We are lucky to have so many great friends here in Chile. It’s a reflection of how warm and welcoming the people are down here. We’ve spent the last week getting ready for the Rivers of Chile 2011 program to begin, and so many people have been helpful and generous that we can’t start the program without sharing our experiences of the past week with you.
When we arrived in Santiago we knew that our first stop would be Curico, Chile. Our Jean Bierle Scholarship students have all come from this town and these families have been very supportive of what we are trying to do. We wanted to catch up with our alumni and see what they are up to. Rosario, RoC ’08 alumni just took her PSU (the Chilean equivalent of the SAT/ACT, but more elaborate and with higher consequences). She gets her results on January 3rd and will go to school to become a speech therapist/pathologist. She was one of the leaders of her graduating class, and we are so excited to see her take the world by storm. She is completing service projects around Chile before her classes start in late April, including volunteering in a prison for females and mentoring a young group within her church group.
Titi, RoC ‘10 alumni is also waiting for her PSU results (the pressure is on for good scores so she can receive a scholarship to medical school). She is working sports camps for girls this summer and one of her favorite expressions is “girl power.” Love it.
After catching up with alumni, we ventured south to Valdivia on Dec. 23rd, where we spent the night with Alzar School instructor Claudio’s family. They were nice enough to store all of Alzar School’s gear for the last year. We had a fabulous dinner and stayed up late hearing stories and sharing photos. His parents had us try traditional Holiday foods and drinks. The next morning Claudio’s mom, Patricia, took our instructor Jeff into town to see the sea lions at the fish market while Sean and Kristin packed.
Rosario’s family invited us to spend the holiday with their family at their grandparent’s farm. We were honored to be invited and had no idea what was in store for us. First of all, Rosario’s aunts, uncles, and grandparents are just as nice as she is. They welcomed us with open arms into their beautiful home. Rosario’s grandparents live outside of Chillan, on a farm, but not just any farm, an organic fruit farm. What a delicious surprise! Cherries, blueberries, and raspberries were in harvest and we wandered through the trees picking fruit.
Their family opens gifts on the night of the 24th, and does a gift exchange of sorts where they each have one person they need to buy a gift for. There is lots of clapping and kissing as each person delivers their gift and then the recipient thanks them with a hug and a kiss on the check. It was a very gracious and warm way to see the holiday shared.
We are now waiting at the airport for the students to arrive so we can share this amazing place with them. Hurray for travel and hurray for new places, experiences, and cultures.
Showing posts with label kayak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kayak. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Llegamos en Chile
We love Chile, and every year that we come down I am instantly reminded why. The countryside is stunning, the people are friendly and welcoming, and we spend time laughing and amused by the simple things.
Instructors Jeff, Kristin and Sean arrived in Chile on Monday, the 20th of December. In a long plane-ride induced haze we rented a truck, loaded up, and drove south. We arrived in Curico, and our first stop was Completitos where Sean had his first of many "barros lucos con palta sin mayonesa." The damage from the earthquake is still quite visible. Roads and bridges are still in repair, temporary housing is apparent within towns. And some of the buildings that appeared on CNN coverage of the event remain in ruins. It is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact an event of that magnitude leaves behind.
We stopped by to visit our first Jean Bierle Scholarship recipient, Rosario, and her family. We had a great time catching up on events since we saw them last in March. Rosario just took her college entrance exams and has her fingers crossed she will be accepted to fonoaudiología school (speech therapy is our best guess). We are sure she passed with flying colors and will be off to Santiago to begin her studies in March.
We spent our first night in the sleepy mountain town of Los Quenes. As we were about to crash after two long days of travel Sean and I realized our first hiccup in what we thought was a brilliant plan. Last year we decided to leave our sleeping bags at a friend's house at the end of our trip, so we don't have to lug them back and forth. The only drawback being that our bags are currently in Valdivia, nowhere near our campsite in Los Quenes. It was a chilly night for Sean and myself, but we survived.
Sean awoke to discover that a flip flop disappeared in the night. We suspected it was one of the town dogs. We made friends with Christian, a seven year old who lives next to the campground. Christian thought about our problem for a minute, and then without a word bolted off. About five minutes later he returned with the shoe. He knew which dog was notorious for steeling shoes and knew where it slept. It was a "welcome back to Chile" moment.
We rafted the Teno yesterday in our tiny 9.5 foot raft. It's a hoot! Super responsive and perfect for 2-3 people. I think our students will love it.
Today we will visit CONIN, the orphanage we help, to see what sort of service projects they are interested in this year. This is one of my favorite parts of our time here. We will run a few errands and get ready to head south to collect our gear before we spend the holidays with Rosario's family. We look forward to the arrival of our students and in the words of whitewater legend Wayne Dickert, some "big booming fun."
Instructors Jeff, Kristin and Sean arrived in Chile on Monday, the 20th of December. In a long plane-ride induced haze we rented a truck, loaded up, and drove south. We arrived in Curico, and our first stop was Completitos where Sean had his first of many "barros lucos con palta sin mayonesa." The damage from the earthquake is still quite visible. Roads and bridges are still in repair, temporary housing is apparent within towns. And some of the buildings that appeared on CNN coverage of the event remain in ruins. It is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact an event of that magnitude leaves behind.
We stopped by to visit our first Jean Bierle Scholarship recipient, Rosario, and her family. We had a great time catching up on events since we saw them last in March. Rosario just took her college entrance exams and has her fingers crossed she will be accepted to fonoaudiología school (speech therapy is our best guess). We are sure she passed with flying colors and will be off to Santiago to begin her studies in March.
We spent our first night in the sleepy mountain town of Los Quenes. As we were about to crash after two long days of travel Sean and I realized our first hiccup in what we thought was a brilliant plan. Last year we decided to leave our sleeping bags at a friend's house at the end of our trip, so we don't have to lug them back and forth. The only drawback being that our bags are currently in Valdivia, nowhere near our campsite in Los Quenes. It was a chilly night for Sean and myself, but we survived.
Sean awoke to discover that a flip flop disappeared in the night. We suspected it was one of the town dogs. We made friends with Christian, a seven year old who lives next to the campground. Christian thought about our problem for a minute, and then without a word bolted off. About five minutes later he returned with the shoe. He knew which dog was notorious for steeling shoes and knew where it slept. It was a "welcome back to Chile" moment.
We rafted the Teno yesterday in our tiny 9.5 foot raft. It's a hoot! Super responsive and perfect for 2-3 people. I think our students will love it.
Today we will visit CONIN, the orphanage we help, to see what sort of service projects they are interested in this year. This is one of my favorite parts of our time here. We will run a few errands and get ready to head south to collect our gear before we spend the holidays with Rosario's family. We look forward to the arrival of our students and in the words of whitewater legend Wayne Dickert, some "big booming fun."
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Broad View of Wilderness
Sean Bierle, Alzar School Head Teacher, was recently published in the Journal for American Whitewater. His article, with photos, can be found here: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/show-page/issue/5/page/7/year/2010/
A Broad View of Wilderness
Most of the time, beginner kayakers, canoeists, and rafters learn our sport on runs that are not widely considered “wilderness,” often because of the ease of teaching on roadside runs. With the rise of whitewater parks around the country, some of their first experiences might not even be a result of the beautiful combination of rain, snowmelt, gravity, and unique geologic features, but rather attributed to giant pumps, filters and conveyor belts.
It’s easy as an experienced boater or an instructor to forget the amazing sensation these beginners encounter in this introductory period—namely the realization of the untamed power of a river. I would argue that even on “town runs” or at whitewater parks, these fledgling students to whitewater sports feel as if they are in the wilderness. I believe it is the feeling of being slightly out of control, with elements that are foreign and unforgiving (like those darn eddy lines!).
I’ve been paddling for a decade now, and am not sure what my first true “wilderness” run was. Perhaps it was the Jarbridge-Bruneau, done as a kayak self-support trip. Or, a float down Desolation Canyon in Utah. Maybe it was quick pre-permit season trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon. I know there were a lot of runs down the roadside Payette and the interstate-parallel Pigeon, and laps at the whitewater park in Charlotte first, and mixed in between. Every experience has reminded me that I need something wild in my life to be content. Maybe the new-to-whitewater students we teach are looking for something wild too.
Whatever the reason, I propose that experienced mentors, be they professional instructors or just friends sharing their passion, have an opportunity to really hook these beginners into the sport, and through instruction, to further foster a love of wilderness. Maybe these newly introduced paddlers will join the chorus of us advocating for the protection of rivers that deserve it. As we expose more and more people to whitewater sports as parks move into more and more urban areas (like the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte), we are harnessing a new generation of paddlers who could step up to protect the classic wilderness rivers we enjoy. They will likely get their start someplace that an elitist might not say is “wilderness,” but it is a start, and mentors fill the gap between the introduction to whitewater and the lifelong passion for enjoying and protecting rivers.
There is, I believe, a unique opportunity to capture the imaginations of young people through whitewater sports. As a high school teacher, I see how much stimuli the upcoming teens are exposed to daily. Given the chance, the majority of teens would have at least one earphone in at all times, preferably texting while watching streaming video on the internet. Whitewater sports are alternative experiences that also deeply engage their senses, get their hearts pumping and muscles moving.
So, let’s get these teens into whitewater in whatever fashion possible. Let’s replace their normal stimulus fix with ours, which is like baiting the hook. And then, when they are ready, let’s move them onto more remote rivers in a responsible way, with education and training. Let’s teach them about the Wild & Scenic act and what it does to protect rivers. Let’s teach them Leave No Trace principles as they apply to river corridors. Let’s partner these students with experts from the agencies that manage the rivers so they can learn more about them.
I am writing this article while in the middle of an expedition with the Alzar School (www.AlzarSchool.com), the nonprofit school of which I am the Head Teacher. Our group of students is currently learning and honing their whitewater kayaking and rafting skills on the Klamath, Cal Salmon, and Payette Rivers, all not terribly remote. But, they’ve been away from showers and cell phones and internet for a week now, and we’ve yet to hear anyone is bored. They’ve camped and been bitten by mosquitoes; they’re sunburnt and tired; they’re excited and happy.
Earlier this week, we floated down Indian Creek in Happy Camp, California. During our trip, we removed trash with the help of the USFS River Ranger, Dave Payne. Students got to see a fun, small, Class II creek and remove several hundred pounds of trash and abandoned metal. The next day, we floated into a riverside campsite on the Klamath River and, again under Dave’s guidance, restored a heavily overgrown beach to camping perfection.
In a couple of weeks, we will take group of graduates and alumni on the Lower Salmon River with Barker River Trips hosting our school. For this special program, we are partnering with Idaho Rivers United to produce a campaign to raise awareness for that river’s bid to become Wild & Scenic. I know the students (and teachers) are chomping at the bit to get to this wilderness run.
This project is the synthesis of elements the Alzar School holds imperative to our organization. It will provide adventure as students kayak and row the big water of the Salmon. It will engage them in service-learning as they spend hours of their summer vacation working on this campaign. Academically, they will be challenged to write professionally-crafted blog entries, to produce high quality videos, and to design an engaging website. And lastly, they will become true environmental stewards as they spread awareness for a section of river that could join its tributaries to make a ridiculously long section of protected river that is saved for future generations of paddlers and wildlife.
This project will be made possible by first introducing the teens to the sport, then honing their skills to get them ready for such a trip, and then giving them a structured, well-supported chance to get out there. I am confident that these teen leaders will fall in love with wilderness rivers the way I have. And this model of introduction, then instruction, and then opportunity to serve should also work with beginners of all ages.
While I am sure that this issue of American Whitewater will feature incredible stories of daring paddlers charging on wilderness rivers around the globe, I encourage us all to remember that feeling of wildness that we got as beginners, and how that planted a seed in us. Our first experiences have led us to become lifelong river lovers, and lovers of rivers will be the ones who speak up with their actions and votes to protect the rivers.
The next time you are on the “town run” or surfing at the park-and-play spot and you see a newbie out there, encourage them. Tell them about the overnight trip you finished on the Chattooga, or the week you spent last summer on the Colorado. Whet their appetite with river tales and maybe the next time this magazine runs an issue dedicated to “wilderness,” they will be the ones submitting articles about their adventures and efforts to save wilderness rivers.
A Broad View of Wilderness
Most of the time, beginner kayakers, canoeists, and rafters learn our sport on runs that are not widely considered “wilderness,” often because of the ease of teaching on roadside runs. With the rise of whitewater parks around the country, some of their first experiences might not even be a result of the beautiful combination of rain, snowmelt, gravity, and unique geologic features, but rather attributed to giant pumps, filters and conveyor belts.
It’s easy as an experienced boater or an instructor to forget the amazing sensation these beginners encounter in this introductory period—namely the realization of the untamed power of a river. I would argue that even on “town runs” or at whitewater parks, these fledgling students to whitewater sports feel as if they are in the wilderness. I believe it is the feeling of being slightly out of control, with elements that are foreign and unforgiving (like those darn eddy lines!).
I’ve been paddling for a decade now, and am not sure what my first true “wilderness” run was. Perhaps it was the Jarbridge-Bruneau, done as a kayak self-support trip. Or, a float down Desolation Canyon in Utah. Maybe it was quick pre-permit season trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon. I know there were a lot of runs down the roadside Payette and the interstate-parallel Pigeon, and laps at the whitewater park in Charlotte first, and mixed in between. Every experience has reminded me that I need something wild in my life to be content. Maybe the new-to-whitewater students we teach are looking for something wild too.
Whatever the reason, I propose that experienced mentors, be they professional instructors or just friends sharing their passion, have an opportunity to really hook these beginners into the sport, and through instruction, to further foster a love of wilderness. Maybe these newly introduced paddlers will join the chorus of us advocating for the protection of rivers that deserve it. As we expose more and more people to whitewater sports as parks move into more and more urban areas (like the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte), we are harnessing a new generation of paddlers who could step up to protect the classic wilderness rivers we enjoy. They will likely get their start someplace that an elitist might not say is “wilderness,” but it is a start, and mentors fill the gap between the introduction to whitewater and the lifelong passion for enjoying and protecting rivers.
There is, I believe, a unique opportunity to capture the imaginations of young people through whitewater sports. As a high school teacher, I see how much stimuli the upcoming teens are exposed to daily. Given the chance, the majority of teens would have at least one earphone in at all times, preferably texting while watching streaming video on the internet. Whitewater sports are alternative experiences that also deeply engage their senses, get their hearts pumping and muscles moving.
So, let’s get these teens into whitewater in whatever fashion possible. Let’s replace their normal stimulus fix with ours, which is like baiting the hook. And then, when they are ready, let’s move them onto more remote rivers in a responsible way, with education and training. Let’s teach them about the Wild & Scenic act and what it does to protect rivers. Let’s teach them Leave No Trace principles as they apply to river corridors. Let’s partner these students with experts from the agencies that manage the rivers so they can learn more about them.
I am writing this article while in the middle of an expedition with the Alzar School (www.AlzarSchool.com), the nonprofit school of which I am the Head Teacher. Our group of students is currently learning and honing their whitewater kayaking and rafting skills on the Klamath, Cal Salmon, and Payette Rivers, all not terribly remote. But, they’ve been away from showers and cell phones and internet for a week now, and we’ve yet to hear anyone is bored. They’ve camped and been bitten by mosquitoes; they’re sunburnt and tired; they’re excited and happy.
Earlier this week, we floated down Indian Creek in Happy Camp, California. During our trip, we removed trash with the help of the USFS River Ranger, Dave Payne. Students got to see a fun, small, Class II creek and remove several hundred pounds of trash and abandoned metal. The next day, we floated into a riverside campsite on the Klamath River and, again under Dave’s guidance, restored a heavily overgrown beach to camping perfection.
In a couple of weeks, we will take group of graduates and alumni on the Lower Salmon River with Barker River Trips hosting our school. For this special program, we are partnering with Idaho Rivers United to produce a campaign to raise awareness for that river’s bid to become Wild & Scenic. I know the students (and teachers) are chomping at the bit to get to this wilderness run.
This project is the synthesis of elements the Alzar School holds imperative to our organization. It will provide adventure as students kayak and row the big water of the Salmon. It will engage them in service-learning as they spend hours of their summer vacation working on this campaign. Academically, they will be challenged to write professionally-crafted blog entries, to produce high quality videos, and to design an engaging website. And lastly, they will become true environmental stewards as they spread awareness for a section of river that could join its tributaries to make a ridiculously long section of protected river that is saved for future generations of paddlers and wildlife.
This project will be made possible by first introducing the teens to the sport, then honing their skills to get them ready for such a trip, and then giving them a structured, well-supported chance to get out there. I am confident that these teen leaders will fall in love with wilderness rivers the way I have. And this model of introduction, then instruction, and then opportunity to serve should also work with beginners of all ages.
While I am sure that this issue of American Whitewater will feature incredible stories of daring paddlers charging on wilderness rivers around the globe, I encourage us all to remember that feeling of wildness that we got as beginners, and how that planted a seed in us. Our first experiences have led us to become lifelong river lovers, and lovers of rivers will be the ones who speak up with their actions and votes to protect the rivers.
The next time you are on the “town run” or surfing at the park-and-play spot and you see a newbie out there, encourage them. Tell them about the overnight trip you finished on the Chattooga, or the week you spent last summer on the Colorado. Whet their appetite with river tales and maybe the next time this magazine runs an issue dedicated to “wilderness,” they will be the ones submitting articles about their adventures and efforts to save wilderness rivers.
Monday, June 28, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Kelly's Whitewater Park
This past weekend, Kristin and I headed to Cascade, Idaho to meet with some of the folks leading the development of the new whitewater park there. This park, which will be known as Kelly's Whitewater Park (KWP) and looks like it will be SWEET.
Thanks to the mayor of Cascade, we were given a tour of the site and the visitor's center which is under construction. The in-stream features look really promising, though it will be hard to tell what they're like until the water comes up this spring. What's probably the most amazing part of the whole place is the visitor's center. They've decided to go all out for this thing, with rough log finishing and stone floors. There will even be fancy granite counters in the restrooms. Plus, there is an amazing, huge viewing room. This room has giant glass walls with 180 degree views of the features. There's a fireplace for you to warm up around after surfing, and a committee is working on museum of the history of Cascade. Pretty impressive.
Along with the new facility, the Friends of KWP are planning several key events this summer. First, there will be 4 Hometown Throwdowns for local paddlers to participate in. And, on the 4th of July there will be a giant concert.
But what we're probably most excited about is the group's plan to provide 5 free lessons to all kids from 9-18 in Valley County. This is a huge opportunity for the youth of that area, exposing them to a lifetime sport that they can access in their backyard. We're trying to help them with this mission, and know that it will be wildly successful.
Our trip to Cascade reaffirmed our desire to permanently settle our campus in that area. We were able to stay with a wonderful local family who gave us lots of beta on potential sites for the school. We're hopeful that our dream of a basecamp will be realized in the very near future!
Thanks to the mayor of Cascade, we were given a tour of the site and the visitor's center which is under construction. The in-stream features look really promising, though it will be hard to tell what they're like until the water comes up this spring. What's probably the most amazing part of the whole place is the visitor's center. They've decided to go all out for this thing, with rough log finishing and stone floors. There will even be fancy granite counters in the restrooms. Plus, there is an amazing, huge viewing room. This room has giant glass walls with 180 degree views of the features. There's a fireplace for you to warm up around after surfing, and a committee is working on museum of the history of Cascade. Pretty impressive.
Along with the new facility, the Friends of KWP are planning several key events this summer. First, there will be 4 Hometown Throwdowns for local paddlers to participate in. And, on the 4th of July there will be a giant concert.
But what we're probably most excited about is the group's plan to provide 5 free lessons to all kids from 9-18 in Valley County. This is a huge opportunity for the youth of that area, exposing them to a lifetime sport that they can access in their backyard. We're trying to help them with this mission, and know that it will be wildly successful.
Our trip to Cascade reaffirmed our desire to permanently settle our campus in that area. We were able to stay with a wonderful local family who gave us lots of beta on potential sites for the school. We're hopeful that our dream of a basecamp will be realized in the very near future!
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