ON THE BRINK

The Piney...a Whitewater Gem hiding out in West Virginia!

2010-01-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Started out the 2009 year with a sweet 12 mile section of fun class III/IV creekin on the Piney in West Virginia. There is no single drop or series of rapids too spectacular on this creek. Rather it's just a long, continous section of whitewater. Just what the four of us needed as Edgar, Trevyn, Eric & myself set off from the put-in right in the middle of Beckley, WV.

Pulling on the Skirt

Cold weather at the Piney

One of my favorite drops on the run, this eight foot waterfall has a nice class III boulder garden to get you revved up or psyched out before you roll up to it. Edgar had to 'hand of god' Eric in the middle of the intro rapid and Trevyn threw out the life line. I had the fun job of retrieving the gear. Close call but, after it was all said & done, we checked out the fall & got ready to fire it up.

Checking out the local's line

Pulling through the drop

Classic Winter Run

Edgar...giddy w/excitement

Kevin cruisin' over the drop

Edgar picking the meaty line

After making it three quarters of the way down, we decided to take a break. It was nice to get out of the boat for a while; however, we quickly discovered it was much colder out of the water than paddling through it. With only a few more miles to go, we finished out the run and headed home. I have to say, I look forward to getting back to this one in the future.

Eric taking a rest

The crew on the banks of the Piney

Watauga in December...Hand paddling with no gloves!!!

2009-12-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

Finished out the year 2008 by getting on Watauga for my first time. It was mid-December and rather cold. Having broken my paddle earlier that winter, I decided to hand-paddle for a while. The only problem that day on the Watauga was I had forgotten to bring any gloves, though I quickly remembered their abscence when I first put my hands in the water. Eric, Justin & myself met up with a large crew from MRP to paddle this superb class IV creek.

Part of the crew below Hydro

Will & Andy from MRP acted as our guides and did an excellent job, as having twelve boaters in our group, we had a fairly smooth run down the creek. When reaching Hydro, we all got out to scout and our trip leaders did some excellent work on safety. Most all made it through without a hitch but help was there when needed.

Justin hitting a boof at Hydro

Andy throwing a line in the midst of Hydro

We soon made it to the prize on this classic creek....Stateline Falls. All got out to scout, a few decided to walk and the rest fired it up with varying results. After scouting the rapid & watching another group run it, I was ready to get back in my boat and head to the eddy at the lip of the drop.

Justin scouting the Big One

Group of boaters firing up Stateline

The falls on the Watauga is certainly a formidable rapid & deserves respect. That being said, it is definetely an awesome feeling being in the eddy above knowing you have to hit this one in just the right spot and with just the right angle to not crash into the rocks below. Though my line wasn't perfect, it sure felt good plunging through the landing & surfacing in the runout below. The perfect ending to an amazing year of boating.

A Virginia Classic

2009-12-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

Once again, with October rolling around, I found myself back at the Russell Fork in 2008. This is truly a remarkable area in its beautiful & remote nature. Started out the weekend boating the Upper Russell Fork & camping at Breaks Interstate Park with my good friends from SRVCC.

John cruisin' through Twenty Stitches

Bev catching air in Twenty Stitches

The club taking over Breaks Interstate Park

That night, the crew rolled into camp & caught some shut-eye before undertaking the gorge the next day. All together, it was Edgar, Trevyn, Eric, Justin & myself heading into the RFG that morning. I remembered vividly looking into the gorge one year ago when getting out at garden hole & planning to run it one day. Little did I realize I'd come back to run the gorge at low water six months afterwards and at release a year to the date after that first trip to the Russell Fork. It was a nervous anticipation, but I was ready to go.

Unknown boater flyin off the left of Towers

My unconventional line at Towers

We took a good bit of time scouting at Towers. After watching multiple boaters run various lines, I decided to go for the far left line of this rapid. Obviously, I did not clean it as the unknown boater above. Rather, I nearly got flipped by a submerged rock, hit a hard right brace and had to power through Tower's juicy hole running left to right. Continuing down river all but Edgar & Trevyn in our group portaged Fist. This was the first of many rapids I've been glad to set down my ego, pick up my boat & walk. We finished out the river enjoying the classic drops of the RFG....Triple Drop, Climax & El Horrendo.

Edgar punching through at Triple Drop

Trevyn walking back for more @ El Horrendo

Trevyn running the left line

Justin firing up El Horrendo

Overall, I had fairly good lines the rest of the day and the exhilarating feeling of nailing my boof at Climax. Truly enjoyed this gem of a river and amazed at how far I had come in one year's time. It was also a turning point in my paddling. While I continue to challenge myself, I am no more heedlessly firing up any big drop I find. As they say, there are old boaters & there are bold boaters; however, there are no old bold boaters. It's o.k. to walk now & then.

End of Summer Runs

2008-09-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

As the summer was winding down, I decided to head out and catch some of the last dam releases for the season. At some unholy hour in the morning, Russ drove up to my place. We packed all my gear into his trailer, strapped the 12'6" longboat I would be paddling to his roof racks, and hit the road. Luckily, we made good enough time to met up with Edgar and the other ten people he had with him to put on to the Upper Ocoee. Had a great time with the Taifun on this stretch. Plowed through every hole I could find at Mikey's Ledge, Blue Hole, Godzilla & Humungous, and the Roach Motel.

Breaking between the Upper & Middle Ocoee

The group took a lunch break at the put-in for the Middle Ocoee....it was much deserved and needed. Since Russ had gone to retrieve his vehicle and made it back before we put on for the middle run, I decided to switch out boats and play the rest of the river with my EZG. Could definetely feel the difference once I peeled out into the meat of Grumpy's. Everyone seemed to have a good time on the Ocoee and was fired up for the Cheoah the next day. Some went back to the campsite to cook dinner and others struck out to find some Mexican. Eventually, we all made it back to Turkey Creek to sit around the campfire and get a few hours of shut-eye.

Shuttle vehicles @ Turkey Creek Campground

The following day we broke camp, ate a hearty breakfast, and headed out to the Cheoah. The group had dwindled down to about eight fairly solid paddlers.....a good thing, as the Cheoah is not the place to be chasing down boats all day. All seemed to be doing well as we made our way down to the river with only one swimmer before the Big 'Un. I was rather impressed with Edgar's ability to handle himself in the canoe having only paddled an OC-1 less than a year. Also, I tend to paddle with a lot of open boaters and the whole "out of boat experience" can be quite common. I bombed on down once we got to Bear Creek as the eddy space was limited and I wanted to get some photos anyway.

Unknown Boater firing up the Creek Line

Trevyn breaking into the eddy @ Bear Creek

Hanging out in Big 'Un

Edgar checking things out above the Falls

Boofing the OC-1 @ Bear Creek Falls

The Scene at Bear Creek Falls

After everyone got through the big one, we all headed downstream. At Tapoco, I decided to take the fun, tight, technical, and underwater line past the lodge as may often happen when paddling a 12'6" longboat on the left side of this rapid. My neck and shoulders were still sore two weeks after I took that beating, but I made it up at the end. Still, I don't think that beating compared to the horrendous haul uphill at the bridge with the Taifun. Though I enjoyed the longboat paddling, I think I'm ready to put it up for a while. However, that slender & sleek yellow boat did look rather sexy on top of the all jet black Nissan X-terra.

Heading Home

Back to the Broad

2008-05-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

As some of my friends know, I have a fondness for the French ladies and, when I heard the SRVCC was planning a trip back to the French Broad, I had to mark it down on my calender. Grant and I drove down on Friday night to meet up with the club at the Hot Springs Campground. Following a night hanging out by the campfire and getting some sleep in my car, I was up and ready for some boatin' the next day.

The SRVCC at the Barnard Put-in

Grant throwing some ends

Two experienced canoeists stylin' the Broad

Joe exiting Pillow Rock

After running some of the bigger rapids and playing some of the smaller features along the way, we came to one of the best waves on the French Broad.....the Sandy Bottoms Wave. Many from the group spent quite a bit of time getting in some big wave surfing.

Delane shredding it up @ Sandy Bottoms

Grant bouncing down the Sandy Bottoms Wave

We stopped a couple of times during the first half of the run down to Stackhouse. During one break on the riverside, a total of 39 boaters were counted in our group. This was quite a gathering and shows the camaraderie of the SRVCC....truly a friendly and welcoming group with which to paddle. Eventually, after the grueling paddle through Windy Flats, we made it down to Kayaker's Ledge and Frank Bells. I had a lot of fun running and playing in the two big ones.

SRVCC taking a break on the French Broad

Trying to Freewheel on Kayaker's Ledge

Grant exiting Frank Bells

Glutton for Punishment.....surfing Frank Bells!!!

The next day there were a few less on the river. However, we still had a wonderful time and, this time, Grant & I knew where the best playspots were to be had. One of my favorite playspots on the French Broad is now the wave and hole in the top of Pillow rapid. It takes some effort and determination to climb the eddies to get in these features but is well worth it.

Second Day at the Put-in

James leading the group

Grant catching air @ Pillow

Grant shredding it up

Kevin carving onto the wave @ Pillow

Surfing on the French Broad

On the second day, the group just ran down to Stackhouse. It was a shorter period on the water but was packed full of fun. A few were able to join us on Sunday that were not on the river with us the day before. Mercer was able to get in a little more practice swimming before the drive home, but so did I the day before at good ol' Frankie. All in all, it was a great weekend on and off the water with the SRVCC.

Mike Mabe running the bottom of Pillow

The group heading downriver

Justin Culbertson

2008-05-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Justin lives outside of Winston Salem in Lewisville....not 10 minutes from I-40. If his skills and determination with regards to kayaking didn't make him a likely paddling partner, then his proximity to WNC's gateway definetely gave him the ticket. Pete and I met up with this young man after he'd been paddling for six months or so. Justin already had the mark of a good paddler but had not been on much more than the Mayo & Whitewater Park. For some reason, he wanted to link up with the likes of us.....so, we took him down his first couple of laps on Wilson's Creek and geared him up for some big-hole surfing at USNWC.

Justin ripping it up @ USNWC

Pete & Justin heading down the Comp Channel

Dropping Final Destination

Justin surfing the hole @ Final Destination

During this past Easter, Justin went with me on a paddlin' trip to Tennessee. We hit up two great creeks....the Little and Tellico. The Little River had been on my hit list for quite some time and Justin was more than willing to explore this creek with me. We road scouted some of the bigger drops and then headed on down. Justin didn't hold back anything and even probed the Sinks, not only the drop but the hole at the bottom too. The next day we hit up the Tellico River getting Justin some of his first vertical action.

Justin boofing in the midst of the Screaming Meanies

Justin probing the Sinks

Justin Boofing Baby Falls

I can definetely see some talent and an adventurous spirit in this newcomer to the sport. Justin is already using his whitewater experience to his advantage. While working at a kid's camp this summer, Justin will be instructing the campers in whitewater kayaking. I'm looking forward to doing some more creekin' and playboating with Justin whenever we get the chance and wherever the water happens to be.

Easter in Tennessee

2008-05-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Having spent last easter in Tennessee creekin' on the Tellico River, I could think of nothing better than heading back there again in Easter 2008. After picking Justing up at 6:00 am, we made our way to Tennessee stopping briefly to paddle the Little River before heading to Tellico Plains.

Put-in for the Little River

Justin and I decided to put on the Little River at Metcalf Bottoms. I had been wanting to run this river for some time and wanted to get as much in as possible. After unloading all our gear, I drove down to a pull off below Elbow and started thumbing for a ride. Eventually, I got back to the top and we put on. There was some fun class II/III for the first couple of miles below Metcalf. Then came the good stuff....the Screaming Meanies followed by the Sinks.

Kevin dropping into the first Meanie

Justin driving through the Screaming Meanies

Plunging into the Sinks

Unfortunately, after throwing my Pelican box to Justin in the runout of the Sinks, my camera did not want to work anymore. We weren't able to take any more photos on the Little that day, but it didn't take away from any of the fun. The Little has some awesome creekin' action with continuous class III all the way down to the Elbow. This is one river I look forward to getting back on. However, that night, we still had to make it to Tellico Plains to meet up with fellow paddlers from the SRVCC and get ready to hit the Tellico the following day.

SRVCC paddlers discussing game plan for Tellico

Loaded up and ready to go paddling!!!

After camping out with the SRVCC group and eating a hardy breakfast at the Hole in the Wall, we were ready to go paddling. We devised a game plan after breakfast in which part of the group would put on above the Ledges and the other half would meet up with us on the Middle Tellico.

James & Justin putting on @ the Ledges

John Hall dropping the first of the Ledges

Justin boofing Baby Falls

Randy cleaning the Diaper

Richard at the bottom of Jared's Knee

After finishing the upper section of the Tellico, we continued down with the rest of the group. Had a great group to paddle with on Saturday. Lots of boats and lots of fun. I had some interesting moments during the latter part of the run. The first incident consisted of a submerged log or undercut rock that was not readily visible. After broaching against this obstruction, I tried numerous times to shift the boat but could not. Eventually, I had to pop the skirt, exit the boat, and dislodge my 80 gallon, water-filled creeker from the obstruction. The other incident involved me breaking my paddle yet again and running the last mile or so with a single blade. Actually, turned out to be a lot of fun and I'm now in the market for a C-1.

James entering Fat-Man Squeeze on Middle Tellico

David Mabe Squeezing Thru

Mike Mabe displaying true paddling finesse

Richard in the Meat

At the take-out Justin caught a ride back home to North Carolina. Part of the group was planning on running the Nolichucky the next day. I had come prepared with my playboat strapped to the top of my vehicle. We enjoyed another night of camping in Tellico Plains and then headed to Erwin, TN on Sunday morning.

Loaded up for the Chucky

The Nolichucky was a great river with lots of play. Though it was a little cold during April.....looking forward to hitting this one again during the warm Summer months. Jaws was an awesome playspot. I could've spent hours surfing it up if we didn't have another 6 or more miles to paddle and then the drive home. After reaching the take-out and having another fun-filled Easter paddling in Tennessee, I headed back east on I-40 until my next adventure takes me back to those mountains.

Goshen Pass

2008-03-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I had an itch to go check out Goshen Pass on the Maury last weekend. All friday night, I was waivering between hitting Wilson's with some friends or exploring the Pass for the first time. Finally, on saturday morning, I decided I was going to go to the Maury yet I didn't have anyone to go with me. I called Grant at 7:00 am and asked if he was up for it. He thought about it for a couple of minutes and, by 7:30 am, we were on the road heading north.

Eddy chat with John and Fred

Before we even got to the Maury, I had planned on parking at Laural Run Picnic Area and walking the shuttle. This would allow us to run the stretch with the Kitchen and all the way down to Corner Rapid if we were willing to walk back up. Fortune was in our favor......John & Fred, a couple of local kayakers, happened up and were kind enough to run a shuttle for us. We met up with them around Devil's Kitchen and stopped in the eddy below to chat for a while.

Dropping into the Kitchen

A Devil's Playground

After John and Fred headed on downriver, Grant and I decided to hike back up for another run down the Kitchen. It is most definetely one of the best rapids on the river with multiple lines, a ton of eddys, and some good playspots along the way.

Grant Shouldering the Astro

Dropping In....Again

Grant Staying Cool in the Kitchen

Kevin in the Heat

Eddy Hopping

Once we finished playing around at Devil's Kitchen, which included some nice rock splats by Grant, we continued downriver to the next big 'un....Corner Rapid. This was a pretty sweet rapid, with a standing wave at the top and a nice hole below. Next time, I want to try and catch a surf on these features. Along the way to the takeout, we had a hoot sliding along the wall and surfed a few of the smaller features before Indian Pool. I'm glad to know a new river and look forward to catching this run with a couple grand more CFS flowing through.

Grant's Stoic Look after Devil's Kitchen

Kevin rounding the Corner

Taking out at Indian Pool

Hiking the Buffalo

2008-03-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had the fortunate opportunity to go hiking with my dad a few weeks back. We decided to return to a familiar stretch....the Buffalo, a mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway that he and I have hiked numerous times before. They have recently laid out a mile and a half swithback trail that ascends the mountain and gives you a closer look at the flora & fauna of this natural area preserve.

Road leading to Buffalo Mountain

Dad Hiking Up the Trail

Along the way, we were lucky enough to see a couple of whitetail deer on the trail. I patiently worked my way closer while they were grazing. They were just as curious of me as I was of them and, eventually, I was able to capture a photo. Dad has also seen a couple of black bear cubs on the Buffalo. Whether or not you see any wildlife, there are always beautiful vistas to photograph once you reach the top.

Whitetail Looking Back at Me

Landscape on the Buffalo

Top of the Climb

Once we got to the top, the winds were almost unbearable but I still had to explore every corner of the mountain-top. The Buffalo has an immense variety of plant life. Playing around with the macro lens, I was able to capture this diversity up-close. After we had all the wind we could stand, Dad and I took a last look and started back down the trail.

Capturing that rarely seen

Kevin on the Buffalo

Dad checking out the view

A Last Look

Russell Fork Gorge

2008-02-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Pete and I had the good fortune this saturday to paddle the Russell Fork Gorge with some experienced creekers. Pete had met and bought the Gus from Edgar last year and had been hoping to do some creeking with him for quite a while now. The chance finally came this weekend, and Pete called me Friday night to see if I'd be interested in hitting the Russell Fork. At 300 cfs, the level was perfect for a first time down. I couldn't say no, though I was definitely a little nervous about this one. Come Saturday morning, we had a crew of six kayakers: Edgar, Matt, Trevin, Clinton, Pete and myself.

Scoutin the drop!!!

Matt was the only one in our crew that had been down the gorge before and that had been at release levels. So, we all got out to scout the bigger ones. Towers looked kind of sketchy to me at this level, but Matt, Trevin, and Clinton had a sweet line boofing off a flack rock and dropped the left side hugging the huge, middle boulder. Unfortunately, I found a piton rock in the first drop, had to surf my way out of the hole, and dropped down on the far left. Not having to deal with the pushy water of higher levels, I was able to escape the undercut wall unscathed. Edgar and Pete followed up with clean lines. We continued on downstream scouting and dropping the Fist, Maze, and Triple Drop.

Edgar heading down the Fork

Matt stylin' the Russell Fork

Trevin in the midst of Triple Drop

When scouting the last two drops of Triple Drop, we met some locals that had caught up with us. After seeing some of them run Triple Drop, the others fired it up while I took photos. After getting that mess out of my system at Towers, I was able to run some fairly smooth lines the rest of the way down the gorge, though I did put on a good hole-riding show at the bottom of Triple Drop.

Russell Fork Locals

Edgar talking to the locals

Matt entering the Third Drop

Edgar Lining 'Er Up

Clinton going for the boof

Pete Dropping the Last One on Triple

Next was El Horrendo....what a sweet rapid!!! It's a hell of a fun drop, but does look big from the lip. Many of our crew and the locals hiked back up to run this one again. After banging down Climax, which isn't much of a rapid at this level, we paddled down the last mile and a half of class II/III water. We took our time, trying to catch every eddy and boof every flack rock possible. All in all, this was an awesome run and I would love to catch the Russell Fork Gorge at this level again. At the takeout, the six of us packed all of our boats, gear, and ourselves in Pete's truck and started home.

Loading Up

Kevin Ratliff

2008-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

I started kayaking back in October of 2006. Little did I know that paddling small plastic boats would become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I had my humble beginnings......swimming, and somtimes paddling, my Wavesport Stubby down runs like Big Reed Island and Elk Creek in Southwestern Virginia. However, my love of the outdoors and a re-found passion to challenge myself motivated me to spend hours upon end on the river. By the spring of 2007, outfitted with my new Wavesport Habitat and EZG, I was paddling runs like the Tellico, Ocoee, and New River Gorge.

Boofing Baby

Dropping the Diaper

I spent a good deal of the summer at the USNWC in Charlotte, learning to playboat and getting comfortable in turbulent water. The practice paid off in the fall when I hit up runs like the Cheoah and Upper Russell Fork.

Kevin surfing at the Upper Russell Fork

With the onset of the new year and some much needed rainfall, the creeking season began and I was ready to hit it up. Since New Year's Day, Pete and I have ran Wilson's Creek mulitple times, did an excruciatingly long day trip to the Tellico, and even did a low water run on the Russell Fork Gorge.

Kevin boofing The Wall

Heading down 10 Foot

Threading the needle at Bounce Off Boulder

Kayaking has many rewards: traveling to new and scenic rivers, meeting a community of friendly people, constantly challenging yourself to improve, and having an excuse to buy some new gear every other month. I have only been a part of this sport for a little while now, but I hope to continue paddling down the river for many years to come.

Heading Down the River

Grant Price

2008-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Grant is a fellow resident of Martinsville, VA. I first met this young man on one of SRVCC's paddling trips down the North Fork of the Mayo. Grant and I started kayaking along the same time in the fall of 2006. He is also an avid rock climber and mountain biker. Putting this same energy and dedication into paddling, Grant has become a great kayaker as well. Feeling confident in his skills and ability to handle himself on the water, I took him down for his first run on the Cheoah last fall.

Grant at the Cheoah

Grant firing up the Big 'Un

Grant looking back at Bear Creek Falls

I've also had the pleasure of going down some runs like the Upper Russell Fork and Wilson's Creek with Grant this past year. Of course, we hit up the local playspot...the Boiling Hole on the Mayo...or the Whitewater Park whenever possible.

Catching Air at The Wall

Surfing 20 Stitches

Bombing down 10 Foot Falls

Being an enthusiastic & adventurous paddler, Grant was more than willing to scout out the Nanty Cascades with me on a 30 degree, November morning. Grant also wanted to scout out Worser Wesser and insisted that we run it before heading home. So, after about half an hour of preparation, we bombed down Worser Wesser for a short but exhilirating ride.

Scouting the Cascades

Grant running Worser Wesser

Grant is looking into working as a video boater this summer on the New River Gorge. I will hate to see him leave the area; however, I will most definitely have to visit him up in West Virginia to hit some runs like the NRG, Gauley, Tygart, and whatever else may be running.

Pete Beck

2008-01-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Being a resident of Burlington NC, Pete got into kayaking on some of the local runs, such as the Haw & Mayo Rivers. I first heard of Pete's exploits through the internet forum of the Smith River Valley Canoe Club. Pete and I eventually met on one of the club's annuel trips to the Tellico River. It was a turning point for both of us and, since that time, we've fired up some big runs together. Having a solid paddler and encouraging friend by my side, I have gone farther in this sport within the first year than I would have imagined. Pete and I took on the NRG, Cheoah, Tellico ledges, Ocoee, & Wilson's Creek together and, hopefully, will continue adding to the list.

Pete on Wilson's Creek

Creek line at the Cheoah

Pete boofing Boatbuster

Hook 99 at the New River Gorge

There is one river Pete loves most of all.......the Tellico!!! I don't believe he has found a river yet that can give him as many boofs, vertical drops, and the all around excitement he seeks in the sport of kayaking. Here are a few shots of Pete doing what he enjoys most, dropping the big 'uns.

Contemplating the Drop

Boofing Baby

Dropping Bald River Falls

Pete recently created a video, posted below, relating the first year and a half of his paddling experience. It has been a blast running these rivers and creeks with him. I'm looking forward to many more years of running the shit, with Pete by my side in the put-in eddy.

A Favor for a Friend

2008-01-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

Got a call from Pete around 6:00 pm on Friday night: "Hey, man.....the Tellico's running!!!" I had just arrived in Greensboro to stay the night. I did have my paddling gear & the EZG in the car and was planning on boating the next day, yet something local or the whitewater park. Besides the fact that I didn't have my Habitat, I wasn't too sure about making a "day trip" of the Tellico. After listening to Pete's hopeful & desperate requests for me to join him and Pete agreeing to bring along the Gus for me to paddle, we decided to meet early Saturday morning. Following a five to six hour drive, Pete and I finally reached the Tellico and put on around 1:00 pm that day.

Fellow boaters heading west on I-40

We found a nice little section above the ledges to put on and started heading downstream. It didn't take long for us to reach "Baby Falls". A good bit of time was spent there doing laps over the waterfall, taking photos & video, and chatting with the other boaters. Pete got in some roll sessions under Baby's curtain and I went deep a few times with the Gus.

Putting On above the Ledges

The Eddy below Baby Falls

Pete resting after his workout under Baby's Curtain

Kevin running the Baby

Pete heading back for more

Boofing Baby

Once we were finished with our huckfest, Pete and I dropped through "Diaper" and headed on downstream. There were a few good rapids & boulder gardens as we rounded the bend and, before we realized it, we were starting down the entrance to "Jared's Knee". We hadn't intended to boat scout this one; however, once in the meat, we picked our lines and gave 'er a go. There were a few boat bruises here and there, but the lines were fairly smooth on this first run. Knowing there was plenty more to be had on the Middle Tellico, we continued for another couple of miles down the river. The most notable and exciting rapid here was "Bounce off Boulder" due to a rather large log that had wedged itself in the middle of this drop. There was a line but one had to be sure to hit it.

Pete bombing down Diaper Wiper

Kevin threading the needle at Bounce Off Boulder

A Long Way to the Top

Once we decided to take off the middle section, Pete and I had a bit of a wait. There were not many vehicles going up the road and two had passed us already. We shouldered our boats and started walking up the road. Finally, some locals took pity on us and, with boats loaded on their truckbed, gave us a ride back to the top. With a little bit of daylight left, we took advantage of some photo opportunities and ran a few of the rapids again. Of course, Pete had to get another shot of Bald River Falls.

Exiting Jared's Knee

The Climb to the Top

Given 'Er

Having had a rewarding day of creekin', there wasn't much left to do but paddle on out. This was one favor I didn't mind granting.

The Paddle Out

New Year's Eve: The Return to Wilson's Creek

2008-01-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Last week on Wilson's was enough to wet the appetite and, after a weekend of rain, I could think of no better place to go creekin' for the last time in 2007. Grant was more than willing to get his first taste of a class IV creek and, with a few calls to some kayaking buddies, I had Joel and Pete lined up to go as well. Grant and I got to the put-in, geared up, and waited for Joel's arrival to start the first run of the day.

Grant ready to fire up Wilson's

The scene at the put-in for Wilson's Gorge

We completed a quick run down the creek with Joel and started walking up the hill at the take-out right as Pete was rolling in.....couldn't have asked for better timing. Pete gave us all a shuttle up to the top. Unfortunately, Joel only had time for one run and, having styled that in his playboat, had to head back home. Along with adding Pete to our crew, our good buddy Scott from last week showed up and also put on with us. Having a strong crew of four, we headed on down to the first big rapid.....Ten Foot Falls!!!

Grant, looking small, at the entrance for Ten Foot

Pete in the entrance rapid for Ten Foot

Grant Stylin' down Ten Foot Falls

Scott at the lip of Ten Foot

Pete punching the hole at Ten Foot

After taking some photographs of the others, I threw the camera down to Grant and headed back up to run the falls myself. From down below, Grant was able to get a different perspective of the drop.

Ten Foot Falls from down below

Kevin bombing down Ten Foot Falls

Melting into the hole at Ten Foot

We headed on down the creek, firing up Boatbuster and Thunderhole and eventually hitting the approach to Triple Drop. Grant had gotten out to film at those two bigger, back-to-back rapids and did the same after running Triple Drop.

Grant at the top drop in Triple Drop

Grant climbing up to film

Pete in the eddy above Triple Drop

Thumbs up from Pete

Scott bombing down Triple Drop

Once further downriver, we came to one of my favorite rapids....The Wall!!! I had some trouble hitting the autoboof during our two runs on Christmas Eve, but had nailed it on our first run earlier that day. So, I was determined to get a sweet shot of the boof and, along with Pete & Grant, ran this one several times with that purpose in mind.

Shot of Wilson's Gorge at The Wall

Pete setting his sights on The Wall

Grant boofing at The Wall

Kevin catching some air at The Wall

After catching some rail and boofing a few more drops, we finished up our second run. There was time and water left for another run that day. So, putting away the camera and video recorder, we all four bombed down Wilson's for an exhilarating last run. Racing down the creek, I hit my lines more dead on this time than on any of my previous runs. It was a good way to end the day and, for that matter, the year. I only hope 2008 will bring many more opportunities to run some of the classic southeastern creeks.

The Crew rounding out 2007

Christmas Eve at Wilson's Creek

2008-01-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

Having wanted to fire up this little run for a while now, Pete and I were granted our wish this past Christmas Eve when we saw Wilson's Creek was running. Full of holiday cheer and anticipation, we met up in the gorge that afternoon.

Pete on Wilson's: A Christmas Wish Granted

I rolled down Adako and turned onto the service road leading to the gorge around noon. The drops looked sweet and the gorge was spectacular. As I was waiting for Pete at the put-in, I saw a few others from the SRVCC club taking advantage of some Christmas Creekin'. Pete drove up to the put-in with a truckload full of boats and random kayakers. He had brought Mark along from Burlington, as well.

John Hall entering the first rapid on Wilson's

Scott, a local of Wilson's, dropping the first big 'un

Pete charging down Wilson's

After completing the first run, Mark opted out of taking on a second run and decided to drive along getting some video instead. Of course, Pete and I couldn't resist hitting up this creek again. Scott, one of the locals on Wilson's Creek, joined us as we headed downstream. With such a small group, we were able to capture and photograph quite a bit more.

Mark taking video at Thunderhole

As I missed Pete's first run through Boatbuster & Thunderhole, I made him hike back up to run it again. There were a few boulders to hop over and a forest to truck through, but it's all worth it in the end.

Pete hiking back up Boatbuster & Thunderhole

Entering Boatbuster

Catching some air at Boatbuster

Pete shooting out of Thunderhole

It wasn't long before we got to one of the best rapids on this creek......Triple Drop!!! At the level Wilson's was running that day, this rapid was fairly forgiving. Yet, I could see how you would need to be right on line when that bottom hole is up and pumping.

Kevin in the middle of Triple Drop

Pete boofing Triple Drop

Pete and Scott at the end of Wilson's

Loading Up & Going Home

After an exciting two runs down Wilson's Creek for the first time, we loaded up and headed home. Pete was sure to pick up a Christmas card for his wife on the way home......being such a kind and considerate husband, he didn't want to be the only one full of holiday cheer come Christmas morning.

Round 2 @ the Cheoah & a Day at the Nanty!!!!

2007-11-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Wake-up Call - 5:30 A.M.

Pick up Grant - 6:00 A.M.

Breakfast - 6:15 A.M.

Leave Martinsville - 6:30 A.M.

Five hours later, Grant and I were at the top put-in for the Cheoah. After a shuttle ride to O'Henry's and a quick walk to Craik's ledge, we headed downstream. We teamed up with another three kayakers at O'Henry's and made our way down to Bear Creek Falls for some much needed VERT!!!

Kevin firing up Bear Creek Falls

The 'Non-Traditional' Line for Rafts

Grant dropping the falls @ Bear Creek

Looking back at Bear Creek Falls

Kevin and Grant

Nice Boofing Action @ Bear Creek Falls

Grant after several runs

Having finished up at Bear Creek Falls, Grant and I started down the last two miles to Calderwood Lake. I stopped off to take a few shots at Tapoco Lodge and then it was to the business at hand. Each time I have ran these last couple of miles, it seems the combination of failing strength and a readiness to just be finished has caused me to get worked somewhere along this stretch. This time, I was flipped by a ledge hole in the midst of Yard Sale. I missed a roll, set up again but was knocked square in the head by two consecutive rocks. I did eventualy roll up but was a little dazed and confused. Luckily, I didn't have far to go and made it out to the lake still in my boat, only having lost a few brain cells from the head-on collision.

Scene at Tapoco Lodge I

Scene at Tapoco Lodge II

Sunday morning Grant and I woke up from a good night's rest at the NOC bunkhouses. We weren't quite sure what the plan was for the day. It was too early for anything to be open, so we headed up the road to scout the Nanty Cascades.

Driving up to the Cascades

Scoutin' the Cascades

Three-tiered drop above the Cascades

Having gotten some breakfast and checked out the paddling store, Grant and I decided to go check out the rapid Worser Wesser below the NOC. I had been scouting this one for quite some time now and had planned on running it one day. However, I must be getting a little old because I didn't feel up to the hassle of unloading the boats, gearing up, setting up cameras, running the rapid, and then loading everything back up. That's when it is good to have a young buck around. I could tell Grant really wanted to fire this baby up, so I puffed out my chest and beat on it a few times to get the adrenaline running. With one last look, we climbed back up to the car, got everything ready and headed to the water.

Kevin Givin'er a go @ Worser Wesser

Grant bombing down Worser Wesser

In the midst of Worser Wesser

Emerging on the other side of Worser Wesser

Grant and I then lugged the boats back up to the railroad tracks with some throw-ropes. In a few minutes, we had everything loaded up and ready to go with another class IV(V?) under our belt. It's good to have friends that won't let you pass up on a sweet rapid. Grant took a lot of video footage and produced the following video from this weekend. Good stuff all around.

SRVCC & THE UPPER RUSSELL FORK

2007-11-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

October came and, along with it, the Russell Fork releases. The Breaks Interstate Park, with the Russell Fork flowing beneath it, is an annual destination for the Smith River Valley Canoe Club. After spending two days on the water and a night camping in the park, I can easily see why the club comes back year after year. I arrived at the Flannagan Dam on Saturday morning to find everyone dragging boats off vehicles and trying to squeeze back into the cold-weather gear that had been stored away throughout the summer.

Cat getting a kick out of Bob gearing up

Bob coming up for air

We eventually hit the water, putting on the Pound River. What a surge of whitewater coming out beneath the dam.....had to get my feet wet playing around in that stuff. After heading down river, I stopped off to catch a few photos of the group.

Sammy and Long-armed Bill

(Reach is always a plus in a C-1)

Ameya wrapping up another one

A little OC-1 Action

Teressa on the paddle out

After a fun day on the river, we collected the boats, cars & any swimmers lagging behind and then headed for the campground. It was a fun night around the campfire, joking and laughing. Sammy taught me the munchkin dance and all had to beware of rubber bands flying through the air. The next morning found us eating breakfast at the park and overlooking the Russell Fork Gorge. That run was definitely calling my name but it would have to wait until next time. That morning, again with a large group of paddlers, we put directly on the Upper RF for another day of play.

Overlooking the Gorge

SRVCC taking over the Russell Fork

Grant styling on the RF

Ameya driving into the hole at 20 stitches

Setting safety @ 20 stitches

Grant in the meat at 20 stitches

One of my favorite wave/hole on the Upper Russell Fork is in the middle of 20 stitches. After playing around here for a while, the group headed down the last few rapids on the river and I followed behind to take in the scenery and catch a few photos.

Grant & Ameya sizing things up

John about to 'Fire it Up'

Once we all reached the Garden Hole, it was time to call it a day. It was another fun weekend, getting to paddle with friends from the SRVCC and checking out a new river. I'll definitely make it back here next year, possibly with the Habitat.

CHEOOOAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

Pete and I headed down to the Cheoah during the September release. Not having ran this one before, we were looking to hook up with a couple guys who knew the river. Instead we met and ran the river with Todd and Travis, who were also there for the first time. The two of them were pretty experienced boaters, so the four of us bombed down the Cheoah reading and running the rapids as they came for practically the entire 8 miles of class IV whitewater. Being that Bear Creek Falls was the only place we stopped, my pictures from this day are only of this one, but wicked awesome, rapid.

Creek Line @ Bear Creek Falls I

Creek Line @ Bear Creek Falls II

The Falls @ Bear Creek

Rafting the Cheoah

The four of us made it safely down to Calderwood Lake. Below, Todd and Travis are packing away all their gear. Pete and I also got everything loaded up in the truck but didn't get any further than the two miles back up the road to Bear Creek Falls. He couldn't get enough of this rapid and had to run it a couple of more times.

Todd & Travis

Pete Boofing Bear Creek Falls

Pete Firing up the Creek Line

Back to Tennessee

2007-07-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

After half a day of work and 6 hours of driving, I ended up back in Tenessee on Friday night. I met up with Pete and Shaphan at Baby Falls on the Tellico around 6:00 pm. Having had such a long day, I wasn't sure I was up for paddling. However, that all changed as I geared up and put on the water to drop my first waterfall. Once I got a few more hucks, the three of us headed up to the put in for the ledges section of the Tellico.

Boofing the Baby

Dropping the Diaper

Local Wildlife

We finished the ELF run at the bottom of Diaper Wiper & then hucked Baby a few more times. The local wildlife seemed rather unimpressed with our exploits. Leaving them and Baby Falls behind, we set our eyes on the prize.

Bald River Falls

Contemplating the Drop

Pete and Shaphan Getting in the Eddy

Kevin On the Brink

Pete heading down Bald River Falls

Thumbs up from Shaphan

We finally got off the Tellico around 9:00 pm with an hour drive to the Ocoee still ahead of us. When all was said and done, we found a campsite, set up the tents, and got to sleep around midnight. The next morning we met up with everyone at the put in for the Middle Ocoee. All together we had a group of 12 people that were heading down the Upper & Middle Ocoee that day......quite a big group and a big paddle.

Griffen firing up Alien Boof

Steve catching some air at Alien Boof

Mercer boofing the Alien

An After-paddle Snack

There is a lot of action on these two stretches of river. We all had a great time playing our way down the Ocoee. Being that it was 6:00 pm and we had just paddled 10 miles of continous class III/IV, Griffen and I decided to spend the night at the Nantahala River Gorge to break up the drive. Our plan was to paddle the Nanty on Sunday. However, we had creekboats and it was the Nanty.......how could we make this more exciting. Handpaddles!!! So, Griffen and I put on above Patton's Run at 10:00 am and handpaddled down to the NOC. The most action of the day was when I caught an unexpected sidesurf at the top hole of Nantahala Falls.....she almost had me, but I was able to surf out.

Griffen bombing the Nanty Falls

After getting Griffen on the road, I stopped off for some BBQ and went by the ERA to check out some paddlegear. Not really wanting to, I then headed out of the gorge and back to Virginia. Until next time......keep a paddle in the water and a smile on your face.

Saying goodbye to the Nanty

Weekend of Rivers

2007-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

The weekend after July 4th, I headed down to the WNC & Tennessee region with Mike Covey. We had unfortunately not been able to make it down to Week of Rivers. So, instead, we decided to do a weekend trip hitting the Ocoee on friday and the Pigeon on saturday. After picking up Will in Asheville, the three of us hit the water and began the ferry across Grumpy's Ledges around noontime. Being my first time down, I decided to focus on the Ocoee's continuous whitewater and take advantage of the many playspots rather than taking lots of photos. I did stop by Hell Hole, after taking out, to catch a few shots of the locals shredding the hole.

Loading up after a long workout on the Ocoee

The scene at Hell Hole

Carving across the foam pile

After a night in Asheville, we headed to Tennessee once more to hit the Pigeon. This river is a little slower paced but still has many great playspots. Our boats were pointed upstream down many of the rapids to catch as many waves as possible on the fly. The "Dirty Bird" was definetely full of play but the water did taste a little funny.

Put-In at the Pigeon

Covey surfing the hole at Lost Guide

Will at Lost Guide

Battle Wound from the Ocoee

One highlight of the trip was that I met Rob Peerson, the designer of Wavesport Boats. He designed both of my new boats, the EZG and the Habitat, as well as the Narrow's raceboat, the Momentum, which he was paddling that day. He and his buddies were a friendly group to chat with in the eddies. By the way, thanks for the boats, Rob.....I picked those two out after months of extensive demoing, and I am enjoying every minute on the river with them.

Rob Peerson surfing the Momentum

Chit-Chat in the Eddy

Overall, it was a great weekend on the rivers. Thanks goes out to my mentor Covey for taking me to two such great play rivers and our guide Will who, with the memory of an elephant, recalled every major rapid down the Ocoee even though he had not paddled it in ten years. If this drought continues in the Southeast, I have a feeling I'll be heading back to Tennessee before too long.

Mountain Trails

2007-07-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

My father and I set out on a day of hiking in the Blacksburg area of Virginia. We visited both Mountain Lake and the Cascades in this region. After reaching the lake, we set out on Indian Trail which follows its banks. There was an abundance of plant life and beautiful vistas to see at Mountain Lake.

View of Mountain Lake

Fallen Tree & Fern

A Closer Look

After taking in the lake, Dad and I headed out to the Cascades. The area around the Cascades has been designated as a state park and preserved for recreational use by the public. There is a trail that follows Little Stoney Creek upstream to the 60 foot waterfall. The valley offers a great resource for hiking, photography, and fishing. When running, the creek has also been paddled by determined and adventerous kayakers.

Little Stoney

Moss-covered Tree and its Roots

Stairway along the Path

Cascades

At the end of the trail, you are rewarded with a beautiful view of this 60 foot waterfall....a serene place to reflect, have a picnic, or swim if you can endure the cold water.

USNWC and Pete's Birthday

2007-06-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

I had made plans with Pete to go to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday of this week. However, when Pete remembered it was his birthday, things were put on hold temporarily. Luckily, his family didn't have anything planned during the day and we could get Pete home "on time" for the cookout that night. So, what followed was a great day shredding the water at the whitewater park.

Ready to go and waiting on Pete

Pete shredding it up at USNWC

While at the park, Pete and I met up with Griffen, a local in Charlotte. The three of us made quite a few runs down the freestyle and competition channels at the whitewater center. Both looked on with angst during my first two runs of "Final Destination" in the competition channel....I decided to style the drop underwater the first time and and catch the foam pile backwards the second time. My lines were much smoother after I got that out of my system.

Pete and Griffen gearing up for the Comp Channel

Pete running the slide

Griffen at the top of the slide

Pete exiting a surf in the Comp Channel

Pete at the entrance for Final Destination

Griffen bombing down to Final Destination

Pete punching the hole at Final Destination

All in all, it was a terrific day at the park. Great lines. Plenty of waves and holes to surf. Big water. Good friends. Who could ask for more? Happy Birthday, Pete.

Kevin and Pete after a long day at the Office

B-Day on the NRG

2007-06-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Pete and I met up in West Virginia on Friday night in order to run the New River Gorge the following day. We stopped by Brook Falls on the Upper New to get a bit of warm up for the gorge. Brook Falls is a nice ledge drop that creates a large curler feeding into a wave hole at the bottom.

Pete firing up Brook Falls

Kevin entering Brook Falls

That night we stayed in Fayetteville at a place called Cooter's Cabins. The experience was as interesting as the name suggests.

Lodging at Cooter's Cabins

On June 16th (my birthday), Pete and I prepared for our trip down the gorge. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous for my first Class IV run. Once on the water and heading down the first rapid, the butterflies were subdued and the fun began. The day was filled with sweet lines and tons of play.

Deep in the Gorge

Pete heading down Middle Keeney

Kevin in the midst of the Keeneys

Pete styling the New

Kevin going for the Creek Line

We stopped at Hook 99 for a quick break and snack. Of course, while Pete and I were there, we had to hike back up for a few more runs and some pics.

Kevin bombing down Hook 99

Pete running the slide at Hook 99

What a way to spend a birthday. The New River Gorge is definetely an exciting run and has a very friendly atmosphere. Some of the most exciting parts of the day consisted of watching the other rafters and kayakers bombing down the rapids. Looking forward to getting back on this one.

The New Boats

2007-06-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

What terrific birthday presents.

Thanks to Appomattox River Co. & Uncle Sam.

The Green Machine

Can't wait to get these wet!!!

La Cultura in Leon, Nicaragua

2007-06-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

Blending of Eras

Mini Ferreteria

Flirteando con Las Chicas

La Casa del Cultura

Sala de Danza

The Street Corner

Una Iglesia

Man leading Oxen

Colonial Architecture in Grenada, Nicaragua

2007-06-13T18:37:00.001-07:00

Rooftop View of La Iglesia

El Museo

Stairway in El Museo

The Convent

Rose Garden in the Convent

City Courtyard