Round 1 Student Blog Entries

Henry
This past week I have really enjoyed the opportunity to paddle in both a kayak and a raft. So far on the trip we have paddled sections on Indian Creek, the Cal Salmon, the Klamath, and the Trinity River. I have been frequently alternating from kayak to raft. I am new to kayaking and like having the option to use the raft on more challenging rapids. I have also found that I really enjoy rafting and look forward to improving my rafting as well as kayaking skills.


Gregory
So far the rivers in California have been beautiful. We’ve paddles the Klamath, and Cal-Salmon. We also paddled two creaks Indian Creek and Clear Creek. They were all cold, the creeks more than rivers. Today (6/27) we paddled the Trinity River. The stretch of river had some really nice rapids on them. I swam once and got two combat rolls. Yesterday (6/26) when we were getting off the Cal-Salmon a lady who was a member of a local Indian tribe told Sean the actual names. The Klamath is Ish-Keish and were not sure about the Salmon. Now that we the students must lead the day things run a bit different. The leaders of the day have to write out a schedule the night before and when their day comes they (2 people) have to moderate the group to follow the schedule. But were all still having a good time. My Chaco tan is coming along pretty well, it’s exciting. Well until next time, goodbye.

Jami
Hello Boise!!!
Alzar Schooling is going so well and I can’t wait to go rafting with my Dad to show him my new knowledge and moves! But of course Alzar has gone far beyond introducing me to kayaking, and improving my paddle rafting knowledge and skill. For example, today was my first day as Leader of the Day. I was in a pair (thank goodness because I honestly don’t know how I’d do it on my own at this point). It defiantly pushed me from my comfort level but with the fantastic group of people I can’t think of a better time to push out of my comfort box. I am missing home but only at night when my mind is not being filled with knowledge of rafting and leadership!
Love to all my friends; hope you are all doing brilliantly!
And love you mom and dad!


Patrick
Sup Ma & Pa Just chilling out in the sun! You know how I like to do it. I’m having a great time out here in Cali, can’t wait to come back to B-town to paddle. I miss you guys can’t wait to see ya. We have been paddling everyday so I’m pretty sore! But I’m having an awesome time. I hope you have been paddling yourself mom! See ya in a couple weeks. PEACE!

Robert
Going into my second summer of Alzar School, I was expecting to improve on my paddling skills and also to have a lot of fun, but I did not expect that this summer would be better than last summer. So far I have managed to run each rapid safely and have only had to swim once so far, which is a lot better than last summer. Also the rapids that Sean and Kristin have chosen for us to run have been amazing. Each rapid continues to swallow my small kayak into the surf and submerge it deep into the river, leaving me with a brain freeze and boat full of water afterwards. While some of the sections have been laid back and mellow, there have also been some pretty intense rapids that require a lot of thought and energy to navigate. I hope that Sean and Kristin continue to increase our difficulty level of river sections, which will in the long run make me not only a better paddler but also a better leader.


John
Confidence is something very important when you are paddling now a stretch of river, especially down a rapid called “Gaping Maw” which is aptly named given that one has to pass through rocks that look like teeth and paddle down the right to avoid three, not so pleasant, hydraulics which could work you like none other.
While one half of my mind tells me to get out of there, “humans were not meant to go down rivers in stupid mango colored pieces of plastic,” the other half tells me, “come on you know all you need to do is ferry down the tongue of the river and stay on the right side, and punch through the final hole at the bottom. Well this is where confidence comes into play. What do you know; I’m already going downstream towards the Gaping Maw.
Here comes the tongue, the roar of the rapids all around, the adrenaline is flowing. The senses become sharper and then I hit the tongue, time to get myself to the right or face the digestive system of the Maw, a nasty river left hole. I’m at the right now only to be pushed into an eddy right above the hold I need to punch. I can’t turn around and I wouldn’t dare to back out into the hole. I’m stuck and the adrenaline starts wearing off. I need to get out of my boat and move upstream to a bigger eddy.
I get out, move my boat, put my skirt back on and then the confidence comes back and what do you know, I’m peeling out into the current and the adrenaline comes back. I start paddling my heart out, here the hole. WHAM! Water pours over me but I made it, oh wait it grabs my tail, flips me over backwards. I expect the sucking and tumbling sensation of the hole, but it doesn’t come. I roll up and there is everyone else. I fought the Gaping Maw and came out victorious, a little wet but its all good. The mind is powerful and fear can break you. Confidence got me through the fear and I’m glad I could say I ran the Gaping Maw.


Tess
Hey Mom and Dad!
I’m having a great time, trying new things and meeting lots of interesting people. The boating has been awesome and I can already feel myself improving. But I still miss you both-Jake too- I can’t wait to see you again. I’ll call you as soon as I get a chance. Love you!


Sam
Right now I am camping on the shore of the Trinity River. I have no idea exactly where it is, but I am told that it is somewhere in California. I’m having a great time so far learning how to kayak, and I am able to roll completely on my own. I still swim half the time though. Its fun to learn the river lingo too, it’s pretty similar to ski lingo. I am realizing more and more how much the two sports have in common. Using some of my new ling: this letter is pretty much cooked so I’ll peel out and write y’all later.

A quick update from the Somes Bar Store

We are a week into FLOW, paddling along the Cal Salmon River. The students are doing great, and each bring a unique perspective to the program.

Tess: Tess was co-leader of the day today and did a great job. She tells great stories about the Salt River and makes us all want to come down and visit!
Sam: Sam was co-leader of the day today and planned an action packed day of whitewater (watching him paddle you would not know he was a beginner seven days ago). He is currently cooking chili and cornbread with John and Sean.
John: John stretched himself and ran the Butler section of the Cal Salmon today- and he did great. He keeps the group laughing with his quick wit and excellent Australian accent.
Henry: Henry is learning so much and has discovered that he really enjoys rowing a raft. He is getting quite proficient and enjoys spending time in the boat with Pebbles the dog and Alzar School mascot.
Patrick: Patrick has impressed the group on a number of occasions. Day one it was his uncanny ability to fall asleep in cars, and last night with his scary stories around the campfire. He is tons of fun to have around and has been super helpful with all things "river."
Jami: Jami is learning to kayak so fast! She transitions between groups of students with ease and can make the best out of any situation. She frequently plays DJ for the van rides and can do a great British accent.
Gregory: We had no idea that Gregory was going to have such a great kayaking foundation! He is very aware of what needs to be done and one of the first people to volunteer to work on a task.
Robert: Roberts ran a section today that he wasn't ready for when he was on the trip last year and was really excited about it. His makes Cajun food from New Orleans sound amazing.

Happy in Happy Camp, CA

The Klamath River has been good to the Alzar School students thus far. We have been working hard on tuning up skills both on and off the water. Today we ran the "Urban Run" on Indian Creek as a group along with Ranger Dave, who has been working as the River Ranger for the Klamath National Forest here for 30 years. Our section is named the "Urban" section because you see about three houses as you float. The creak is beautiful, with crystal clear cold water and dramatic rock faces. The rapids are fun, particularly the section aptly named the "Narrows" where the river constricts to approximately eight feet wide. Everyone did fantastically... many of our students paddled their hardshell kayaks and our beginners used inflatables.

As we floated we pulled trash from the riverbanks and loaded it into Ranger Dave's raft. We had a pretty impressive load in the back of the raft by the time we got to the takeout. Among our finds: a rusted culvert, other random metal over 6' long, a pot, a chair, several bags full of small bits of trash, and a toy car. Along to help were two interns from the Student Conservation Association who were really impressed with our students and their attitude about helping and ability on the water.

It was a great day- fun was had by all. Thanks to Dave, Lisa, and Stephanie for making it happen!

Preparing for FLOW

As one of our FLOW 2010 students reminded the world via Facebook today, "T- 38 hours until FLOW and lifejacket tan lines." I don't know if the students or Alzar School staff are more excited.

The Alzar World Headquarters has been a flurry of activity over the past week- and we are almost ready. Student lesson books are bound, the oil is changed on the van, we used 12 oz. of seam seal to waterproof group shelters, and Pebbles has a new bandanna to greet the students and their parents. We have meetings arranged with representatives from Idaho Rivers United, and a Salmon Fish Hatchery near Cascade, ID, the home of Kelly's Whitewater Park. We went to the grand opening (along with almost every other Idaho boater) and were very impressed with all the town had done to make the park happen.

Looking past FLOW, this summer is packed with activity for the School as we complete current programs and plan for the launch of Alzar School's first academic year in the Fall of 2012. Summer programs include FLOW and FLOW+, the Camp Cup Challenge and a fund-raising event in NC, and tours of High Mountain Institute and Colorado Rocky Mountain High School.

Stay tuned for photos and posts from the students!

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