eddy out paddling events, safety awareness & conservation
c June/July 2011 Chota Member Mary Ann Grell Wins Boater Chick Of The Year Award Each year, the Boater Chick Festival selects one woman who has worked to advance the In This Issue: sport of whitewater paddling, particularly with women. Mary Ann was nominated by Charli SCHOOL DAYS Kerns, a Chota Canoe Club member. JUNE 17-19 The 2011 Boater Chick of the Year was CHOTA CALENDAR announced during the awards dinner Saturday TEAM RIVER night, May 21st. RUNNER Mary Ann joins an esteemed group of women SPOTLIGHT ON who have been honored since the inception of SEQUATCHIE RIVER the Boater Chick Festival in 2008. Past winners include:
2008 - Bunny Johns SCHOOL INFO 2009 - Anna Levesque How To Help 2 2010 - Juliet Kastorff amazing boater and an inspiration to me as I Application 15 The letter of nomination is reprinted here: progress in my own paddling. Of everyone I've met on the river so far, I believe she Auction 3 I would really like to nominate Mary Ann Grell deserves boater chick of the year. Donate Gear 3 for boater chick of the year. She does so much for the Knoxville boating community- For anyone involved in Chota over the last several years, Mary Ann’s contributions to our Spread The Word: 14 like getting people organized for a huge Flyer weekend kayaking trip and organizing cabin Club are well known. Congratulations to Mary rentals for the Chota girls for boater chick Ann on a well deserved honor. WW Trip 8 festival. Mary Ann also makes everyone feel Report welcome to boating and its community (like In addition to winning the Boater Chick of the Knoxville's Chota Canoe Club). She's also a Year award, Mary Ann also came in second in Touring Trip 9 fantastic mother duck on the rivers, leading the annual Boater Chick Cheoah Race. Report people down! On top of that, she's an Thanks From 11 Conservation Renew in June: Your Chota Membership Brings A Boatload Of Benefits Honorees Chota Canoe Club is a great value. What does June’s annual Chota Whitewater Canoe/Kayak Rev3 & 4 your twenty dollars get you? Plenty. School and Sea Kayaking School Adventure Race Thanks EDDY OUT Newsletter - every two months Club meetings and programs every month Swift Water 5 • updates and information about our current Rescue Class activities Safety Clinics • contact information for local and regional Conservation Activities TRR:Knoxville 3 paddlesport activities Social events How To Help Roll sessions Trips scheduled just about every weekend • canoe and kayak whitewater trips (class III Also, Club members are entitled to discounts and above) (usually 10%) at local area retailers. • hairless trips (class I, II, III) • canoe/kayaking camping trips Everyone’s Chota membership must be • touring kayak trips (day and self-contained) renewed by July 1. Please print the membership form in this newsletter and mail • youth activities it along with your dues. • evening day trips and family outings June/July 2011 page 2
2011 Officers On The Water: A Note From Chota’s President
President Welcome to our new members who have www.paddlechota.org and click on “members Doug Johnstone joined Chota. Our membership has increased online”). This way, you will automatically 865-804-5240 by 35 folks over the past few months, which receive email topics from other members [email protected] is really cool. I encourage all to look over the related to trips. Also, if there are immediate paddling schedule included in this newsletter, conservation issues needing support, you will Vice President pick a trip and join in the fun. We offer a wide receive this information too. It’s easy to sign Ed Mcalister 865-250-2188 variety of trips just about every weekend up and is one of the many benefits of ed@ throughout the year. Our trip offerings belonging to Chota. riversportsoutfitters.com continue to be added throughout the year so be sure to check out trips online too. The Another benefit of membership is the 10% School Director trips range from beginner to intermediate to discount at most of the Knoxville paddling Gary Kilpatrick advanced. Looking for a way to improve your retailers. Be sure to tell your paddling retailer 423-914-4070 paddling skills? Be sure to check out the that you are a current Chota member. See GWKilpatrick@ classes being offered in this year’s canoe and “Chota Canoe Club” link on upper left of the misincinfo.com kayak school. Avoid a late fee, and register Chota web site to see which retailers offer before June 10. this discount. Treasurer Renee Harwell Lots of activity within the past few months At Spring, Fall, and Winter Chota club 865-765-2169 make up the pages of this issue, including meetings, Chota has a variety of programs of [email protected] trips, safety support of Adventure Race and interest to the paddling community. If you have an idea for a program, please pass this Secretary the Knoxville Triathlon. You can be sure that Katie Branham more activities are continuing through the along to any of our officers and we will do our 517-896-8385 Summer. best to make it a reality. Coming in July, all [email protected] members are invited to our annual It’s great to be in East Tennessee with plenty “Instructors Appreciation” picnic. The evening Newsletter Editor of outdoor paddling right at our doorsteps! is a great social event. The Club provides the Scott Carpenter We have weekday trips, evening flat water main dish and beverages. We ask you to 865-556-5252 trips, and an excellent balance of both white bring a side. This year’s picnic cookout will [email protected] water and flat water weekend variety of trips include a return of the “Wacky Races” planned during the upcoming months. paddling competitions. Mark your calendar for Conservation July 21 for this fun evening event. Tom McDonough One of the best ways to keep in touch with 865-406-6416 other paddlers trip announcements is by Be Safe and Have Fun! [email protected] joining the Chota Listserve (go to Doug Johnstone Safety Randy Bigbee 2011 Chota Canoe and Kayak School - June 17 - 19 865-588-4249 [email protected] Hey Everyone, HOW YOU CAN HELP GET READY FOR SCHOOL Whitewater Trip Chair School is just a few weeks away and Angela Garrison everything is coming together quite nicely. We 865-577-2993 Use the school application in this have several items from area outfitters for [email protected] newsletter to sign up friends, family or our Saturday auction and maybe some good yourself Touring Trip Chair deals, depending on the competition. Doug Jim Martin Johnstone’s wife has been very gracious to Print the flyer in this newsletter and put 865-548-4200 make another Chota quilt from previous years it up to help get the word out Photogmartin8790 T-shirts. A real collectors item. @aol.com Let Gary know if you can help in any It is time to get out and broadcast the school way - instructing, loaning WW boats, etc Member at Large and encourage friends, family and co-workers Iris Leung to register for the school - absolutely a deal Let Jim Martin know if you can loan a 314-517-5703 of a life time. Chota offers state of the art [email protected] plastic touring boat for school instruction and state of the art fun at a price Webmaster that can’t be beat. Donate items for the Saturday night Russell deCastongrene auction - old boating gear that you don’t 865-966-5918 See you at school! use, items from your company [email protected] Gary Kilpatrick June/July 2011 page 3
Team River Runner: Helping Armed Services Members and Vets Help Grow Knoxville’s Team Team River Runner (TRR) gives active duty River Runner service members and veterans an opportunity to find health, healing, and new challenges Nationwide there are through whitewater boating and other currently 22 chapters paddling sports. The benefits of TRR have as of TRR. much to do with creating a social network as they do with learning water sports skills that TRR:Knoxville is a provide an exciting adventure lifestyle that vital part of this suddenly seemed lost due to injury. growth as the Knoxville area is home to a large TRR was established in August 2004 by number of disabled kayakers in the Washington, DC area. TRR veterans and that was initially established to help active duty number is growing. military personnel wounded in Iraq and and the opportunity elsewhere apparent, TRR Afghanistan who were recovering at Walter Tennessee currently expanded. See sidebar concerning local Reed Army Medical Center. With success there has two TRR Chapters opportunities to help TRR:Knoxville. one in Nashville and the other in Johnson Fabulous Auction Items Will Make For Fun Competition At School City. TRR:Knoxville is also focused on Every year at Chota’s Canoe and Kayak Uncle Lem’s Mountain Outfitters helping veterans that school, we offer an entertaining auction and 1 Whitewater helmet, Shred Ready($69.95) are not disabled, but raffle. Even if you’re not attending school, 1 PFD Stohlquist ($99) may be healing from come join us Saturday, June 18, for the their military auction. Proceeds from the auction add to the Yours Alone by Donna experience overseas funds available in our conservation donations 1 Hand made quilt/blanket, made from or abroad. made each Fall. recycled past Chota Canoe Club school shirts, including special effects embroidering, TRR:Knoxville is collectors item (Priceless-TBD @ highest bid) currently in great need of local Magpies Bakery financial support from businesses and Will You DONATE old useful gear? 1 Half Year Cupcake Subscription: mini- also volunteer cupcakes for six months ($96) support from our We are asking members to donate their 1 dozen Super Deluxe mini cupcakes ($16) local whitewater useful old paddling gear for the auction. community. River Sports Outfitter 1 Touring AT G-Series Paddle ($200) Sean Breyer is In 2010, Chota donated $3,000 to 4 Free Boat Rentals ($35each => $140) working on growing conservation organizations. Wouldn’t it be our local chapter. Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness grand to give $5,000 this year? Planning He will be our 1 Nature Picture, “Fledgling” at Norris Lake, featured guest at a by Ken Van Dyre ($35) Fall membership 1 Photograph of Obed River signed by William meeting. L. Russell ($30) Contact Sean at We’ve received some great items this year 1 Nature Picture “Spring Awakening” by Carol from local companies and organizations. (865) 776-7714 or Miller ($25) sean@ Elliott Boots 3 TCWP Shirts, $15 each ($45) teamriverrunner.org. 1 pr man’s Keen Alamosa Wp shoes ($99.95) 1 pr man’s Golite Lime Lite Ochra shoes Little River Outfitter For more information about TRR go to ($99.95) 5 - $20 Gift Certificates ($100) www.teamriverrunner 1 pr women’s Golite Trial Lite Cinder shoes .org ($89.95) Deadline for collecting donation items is Wed, 1 pr women’s Chaco Zongx sandals ($74.95) June 15 or if you’re coming to the school 1 pr men’s sandals ($39.95) please bring your items and see either Iris or 1 pr women’s sole sandal ($64.95) Doug. 2 pr men’s smartwool hiking socks 1 @ $16.95 and the other @ $19.95 Please contact either Iris Leung (314) 2 pr women’s smart wool ultra comfy socks 517-5703 or Doug Johnstone (865) ($18.95 each) 804-5240. June/July 2011 page 4
Rev3 Knoxville Triathlon May 14-15 Weekend
Supporting this event turned out to be fun, Saturday's 8 Volunteers (practice swim) were amazing, and inspiring! - Roger Arnwine, Karen Catlett, Sharon Cogburn, Chad Fairbanks, Steve Flynn, Urban Adventure Race It was a nice, crisp morning for some easy Jeramy Quart, Amber Johnstone, and Doug Volunteers Thank You! paddling and camaraderie and a “front-row” Johnstone seat for a first-class race. Most of the required On April 16, Chota support was easy and consisted of things like Sunday's 24 Volunteers (race day) were - provided safety answering questions, letting tired swimmers Roger Arnwine, Karen Catlett, Julie Clemens, support for the second hold on to our kayaks and rest, and Randy Clemens, Scott Davis, Steve Davis, Annual Knoxville occasionally towing really tired swimmers to Pete Feist, Steve Flynn, David Fox, Tanner Urban Wilderness shore. Given the wide range of ages and Gaspard, Jimmy Groton, Vicki Harrington, Ed Adventure Race in fitness levels of the swimmers, there were Harris, David Howard, Kayla Hutchison, Gary downtown Knoxville. surprisingly few that needed a tow to shore. Kilpatrick, Marci Klemas, Iris Leung, Bill Morgan, Jeramy Quart, Larry Stewart, Leslie Our own Mary Ann The event was amazing for several reasons. Stewart, Dave Zimprich, and Doug Johnstone Grell was one of the The first few groups of swimmers were competitors. Mary Ann incredibly fit! They swam 0.9 miles at what Additional note - Rev 3 donated $500 to stated “It was most of us would consider a sprint pace. Chota Canoe Club for providing volunteers. awesome hearing the They swam so fast that those not in front Chota folks cheering tucked in behind the leaders in order to draft Steve Davis and Doug Johnstone while getting in the in their wake. It was obvious as soon as they canoes!” This annual started that it was very unlikely that we race really features our would have to help any of them. They hardly hidden treasures of even looked up even when they took a quick SAYS THANKS! local parks, that breath, and they didn’t seem to breathe very continue to expand in often. When they came out of the water they the greater Knoxville sprinted to their bicycles and went charging area due to the efforts off on their $4000 bicycles! When they Note excerpt from the Rev3 Swim from the Legacy Parks finished the bicycle race they quickly donned Director foundation. running shoes and sprinted up the hill to start the running part of the race. The fitness and There was a husband/wife team that Special thanks to this determination that they displayed was was of great assistance to me at the year’s 16 Adventure amazing! starting line of the swim. The wife's Race volunteers – name was Julie and I'm not sure of her Jimmy Groton, Gary The inspiring part was even better. After the husband's name. The three of us worked Kilpatrick, Jeramy Olympic-level athletes there were waves closely together to keep athletes behind Quart, Jim Martin, (hundreds?) of folks in different age the starting line prior to the swim. They categories and of widely different fitness did a fantastic job and their task was Logan Johnson, Karen levels. None of these folks swam at the same critical for keeping the race fair for all Richters, Marc pace as the first groups but they all displayed athletes. If it's possible, I'd appreciate Mangold, Shelly the same grit and determination. Many of you passing on my thanks to these two Mangold, Patti Berrier, them swam breast stroke or back stroke and individuals. Paul Alexander, Deb meandered all over the course, but they kept Rob Richardson Alexander, Pete Feist, on keeping on. Some of them stopped at Roger Arnwine, Scott almost every kayak to take a break and chat. Note excerpt from the Rev3 Race Carpenter, Steve Some of them got overheated or had trouble Director Davis, and Doug breathing in their wet suits so they took their Johnstone. wet suits off (brrrrr!). In spite of the Dear Volunteers, challenges and obvious pain, very, very few of You completely rocked the race! You them quit! It was truly inspiring to see those created a great atmosphere, a big folks struggle and still succeed. Watching warm, welcoming army of volunteers! them soldier through the swim squashed any Thank you for your smiles, your tendency on our part to whine about being cheering and most of all for having fun chilly. and sharing your enthusiasm. I wish you could hear all the compliments given to Special thank you to all our volunteers from you from our athletes post-race. Chota (23), ETWC (1), and paddlers from Nashville (2). LJ White & the entire Rev3 Team June/July 2011 page 5
Join TCWN’s Dragon Swift Water Rescue - July 16 and 17, 2011 - Accepting Registration Boat Race Team Please come join us for the annual CHOTA This year Tennessee Swift Water Rescue Clinic held on Saturday Clean Water Network July 16 and Sunday July 17. The two day will sponsor a boat in course will be base out of Gee Creek the Knoxville Dragon Campground with training taking place on the Boat Races and would Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers. like to invite you to participate. On June The clinic is open to CHOTA members and 25, 2011, he race will non-members and for all skill levels. No prior be held at the Cove at experience is necessary or required for the Concord Park. If you course. All instruction will be shore based. have never participated in a The clinic is intended for whitewater paddlers Dragon Boat Race, and will follow the National Fire Protection don't worry. The team Association (NFPA) 1670 Standard for Water will get training time on Rescue. the boat with Rope work from Swift Water class in 2009 professional steerers Both the Awareness and Operations segments who will make sure we of this standard will be covered in the clinic. don't wreck or flip! Optional SWR certification will be available for Cost of the clinic is $35 with an additional $15 those desiring certification at the Operations fee for those needed the Operations level We need 23 people to level. Course completion cards will be certification. Camping in the overflow area at be on the team. That is available for all students. Gee Creek is included. 20 people to agree to paddle during the
training sessions and Russ Miller from Wilderness Safety To sign up for this clinic, contact Randy on race day and three Consultants will be the lead instructor for the Bigbee by emailing [email protected] alternates in case clinic. Information regarding his experience someone cannot make and credentials can be found on his web site: The class itinerary, directions, equipment list it on Saturday. www.wsc2.com. Please feel free to contact and other additional details are available on Russ if you have any questions concerning the Chota Web Page at www.paddlechota.org. The proceeds of the course content or additional courses and Knoxville race go to certifications. Randy Bigbee Knox Area Rescue Ministries. KARM asks every participant to Upcoming Chota Events - For More Summer Fun! raise $174. This amount will feed 100 people July 21 - Instructor Appreciation Night, whistle and self rescue devices are also who visit and stay at Cookout, Wacky Races – Cove Park on required. the shelter. KARM Norhshore provides ideas for Look for a email posting on Chota List serve, fundraising and I know Come on out for our annual post school and the touring distribution listing, for you will be able to celebration, thanking our school instructors, locations each week. make that goal easily. with a cookout and fun! Chota will provide the To learn more about meat and beverages (no beer allowed at the Social Paddles - Thursday Night Social this race, go to http:// Cove), while our members are to bring a side Paddles with River Sports Outfitters knoxville.racedragonb dish to share. Festivities begin at 5:30pm, oats.com/ dinner at 6:00, with fun Wacky Races to Chota will be partnering with River Sports on follow on the water. Be sure to wear Please contact Renee Thurs-day social paddles. If you have a boat, Hoyos before June 6 if something that you can get wet in. All Chota and gear, the event is free. If you need a boat you want a spot on our members are invited. See you there! or gear, please contact River Sports at boat by email at 523-0066 to reserve and rent at a nominal [email protected] or Paddles to the Grill fee. The paddles begin at various downtown phone 865.522.7007 parks along the Tennessee River, and are x100. We'd love to Jack Graham is once again leading the paddle usually no more than 3 mile leisurely paddles. have members of the to the grill trips for touring and rec boats. All paddles begin at 6pm, and usually last Tennessee Clean Water The weekday evening paddling trip usually about an hour and half. Network participate involve a 1 to 5 mile paddle to a water-side with board members and staff to make this a restaurant for food and beer. The return Please check the web site Outdoor Knoxville paddle is usually after dark so approved lights great day on the at www.outdoorknoxville.com or Chota email water! are required. The usual safety gear of PFD, announcements for location each week. Date Event Contact
June Upper Pigeon Doug Johnstone 4 (Intermediate) [email protected] Class III-IV 865-804-5240 Larry Stewart [email protected]
June Paddlers Choice – Open Weekend Jim Martin 4 [email protected] 865-548-4200
June Rankin Bottoms – Douglas Lake Karen Catlett 12 This will be a pleasure paddle, meaning that recreational boats (less than 15 [email protected] foot), and canoes, and beginners welcome. This is a very unique area limited to 865-919-7963 certain times and water conditions. Well known for the birds.
June Chota Canoe and Kayak School Gary Kilpatrick 16-19 423-914-4070 GWKilpatrick@ misincinfo.com
June Hiwassee Trey Coleman 25 (Beginner) [email protected] Class II
June 7 Islands - French Broad Marc and Shelley Mangold 25 Touring Trip rating: Easy 865-556-4761 A downriver float trip on the French Broad River
July Nantahala (B) Class II (III) Jason Darby 2 The kayak trip will be on Saturday but Jason will also be doing some mountain [email protected] biking at Tsali on the 1st and 3rd. Contact Jason for details.
July Calderwood Lake Debbie Briscoe 2-3 overnight/camping (2 nights) and hiking [email protected] 423-534-3636
July Rankin Bottoms – Douglas Lake Roger Arnwine 9 [email protected] 865-531-1041
July Nantahala Gary Kilpatrick 9-10 (Beginner) [email protected] Class II (III)
July Nantahala Angela Garrison 16 (Beginner) [email protected] Class II (III)
July Melton Hill Lake Tom & Tere McDonough 16 Touring Trip rating: Easy [email protected] We will put in at the Eagle Bend boat ramp (Dismal Gap on some maps) ramp at 865-922-8075 or 10:00. We will paddle about 3.5 miles to Clinton Island, where we will stop for 865 406-4617 lunch, then return to the put-in. This trip will be suitable for recreational kayaks, but you will need to be able to paddle 7 miles at a pace of about 3 miles per hour.
July Instructor Appreciation Night, Cookout, Wacky Races 21 All Chota Members are welcome Cove Park on Norhshore
July Lower Pigeon Larry Stewart 23 (Begnniner) Class II [email protected] DATE Event Contact
July Upper Tellico Lake Iris Leung 23 Touring Trip rating: Easy [email protected] 314-517-5703
July Nantahala (B) Class II (III) Mary Ann Grell 30-31 Boat and Bike Weekend – The kayak trip will most likely be on Saturday with [email protected] mountain biking on Sunday. Dre Borja [email protected]
July Clinch River – Below Melton Hill Dam Paul Alexander 30 This will be a 7 mile paddle, good for recreational and touring kayaks, and flat [email protected] water canoes. 865-679-0359 865-889-1149
July French Broad Doug Johnstone 30 (Intermediate) Class III-IV [email protected]
August Norris Lake Night Paddle Steve McGaffin 6 Meteor Shower/Pot luck dinner [email protected] Friday evening paddle 865-687-8681
August Hiwassee Marty Vaugh 6 (Beginner) Class II [email protected]
August Fontana Overnighter Gary Kilpatrick 12-14 Self contained Touring Trip [email protected] For Details contact trip leader. 423-914-4070
August Nantahala David and Tisha Benton 13 (Beginner) Class II (III) [email protected]
August Hiwassee Doug Johnstone 20 (Beginner) Class II [email protected]
August River Sports Pint Night River Sports 25 Sponsor: Confluence www.riversportsoutfitters.com Charity: Chota Canoe Club & East TN Whitewater Club
August Tuckaseegee Mary Ellen Griffin 27-28 (Beginner) Class II [email protected] This trip will be on both days. Mary Ellen has offered up her house for Saturday night. There is also plenty of camping in the area.
August Tellico Lake Charles Goodson, 27-28 Overnight touring trip [email protected] Ft Loudon State Park 865-804-3979
August Upper/Middle Ocoee Mary Ann Grell 27-28 (Int-Adv) Class IV [email protected] Get Ready for the Gauley Weekend –This is Mary Ann’s annual training trip to prepare for the Gauley River. This is not a first timer trip or a regular river trip. You must be comfortable running both sections of the Ocoee. Get ready to work it!
September Watauga Lake Doug Johnstone 18 Another hidden treasure, one of the highest mountain lakes in East Tennessee [email protected]
September Norris Lake near Big Ridge State Park Tom & Tere McDonough 24 We will meet at the TWRA boat ramp on HWY 61, just west of Big Ridge at 9:00. [email protected] This trip will be suitable for recreational kayaks, but you will need to be able to 865-922-8075 or 865 paddle 8 miles at a pace of about 3 miles per hour. 406-4617 June/July 2011 page 8
WW Trip Report: Newbies on the Nanty
Paddlers: Doug Johnstone, Alisandra Snyder, Marty rescued Wes and I was able to assist Luke with his self Vaughn, Lucas Shepard, Wes Couch, Rusty Siler, rescue. After a short recovery we were back on the Alisandra Snyder water and in no time we were taking a break and warming in the sun at Surf Rapid. The options for the 04/23/2011 Class II-III Trip Leaders Choice run were Little River (Elkmont section), French We took this opportunity to discuss the upcoming rapids Broad, or Middle Tellico depending on water as well as (The Bump and Lesser Wesser) the Nantahala or Hiwassee Rivers. After monitoring flows with the new guys. This and considering the paddling skills of the interested discussion must have filled the paddlers, Doug Johnstone chose the Lower Nantahala. guys with anticipation or dread After a 10:30 am meeting at the Put-In above Patton’s because the next half of mile on Run and utilizing the services of our lovely Shuttle Bunny the river was like a four hour (Angela Vaughn), two Open Boaters and four Kayakers road trip with my kids asking, proceeded down to rivers edge. Doug gave a quick “Are we there yet”. Around every safety briefing followed by a river signal demonstration bend one of the new guys would by Sandy. With temperatures in the mid 70s on their way ask is that the Bump to which we to a high in the lower 80s, it felt good to finally get our would repeatedly reply, “No you boats in the water and cool off with a few rolls in the 48 will see a sign hanging in a tree degree water. that says Bump”. When we finally saw the sign coming up ahead Doug led the group into the current and I followed. Three Wes and Rusty decided to sneak first time Nanty paddlers and prospective CHOTA but Luke busted through the hole members lined up behind me and in front of Sandy who at the bottom like a Pro. volunteered to run sweep. The action started quick when I gave the beginners a textbook example of how not to We all took out above the Falls for a quick scout and peel out into the current. Luckily, I was able to save noticed that the extra CFS really had Wesser looking some embarrassment by executing a quick roll on my hungry! We all picked a line and headed back up for the first attempt but unfortunately not quick enough to keep run. Rusty and Wes decided to sit this one out but Luke Doug from seeing the whole thing. He found it to be was up for the challenge. Doug hit the traditional line quite humorous. first and ended up slightly too far left at the bottom. The whitewater begin to pull his canoe back into the hole. We all followed Doug down a perfect line through Doug reached out with determination and set his paddle Patton’s without incident before regrouping at the deep for the struggle between him and the hydraulic. bottom. The first timers let out a “woohoo’s” and Time seem to stop for a moment until the willpower of “yeehaws” that showed their obvious enthusiasm. the paddler over came the force of the water and the boat broke free to safety. The group headed back out at a leisurely pace enjoying the beautiful scenery and sunshine. We noticed that the I followed also choosing the standard line and ending up extra 200 CFS actually made the run easier by in the meat of the hole. I was able to power through and submerging some of the rocks that are normally somehow stay upright long enough for a short exposed. After stopping several times for some eddy celebration that ended with me flipping. After executing turn and peel out practice and to practice eskimo (T) a couple of perfect carped roll attempts, I finally decided rescues, we soon came upon Pyramid Rock. Doug led to keep my head down and rolled back up just in time to through to the bottom of the rapid as I followed and see Doug laughing at me again. Oh well I might as well caught the eddy behind pyramid. That’s when things got end the day the way I started it. Luke hit the rapid next busy! and made a clean run on his first attempt. This prompted a few “woohoo’s” and “yeehaws” from those of us who Rusty flipped and I moved in for a T rescue but he had were not that lucky on our first ever run of Lesser already pulled his skirt. This put me in position to quickly Wesser. Sandy followed last still running sweep and shove him and his boat into the eddy. Wes made it making the perfect run. through clean to join Doug in the eddy below. Luke flipped and Sandy gave chase but he was able to roll on Even with a few swims everyone had a great time and his second attempt. Rusty made a quick recovery and we we ended up with three new CHOTA members and a few made it down to Ferebee without any more excitement. more applicants for Kayak school in June. As with most trips to the Nanty we ended the day having cold After a quick snack we were back on the water and refreshments, warm conversation and hot pizza at Rivers having fun. The next two rapids went by uneventful until End. the squirrely water behind Whirlpool caused Luke and Wes to pull their skirts and enjoy a refreshing swim in Marty Vaughn the cool waters of the Nantahala. Sandy and Doug June/July 2011 page 9
Touring Trip Report: Sequatchie River Trip, May 21, 2011
kayak, one solo white water canoe, and two flat water canoes. The river again proved to be an exceptional trip, one that paddlers with all skill levels could enjoy. High water as well as logs and trees pushed high on the surrounding banks was evidence that earlier this spring the waters were running high and fast. Just three weeks earlier the TVA web site reported that the river was running at 1500 cfs. The conditions could not have been better for this trip. Total time on the water was just under 4 hours with a distance covered of 12.5 miles. Lunchtime was spent on a sand bar approximately 3 miles into the trip. The river was plenty deep and wide through the entire trip. At the river bends the water was shallower with some riffles and required some water reading to safely negotiate the faster water without hitting rocks. All were Sequatchie River Put In successful and this added a little challenge to an otherwise free flowing trip. The only takeouts are at bridges and one needs to plan ahead as many have no On a Saturday in May, a group of Chota paddlers met in parking for a shuttle car and no adequate takeout. This Kingston to travel to and paddle the Sequatchie River in trip will be held during the same timeframe next year. All south central Tennessee. The day promised to be warm, enjoyed the trip and returned to Knoxville and Kingston sunny and free of rain. In attendance were Marc and by different routes. Shelly Mangold, Gary and Mary Morris, Doug Johnstone, Tony and Ann Gehl, Bob Eckhardt, Debby and Paul Paul Alexander Alexander. Four had paddled the river last year and were expecting excellent conditions. The trip was planned around a write-up in Bob Lantz’s/Bob Sehlinger’s book A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Tennessee, published in 1979. It indicated that the Sequatchie was suitable for beginners, intermediates, and families. The only hazards indicated were dams (only one identified), deadfalls, and low bridges. The minimum runnable water was defined as 150 cfs. Last year the river was running 359 cfs. As the trip date arrived, the TVA river flow chart was consulted and the Sequatchie was running at 388 cfs. The group arrived, 2 hours after leaving Kingston, at the old Ketner Mill (built in 1824). The put in was below a low head dam on a sandy/gravel beach. The day was already starting to warm and we encountered another group of canoers from the local communities. Our group consisted of three touring boats, a tandem touring
White Water - Trip Coordinators Check List Guideline
As we coordinate and organize trips throughout the year, all Advanced Trip trip coordinators should utilize the following simple checklist to 1. Designate Sweep heighten our awareness towards safety 2. Identify weakest paddler(s) 3. Stress communications e.g. tell someone if you need to Beginner Trip stop 1. Check equipment before running shuttle 4. Winter - consider bringing extra gloves, under garment, 2. Assure that everyone understands Shuttle concept food, hot drink 3. Designate Sweep 5. Be sure to scout and set up ropes for significant rapids 4. Identify weakest paddler(s) when necessary 5. Demonstrate river signals to all 6. Be sure to scout and set up ropes for significant rapids when necessary June/July 2011 page 10
River Spotlight: Sequatchie River Trip
The Sequatchie River is located in Middle Tennessee, north-east of Chattanooga. It drains a 600 sq. mile area that includes parts of Bledsoe, Cumberland, Grundy, Marion, Sequatchie, and Van Buren Counties. Land use in the lower, flatter parts of the watershed is primarily agricultural. The steeper parts of the watershed are forested. The watershed includes the towns of Pikeville, Dunlap, Whitwell, and Jasper. The Sequatchie River was named after the Cherokee Chief, Sequachie, who signed a treaty with the colonial government of South Carolina. Sequachie means “opossum, he grins or runs,” in Cherokee.
It is obvious from looking at a Tennessee map that the Sequatchie River is a unique place. The Sequatchie River has a long (about 65 miles), Lantz describes the Sequatchie River as having the most narrow (generally less than spectacular scenery of any class I float in Tennessee. 5 miles wide) and almost The river’s largest tributary, the Little Sequatchie River perfectly straight valley is a class II run with one Class III rapid. Like the that is embedded into the Sequatchie, the Little Sequatchie runs through a steep southern portion of the gorge and has spectacular scenery. The narrowness and Cumberland Plateau. The karst nature of the watershed limits paddling river’s source is a large spring that flows out of Devilstep opportunities on other tributaries to the Sequatchie. It is Hollow Cave. The spring receives water from Grassy possible to run some of the tributaries on the rare Cove, one of the largest sinkholes in the country. Grassy occasions when they have enough water. These runs are Cove is about 5 miles long and 3 miles wide and is class IV to VI+ and should be attempted only by highly drained entirely by underground streams. The valley's skilled paddlers. Maps, directions, trip descriptions and main stream, Grassy Cove Creek, flows northward pictures of these tributaries can be found at http:// across the cove before dropping into Mill Cave on the www.waldensridgewhitewater.com/waldensridge/ slopes of Brady Mountain. It then winds its way TheSequatchie Creeks.htm. southward through a series of caves before reemerging in the Sequatchie Valley to the south, where it forms the Paul Alexander has lead two Chota trips on the lower headwaters of the Sequatchie River. reaches of the Sequatchie River and plans to make this trip an annual event. The most recent trip was on May Both the Sequatchie Valley and Grassy Cove were part 21. The Sequatchie’s unique geology and spectacular of an anticline that was formed when rock strata were scenery make it a river that everyone should paddle at bent upward into a broad arch to form a long ridge least once. about 250 million years ago. Uplifting fractured a top layer of erosion resistant sandstone, exposing more Tom McDonough soluble limestone layers to erosion. Over subsequent millennia, the limestone dissolved, forming a series of sinkholes. These sinkholes eventually merged together to create the Sequatchie Valley. This process resulted in one of the straightest valleys in the world.
About 70 miles of the Sequatchie are paddleable when there is enough water. The lower part of the river is runnable most of the time. There is no real whitewater on the main channel of the Sequatchie. The scenery is spectacular, especially in the fall when the leaves turn color. The narrow, rolling valley is bounded on either side by 1,000 foot high steep sandstone bluffs of the Cumberland Plateau escarpment. The portion of the plateau east of the valley is relatively narrow and is known as Walden Ridge. A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Tennessee by Bob Sehlinger and Bob June/July 2011 page 11
2010 Conservation Honorees Send Their Thanks To The Chota Canoe Club June/July 2011 page 12
Physical Healing Team River Runner (TRR), established in August 2004 in the !Strengthen core muscles Washington, DC area, is an all-volunteer organization run by !Improve flexibility kayakers. Through whitewater kayaking on various rivers, TRR !Enhance coordination promotes health, healing, and new challenges for wounded Veterans Emotional Healing of the Iraq and Afghan wars. While the focus of Team River Runner's !Increase motivation through fun, work is on soldiers recuperating at Medical Centers and VA’s, TRR challenging, and rewarding sport also provides the same programs to families supporting their !Encourage participants to set goals and wounded Vets. build confidence !Inspire hope and eliminate the stigma of “disabled” !Connect with nature and wilderness
The Program !Weekly instruction !Regular local trips !Weekends in PA and WV !Trips to Colorado, Costa Rica, Grand Canyon, and Caribbean !Annual Biathlon
¨Team River Runner challenges and welcomes recently injured soldiers back into a community and fellowship that most of us thought we could never rejoin after our injuries¨ Captain (P) Daniel Gade, US Army
Team River Runner (TRR) is a partner of Disabled Sports CONTACT: USA's (DSUSA) Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project. Sean Beyer [email protected] DSUSA is a 501(c)(3) organization; contributions are 100% tax deductible. www.teamriverrunner.org TRR is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign Team River Runner through its participation in 5007 Stone Rd Rockville, MD 20853
Sunday, May 29, 2011 June/July 2011 page 13
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