PADDLE Catching Up with Coaching Legend Alan Anderson
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PADDLE
Volume 5, Issue 6 | November 2019
ACA | Canoe - Kayak - SUP - Raft - Rescue
Catching Up with
Coaching Legend Alan Anderson
ACA Recognizes Experts
ACA Tailors Class for Alaska Instructors
Instructors of the Month
TABLE of CONTENTS
ACA News Education
3 Mission Statement & Governance 24 ACA Pro School Spotlight
5 ACA Recognizes Achievements 25 Rally on the Rogue & the Micro-Society
12 Paddle Lands Second National Award 28 Lumpy Waters Symposium
13 Swiftwater Rescue Instructors Recognized 29 Instructors of the Month
16 ACA Partners 30 ACA Participates in Retailer Expo
33 Riverboarding: Where Soul Meets Body
35 Alaska and the ACA
Stewardship 36 ACA Completes Special Paddlesports Report
18 Paddle Green Spotlight: Rio Rancho Cleanup 37 Old Town Canoe, New Tricks
19 The Great Willamette Cleanup
20 Another Successful Trashy Tuesday Universal
21 Oregon Senator Challengers Citizens 39 Equipment Review
News Near You International
42 State Updates 59 Taking ACA SUP to Stockholm
60 ACA Holds Canoe Instructor Workshops in China
Membership 61 IWHoF Announces 2019 Inductees
47 ACA Member Benefit 61 Sea Kayak Comic
49 ACA Outfitter Spotlight
Paddling History
Competition 62 Paddle eMagazine's Inaugural Issue
52 Olympic Hopes Regatta
55 Paddling's Pioneerin Spirit: Alan Anderson
57 Upcoming Races & Events
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 2
NATIONAL STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Beth Spilman - Interim Executive Director Executive Committee
Marcel Bieg - Western States Outreach Director President - Robin Pope (NC)
Emma Walther - Finance Manager Vice President - Lili Colby (MA)
Kelsey Bracewell - SEI Manager Treasurer - Trey Knight (TN)
Dave Burden - International Paddlesports Ambassador Secretary - Stanton Collings (GA)
Amy Ellis - State Director/Membership Coordinator Marsh Jones (MN)
Michelle Flynn - Membership Coordinator
Kimberly Jenkins - Paddle eMagazine Editor Board Members
LeighAnn Moore - Insurance Coordinator *Terms expire at the annual meeting of the year listed
Carrie Schlemmer - Education & Grant Coordinator
At-Large Directors
COMPETITION DEPARTMENT • William Irving (North Carolina - 2019)
Morgan House - High Performance & Competition Coordinator • Lili Colby (Massachusetts - 2019)
Rafal Smolen - Slalom National Team Coach • Robin Pope (North Carolina - 2018)
Zsolt Szadovszki - Sprint National Team Kayak Coach • Sam Fowlkes (North Carolina - 2020)
Aaron Huston- Sprint National Team Canoe Coach
Independent Directors
• Jeff Rouse (Virginia - 2019)
• Vacant (2019)
• Bill Medlin (North Carolina - 2020)
Cover photo
National champion Cedric Bond and Gig Harbor Canoe and Affiliated Organizations Director
Kayak Racing Team founder and coach Alan Anderson. • Vacant
Jolin Bevin photos
Property Management Committee
• Bill Micks (Virginia - 2020)
Safety Education & Instruction Council
• Trey Knight (Tennessee - 2019)
Competition Council
• Marsh Jones (Minnesota - 2019)
Elite Athlete Directors
• Slalom - Scott Mann (Virginia - 2019)
• Sprint - Stanton Collins (Georgia - 2019)
Follow us on... • Paracanoe - Nik Miller (Georgia - 2019)
Immediate Past President
• Peter Sloan (North Carolina)
Liaison Members (non-voting)
• Scott Andrews - Sugar Island (Maine)
Ex-Officio (non-voting)
• Beth Spilman - ACA Interim Executive Director (Virginia)
Page 3 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.org
ACA Mission Statement
Founded in 1880, the ACA is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader
paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship
support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and
events to promote paddlesport competition, exploration and recreation.
SAFETY, EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION COUNCIL (SEIC) 2019-21 STATE DIRECTORS
• Chair - Trey Knight (TN) AL - Available NE - Jordan Messerer
• Vice Chair - Josh Hall (SC) AK - Levi Hogan NV - Jonathan Riezman
• Secretary - John Traendly (GA) AZ - Andrew Huff NH - Paul Berry
• Past Chair - Steve Hutton (SC) AR - Rob Moody NJ - Paul Serdiuk
CA - Jamie Eubanks NM - Robert Levin
Committee Chairs CO - Lynne Carpenter NY - Mike Cavanaugh
• Universal Paddling - John McDonald (OH) CT - Available NC - Doug Stager
• Coastal Kayak - John Browning (WI) DE - Chris Beckman ND - Matthew Sherrard
• Intro to Paddling - Beth Weigandt (VA) DC - Meredith Waters OH - Christine Cancian
• Prone Kayaking - Adam Masters (NC) FL - Wayne Douchkoff OK - Clark Miller
• Rafting - Elisha Lynn McArthur (CO) GA - Laura Clower OR - Salmon "Sam" Nor-
• River Canoe - Greg Wolfe (OH) HI - Available gaard-Stroich
• River Kayak - Kyle Thomas (WA) ID - Zac Mason PA - Joel Johnston
• Safety & Rescue - Sam Fowlkes (NC) IL - Jennifer Hahn PR - Omar Ramos
• Stand Up Paddleboard - Vacant IN - Joyce Hayes RI - Mark Allio
• Surf Kayak - Sean Morley (CA) IA - Jennifer Kammeyer SC - Jefferson Atkins
• Surfski - Chuck Conley (VA) KS - Jay Jeffrey SD - Patrick Wellner
• Touring Canoe - Molly Gurien (OH) KY - Gerry James TN - Andrea White
LA - Available TX - Bruce Bodson
Liaison Members ME - Available UT - Available
• Boy Scouts of America - Rob Kolb (TX) MD - Paula Hubbard VT - Jake Taylor
• USCG - Tom Dardis (DC) MA - Mike Morrison VI - Available
• USCG Auxiliary - Don Goff (MD) MI - Michael Gray VA - SarahBeth Dinwiddie
MN - Matthew Sherrard WA - Brent Roth
MS - Kelly McGinnis WV - Meghan Roberts
COMPETITION COUNCIL MO - Perry Whitaker WI - Luke Martz
• Chair: Marsh Jones - Sprint MT - Byron "Lee" Beers WY - Available
• Vice Chair: Vacant
• Secretary: Risa Shimoda - Freestyle
For information about the State Director Program,
please contact Amy Ellis at the ACA National Office.
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 4
Awards ACA
2019
Each year, the ACA recognizes numerous individuals and
organizations who have provided invaluable assistance to
association in undertaking its myriad strategic objectives.
Following are the 2019 award recipients.
Page 5 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.org
Excellence in Instruction
The prestigious Excellence in Instruction Award is presented to an ACA
member for his or her outstanding contribution to paddlesports instruction.
Ashley Brown is one of only nine female ACA L5 AOWCK Instructors
in the world. She builds up paddlers and instructors at the College of
Charleston using the ACA models of progression as a backbone for the
development of both paddling and environmental stewardship programs
at the College. Students from academic majors as diverse as education to
economics to biochemistry and physics have benefited from her passion.
She is building a diverse field of future professionals who now have an ap-
preciation for paddling and its place in the world. You’ll also find Ashley
at many regional and national professional paddling summits and sympo-
siums that bring value to the world of paddling and help reach those who
haven’t yet discovered the joys and benefits of paddling. Ashley’s total com-
mitment, incredible skill, contagious passion, and positive disposition make
her a prime and deserving candidate for the ACA Excellence in Instruction
Award. Congratulations, Ashley!
(Continued on page 7)
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 6
Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year
Presented to one or more volunteers each year for extraordinary service at
the local, regional or national level.
John Traendly is the current secretary of the Safety Education & Instruc-
tion Council. He has stepped up in a significant way to donate an immense
amount of time and expertise to create a custom course management sys-
tem to better help the ACA and all Instructors, Trainers, and Educators.
We are fortunate to have such a dedicated person willing not only to put
so much time and energy to advance the organization using his incredi-
bly valuable knowledge and skills but also to collaborate with and use the
input of many other stakeholders. John asks for no recognition and turns
down opportunities to be recognized or passes the credit on to others. This
type of selflessness is a rarity and we are so fortunate to have someone
of his caliber and nature be willing to serve. John is also the largest con-
tributor to the development execution of the 2019 IT Conference event.
We wouldn’t have been successful without him. From the bottom of our
hearts, thank you John!
Page 7 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.org
J. Henry Rushton
Presented annually to an organization or other group for outstanding
achievements in advancing paddlesport and the mission of the ACA.
The Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley provides paddlesports
and sailing instruction to underserved, inner-city youth. The Club brings
youth from East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley to the ocean and
waterways where they use kayaks, SUPs, sailboats, and dragon boats. Youth
come from five sites located in Monterey Park, La Puente, Baldwin Park
and three public housing developments in the region. Many of the mem-
bers are the most vulnerable youth in the city, subject to gang activities,
unstable homes, and extreme poverty. The Boys & Girls Club of West San
Gabriel Valley makes paddlesports available to these populations of at-risk
youth who would not otherwise participate in these activities. Thank you,
B&G Club of West San Gabriel Valley for making a difference in the lives
of these young paddlers!
Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation
Presented annually to an individual or a group that has made an outstanding
contribution to paddlesport by protecting America’s waterways.
In May 2019, the Canoe Cruisers Association made news around the
world: After a two-year legal battle, they were successful in compelling the
U.S. Coast Guard to provide reliable, predictable, and continuous access to
the Potomac River waterways around the privately owned, members-on-
ly Trump National Golf Club. Whenever the president was present at the
property, access to a highly popular section of the river was closed with lit-
tle to no warning. Their lawsuit and victory were covered in the Washing-
ton Post, New York Times, AP, USA Today, Bloomberg, Stars and Stripes,
Outside Magazine, Canoe & Kayak, and local papers in almost every state.
In addition to ongoing efforts to protect the Potomac and other local wa-
terways, CCA members lead several river trips each week, conduct low-
cost kayak and canoe classes, promote river safety training, and coordi-
nate regular river cleanups and conservation events. It is also notable that
CCA has hosted the annual Potomac Downriver Race since 1956, making
it the nation’s second longest, continuously run river race. We are proud
of you, CCA!
(Continued on page 9)
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 8
Sanctioned Event of the Year
Presented to the top ACA-sanctioned event as nominated by
the paddling public.
The Carolina Canoe Club was selected for recognition for their annu-
al event, the Week of Rivers. The Carolina Canoe Club is a nonprof-
it club devoted to promoting recreational paddling in the Carolinas
and southeastern United States. Currently their 1,100+ members use
canoes, kayaks, and inflatables to frequent flat and whitewater rivers,
lakes and coastal areas, engage in environmental stewardship initia-
tives and host safety and skills training classes. Week of Rivers is the
CCC's flagship annual whitewater paddling event. This year's Week of
Rivers and the club's 50th Anniversary Celebration brought over 400
paddlers together from all over the country to participate in an event
that captured the spirit of the greater paddling community: Education,
Conservation, Community Service, Fellowship, and Friendly Compe-
tition. We’re proud to call you one of our Paddle America Clubs, CCC!
Page 9 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgPresident’s Award
Given by the President of the Board of Directors to individuals for outstanding
service to the ACA on a national level.
We’d like to take the opportunity to recognize all ACA Instructor Train-
ers & Educators as collective recipients of the 2019 President’s Award.
Instructor Trainers & Educators are the gatekeepers of the ACA’s national
and international education programs; creators of instructors; the front
lines and resources for the general paddling public; advocates for paddling
everywhere; and the true heart and life of the ACA. We love you forever,
ITs and ITEs!
We’d also like to recognize 2019 President’s Award recipient, Sam Fowl-
kes. Sam Fowlkes became a certified ACA instructor 40 years ago and soon
stood out as a leader in the field. Over the years, his overarching goal has
been to “make the world a better place to paddle.” To that end, Fowlkes
has shaped curricula, helped develop programs, mentored instructors, and
reached thousands of paddlers through his courses.
“Sam Fowlkes has been a mentor, friend, co-instructor for over 20 years.
He has an undying devotion to paddlesports education, safety, new ideas
and the tedious work of multiple ACA committees,” said Landmark Learn-
ing Executive Director Justin S. Padgett, M.S., paramedic, WEMT. “Sam
has an uncommon level of patience and persistence that has really helped
all of us grow and strengthen the national pool of paddlesport educators
across the U.S.,” Padgett added.
Sam exemplifies unwavering dedication towards providing the highest
quality both in his personal paddlesports instruction as well as in the na-
tional policies and curriculum he has helped develop. His years of commit-
ment to the Safety Education & Instruction Council have helped shape the
ACA’s National Paddlesports Instruction Program for years to come.
(Continued on page 11)
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 10Haven’s Leadership Award
The Havens Leadership Award rewards individuals whose practices and
behaviors best serve the interests and success of USA paddlesports athletes.
Aaron Huston is the U.S. National Sprint Team Coach, as well as the
high-performance coach for the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing
Team based in Washington. He has served the ACA in many major ways,
most recently by bringing a group of 35 young sprint paddlers to the Olym-
pic Hopes Regatta in Bratislava, Slovakia – a high quality international
competition experience that helps athletes 17 and younger with Olympic
dreams to set stepping stones to Jr. World Championships and beyond.
He’s also played a big role in supporting ACA Sprint Athletes who have
gained great success this year, such as 2019 Canoe Sprint World Champi-
on, Nevin Harrison.
Several generations of Havens’ family competed in the Olympic Games
and won medals for the American team in canoeing. During all of their
Olympic careers, the ACA was the Olympic governing body for canoe-
ing and was responsible for training and preparing canoeists competing
on behalf of the United States. The Havens family instituted this award to
reward individuals whose practices and behaviors best serve the interests
and success of USA paddlesports athletes.
Page 11 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgMagazine lands its second MarCom award
Paddle eMagazine has won a coveted MarCom Awards is an internation-
MarCom Award, given annually by the al creative competition that recog-
Association of Marketing and Com- nizes excellence in communica-
munication Professionals. The ACA’s tion. Entries come from corporate
bimonthly digital magazine won a marketing and communication
gold award in the Digital Media | departments, advertising
E-Communications | E-Magazine agencies, PR firms, design
category. Paddle also won gold for shops, production compa-
the same category last fall. nies and freelancers.
Managed by editor Kimber- One of the oldest, largest and
ly Jenkins since 2016, Paddle most respected competitions in
is the go-to source for news the creative industry, the MarCom
in the world of paddlesports. Awards competition has grown to
The magazine features article and perhaps the largest of its kind in the
updates on stewardship, paddle- world with over 6,000 entries 20 from
sport-related policy changes, com- countries this year.
petition, education, adaptive, and
events. For more information about
the magazine, please visit www.american-
canoe.org/Paddle.
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 12ACA swiftwater rescue instructors receive
ACA Higgins and Langley Award
for preparedness, teamwork
By Darron Laughland, President, White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team
ACA swiftwater rescue instructors a challenging mix of mud,
Jake Risch and Darron Laugh- ice, and snow; and misty
land were recently recognized, rain was falling. Across the
along with volunteer members of river, the hiker was in his
the North Conway, New Hamp- tent, wrapped in a sleep-
shire-based Mountain Rescue Ser- ing bag, perched 15 feet
vice, and members of the White above the river, which had
Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team, dropped some as the tem-
for their participation in a rescue of perature cooled, but was
a hypothermic stranded hiker. still bank full.
The North Con- MRS and WMSRT devel-
way-based White oped a plan to establish a
Mountain Swift Wa- tensioned highline and put
ter Rescue Team the plan into motion. Op-
( W M SRT ) and erating at night by head-
Mountain Rescue lamps, members of the
Service (MRS) re- WMSRT established down-
ceived a 2019 Higgins stream safety and ferried a
and Langley Swiftwa- rope across the Class V riv-
ter Rescue Incident “Any time we en- er with whitewater kayaks.
Award at the Interna- counter conditions Immediately downstream from the
tional Association of like we had today, scene the gradient increased sig-
Water Rescue Profes- with raging white nificantly into a long set of ledge
sionals conference in water, and no oth- slides with significant consequenc-
South Bend, Indiana. er means to cross, es. The boats entered the water one
On December 28, 2018, the two we call upon the White Moun- at a time, ferrying just below a large
volunteer teams responded to a re- tain Swift Water Rescue Team and waterfall, using dynamic eddies on
quest from New Hampshire Fish Mountain Rescue Services,” said either side of the drop. Once across
and Game Conservation Officers Lieutenant Mark Ober of NH Fish the river, the paddlers hauled static
to assist a hypothermic backpacker & Game. “These teams are trained, lines over, established an anchor for
on the Kinsman trail. The individu- equipped, and always more than the system, and made contact with
al had been cut off by rapidly rising willing to respond to these emer- the stranded hiker.
waters on Cascade Brook. He had gency situations.”
been hiking in deep, wet snow in Members of MRS set up a Tyrole-
the rain for many hours and, with WMSRT team members arrived at an traverse rope system to send an
egress cut off by high water, called the trailhead that night, hiking in additional rescuer across to prepare
911 for help. Once on scene, offi- with paddling gear and additional the hiker for evacuation. Once the
cers determined that they would be equipment for setting up down- man was in a harness, he was sent
unable to reach him and requested stream safety. The ground was cov- across the rope system, followed by
MRS and the WMSRT assist. ered in wet snow and the trails were his gear and the MRS rescuer. Once
Page 13 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgD2 Franconia Incident looking
upstream at boats ferrying line
Images courtesy of WMSRT
the rescue was completed, the pad- demonstrate outstanding skill and federal, state, and local rescue agen-
dlers removed the anchor, pulled preparedness in swiftwater rescue. cies and organizations primarily
the lines back across the river, and on, but not limited to, the rivers of
ferried their kayaks back. Conser- The Mountain Rescue Service pro- the White Mountain region; and to
vation Officers walked the hiker vides specialized technical teams minimize the number of swiftwater
out while the teams packed up gear, comprised of world-class guides and flood-related incidents in the
cleared the scene and hiked out. and climbers who volunteer their White Mountain region through
The WMSRT and MRS had trained time and expertise in the service of education, outreach, and advocacy.
together for this specific type of res- hikers and climbers who need as-
cue in October of 2018, including sistance, in and around the White More than 300 volunteers provided
rope crossing techniques, building Mountains of New Hampshire. The nearly 5,000 hours of search and
a tensioned line system (Tyrolean) team is ‘on call’ 24 hours per day, all rescue services in New Hampshire
sending a patient in a litter across, seasons, with volunteers being mo- in 2018. When added up, the actual
and using a midpoint haul system bilized for a full range of incidents: SAR hours, training, personal gear,
to raise a victim up out of the water complicated multi-day and night- travel, and certification-compliance
and bring them over to shore. time searches in the depth of win- completed by these volunteer res-
ter throughout the White Moun- cuers, these volunteers contribute
The Higgins and Langley Memorial tain National Forest; technical rope over $250,000 annually in sweat eq-
Awards in Swiftwater Rescue hon- rescues on the region’s many rock uity to the NH outdoor community.
or outstanding achievement in the climbing cliffs; swift water rescue
technical discipline of swiftwater assistance; and assisting lift evacu- Since its inception, the White
and flood rescue. These awards are ations at area ski resorts. Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team
not heroism awards; they recognize has offered at least one ACA Level
preparedness, teamwork, and a job The White Mountain Swiftwater IV Swiftwater Rescue course annu-
performed under extreme condi- Rescue Team offers the specialized ally. Attendees have included the
tions, where training is vital to the technical skills, training, knowl- local paddling community, em-
success of rescue missions, and edge, and experience of the White ployees of local canoe liveries, river
the safety of rescue personnel. The Mountain whitewater paddling
(Continued on page 15)
Swiftwater Rescue Incident Award community to support the search,
recognizes actions that clearly rescue, and recovery operations of
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 14trip leaders and camp counselors, search dog teams, and other volun- to find a way to collaborate with
raft guides, and volunteer and pro- teer search and rescue organiza- professional and agency rescuers
fessional fire/rescue personnel. The tions. Jake and Darron, as swiftwa- responding to water related inci-
team sponsored an advanced SWR ter rescue instructors, do outreach dents, and the ACA Swiftwater Res-
course with ACA Instructor Mike for the team, working with other cue curriculum, instructors, and in-
Mather, a workshop on search and volunteer teams developing safe structor trainers played a large part.
body recovery with local Fish and river crossing techniques for access
Game officers, technical rope train- and carry outs, and instruct camp The WMSRT receiving the Hig-
ing with Mountain Rescue Service, trip leaders and programs, to devel- gins and Langley Award has deep
and an orientation to helicop- op and encourage safer approaches roots in the ACA program, and the
ters with Dartmouth Hitchcock’s to watersports. ACA continues to have a role, as
DHART air ambulance. the team hosts future ACA SWR
The ACA, through its instruction courses, and continues to advocate
Members also participate in the program, has played an important for all paddlers to “take a swift-
annual Search and Rescue Working role in the development and train- water rescue course” as they enter
Group spring training day and have ing of the White Mountain Swift- the sport, and periodically after, to
trained with the NH Army National water Rescue Team and its mem- brush up on the skills that really do
Guard’s UH-60 (Blackhawk) teams, bers. Local paddlers saw a need to make a difference when they are
local and regional fire departments, get more training as they worked called on.
About the Author
Darron Laughland is a co-owner, along with Jake Risch, of the Sawyer River Group LLC that provides
swiftwater rescue training. He also instructs swiftwater rescue with the NH Fire Academy, teaches
whitewater kayaking and canoeing seasonally, and is a licensed Maine and New York raft guide.
Page 15 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgPARTNERS
We are grateful to these organizations and companies for their
significant commitment to help us achieve our mission and goals.
Partnership Opportunities
If you would like to align your business with the nation’s
oldest paddlesports organization, please click here for
partnership opportunities with the ACA.
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 16STEWARDSHIP & POLICY Page 17 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.org
Paddle Green Spotlight
Volunteers remove 627 pounds of trash
during Rio Rancho River Cleanup
Article and photos by Marcel Bieg, Western States Outreach Director
and Grant Manager
Six hundred and twenty-seven pounds of trash cleaned gloves, additional trash bags and dumpster services
up from the banks of the Rio Grande River. One may while and the City of Corrales provided access to the
think this is no big deal, just get some passionate friends rive by opening gates. Boy Scout Troop 444 took a lead-
together, pull out some boats, run shuttle and make it ing role and members of Troop 220 came out to help as
happen. This is not the case, unfortunately. River clean- well. The Adobe Whitewater Club members joined in
ups take motivation, coordination, teamwork and many the efforts and the ACA sent some Green Cleanup bags
moving parts to come together. I was reminded of this to aid with efforts.
fact during a recent cleanup effort scheduled just prior
to the Great Annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Twelve paddlers cleaned up the waterway while several
other volunteers shuttled garbage from access points to
The cleanup ran from the town of Rio Rancho through dumpsters. The group collected shopping carts, an or-
Corrales to the outskirts of Albuquerque on four miles ange road barrel, five tires, and bags upon bags of gar-
of the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. The event was bage. Once again kindhearted passionate people took
organized through a Meetup group. As the planning on the task of cleaning a river for the enjoyment and
grew, several entities kicked in resources. Rio Bravo health of everyone. It is people like this who directly
Brewery came out and donated grain sacks to reuse work to make the world a better place, and I am hon-
as trash bags. The City of Rio Rancho donated water, ored to know many of them and appreciate their efforts.
USCG photo
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 18The Great Willamette River Cleanup
Article and photos by Marcel Bieg, Western States Outreach Director and Grant Manager
The Willamette River Keeper City and Milwaukie, just to
organization hosts monthly Riv- name a few.
er Cleanups along the 200-mile
stretch of the Willamette River This year, over 800 participants
Valley from Oakridge to Portland, came out to support the event.
Oregon. Dozens of passionate That’s a 12% increase in atten-
volunteers come out to help dance over last year’s event.
clean up their local section of These likeminded stewards
the river. The ACA helps co- volunteered their time not only
ordinate and take part in these to help their local communi-
cleanups in the northern end of ties and those downstream but
the rivers reach along with sev- also to do their part in keep-
eral other sponsors and or- ing as much trash out of the
ganizations. oceans, protecting hundreds
of communities and wildlife
Once a year, however, the around the globe. Nine out-
entire valley is abuzz with fitters and/or ACA affiliate
the annual Great Willamette organizations provided ca-
River Cleanup event. Sched- noes, kayaks, and rafts for
uled on the first Saturday free so that volunteers with-
of October, the Great Wil- out their own craft could get
lamette Cleanup is a river- on the water. Because of this,
wide, community day-of-ac- more than half (55%) of the
tion. Volunteers participate volunteers cleaned up from
by canoe, kayak, SUP, raft, the seat of a canoe, kayak,
motorboat, personal water- drift boat, raft or motorboat.
craft, drift boat, bike as well
as on foot to free the Willa- The 2020 event is scheduled
mette River of trash for October 3, so do
and debris, while im- your part if you live
proving habitat and along the Willamette
community spirit River. If not, reach out
along the way. Clean- and find an organiza-
up sites this year in- tion that does river
cluded Oakridge, cleanups in your local
Lowell, Springfield, community or even
Eugene, Corvallis, start your own. The
Salem, Portland and ACA can help you get
surrounding areas started. Please visit
including West Linn, www.americancanoe.
Scappoose, Oregon org/Stewardship for
more information.
Page 19 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgSeptember Trashy Tuesday recorded as success
Article and photos by Marcel Bieg, Western States Outreach Director and Grant Manager
It’s an act of love, and love is what month these dedicate individu-
makes great people head out into als will come out again to make a
the cold, heat, rain, mud, and wet change and show that we the peo-
to do the right thing. Whether it is ple can come together and make
donating time to help a friend or the world a better place. October’s
neighbor, protest injustice or clean river cleanup is the biggest of the
up the places they love, they are year in this area and is called “The
there with hopes and hearts. In the Great Willamette River Cleanup.”
Willamette Valley this is a month- Communities up and down the
ly occurrence and it takes a lot of Willamette River
love to motivate and get it done. It from Portland to
takes amazing volunteers who care Eugene go out in
enough to take action rather than force to clean up
simply talk about change. trash from forests,
trails and water in
I have been involved in Willa- the hopes of mak-
mette River Keepers Trashy Tues- ing a statement
day cleanups for four years and, no for the future, all
matter what, every month volun- with this mantra
teers come out, rain or shine. The on their minds:
dedication is just plain unbeliev- “We do care and
able, but beyond that the courage we will make the
to do the right thing for the health world a better
of their local and global commu- place.”
nities time after time is unfathom-
able. They are continuously fight-
ing a battle that just is not getting
resolved. From torn tents, to wa-
terlogged sleeping bags, to dan-
gerous needles and broken glass,
to soul-crushing scenes of poverty
and mental illness in the wealthi-
est country in the world, they push
through the sludge because they
believe in a better world, a healthi-
er world and a world where every-
thing and everyone is respected.
September’s Trash Tuesday can be
recorded as another success. Hun-
dreds of pounds of trash were col-
lected and removed from the river
and her banks. Smiles were had,
friendships were built and next
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 20Senator Wyden challenges Oregonians to
protect state’s rivers
October 2, 2019, marked the Wyden said he is proud Oregon letter to Oregonians seeking river
51st anniversary of the national now has 2,173 miles designated in nominations for new wild-and-sce-
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Wild and Scenic Rivers system, nic river legislation he plans to in-
on that day U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, but that the total remains a small troduce. “Now is your chance, once
who has protected more Wild and fraction of Oregon’s 110,994 miles again, to speak up for your favorite
Scenic Rivers than any other mem- of rivers and streams. Adding more rivers and highlight the outstanding
ber of Congress for his home state, Oregon river miles would mean bet- values that make each river worthy
announced that he is taking nom- ter protections for drinking water, of protection.”
inations from Oregonians through recreation, and the fish and wild-
Jan. 20, 2020, for rivers in the state life that rely on the state’s incredible American Whitewater has made
that deserve addition to the nation- waters. In addition to supporting it easy to weigh in and provides rec-
al Wild and Scenic Rivers list. more Wild and Scenic Rivers, it is ommendations for segments of riv-
important for paddlers to weigh in ers and tributaries in Oregon that
Oregon is home to some of our and nominate specific rivers that are have been identified for their unique
nation’s most amazing and sce- important to us as a community. paddling opportunities and values.
nic rivers. From the Illinois to the
Umpqua, the Owyhee to the San- “Whether you are a whitewater This is an incredible opportunity to
tiam, the state boasts an impressive rafter, an angler or simply an Or- contribute to protecting Oregon’s
diversity of majestic waterways that egonian who believes strongly in natural heritage. The nomination
provide an abundance of opportu- protecting the river or stream that process will continue through Jan-
nities for whitewater recreation. provides safe drinking water to uary 20, 2020.
your community, I want to hear
from you,” Wyden wrote in an open Speak up for Oregon’s rivers today!
Oregon's South Santiam River
Page 21 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgStay up to date on
ACA’s stewardship initiatives
Interested in the political process? Check
out some of the local and regional policy
letters the ACA has submitted on behalf of
paddlers:
www.americancanoe.org/PublicPolicy
Want to help your local waterway? Watch
these videos from fellow paddlers at their
Paddle Green Events:
www.americancanoe.org/PGEvents
How much is there? Where does it come
from? Help the ACA and NOAA ‘Track Trash’
and clean up your local waterway in the
process! Learn how to participate:
www.americancanoe.org/TrackTrash
How do the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
apply to river corridors? Learn more at:
www.americancanoe.org/LNT
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 22EDUCATION Page 23 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.org
ACA PRO SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Boating in Boston
Boating in Boston features gorgeous boathouses all across the greater Boston area waiting to launch
you on your next kayaking, canoeing, sailing or paddleboarding adventure. They offer adult sailing,
kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe classes for all skill levels as well as youth sailing day camps.
Their experienced, friendly instructors teach all lessons in a fun, safe environment.
For more breathtaking water fun, join them for a unique scenic sunrise or sunset kayak tour and
take in the Boston skyline as you’ve never seen it before. There’s so much for you, your family and
your friends to enjoy! Be sure to check out their value-packed Season Passes that make it even easier
for you to enjoy your favorite boating activities all summer long!
ACA Pro Schools are some of the best organizations across the country
to find top quality ACA-certified instruction. Plus, current ACA members
receive discounts on certain Pro School instructional programs.
Please visit www.americancanoe.org/ProSchools to find a Pro School near you.
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 24Rally on the Rogue
and the Micro-Society
Article and photos by Marcel Bieg, Western States Outreach Director and Grant Manager
I grew up in the foothills of Colorado and was influenced by
adventure sports my whole life. From climbing and
hiking to skiing and camping, these passions become the centerpiece that de-
fined who I was as a young man. When I was 18, I purchased my first kayak
and took a job as a rookie aft guide for the summers in between college.
Paddlesports quickly took the center stage and all other activities fell to
the background as I grew, diversifying from rivers onto the oceans in
Alaska. As the years went on, all those adventure sports came
back into my life but never to the level of paddlesports. I
often find myself wondering what it is about paddling
that has kept my interest for more than 25 years
and shows no sign of stopping.
Page 25 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgFor me the community in pad- in everyday society, ideally making We met on a foggy morning in Sep-
dlesports is the defining trait. Of it healthier, success-oriented and tember, dropped the rafts into the
course, the sport’s challenge, adven- empathetic for all its members. river, and loaded all the kayakers’
ture and ever-changing conditions gear on to the boats, packed coolers
and venues make it fun, but the I was recently reminded about this with food and drink, and set up the
support my fellow paddlers have idea on an out-of-the blue trip to shuttle that would deposit our vehi-
given me, the social interactions wild and scenic section of the Rogue cles at the end of the run four days
and the knowledge that anyone on River in Southern Oregon. An ac- later. It also turned out that I was the
the water has my back, regardless of quaintance from New Mexico had only person on the trip to have ever
whether they are lifelong friends or invited me to be a support rower for run this section and it was deemed
newfound soon-to-be friends. This him and some friends who had nev- that I would lead the trip through
idea has created what I call the mi- er been to the river. In turn, I could the main rapids. As we embarked
cro-society. have a few spots on the permit to onto the river, the fog burned off,
fill with people I knew. It turned out the sun beamed down on the cool
A micro-society is a community in that all the paddlers on the trip were clear water, and the nerves and ex-
which any member can immediately either ACA instructors or had taken citement began to build.
impact in a positive or negative way a substantial amount of ACA skills
by the actions they take. This mi- courses over the years in a variety What happened over the next four
cro-society, if properly adjusted and of disciplines and levels. Although days was nothing new and was the
with the goal of success, can mir- most of us did not know each other, typical norm of paddling trips re-
ror ideas and techniques on what it we all had a common love of pad- (Continued on page 27)
would take to create positive change dling and the river.
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 26gardless of discipline. The group mediately took on a role and were debates, complained about the hu-
began to bond, pitched in to get ready and standing by if we need- man world, and basked in the glory
chores done, took on roles as pad- ed them, some setting up as safety, and unforgiving natural world we
dlers, cooks, dishwashers, trash col- others approaching the rescue team were emerged in.
lectors, toilet cleaners and human to be integrated into the group.
waste managers, mechanics, engi- Every member became an import-
neers, mathematicians, navigators As we traveled and camped, we ant, integral and aware part of the
and the support staff that would aid saw immense beauty in the natural success of the trip. Many of us went
in getting the whole group down setting, mountains, canyons, cas- from strangers to friends and all saw
the river in a safe and fun fashion. cading waterfalls, and crystal-clear the greatness that could be achieved
Several of the rapids pushed the side streams. We witnessed abun- when we all work toward a common
skill levels of the paddlers and de- dant wildlife from sizable salmon goal and put our differences aside
cisions were made as a group but to tiny fry along the banks, eagles, for the betterment of our group and
left to each individual to initiate bears, dear, otters, turkey vultures, future generations who hopefully
and follow as they saw fit. We left ospreys, and evidence of coyotes. will continue to have these experi-
each camp better than we found it, We had sun, wind, warm and cold ences along this perfect river.
picked up any trash along the way, temperatures, full moon and rain-
greeted other paddlers with warm storms. We also saw the some less Our micro-society thrived and, as
interactions, and overcame chal- desirable signs of humans, such always, taught me a great deal. The
lenges together. as garbage in the woods, human experience allowed me to test the-
waste where people chose not to ories and strategies where I would
When we ran into trouble because a follow Leave No Trace principles, see immediately their results and
kayaker swam or a raft got pinned, jet boats roaring up sections of the effect on the group. In turn, I have
the team jumped into action do- river, and some unsafe behaviors taken several of these lessons home
ing their part to support and find a from certain groups of users. We and integrated them into my every-
solution. Passing paddle groups im- engaged in discussions and heated day life.
The moment we loaded up the
rafts, said our goodbyes and drove
in our separate directions, I was si-
multaneously filled with a sense of
sadness for the newfound friends I
had made and achievement for the
wonderful experience. I was excited
to be reunited with my loved ones
but dreaded the pace of everyday
life and began to mentally plan for
the next opportunity to leave that
world behind and disappear into
the nature to again become part of
a micro-society.
Page 27 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.org2019 Lumpy Waters Sea Kayak Symposium
Article and photos by Marcel Bieg, Western States Outreach Director and Grant Manager
I just returned from representing help make Lumpy Waters a pre- the venue is amazing; located in Pa-
the ACA and Coaching for my miere instructional destination for cific City, Oregon, options for any
sixth year at one of the West Coast’s dynamic ocean paddling. type of sea paddling are abundant.
largest sea kayak symposia, Additionally, the
the Lumpy Waters Sea Kayak event provides
Symposium presented by Al- exceptional meals
der Creek Canoe and Kayak. and evenings are
The event has been running filled with manu-
for over a decade, and this facturer demon-
year marks the 11th success- strations, music,
ful year. Lumpy is a three- food, drink and
day celebration of sea kaya- unique and infor-
king. With coaching aimed mative presenta-
at advanced beginners, early tions. It truly is a
weekend of learn-
ing and fun.
The most challenging part
about holding a paddling
event along the Oregon
Coast is what the ocean
will do. The Oregon Coast
is notoriously rugged with
huge conditions, cold water
and potential for torrential
intermediates, and advanced-level Coaches offer a wide array of cours- storms. This year, however, was
paddlers, Lumpy provides an un- es ranging from flat water progres- perfect – mostly sunny and calm
paralleled opportunity to improve sion, to dynamic rolling to short with perfect conditions for learn-
paddling skills on the beautiful boat surfing and advanced rock ing. I recommend checking it out
Oregon Coast. Top coaches come gardening. There literally is some- in 2020.
from all over the world attend to thing for everyone. On top of that,
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 28July Instructor of the Month
Elisha McArthur
“Paddling IS my life,” said Elisha playing on the river!” Elisha said for both paddle and oar. She chairs
McArthur. “I have been in love with this is still true. the rafting committee, and as raft-
rivers my entire life. I was lucky ing is a relatively new discipline to
enough to have grown up paddling “I paddle for my heart, I paddle for the ACA, the committee has been
and to have known my passion from my soul, I paddle because I NEED working on some big developments
an early age. (I was 15 when I knew to. The river is both my work and for the rafting discipline, such as an
I wanted to be a L5 curriculum, var-
raft guide.) After 20 ious endorsements,
years of guiding and and the potential of a
teaching I am just as guide certification in
passionate about it the future.
today as I was in the
very beginning, if As part of her endeav-
not more so! or to share her passion
for paddling, Elisha
Professionally Eli- conducts women’s spe-
sha guided full time cific paddling clinics.
for 16 years before
transitioning into “Teaching women’s
full-time teaching. specific clinics is one
In 2017 she and of the most fun and
her husband, Alan rewarding things I
Cammack, started have ever done in my
their company, Can- life! And honestly it
yon River Instruc- just kinda fell in my
tion, in Salida, Colorado. This is a my play, and I feel so incredibly lap; I never set out to be a women’s
paddle school that focuses primar- grateful that I have been able to specific instructor, as unfortunate-
ily on teaching rafting skills and spend my life pursuing that passion ly, I never had much in the way of
safety & rescue. with full force!” women mentors in my career, so it
never occurred to me to be one.”
As far as paddling in her personal Elisha is an ACA instructor in
life, she said she once had a boss multiple disciplines, including L3 One day, early in the 2016 season,
describe her as “The guide who Whitewater Canoe and L4 Swift- a handful of other girl guides at the
doesn’t get burned out, any day she’s water Rescue. In the rafting disci- company she was working for at the
not working on the river she’s out pline she is an L4 Instructor Trainer (Continued on page 32)
Page 29 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgAugust Instructor of the Month
Steve Henkind
Steve Henkind loves being out experience with the Coast Guard
on the water: in the middle of the but also from an unfortunate ex-
ocean (serving as a navigator/in- perience when he saw a novice
structor on the Coast Guard’s train- paddler (not wearing a life jacket)
ing ship, USCGC EAGLE), sliding drown only a few feet away. Steve
on frozen water (he is also a ski in- enjoys teaching at all levels, but his
structor) and, especially, paddling. two favorite subjects are A) Safety
and Rescues – “I am pretty good
As a teenager, Steve canoed exten- at helping people to become much
sively on Lake Champlain. In col-
lege, he was on the Crew Team (still
a blade in the water). About seven
years ago, after a too long hiatus
from regular paddling, he looked Center. He got hooked on
across the lake that he lived on and whitewater, as well.
realized that he should get a boat.
He rapidly outgrew a used recre- Steve noted that “one of
ational kayak that he had purchased the best ways to improve
on Craig’s List and got himself a your own skills is to teach
“real” sea kayak. His “infectious” others.” As a result, he has
love of kayaking spread to his part- spent extensive time de-
ner, Jacqueline, and she ended up veloping his teaching cre-
also getting a boat. dentials and is currently
certified as an instructor
Steve is a big proponent of profes- in multiple domains: L4
sional instruction (“practice makes Open Water Coastal Kay-
permanent, not perfect”) so he at- ak, L3 River Kayak, L1 Canoe, and safer on the water and actually en-
tended numerous sea kayak class- L1 SUP. He also recently became an joy, as opposed to fearing, rescues”
es, and symposia, up and down the L2 IT in Coastal Kayak. Mentors and B) Navigation – “I have been
East Coast, in order to improve his along this road included Michael teaching navigation for a long time
skills. As a physician consultant, Shugg, Dale Williams, and Tosh and have found ways to make the
he travels extensively, and one of Arwood. subject interesting and comprehen-
his engagements was in Asheville, sible. My focus is on developing the
North Carolina … conveniently “I am a safety fanatic,” Steve noted. ability for folks to think like a pro-
very close to Nantahala Outdoor This stems, in large part, from his fessional navigator.”
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 30ACA takes bigger role in Paddle Sports Retailer expo
2019 marks the third year for the In its first year the PSR was held in much more. With OKC being easy
annual Paddle Sports Retail (PSR) Madison, Wisconsin, at the same to reach and relatively affordable to
show. The PSR was created to pro- venue as Canoecopia, which is held travel to and its location near the
vide a paddle market specific show in early spring. middle of the continental U.S., it
on dates which did not conflict is a good location to continue with
with summer paddlesports events On its second year the PSR moved the event.
and sales. It uses the tag line “For to Oklahoma City, which offers a
Paddlers By Paddlers” and the unique venue in its newly construct- Since PSR’s inauguration, the ACA
show planners have done just that. ed Boat House District. This district has taken part in the event with in-
consists of Olympic Training facil- creasing vigor. From having a sim-
ities, a closed ple booth in year 1, to organizing
whitewater several presentations in the Non-
course along profit Education Lounge in year 2,
with multiple to now providing the majority of
flat-water ven- the presentations in the nonprofit
ues, and several lounge while helping organize the
other amenities entire educational schedule and
including BMX taking on the roles as safety boaters
pump tracks, a for the Jr. Sprint Knock Out Races
ropes courses, series held in between the flatwater
restaurants and and whitewater demo events.
Page 31 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgElisha McArthur (continued from page 29)
time asked Eli- women espe-
sha if she would cially feel they
take them out are so far out-
and help them side of their
with flip & re- comfort zone,
At this year's event, held Aug. 25- covery drills. pushing bound-
29, the ACA offered eight of the 12 aries and facing
educational sessions. Each session “Of course, I fears. But it’s
was well attended and exposed said ‘Yes!’ That just a different
attendees not only to the ACA day changed world when you
but also to market trends, emerg- my life. I had have a group of
ing and historic safety issues, new no idea that it all women en-
sports entering the paddlesports was going to be couraging and
scene and more. The ACA’s presen- such a supportive and empowering cheering each other on, overcom-
tations at this year’s event included: environment, such a safe space!,” ing those fears and pushing those
• Kids on the Water: What she recalled. “It was an incredibly boundaries within that mental/
shops need to know powerful experience to be able to emotional safe space, and without
• Recreational Paddling Statis- hold that space for other women, to judgment, discovering that they
tics and Trends: www.ameri- provide that environment for them CAN do all of those things that
cancanoe.org/Statistics that I never had. I can’t even imag- seem so hard, so scary, or even un-
• Engaging Community to In- ine what it would have been like to attainable! I am humbly awed to be
crease Adventure Recreation have something like that when I able to teach women’s clinics, and
• Managing Conflicts in Multi was a young guide... I am just so in- my heart overflows with joy & grat-
Use Waterways credibly grateful that life has put me itude at the conclusion of each and
• River Surfing, Boarding and in a position to be able to offer that every one,” she said.
SUP: What your shop needs kind of support, encouragement,
to know and empowerment- to everyone! Elisha also teaches a lot of children’s
• Product Trends in Surf and But especially to women. clinics.
SUP
• Whitewater Rafting: Making “It’s hard to describe the kind of “As a mom myself, I am concerned
it More Accessible growth that happens in those wom- with kids having some river safety
• ACA Paddlesports Facilitator en’s clinics, not just for each student knowledge, and so CRI offers a va-
Training: www.americanca- (and the students growth is always riety of free and reduced-price kids
noe.org/PSF exponential!), but also for me as an river safety programs in addition to
instructor, as a friend, as a mother, our regular ‘family safety clinics.’
The ACA will likely provide sup- as just as a human being.” Teaching kids can be a little more
port, education, safety and expe- challenging than teaching adults at
rience at the 2020 PSR in OKC to Her favorite of the all women’s times, but fortunately my 11-year-
continue the growth and accessi- courses she teaches are Swiftwater old daughter helps me teach those
bility of paddle sports. We hope Rescue courses, whether one-day clinics, and having a kid ambassa-
the event will continue to grow safety basics or full three-day SWR. dor in the water with them, help-
and bring in more manufacturers, ing them and encouraging them is
buyers and ACA members into “Simply because SWR is so intim- huge!”
the future. idating to a lot of people, I think
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 32Riverboarding: Where Soul Meets Body
By Charles Evans, Rescue Boarder, Ridge and Valley INC
Riverboarding is a soul sport. Riv- dard surfboards by the absence of board with handles and rigid bot-
erboarding is not only about per- ventral fins. These were document- tom which is what most modern
sonal progression, unparalleled ed by explorers as early as 1778. freestyle and rescue style river-
stream accessibility, and rescue Fast forward to 1971 and meet surf- boards are modeled after today.
tech; Riverboarding also stands for ing legend Tom Morey. He shaped Carlson Riverboards are the most
why we are attracted to the water the world’s first Boogie Board and widely recognized as they are often
as a whole. This entails descending by 1977 he was producing over utilized as a standard tool in rescue
whitewater rapids with a foam, in- 80,000 bodyboards a year. scenarios, plus they rock a killer
flatable or plastic bodyboard with lime green bottom. In 1986 Ged
swim flippers acting as your pad- Riverboarding, or a version, is ru- Hay began using an ocean body-
dle. It exposes us to an immersive mored to have originated by the board in New Zealand and inspired
world as we descend into the mod- late 1970s by the French, where the sport where it is most nationally
ern growth of the sport. As we see raft guides would run rivers with recognized and commercially prac-
progression and define our lines, strapped together PFDs. After tri- ticed by licensed outfitters. Today
there is a constant reminder of the al and error, they then began to we see slow growth rates as media
natural connection inside us as we develop a plastic sub shell which coverage and social influences as-
experience the draw of whitewater is evident as inspiration in some sist in gaining market share.
as close as we can get – submerged modern-day hydrospeed models
in the magic. of riverboards. As boogie boarding After finding home on and off the
exploded on the market, the land- river when I was 16, I immersed
We can’t talk about riverboarding locked watermen began to look at myself in our local paddling culture
without first mentioning the birth their rivers for inspiration. and communities. Eventually I be-
of bodyboarding. Bodyboarding came a raft guide in Harpers Ferry,
was first enjoyed by Indigenous In 1980 Robert Carlson began run- West Virginia, in 2011.
Polynesians on a Hawaiian surf- ning rivers in California on his
board called an ALAI (AH-LA-ee) ocean body board and eventually After guiding on slower days, I
which is differentiated from stan- developed his own custom foam would go to staircase rapid, an al-
most mile long shelf rapid on the
Shenandoah, and swim its entire
length. I would do this in nothing
but my Astral Greenjacket and hel-
met. A gut full of passion and curi-
osity led me down the class 2+ rap-
ids whilst I would bang and bounce
my shins and knees off of the boul-
ders. I was addicted. I then spent
the next two years trying rafts,
kayaks, duckies, squirt boats, stand
up paddleboards and even a fiber-
glass surfboard. As an avid surfer,
skateboarder and snowboarder, I
still was seeking a board experience
Page 33 | PADDLE | November 2019 www.americancanoe.orgthat I could apply to the companied with most
river in a similar freestyle of the weight up front,
fashion. Riverboarding is a riverboarder can plow
where I found my style. through hydraulics that
would typically stop and
In 2013 I rode my first overturn a larger vessel.
riverboard, an inflatable There is also an increased
rescue board with fab- kinesthetic awareness of
ric handles and some- the user as there is less
what terrible agility. I equipment to dissociate
then tried various other them from the hydrology.
brands of riverboard,
each having a different Riverboarding also
river function. This was presents an exceptional
a staple for my low water method of sustainability
guided trips, as I would due to the increasing re-
bring a board with me search and development
and allow guests to surf standing yard. In September of 2017, I trav- of ecoboards. These boards are
waves at along our whitewater eled with Earth Veins and Boarders utilizing materials such as hemp,
route. At times, the guest would without Borders to participate in a mushrooms, bamboo, cork, and
want to stay and riverboard instead first ever, Riverboarding Initiation reclaimed materials from mass
of continuing down river. The ex- Tour. On this tour we descend- production projects. A lot of hy-
perience a riverboard offers in an ed the Upper Yough, the Upper drospeed athletes are even crafting
unparalleled water adventure. Gauley and Kanawha Falls to name their own boards, reducing waste.
a few of the most recognizable. We This parallels the implied lifestyle
In 2017, I met Tom Patterson and were out to prove to the world that of a paddler as an Environmental
learned that after years of Research Riverboarding was just as accessi- Steward; protecting the resources
and Development, his team and ble as all of the whitewater sports we value for our livelihood.
company Earth Veins, had created out there, if not more.
their own riverboard. This board Riverboarding has reinvigorated
was more than capable of handling When it comes to safety, river- the soul of paddlesports for me,
everything from waterfalls to big boarding is one of the safest ves- taking on a minimalist approach
waves, flat water to class V. I re- sels to paddle with. After proper to the water. Passion is exempli-
ceived my first Earth Veins board training and education of the same fied through the riverboarder as
in 2017 and progression was ex- paramount prerequisites to any we make our own equipment, face
plosive. I immediately ordered ten paddling experience, the learning frigid waters without dry suits to
more. This board type allowed me curve of a riverboard is much easier catch perfect condition and even
to run rapids I had only felt com- to obtain. A body board is already a forget the shuttle leaving us to
fortable with in a raft prior. I went household name as most are famil- hike back from take-out to put-in.
from running class II-III as my iar with attempting the sport when We dive head first into it all, most
consistent, regular runs to running they would go to the ocean, giving of the time walking alone on the
the class IV-V that are in my back- a sense of comfortability. This ac- shoreline. Join us!
www.americancanoe.org PADDLE | November 2019 | Page 34You can also read
