Wednesday, June 29, 2011

An hour off the clock, by Sam Goff

The daily student leaders allowed instructors Sam Goff and Dan Thurber to run the notorious Nordheimer class iv/v stretch on the Cal Salmon.  The duo set out early, charging tight classic pool drop lines.  This boating style is a far cry from the big wave constant action provided by the NF Payette yet still it's very challenging.

The most memorable rapids were Cascade and Freight Train.  Cascade provided two routes, an 8 foot boof into challenging soft water, and a chute along a left side wall.  The kayakers decided on separate lines.  After the rapid, boof proved to be the better choice by Dan as he landed tail first and eased out of the eddy while Sam bombed the left chute.  The chute flipped him at the crux, slamming his tail into the wall.  A quick roll allowed the instructor to elude the pour over hole, yet the corner of the hole flipped him again.  He mustered another roll and the rapid was over with Dan all smiles and Sam breathing hard, working to gain composure.  

Freight Train was the final and hardest rapid.  It was scouted by the duo.  Both chose the same line and styled the crux barely getting their hair wet.  

We appreciate the students' flexibility in allowing us to keep our skills sharp.

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