew in, icy 5280, and it came out to around wet to wetter, until by the last rain pelted my face whenever the since350 strokes. my average Continuing daily with rate this of day it was nonstop rain and in the Ocmulgee swung north. Instead line of thought, I figured out that of squinting into sunlight, I had dusk all day. to peer around raindrops on my wastravel pulling for the on tripthe paddle was 17 roughly miles 40s. Thick clouds sagged. It was eyeglasses to see ahead. I couldn’t (five days into 84 miles total), I A year earlier I had canoed help but think that if I’d been on by the time the trip was over. The Georgia’s Ohoopee River which, the Ohoopee, the storm would paddling6000 times and a day,the thinking30,000 strokes about like the Ocmulgee, is a tributary have been at my back! it kept me doubly warm. to the Altamaha, and the weather

Page 61 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org As long as the weather was After bathing, I got a bright boiling to make a breakfast of clear, the Ocmulgee’s sandbars piping-hot coffee and cream of made pleasant campsites, with looked out from the tarp’s wheat. I’d been beside the river long views. But on the fourth drippingfire going, edge. then It sat was close a wet and and on the river and in the river. afternoon—foul weather growing world out there. A single step Now the river was inside me. fouler—I decided to camp in the in any direction would take woods instead. Firewood would me into it, away from my little I reached the Ocmulgee’s be plentiful, I’d have my pick of trees for securing my tarp shelter, and warmth. But the Ocmulgee a stand-up lunch. An hour later and there’d be no wet sand shelter of firelight and dryness Iconfluence arrived at with the thelanding Oconee on after the sticking to everything. Altamaha, my take-out, in steady Iitself realized looked why. entirely It needs satisfiedthe rain rain. Just as I pulled up, I heard a After a couple of look-sees, I toas beit floweda river. pastIt is amy river camp, of rain.and single rumble of thunder. That’s where all of its water comes from. And the bank needs abovefound whatthe river. I wanted: There a wasflat bankeven the river to be a bank. And the where the shuttle driver, Scott awith tiny a leafysandbar floor aboutlying fiveagainst feet trees need the bank to grow. Taylor,My truck said was it would waiting be. He’s for the me the shore like a welcome mat, And, to canoe, I need it all. All of owner of Three Rivers Outdoors, making a convenient spot to pull it starts with rain. out of nearby Uvalde. the boat up. The sand was also convenient when I waded into I woke several times during the Driving away, I realized that the river for my evening bath. night to rain drumming on the the wettest I’d gotten the entire tarp. Some of the drops were storm happened while I was so loud they competed with the unpacking the gear and strapping whenYes, the others air was go within the me, 40s some and beavers that were popping their the canoe on top of the truck. ofthe them river think not much I’ve lost warmer my mind). (and tails in the river. Rain was still But after being beside a river and coming down when I built the need to take one last dip in the on a river all day, for me the day river,Maybe the that’s way why I usually I didn’t end feel a trip. the is not complete until I’m in the I had a pot of Ocmulgee water river too. morning fire. In a few minutes

About the Author ACA member Burt Kornegay is a former outfitter and guide, and owner of Slickrock Expeditions in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 62 ACA MEMBER BENEFIT

Reading the Rhythms of Rivers and Rapids

The ACA partnered with the Aquatics Taskforce of the Boy Scouts of America to produce a moving water to whitewater video: Reading the Rhythms of Rivers and Rapids.

This hour-long video is divided into 11 chapters that cover topics such as:

• Flow Rates • Paddling in Current • Hazards • Whitewater Features • Scouting Rapids • Rescues • Trip Preparation

To purchase this DVD through our eStore, click here.

www.americancanoe.org/Discounts

Page 63 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Give the Gift of an ACA Membership

Give your paddling friend or family member an ACA Gift Membership so they can support safe, enjoyable paddling and protection of America’s recreational waterways.

The ACA is the nation’s oldest paddlesports organization. Thanks to the support of our members, we have been making the world a better place to paddle since 1880!

As an ACA member, your gift recipient will enjoy the following benefits: • Subaru VIP Program • Stewardship support • Public Policy representation • Free Rapid Media subscription • Reduced admission to thousands of ACA sanctioned events and races each year • Pro Deals for certified instructors • Bimonthly Paddle eMagazine featuring local, regional, and national paddlesport issues • Members only discounts • Discounts on ACA merchandise • And more!

It’s easy to give an ACA Gift Membership using our safe and secure online form. Or, if you prefer, you can make your gift by mail or phone:

ACA | Canoe - Kayak - SUP - Raft - Rescue Attn: Membership Department / Gift Membership 503 Sophia Street, Suite 100 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 907-4460 ext 109

After purchasing your gift membership, you will receive a confirmation email with a downloadable gift announcement (PDF file) to give to the receiver. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 64 wernerpaddles.com

When you purchase a Werner Paddle you are helping to support our Page 65 | PADDLE | March non-profit2018 partners through Werner’s Healthy Waters program. www.americancanoe.org Healthy Waters, helping to protect the places we all paddle. Member Photo of the Month

We need you

to send us your photos. We'd love to showcase your outdoor adventures.

Please send photos (along with a brief description) to ACA Paddle eMagazine Editor Kimberly Jenkins at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 66 Page 67 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org COMPETITION

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 68 Slalom Team trials slated for April

The roads to Brazil and Italy go through Charlotte in April as U.S. Slalom Team Trials take place at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This three-day event will determine the final roster for this year’s U.S. Team as they prepare to compete in Rio de Janei- ro, Brazil, at the 2018 World Championships, as well as the U.S. Junior National Team headed to the World Championships to be held in Ivera, Italy.

Registration: • $85 for first discipline • $15 per extra discipline

Registration closes April 1 at midnight. No late entries will be accepted. Athletes must be registered members of ACA.

• Jr Slalom National Team Trials • Slalom National Team Trials • Extreme National Team Trials

Click here for more information.

ACA hires Slalom High Performance Manager With the ACA recently becoming the National Governing Body* in the United States for the Olympic sports of Slalom and Sprint and the Paralympic sport of Paracanoe, the organization has expanded its Competition De- partment. The newest employee is Zuzana Vanha Montagne who joined the team in January as the Slalom High Performance Manager.

Zuzana has been involved in whitewater slalom since 2001, when she trained with the Potomac Whitewater Racing Center in Maryland. She was a member of the U.S. National Slalom Team from 2005-2008. In addition, she was the event director at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Bryson City, North Carolina, as well as multiple U.S. Slalom Nationals and count- less local and regional-level races.

She is familiar with the challenges slalom athletes and supporters face in the United States and believes that we can rebuild a thriving discipline in this country based on a foundation of recreational paddling, whitewater clubs, youth development, and the pursuit of excellence. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Nan- tahala Racing Club and volunteers her time as a development coach.

*For more information about the ACA's NGB status, please see the November 2017 issue of Paddle. Page 69 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Strength Coach’s Corner How to improve pullups By Aaron Huston, ACA Sprint National Team Canoe Coach

I am asked frequently how to im- lup (hanging) until I have reached prove pullups since they are so es- 5 on my count. Absolute beginners sential to so many sports. Relative should consider starting with three strength for your sport, increased reps on the minute for 5 minutes. mobility, and injury prevention are This is a potent exercise and there is all good reasons to train pullups. no need to overdo it. Simply train- Max pullups is one of the Olympic ing this way three times a week will Development Program benchmarks produce multiple pullups in most for all canoe and kayak athletes. athletes within a couple weeks. Pullups work several important I am stuck at 10 pullups, what muscles both big and small in the FAQs for Pullups should I do? arms, shoulders, back and core. You should do three sets of max They are used in nearly every sport Should I use a band for pullups, and then do the 5x5 of for a reason: They are an extremely assistance? 5-second negatives. Then work effective way to train. A band is not a bad tool, but I don’t your way up to 7-second negatives. recommend regular use of a band. Usually this strategy will get you At Frostbite Camp this year there They are great for teaching muscle over 20. were about 15 athletes who could memory and coordination of the not complete any pullups, So the muscles needed to achieve a pullup. What is kipping and should I question is, “How does an athlete Also, they can be used to help with do it so I can get more reps? train pullups if they cannot do even rehab in some athletes. Kipping is using your body’s mo- a single rep?” The answer is eccen- mentum to propel you upward. It is tric pullups. Sometimes when we do timed an actual gymnastic skill that must workouts where pullups are part be taught. It can be dangerous to Eccentric pullups, aka “negatives” of the workout, then a band works your shoulder if done incorrectly. are where you use something like well. But, I have seen way too many If the goal is to get strong for pad- a chair or stool to start at the top instances of the same athlete us- dling, then kipping should not play of the pullup and the let yourself ing the same band for weeks and a role in training pullup strength. down slow and controlled. (In weeks and thus not really getting fact, in my gym we call them “let- any stronger. The point is to get How many should I be able downs.”) Usually athletes can do stronger at the pullup and so bands to do? this pretty well right off the bat as should play a limited role. I recommend training pullups long as someone counts for them. year-round and always trying to We do these in large groups on our What if I can’t do a negative? improve. All athletes planning to pullup bars and I simply count for You should work on hanging for compete internationally should them. These are done slowly, with 3-5 seconds at the top of the pullup, train pullups consistently in their perfect technique and controlled. and the middle (elbow 90 degrees). program. More is generally bet- Also, work your way up to hanging ter, but I think 20 reps is a good We perform 5-second negatives from the bottom position for 30 goal for females and 30 for males. and complete five sets of five reps seconds. If you can hold at the top In looking at the Worlds Training with 90 seconds of rest between and 90 degrees for 5 seconds and Squad Canoe athletes, ODP data each set. The goal is for the athlete hang at the bottom for 30, you can ranged 26-46 for males and 14-20 to not reach the bottom of the pul- do negatives. for females. www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 70 Youth Olympic Games for Paddlesports

The Youth Olympic Games will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oc- tober 6-18, 2018. These games provide an opportunity for athletes to gain experience on an international level with the goal of developing young ath- letes into top-ranking athletes on their journey to the Olympic Games.

WHAT IS YOG?

The Youth Olympic Games are an elite sporting event for young people from all over the world. An event distinct from other youth sports events, as they also integrate a unique Culture and Education Program (CEP), based around five main themes: Olym- pism, Social Responsibility, Skills Development, Expression and Process & Timeline: Well-being and Healthy Lifestyles.

• Meet the eligibility requirements and register for the World The sports program is based on Qualification Selection Race by March 1, 2018. that of the Olympic Games, with 28 sports featured on the sum- • Attend and compete at the World Qualification Selection Race on mer program and seven on the March 18, 2018, at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park. winter program. In addition, the program includes exciting new disciplines and formats, such as • Place 1st or 2nd on combined score of sprint and slalom events in 3-on-3 basketball, ice hockey K1 or C1. skills challenge and mixed gen- der and mixed National Olympic • Compete at World Qualification Event in Barcelona, Spain April Committee events. 12-15, 2018. Away from the field of play and • Earn a quota for the ACA to compete at the Youth Olympic Games through a variety of fun and in- in Buenos Aires August 6-18, 2018. teractive activities, workshops and team-building exercises, the • Compete at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires August CEP gives the participating ath- 6-18, 2018. letes the opportunity to learn about the Olympic values, ex- Click here to learn more. plore other cultures and develop the skills to become true ambas- sadors of their sport. Page 71 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Ready, Set, Mark Your Calendars!

Don’t miss these upcoming races... (Click race name for more info)

March 18 2018 Youth Olympic Games World Qualification Event Selection Race Gainesville, Georgia

March 22 Santa Cruz Paddlefest Santa Cruz, California

March 23-25 US Whitewater Open Wesser, North Carolina

April 6-8 ACA Slalom National Team Trials Charlotte, North Carolina

April 12-15 Youth Olympic Games World Qualification Barcelona, Spain

April 14-15 2018 USA Freestyle Kayaking National Championships Columbus, Georgia

May 5 ACA New England Canoe Poling Championships Bangor, Maine

May 17 ICF Paracanoe World Cup 1 Szeged, Hungary

May 31 ICF World Championships Muota/Muotathal, Switzerland

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 72 Make your events easier with online waivers!

If you are an event organizer and interested in using our online waivers as part of your online registration process, please email the Insurance Coordinator for more details.

Page 73 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org INTERNATIONAL

Unsplash.com photo/Marko Balažic

www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | March 2018 | Page 74 European ACA Instructor Academy planned for September 2018 in Germany

An Instructor Academy has been planned for ACA Some highlights of the program: Division Europe to take place September 7-9, 2018, at • Workshop: video feedback -- how to and best Lake of Schluchsee, Germany. (By the way, the event practices will take place the same spot the ACA Europe was • Lecture: mental aspects while teaching and learning founded in 2011!) • Workshop: how can I use yoga to improve my own performance and to help my students to get The ACA Instructor Academy will be a great opportu- more flexible nity for European instructors to meet, paddle together • Paddle trips, bbq and much more and learn. This event will also be an awesome chance to get updated in your discipline and get the newest If you are interested, please contact Raff Kuner (mail@ tips from top-notch IT and ITE in Europe. Plus, the raff.coch), and he will send you more event will be fun! info about the event. Or have a look on the ACA Europe website, www. aca-europe.org.

For more information about ACA Europe, please visit www.aca-europe.org.

Page 75 | PADDLE | March 2018 www.americancanoe.org Paddling History

This page is from American Canoe Association Year Book Number 26, for the Year 1907, compiled by William A. Furman.

The historic yearbook includes: • The club’s constitution and bylaws • Racing regulations • Directory of members arranged by division • Reports of committees and treasurer • Regatta records • Program of races for the ACA Meet in 1907 • A list of ACA Clubs across the country • Two maps of Sugar Island • A list of campsites on Sugar Island

Numerous ads and illustrations are also included throughout, including this color plate with the eight burgees of the ACA and its officers.

Each issue, we’ll bring you an interesting paddling photo from the ACA archives. We hope you enjoy these little glimpses of paddling history.

To learn more about ACA history and the early days of paddlesports, please visit www.americancanoe.org/History.

www.americancanoe.orgwww.americancanoe.org PADDLEPADDLE || MarchMarch 20182018 || PagePage 7676 Making the World a Better Place to Paddle! Since 1880.

www.americancanoe.org Unsplash.com photo/Michael Niessl