WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION JULY 2017 ON THE EDDY LINE IDAHO WHITEWATER ASSOCIATON NEWSLETTER

Thoughts from the President:

Where did the high water take you this spring? I was lucky enough to get a few “firsts” in this spring … WOW it’s been a wild ride! The opportunity came up to jet down the Middle Fork of the Salmon at 6.4ft, 100 miles in 3 days with an awesome crew of 6. Wow, Impassable impressive at that flow!! Three dayys later we ran Hells Canyon at 37,500 cfs, once again with a strong crew of experienced boaters. If you haven’t been throuugh Hells Canyon in the spring, it’s a must do … the canyon walls are glowing green, blooming cactus & wildflowers are abundant and the water is relatively warm. We took advantage of a warm sunny layover day to relax with our chairs in the water and the sun warming our skin. We left camp micro trash free and even dug up quite a few noxious weeds. Thanks to everyone involved for making my 2018 spring boating memorable!!

I also had the opportunity to run the Grand Ronde at 7,500 cfs; beautiful corridor. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) approached us at the launch site. Provided river safety tiips, pamphlets and requested we suggest to our friends to float in May instead of June befoore the masses appear in an effort to keep this section of Wild & Scenic River pristine. He asked for help by disassembling fire rings and gathering micro trash. He added the Grand Ronde will unfortunately become permitted in the future to help keep these issues at bay if they cannot be stopped. He informed us of an experiment the Departmt ent had conducted with various groovers. Interesting enough, the conclusion is the “bucket method” worked the best for them. What the heck is this you ask? Using a 5 gallon bucket with a secure lid, cover the bottom with a bit of compost / potting soil. At camp, place a toilet seat on it, deposit solid human waste, sprinkle on more compost/ potting soil and repeat. After your trip, simply dump the contents of the bucket in any vaulted toilet within Oregon. Interesting, I wonder what Idaho thinks of Oregon’s suggested “bucket method?”

Your IWA Board has been keeping the momentum going this spring. Scott & I presented to the Payette River Working Group at BLM with several key players in April. It was a great opportunity to share IWA’s goals. BLM map/sign designer is excited to create and install updated safety signs along the Payette River. We disscussed how to achieve the installation of a ramp at the Deadwood Creek launch site for the Canyon section of the Payettee River. We will keep you posted as this evolves.

The Spring Equipment Sale was a HUGE success this year. IWA grossed $6,000. Big thanks to Maravia for hosting us again and every AWESOME volunteer who took time out of their weekend to be there!! Northwest Outdoor Safety hosted a knot tying contest for a free safety class. St. Luke’s Air gave away a one year meembership. River Food whipped up a delicious meal for volunteers and vendors. BREN, Outdoor Exchangee, Backcountry Gear Collective, AIRE, CClass V, Idaho Players Association, Gem Air, and Central Idaho Shuttles were all on site and provided donations for raffles. Banana Ink and Cascade Raft & Kayak generously donated raffle items for volunteers as well.

Recently, your IWA Board approved a donation of $500 to the Boise River Enhancement Network (BREN). We are very excited to be part of the enhancement of our city’s natural resource. We also donated $500 to the Idaho Mountain Search & Rescue to updata e their gear. This fall IWA plans to pay it forward by donating a couple of kayaks that were left at the Spring Equipment Sale along with a paddle donated by Scott, to Dare to Kayak Neew Meadow, who provides kayaking classes to kids at Zim’s Hot springs. “Dare to be who you want to be!” ~ Students. More information is available on Idaho River Sports’ blog: https://idahoriversports.com/blogs/news/95582854-devon-barker-hicks-dare-to-kayak Please let us know if there are other programs IWA could reach out to.

Mark your calendar for the Upcoming Events within this newsletter. Perhaps we’ll see you at Saafety Saturday in July, BREEN’s River Boogie and IWA’s 2nd Annual Summer Roundup in September at Lost Grove Brewer.

Enjoy your summer wherever the river takes you, your family and friends! Cheers to you!

SYOTR, Cris Riggs

IDAHO WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER SAFETY SATURDAY‐JULY 21ST LET’S PRACTICE SAFETY SKILLS Come up and join us at the launch site for the Please join us for an exciting day of fun and free interactive Main Payette at Banks. IWA will be grilling up whitewater safety skills. lunch and offer raffle prizes for participates. We look forward to seeing you all! Check in between 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. MDT to learn and/or practice at the following stations: SAFETY SATURDAY  Knot Tying Techniques; JULY 21ST, 2018  Throw Bag Practice; REGISTER: 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.  First Aid; ______ Proper Pre‐Rafting Safety Talk;  Boat Flipping; and MAIN PAYETTE RIVER  Proper PFD & Helmet Fitting. BANKS PARKING LOT

We are excited to announce that we have several vendors at various stations this year: Idaho River Sports Bear Valley Rafting Co has donated a day Cascade River Gear rafting trip for the raffle. Selway Fabrication Be prepared for an emergency. *Whitewater life jacket required to participate*

WINNER ALERT: At our River Predications Meeting in March we had a “Best Guess CFS / Ft for the Selway & the Middle Fork of the Salmon on June 1st” contest. Congrats Ron Abromovich (MFS 4.4125ft) & Brent Emler (Selway 19,506 cfs). We’re treating you to a cold one at Lost Grove! Thanks for being at the meeting! Cheers to you! 2ND ANNUAL SUMMER ROUNDUP – LOST GROVE BREWING Mark your calendars: Wednesday, September 19, 2018

We had so much fun last year, we’ve declared this to be an annual event. So saddle up, dust off those belt buckles and grab your cowboy hat (yes, your river thatched hat will do) and join us for an evening of story telling & comrodary with our fellow rafting buds over a nice cold brew at Lost Grove Brewing. Western wear is encouraged for all NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. Bring your friends. Raffle & silent auction items are rolling in. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to IWA 1026 S La Pointe St, Boise, ID 83706

Page 2 IDAHO WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER The 50th Anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Act Robin Fehlau Congress passed this landmark legislation on Oct. 2, 1968, to preserve selected rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Some of Idaho’s rivers were among the original designated rivers including the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Lochsa, the Selway and the Middle Fork Clearwater. Of the approximately 3.6 million miles of streams in the U.S., less than one quarter of one percent – 12,734 miles – are protected by the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. By comparison, more than 75,000 large dams nationwide have modified at least 600,000 miles, or about 17%, of American rivers. Idaho has approximately 107,651 miles of river, of which 891 miles are designated as wild & scenic- less than 1% of the state’s river miles. As the Act nears a half century of protecting some of our greatest rivers, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating its accomplishments—and in working for its future. While there is much we have to do, there is much we have done, and to the thousands of people across the country that have worked tirelessly to save their local river, it’s time to take a moment to celebrate, to congratulate each other, to look forward. Across the nation, river enthusiasts, communities and government agencies are preparing to celebrate wild rivers with the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. In the days of fur trappers and pioneers, free-flowing rivers were the lifeblood of commerce, transportation and fisheries across America. Today, they are critical yet often-overlooked sources of clean water, critical habitat, and rejuvenating recreation for Americans seeking a break from the frenetic world of technology and reconnection with the deep flow of time and nature. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act safeguards the free-flowing character of rivers by precluding them from being dammed, while allowing for the public to enjoy them. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation to develop goals for protecting streams. Rivers are designated according to three classifications: Wild River Areas – Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. Scenic River Areas – Rivers or sections that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. Recreational River Areas – Rivers or sections that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past. Key Facts:

Page 3 1. Designation as a Wild & Scenic River does not prohibit development or give the federal government control over private property. Recreation, agricultural practices, residential development and other uses can continue. 2. Rivers, or sections of rivers that are designated as 'Wild', 'Scenic', or 'Recreational' are protected through voluntary stewardship by landowners and river users, and through regulation and programs of federal, state, local or tribal governments. 3. Not all land within the boundaries of designated rivers is, or will be, publicly owned, and the Act limits how much land the federal government is allowed to acquire from willing sellers. 4. The Act strives to balance dam and other construction at appropriate sections of rivers with permanent protection for some of the country's most outstanding free-flowing rivers. To accomplish this, it prohibits federal support for actions such as the construction of dams or other in-stream activities that would harm the river's free-flowing condition, water quality or 'outstandingly remarkable' resource values. 5. Designation does not affect existing water rights or the existing jurisdiction of states and the federal government over waters as determined by established principles of law. For more information, please visit the public site www.wildandscenicrivers50.us. For select curated photos of Wild & Scenic Rivers, visit the image gallery. Other photos are available on Flickr at www.Flickr.com/Photos/Wild_Rivers Designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Idaho

• Battle Creek • Owyhee River • Big Jacks Creek • Owyhee River (North Fork) • • Owyhee River (South Fork) • Bruneau River (West Fork) • Rapid River • Clearwater River (Middle Fork) • Red Canyon • Cottonwood Creek • St. Joe River • Deep Creek • Salmon River • Dickshooter Creek • Salmon River (Middle Fork) • Duncan Creek • Sheep Creek • Jarbidge River • • Little Jacks Creek • Wickahoney Creek

Join us for all the fun!

EVENT: DATE: LOCATION:

th 11 Annual Safety Saturday July 21 Banks Parking lot Main Payette 2nd Annual Summer Roundup September 19 Lost Grove Brewery Adopt a Hwy October 6 Beehive Take Out IWA Meeting November 7 AIRE White Elephant & Christmas Party December 8 Idaho River Sports Meeting & Board Elections January 9 Cascade River Gear DO & River Food Cook-off February 6 Cascade River Gear Meeting & River Predictions March 6 AIRE Meeting & Movie Night April 3 Idaho River Sports Spring Equipment Sale April 27 Maravia Warehouse IDAHO WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION JULY 2018 NEWSLETTER HYPOTHERMIA ON THE RIVER! Paul Collins Yes, the rivers are pumping, and the days are getting longer and warmer – yahoo! So why are we talking about something so cold as hypothermia (Too low of a body temperature)? Just put your finger in the water and that is why – it is still COLD! Now, no oneg is plannin to take a long swim in any river right now, but we must listen to the “What If.” “What If” you take a 15‐minute swim, even on a 90 degree day, in a cold river? Since our bodies are so good at eliminating heat on a hot day, it is also true that we can cool down in cold water very quickly. We need to plan for the options, especially the ones that are more dangerous. What are the numbers? Here is a general overview of how our bodies respond to cold water;

Time until exhaustion Expected time of Water Temperature or unconsciousness survival in the 32° F (0° C) Under 15 minutes Under 15–45 minutes 32.5 – 40° F (0 – 44° C) 15–30 minutes 1–3 hours Common Temperature Found in Alaska 40 – 50° F (4 – 10° C) 30–60 minutes 2–40 hours 50 – 60° F (10 – 16° C) 1–2 hours 1–6 hours 60 – 70° F (16 – 21° C) 2–7 hours 30–90 minutes 70–80° F (21 – 27° C) 3–12 hours 3 hours – indefinitely The first list is time to total exhaustion – well after you cease to be physically functional! The functional time in cold water is MUCH shorter that total exhaustion. In 2001, Dr. C J Brooks of the Canadian National Transportation Safety Board found that immersion into water colder than 59° F can cause cold shock, a loss of efficient breathing, and a dramatic decrease in swimming ability within 3‐5 minutes. A swimmer spending 3 minutes in the river during a high flow, in Class IV, or Class V rapids before rescue arrives or they can self‐rescue is a highly probable scenario. This scenario lays the groundwork for the rapid onset of hypothermia later on. In a way, the piggy bank is now empty! There are several steps to total exhaustion and the farther you go the less ability to self‐rescue you have. Here are some steps to consider. • Cold water shock. The initial shock of cold water can place a severe strain on the body, possibly producing cardiac arrest. This is especially true in people with many cardiac conditions. In cold water immersion, your breath can be driven from you and cause a phenomenon known as dry downing. Also called laryngospasm reflex, the cold shock can literally prevent you from breathing. Your larynx closes the airway and essentially causes asphyxiation; you suffocate since you are not able to breathe. Some people experience an involuntary reflexive gasp for breath and can inhale water rather than air if the face is in the water. Most of these immediate body responses are increasingly fatal as the water temperature decreases. • Hypothermia. Hypothermia is subnormal temperature within the central body. Even though the extremities loose function, the inner body core can maintain function longer. When a person is immersed in cold water, their skin and nearby tissues cool rapidly. However, it may take 10 to 15 minutes before the temperature of the heart and brain starts to drop. When the core temperature drops below 90° F serious complications begin to develop. Death may occur at about 80° F; however, a person may drown at a higher temperature due to loss of consciousness or inability to use the arms and legs. So what should you do? The first thing is prepare for a swim! Here are some guidelines for gear. Wet/Dry Gear ‐ Clearly a wetsuit or drysuit with booties is the obvious answer here as the first line of defense, but how

Page 5 much do you need? Too much layering and you could end up overheating and sweating too much, losing vital liquids and exposing yourself to rapid evaporation thus increasing your risk of hypothermia or heat exhaustion. The following chart offers a helpful guide on what type and thickness of suit is recommended. This is just a general guideline for suit thickness, and additional layering may be required to ensure maximum comfort and safety. We do not recommend a suit in excess of 5 mm at its maximum since it will severely hinder youur ability to paddle and function effectively in a whitewater environment.

• Splash top or Drytop ‐ This will help you on windy days when a drysuit is too much, but a wetsuit alone will cause too much heat‐loss through windchill or evaporation. • Neoprene Socks ‐ Helps add an additional layer to keep your feet warm in just wetsuit booties. • Fleece mid‐weight layers ‐ Micro Fleece is remarkable for its ability to keep you warm despite being wet. It works exceptionally under a drysuit, but it still is very good at keeping you warm under a splash top. it also tends to be inexpensive. • Neoprene or wool gloves ‐ Having a pair of gloves is almost as important as booties and will keep you warmer and more comfortable as you paddle in increasingly cold conditions. • Beanie ‐ If you wear a helmet this can be a problem as a beanie likely wonn't fit properly. A thin skull cap of fleece can go a long way to keeping you warm. So think “P to the 6th” Carry Spare Clothes ‐ Having an extra set of clothing and a towel Prior As a critical part of your winter kit. We typically tuck a spare set of Planning warm clothes and a couple Mylar blankets into our Watershed Bag Prevents just in case. When the weather is bad, it can be impossible to get P—s warm without extra supplies if someone is getting hypothermia Poor after a swim. Performance One other safety trick is take along an instant hot pack or two. This can give a cold person a quick warm‐up, especiallly with dry clothing/gear. Now, don’t get a huge “nuclear” one, just a little assisting heat works wonders. Small is usually enough – don’t overdo. Here is an example, and there are lots of types. The key is to plan ahead. The key is being ready for a swim. They never seem to happen when you think they will (well, not on the Lochsa). Lochsa River Madness … hang on! Did you go? Did you run the Mighty Lochsa River this year? What an amazing event! IWA rolled in $3000 dollars in raffle tickets and T‐shirt sales this year. What a great turn out it waas. Most submitted movies in years! The River Management Society joined your IWA Board of Directors (BOD) to celebrate 50 years of the Wild & Scenic Act. They hosted several events throughout the weekend, such as coffeee and conservation talk, recycle your cans at Lochsa Falls, art for kids at the pavilion, and joiined in on the evening show. The BOD agreed that this year’s event was one for the books! Shout out to a few winners: Cambridge Fire pan: Mark of Salmon River Experience Canyon Cooler: Paula Kelly Best flip/swim: Tyson Stellrecht Best Movie: Jesse Delamotte & Jeremy Wright ID Central Shuttle: Dugan & Erin Elton Thanks for everyone that made this year amazing! BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cris Riggs Scott Laxson Jojo Simón Kevin Jones

Teresa Roundy Ken Ahlefeld Phil Compton Deme Dellairo Alicia Reppert Paul Collins

Did you know? The Idaho Whitewater Association’s Board of Directors There are (BOD) has 3 openings and can always use a few extra 93,000 miles helping hands. If you are interested in joining the BOD or of streams & volunteering at one of our many community events, rivers within please contact us at: [email protected] Idaho!T

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS

Our Mission The purpose of the Idaho Whitewater Association, Inc. (hereafter, IWA) shall be to promote the appreciation, understanding, and safe recreational use of the whitewater river resources within the State of Idaho among its members and the general public, and to inform the members of issue affecting whitewater rivers and their use. In essence, the IWA is for whitewater boaters and paddlers, who have a passion and experience in whitewater and others who desire to explore that passion.

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Post Office Box 6135 – Boise, ID 83707

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Saturday, July 21st Register: 10a – 2p Where: Bank to Beehive Learn new skills or sharpen your current skills. Be prepared for an emergency.

Note: Please check your renewal date next to the mailing address. IWA is only as strong as our members and we need you!

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Date: Please Check ALL that apply:  Raft Name(s):  Cataraft  Canoe-whitewater Street:  Canoe-touring  Kayak- whitewater City, State, ZIP  Kayak-touring Phones: (_____)______Cell (_____)______Other  Kayak-inflatable Email Address:  SUP  Check one:  Individual Membership ($20) Other:  Family Membership ($25) - # in Household ______I am interested in Volunteering Adopt-a-Highway Social Media/Newsletter

Spring Equipment Sale Board of Directors Sponsoring IWA

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