tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243171642024-03-07T10:22:42.441-08:00Boyd's Whitewater UpdatesBoydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-24654010945514165152012-04-19T06:34:00.000-07:002012-04-19T06:34:02.149-07:00Photo Feature:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/521619_10100193648154730_38915904_39356995_1535899425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/521619_10100193648154730_38915904_39356995_1535899425_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of me on Oceana in Tallulah Gorge, GA </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">by Jordan Byrum, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Team Shred Ready</span></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-38457351734001207972012-04-19T06:31:00.000-07:002012-04-19T06:31:55.970-07:00Good times on CheoahSaturday I took off from Nashville with a group of friends from Arkansas, Memphis, and Cookeville for a trip to Cheoah and Tallulah... After deciding to play musical boats lap after lap it seemed like the perfect day to try out a line I've been thinking about for a while, the infamous Left to Middle line on Bear Creek Rapid.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/561889_10100189355392460_38915904_39340149_187973965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/561889_10100189355392460_38915904_39340149_187973965_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(photo by Jordan Byrum)</span></div><br />
It's been done before, though not by many, but I had never SEEN it done myself. Believe it or not, that does make a difference, and after looking at it from the river left side, I decided that it was definitely the time to go for it. I gave the thumbs up and waited for the cameras... Huge success or epic fail, we wanted video either way... It went so well in the Zen I had to do it again in the Villain... good times!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528727_10100189325981400_38915904_39339871_2136018189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528727_10100189325981400_38915904_39339871_2136018189_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(photo from my GoPro Hero2)</span></div><br />
check out the video:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/40590387" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-75077105598374648272012-04-12T11:35:00.001-07:002012-04-12T13:48:19.859-07:00So you want to Sponsored? ...a must read if you've ever thought about it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdvO8p3sSFpGP-UkNqbrBBuw5aYMDGyMpFxZwsdaszWar6SjCzjOF4zjsrGlf919Bltv_vQnoUXbDaOiP5xzqDqbP84ZJa_G44Jf4hgSH512ZQTn-ucUrLz0WM4wGwtwqgeT0/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+9.00.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdvO8p3sSFpGP-UkNqbrBBuw5aYMDGyMpFxZwsdaszWar6SjCzjOF4zjsrGlf919Bltv_vQnoUXbDaOiP5xzqDqbP84ZJa_G44Jf4hgSH512ZQTn-ucUrLz0WM4wGwtwqgeT0/s320/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+9.00.22+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: clear; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">So you want to be sponsored? (a long but necessary read)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: clear; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: clear; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">I decided this would make an interesting post for a variety of reasons, and I've been putting it off for a while. I receive almost weekly messages from other paddlers asking me how to go about getting sponsored. Kids today want to be cool, get sponsored and just paddle all the time, but there are a lot of misconceptions about sponsorship that even the general public could benefit from. Ever wondered what it takes? The purpose here is to explain what goes into sponsorship from the athlete's perspective nearly every outdoor sport.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBc0125KvYDE7O_kBRZOKMLQj7MJzKhMk9rUQJeAfflWrZPetd7MYIjqMaoerMdrSBp0gVA30e1oywMIYECj-Ne1klea6souU2cgjiRHG0PGe3ICyvadfeoPkGxeSe9UJFB20/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+1.20.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBc0125KvYDE7O_kBRZOKMLQj7MJzKhMk9rUQJeAfflWrZPetd7MYIjqMaoerMdrSBp0gVA30e1oywMIYECj-Ne1klea6souU2cgjiRHG0PGe3ICyvadfeoPkGxeSe9UJFB20/s320/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+1.20.43+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><u>Why do people want to get sponsored?</u><br />
First, it seems like a lot of kids (and grown-ups) want to get sponsored to validate their skills... it sure isn't for the money (there's not much of that around). An example of this is on Hookit.com, a social media marketing site for hooking up athletes with sponsors... specifically with there first sponsors... most are happy with a 30% discount and then tell all their friends they're sponsored. The companies on the other hand, post up their pro team (sometimes) and then "sponsor" 400 kids with 30% discount deals, still making money and using the desire to get sponsored to sell product. Corran Addison was awesome at that when he started Riot Kayaks. It was one of his bigger marketing strategies, geared specifically toward teens through women in bikinis and a surf style persona with flashy sponsors. Second, there is the illusion that once you get good enough, sponsors will just give you free boats and travel and life will be good. It just doesn't happen that way in reality. The same misconception holds that sponsorship is given purely on the merit of skill and paddling experience.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy_k5NGXQamJ1chtEPcauD_CuyDT6J8B8zuuIaOq5abCFPPvBG3WS12XhSkxcOQmk9jXoM4cPQz2ZgLm9oLpb512FsOKNkeUE5vOGCLIDRWETY63d5Iv_5v8xhf35rx1DsIF4/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy_k5NGXQamJ1chtEPcauD_CuyDT6J8B8zuuIaOq5abCFPPvBG3WS12XhSkxcOQmk9jXoM4cPQz2ZgLm9oLpb512FsOKNkeUE5vOGCLIDRWETY63d5Iv_5v8xhf35rx1DsIF4/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><u>Reality Check:</u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">The Bottom line is that getting sponsored purely on the merit of skill is not likely to happen beyond occasional industry/pro deals (discounts). While skill is important, there's always someone better. World class boaters are everywhere these days and good </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">boaters are a dime a dozen and it's much easier to get good now than it has ever been. At the same time manufacturers have less money than they did 10 years ago and typically make less on products than before. This means sponsors are looking more for good marketers with industry insight and a versatile skill set who happen to be great boaters, than for just great boaters who want to model free stuff and run the goods. Personality, approachability, skill, and marketing savvy, are typical qualities sought by major manufacturers. Keep in mind that less than 20% of the sport is whitewater and an even tinier portion of that is extreme whitewater and hardcore freestyle, maybe 10% of the whitewater portion (I'm no math major but I think that's 2%... which is pretty generous). For a company to survive they have to reach out primarily to the other 80% which is the touring/rec industry to make enough money to stay on top. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Sponsorship is an accessory budget which is important from a marketing perspective, but the first to be cut from a business perspective.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc-EW49aYid1y-KCWjJ-7kgjPZd8FnPLeNLdO5EmO9qJ-kMfgAmDWoIYa1J0YcuWNQVR_9QJ4W0CIDcAHzYZ7obSCU8D03PkXO3CbDztDJEujg2d6uvsiJvpMuATvWD55rMiY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+1.24.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc-EW49aYid1y-KCWjJ-7kgjPZd8FnPLeNLdO5EmO9qJ-kMfgAmDWoIYa1J0YcuWNQVR_9QJ4W0CIDcAHzYZ7obSCU8D03PkXO3CbDztDJEujg2d6uvsiJvpMuATvWD55rMiY/s320/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+1.24.08+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">So what do sponsors want?</span></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">With that knowledge sponsors are looking for the following: </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Marketing savvy, including the ability to work with dealers, create new markets, promote to current markets, and market ones-self via shameless self promotion for the sake of sales...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Constant communication, staying in touch with each sponsor at all times (yes, you have to do all the work) and explaining how you benefitted the company today... updates are important</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Marketing insight, knowing the paddling industry deep enough to know how to get a manufacturer deeper into the paddlesports industry... this helps with larger brands.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> High quality, High Resolution Photos and HD video for use in marketing & promotions- athlete branding in all photos, videos, and exposure, showing logos and gear- cross marketing exposure</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">via their logos in other sponsors ads- </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Media Exposure as free advertising for them (yes you do all the work again)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Dealer visits, where you educate dealers on the product, perform clinics, and work with dealers to promote increased sales.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Social Media updates for web content - this means blogging regularly on and keeping up with... drum roll... 10 different blogs... AT THE LEAST</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Web content (stories/writeups/etc...) for their websites... you have 10 sponsors you have to update 10 websites. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> Gear testing and feedback (actual R&D work is fun, but more work than it sounds)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">> product assignments, getting specific shots of specific gear for specific ads</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">...and the least keeps going but you've got the idea...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSll9Kibyfu8cFMXm5r-ZFI2N1CO_7aKAaOg33VSkfPcL-kIff6tg0fgov2AT0txyyD4TVAUF7jT7aTNVPE2YRCm9HN7ituGQToEkFExoMvo-9sP_OK91cjcAvsWIqbs_hsH1/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+1.27.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSll9Kibyfu8cFMXm5r-ZFI2N1CO_7aKAaOg33VSkfPcL-kIff6tg0fgov2AT0txyyD4TVAUF7jT7aTNVPE2YRCm9HN7ituGQToEkFExoMvo-9sP_OK91cjcAvsWIqbs_hsH1/s320/Screen+shot+2012-04-12+at+1.27.12+PM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">In Return, you MIGHT Get: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> free gear </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> financial aid on paddling trips (that you have to mix with a full tour of dealer visits)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> Industry deals on other product</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> Paid entry fees</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> money for exposure, if you really make it, through Media Incentive Contracts, etc... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">> additional exposure, development, or project opportunities.<br />
Did I mention you're taxed on your sponsored income??? keep up with those travel expenses!</span></span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><u>So I'm no Tao, no Tyler Bradt, and no Eric Jackson, </u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><u>how do I make money?</u> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">well there are a lot of ways but these are what I've found to be the best...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">1. Selling photos to magazines - they're picky and it takes a LOT of work for $50-$300 a photo</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">2. Media incentive contracts... created with some sponsors where they pay based on where and how often their logo shows up in my personal exposure. It's also based on the circulation of the media it is in.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">3. clinics...great to split $$$ with a dealer for a clinic in their name</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">4. Some sponsors will pay for a dealer visit (sales clinic), but it hardly covers gas. It's a great way to travel across the country though.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">What I like to do is sell a photo to a magazine with good logos showing up, then cash in on media incentives, then send in the exposure to all my other sponsors who then send gear or other help in return... this way one photo is worth quite a bit more </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">than it would be if you just sold it. Did I mention magazines only want exclusives? Unless it's a world record descent... they don't want to publish a photo used somewhere else. If you're lucky, you'll break even and get some awesome opportunities out of the deal. If you're really good, you can make a little $$$ but you'd make more as a teacher with 3 months off to paddle and every holiday If you're Tao or EJ you might get 6 figures... but how many boaters out there are THAT good? and how many have THAT marketing savvy... How many can start their own kayaking company? Personally, I LOVE to boat all the time, but I also love teaching. <br />
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If you want to get sponsored, there is no magic formula, but here are 5 steps you can take to get in:<br />
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1. paddle as much as you can, in as many different places as you can. Variety yields experience and versatility... but think beyond that. As you travel around - NETWORK!<br />
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2. Get in touch with your local retailers. You may even want to work at one for a while. You can develop a feel for sales, sales strategy, and learn more about industry product and the outdoor sports industry in general.<br />
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3. Practice filming and photography as often as possible. Document trips with friends and develop the skills and framework to not only get the shot, but also to learn how to edit and share effectively.<br />
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4. When you're ready, teach lots of free clinics. Teaching is a great way to fine tune skill, AND teaching is a skill in and of itself. It's absolutely necessary and vital to have when you start traveling around teaching clinics for retailers.<br />
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5. last but certainly not least, train, train, and train some more. The more mental and physical discipline, strength, stamina, and balance you can build, the better the athlete you will become. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">Hopefully this will help paddlers understand what it really means to be sponsored and what really goes into sponsorship.</span></span></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-83583036658365791482012-04-12T06:23:00.000-07:002012-04-12T06:23:43.740-07:00Johnnies!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #71767a; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Although its only a class IV creek, it's been called the Green Narrow's redneck cousin. Regardless of skill level, Johnnies finds a way to make it near the top of every paddlers hit list, and they always return year after year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #71767a; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">If you ever wanted to run Johnnies Creek or if you just miss it, you'll enjoy this little vid.<br />
Every rapid is included with some rescues thrown in for good measure...</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/38826156" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-7115142614416565712012-04-11T20:02:00.000-07:002012-04-11T20:02:55.728-07:00Big Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/487115_10100162116798820_38915904_39220427_1925587172_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/487115_10100162116798820_38915904_39220427_1925587172_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One of my favorite runs in the Southeast, Big Creek always leaves me with "the biggest smile I've EVER had"... every time. The smokies just have a way about them that serves up some of the best whitewater in the southeast. I'm not sure if it's the crisp air or the round, smooth boulders. Maybe it's the emerald water and friendly crowd. Regardless, I always feel like I've come back home. Unfortunately, in my excitement I forgot to turn the camera on a few times and I didn't capture all the goods. What I DID capture were some good times, great friends, and HUGE smiles... hopefully enough to get my point across.... Big Creek is a truly special place.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/38938213?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavPJYFbh8tIHiRyY31LLNmWUz8K2a5O4Rd7pI28iT8CtQx6O2oPPvo1noQZxD0ECfbRCgpfcsfDuQbjCZVePDGSSn8USCRBqjCj6dl2qvqhtq_5hyphenhyphen3b8_8K5oTUL69OmMU7W1/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavPJYFbh8tIHiRyY31LLNmWUz8K2a5O4Rd7pI28iT8CtQx6O2oPPvo1noQZxD0ECfbRCgpfcsfDuQbjCZVePDGSSn8USCRBqjCj6dl2qvqhtq_5hyphenhyphen3b8_8K5oTUL69OmMU7W1/s320/IMG_0037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-51495862503852701202011-09-17T09:35:00.000-07:002011-09-17T10:03:21.366-07:00How to choose the right Creek boat for you...<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So it's getting close to creeking season in the southeast and lots of us are picking out those sweet new rides for the coming rains. With the multitude of choices and styles out there, it can be tough to decide on just one creeker. I've been asked a few times recently how to know a creeker is the right one for you? Well I'm going to do my best to answer this question as completely and concisely as I can.</span></span></span></div></strong></span><div><br /></div><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/65488_704024712060_38915904_37033330_6864183_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/65488_704024712060_38915904_37033330_6864183_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; line-height: 17px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></strong></span></div></strong></span></div></strong></span></div></strong></span></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First, ask yourself if you're a passive/reactive paddler or an aggressive/proactive paddler.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A creek boat should compliment your style and make up for your short comings.... so know thyself. I'm assuming you're considering creeking in it?</span></span></div></strong></span></div></strong></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Active vs Passive:</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />If you like to sit sideways and figure things out then throw out longer,faster boats like the Villain... they need to be driven deliberately and proactively. You'll probably be more comfortable in shorter, more maneuverable creekers like the Hero. If you're a paddler that KNOWS where you want to be and where you want to go with a strong forward stroke and no second guessing, faster boats like the Villain compliment your style and will work well with you. That said, you can actively drive a Hero or passively paddle a Villain... but It's a lot easier to actively paddle a Hero than it is to slow down a Villain in the heat of the moment when you suddenly aren't so sure where you're going.<br /><br /></span><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Know your weakness:</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />If you have a weak forward stroke or are a bit light and have trouble powering through holes and curlers, then a longer boat will put you at ease, providing all the speed you need the moment you want it. At the same time, if you're lacking technical skill and have to rely on powering through rapids, a longer and faster design may feel more comfortable for you. If you're a strong paddler with a powerful stroke but you tend to miss your boofs or lack the more fine tuned, technical skills of a seasoned creeker, then a shorter boat may be the best compliment for you since they boof and maneuver easier while still utilizing your speed.<br /><br /></span><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Know your geology:</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />For really steep, rocky creeks a displacement (round) hull will usually be better. For higher volume creeking or pool drop style runs, a planning hull can be a huge help for carving tight turns or carving out of holes. Planing hulls provide a unique level of control but can catch on the sharper rocks found on mankier river beds. At the same time, longer designs may handle longer, more violent rapids better where powering through is the best option.<br /><br /></span><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hole blaster or hole bait?</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />This can vary with technique (ducking under vs punching vs boofing/ramping holes), but a common myth is that short, stubby designs are hole bait. It simply isn't true. While logically you would think that a short, bulky, stubby design should be more retentive, typically these designs have planing hulls. Longer designs typically have displacement hulls and many longer designs are MUCH more likely to overstay their welcome in a hole. Why is this? The real issue boils down to maneuverability and hull design. It doesn't matter what design you're paddling, if you end up hitting a hole at 45 degrees to 90 degrees (sideways) you will more than likely be getting to know your new bubbly friend. It doesn't matter what design you're in. If you have a displacement hull you're only bet is to gather speed and get to a corner so you can power out. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. If you have a planing hull you have another option. You can initiate the edge, catch water as you would in a playboat and edge your way out of a hole. The edge has more drag and more applied surface area so you have more options and are much less likely to spend any time in the hole. Personally, I'll take the risk of a shorter design for the extra maneuverability and ability to edge out any day of the week.<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So figure out what kind of paddler you are, what kind of skill set you have, your strengths and weaknesses, and what type of water you'll most likely spend the most time on and you'll be well on your way to knowing exactly what you want in a creeker.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></strong></span></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-32848227913012162942011-07-30T08:42:00.000-07:002011-09-18T09:13:13.328-07:00Vallecito Creek Video 2011I finally had the opportunity to take my first trip through Vallecito Canyon in Colorado. It was at 2.3+ ft and at an awesome, fluffy level. Exhausted from the slow, rainy day I was running on cold, probably not an ideal state to be in before a run like Vallecito. The hike was hot with the sun beating down and I arrived at the put-in breathless, sweaty and near heat stroke. Long story short, this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. By the time I settle in and started feeling "warmed up" it was over. I was just starting to thoroughly enjoy it and we were already done. On one hand it's probably good its so short, scouting was useless and directions were vague and you just have to find your way through lots of it. A bad day could be really bad and the shortness of the run is its only forgiveness. On the other hand it left me wanting more. I wanted more of the quality rapids found within the short box canyon. I wanted more of the same adventure; I wasn't ready for it to be over. A video is worth a thousand words though and the writeup is coming soon. enjoy...<br />
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</div><div>One of my new favorite runs...</div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-33840185356536372172011-07-30T08:40:00.000-07:002011-09-18T09:13:52.598-07:00South Mineral Creek 2011<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26201186?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
Some GoPro footage from Primetime Gorge on South Mineral Creek in CO.Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-65887396635083554842011-01-05T12:32:00.000-08:002011-01-05T12:48:27.448-08:00Epic New Years - 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Well it was pretty epic but I'll keep this as short as I can.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed ahead of the storm Friday night while driving in some incredible wind. We had New Years twice!!! :-o once in each time zone... Feeling off to a good start, we decided to head on to the Tellico and camp, sleeping in the rain. Now we expected a storm and knew there would be wind and lots of rain, but we had no idea what kind of night we were in for. Camping at Baby Falls is no longer allowed and it has been paved over (sad and unfortunate) with the new camp ground WAY upstream in a flash flood zone toward the top of the pass... a really, REALLY</div><div>shitty place to be in a storm. The wind was horrific and large limbs for flying out of the trees and the rain was torrential, like a Tellico Monsoon! At one point I looked out of my window</div><div>worried the tarp was flying away (the EZ Up was bow-tied and off the ground!) and I saw Jonathan's tent airborne except for the one place Jonathan was curled up inside.... lightening, thunder, wind, rain, limbs flying around us, and the campground threatening to flood. We were alone in one of the worst camping situations I've been in... The next morning the downpour hadn't stopped, so we knew things were about to get interesting. We decided to completely pack up camp after making some breakfast and coffee and we started the trek back down to the Tellico Ledges. The Small tribs upstream were swollen beyond belief and things were looking more like Cheoah on a big day. We reached the confluence with the Tellico and it was looking powerful but maybe fun.<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs072.snc6/168201_545381160189_56803983_31304061_6181433_n.jpg"></a><br /><b>This next part is still hard to report, like stones inside, but I'll do my best for those wanting to know.</b>I got a good look at the first ledge and noticed a crowd gathered where we were stopped by a boater and told there was a problem and to help. We pulled over, got out, and asked around to catch up on the situation and saw the group of 3 men performing CPR on another guy across the river. Already geared up we asked if help was needed and we were put to work. There were a LOT of people standing around watching, filming, and walking around in shock so it was hard to tell who was doing what and who was just in the way. I was buddy belaying with a live bait team and providing whatever support I could for the rescue already in place. Samantha is a first responder and was assessing the situation with the victim and the team across the river. Things were not looking good but another team was preparing a kayak</div><div><br /></div><div>raft to ferry the drowned kayaker across the river. It's not ideal to have a break in the CPR but after 20 minutes and no professionals yet it starts looking like the best option. A pickup truck was waiting to receive</div><div>the kayaker so CPR could continue down the road until they could meet with the ambulance... We prepared for the crossing and it was finally successful. Me and Samantha got him out where the shock came to me as I immediately recognized him from a conversation we had in an eddy on the Ocoee. I remembered how lively and friendly he was and his passion for the sport but I was hoping maybe it wasn't him. Before we could give him some rescue breaths to go on,</div><div>Jonathan and his crew were already there to help, taking him up the hill and loading him up in the truck. They resumed CPR as soon as they could. The rescue continued until ALL rescuers were safely to the river left bank and out of the river. A memorial page has been set up for Paul </div><div>and you can visit it or send comments here: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://Waldensridgewhitewater.com/">http://waldensridgewhitewater.com/</a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 426px;" src="http://waldensridgewhitewater.com/images/Porpon%20_Pichanusakorn/36453_721087492947_22623693_39340482_8176876_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br />With the Tellico at 8' and rising, we should have gone to Conasauga Creek in the Tellico drainage. We were drained, shocked, and just not feeling lively after our long night and rough day so we decided to move on to a different drainage to start our New Years over. We were thinking smokies or bama since Johnnies was running strong. We went over to check out the Little and Tremont since we were so close to knoxville. I've never seen things over there quite like that, I guess because when it rains that much I'm usually in Alabama. We looked at Kick Yer Dog Falls on Lynn Camp which was PUMPING! It looked great and the bottom drop looked smooth and deep. Since I hadn't paddled since Colorado (months) and since the drama was still fresh from the Tellico, I decided I should take things slow. I ran Lynn Camp alone (well, Jonathan and Samantha on the trail) and it was easy, but I was sloppy. I think it was a mixture of exhaustion, stress, and lag time but I knew I had to get my mojo back :roll: :| I met a randem guy from knoxville at the put-in for Tremont and we ended up getting a late (dark) run of a very flooded tremont. It was completely dark when we got out.<br /><br />From there it was mexican and we ALL needed a drink... Me and Jonathan experimented with beer sizes lol and samantha enjoyed a stiff Margarita... we decided we should stick close and just "wait and see" so we grabbed a hotel (not feeling like another crazy night) and we woke up to one of my favorites... BIG CReeK!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://l19.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc4/hs1387.snc4/163913_545380980549_56803983_31304053_463308_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 720px; height: 479px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>Big Creek was crowded and the scene was awesome! We were blessed with fresh snow melt, blue skies, and clear water cascading out of the smokies. We started our New Year over. After lapping Big Creek we ran into Drew Armstrong for another run....<br /><br /></div><div><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs026.snc6/165678_545381010489_56803983_31304055_4939167_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 720px; height: 479px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>While I hope our New Years isn't an omen, I can say that after my time off the river, I got my Mojo back 8-)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs072.snc6/168201_545381160189_56803983_31304061_6181433_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 720px; height: 479px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span>Boyd</div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-80835867221175611922010-07-24T13:45:00.001-07:002010-07-24T15:25:36.534-07:00the paddle cam<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm2zKzO-Dg_Z7nqKvC5dSHehS4ffS_Gh0-otCvVHDF438dKX8XkaCJ4ouvj7iDBzmgUcTnl6N_I7mHKZbBVLtxcCW3EbE47FdEUtKtFwPEU2A5xI8JLY8VFxFre89rs0qHhzI/s400/IMG_9409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497596812957506626" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Boyd filming Josh, photo by Samantha Brunner</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">So we met up with our friend Josh Oberleas in Crested Butte, CO to catch the last of Oh Be Joyful Creek for the season. With filming ambitions in mind all around, we broke out the GoPro Heros and put an idea Josh had been working on to good use: the GoPro paddle!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH6P3RkyR3CILi7xHi_IHwmLXP6mBi0s8Y_qb8bMEpGa6wtJUpNOJCIj1PmGrkYfF_W-24V8dGPDuPxD0_jD3uzI1Le0_WI4rx9Qwhnxu381uTZtUmu6KPoGI6YlNoU5CaeWz/s400/IMG_9317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497582519448576914" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Josh Oberleas on the lip, patiently waiting with his GoPro paddle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">photo by Samantha Brunner</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Josh broke a paddle a while back and decided to put a flat mount on the paddle blade for his GoPro Hero HD. With the broomstick extender in place (high tech lol and true to a paddlers budget), we could hold it out over the drops, follow each other, and create more dramatic motion in our filming. Now obviously I'm sure we're not the first to do this; but it just goes to show that with the small helmet cams these days, a little imagination can go a long ways. I've taken the same idea to my break down, but with extra shaft segments, so it doubles as a filming tool... pretty sweet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xTrnPRxdN0_MCkOhwMKg6nQJ3apzMtlujZAxgDDxif2lHZaoG2aRAXqB-c-cA0oDMw0aG1GeLQGpeeZxrtEygb-IZigsruPGgjykKARvpoYlcoo3hfgtQoPFyMEdJFJT0Fcn/s400/IMG_9321.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497596805159403730" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">Boyd Ruppelt dropping in under the paddle cam while Josh films</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">photo by Samantha Brunner</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHZQqB1_Ng-pXMCldJriSnTxGWNgO7fFB0fwE8ZxdXbpYXDHG3_5R4bCxuXVlFPN69KHKvt5mbirisiaksbyC1ZIotDgU0vQjbyCjJ3NK2lzqxpBLiQYaRO17WxmMwi3ufQsg/s1600/GoPro+logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHZQqB1_Ng-pXMCldJriSnTxGWNgO7fFB0fwE8ZxdXbpYXDHG3_5R4bCxuXVlFPN69KHKvt5mbirisiaksbyC1ZIotDgU0vQjbyCjJ3NK2lzqxpBLiQYaRO17WxmMwi3ufQsg/s400/GoPro+logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497598985256460642" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-12216177134959204062010-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:002010-07-20T13:33:22.774-07:00Crystal Punch Bowls<div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwnFz9P7Sfg-34RtwPdbux8aS_GdUHO6TfhpTeeJJTlYmBqLhzg0e0dCMDNshyKAgpmkMrras5oO1bEJHG3arl3g_V9-5Dj5kCF0yd72eT1aGFhmplxkJYtWe8UddvA7QALef/s400/IMG_9980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496065044985299954" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbUWQrJXoz_22-uNCC9H8Cj1vp_u1oGURAYjbof9lUpUtnCim5Jf_t-OygJ7yoe7A9Xq0ZE6i3vugs0NNUKYbUOqp-CS6InAu0m5pJHsDa9C_9XpZea-22cY9NPXMqkI7PFi5/s400/IMG_0048C.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496078517284647538" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>With things getting low I decided to try for the punchbowls from the Crested Butte side, the easy way, especially since my Tacoma is a bit low and only 2WD. We got shut down on the first attempt by snow over the road early on. We went back a few days later and some more defined ruts in the snow (not in the video) made it a bit safer to cross. After hiking in we were met with the thunderstorm/slush/hail storm from hell...it got cold fast and we were pelted with large slush/ice balls mixed with rain and strong wind. After hiding under a tree for a little while things were getting worse, including the lightening. We narrowly escaped the muddy road in my 2WD truck, left my boat in the gorge for a sunny return, and returned the next day for an easy hike in (without a boat) and a beautiful day in the punchbowls. Seems like every trip in there is epic in its own way, making the rewards that much sweeter. So with the journey in mind as the destination in itself check out the video. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Special thanks to Neal, Dalton, Samantha Brunner, and Bryant for fliming, taking pictures, and helping me get it done. good times...</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSg-UN7YmbGK7MUbc_6obKm1CpxxWF_Ox7eb68Uxphfcw1RWm9jPkRBmXzaGf8Gr_JO_EC2-82_wiq_WEj4yrx_PmyXB6LLg4cmI-WLOOcBIOjqsNCfi9DfL1C-HDGgEjvdVd/s400/IMG_9879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496077676448249634" /><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Li-pwlM4Gi1UmZIBp2O4o58QRNomwqICDHOUAbhiIIug2Ed7v3FM9SGLmUDejDrSr_RxZ7ePTZSy6yXf5uOnmpgCZLWLWAGQ6AMPHAHIichN7V1lzIoe0Lvo_F8-SbesfSpH/s400/IMG_0022C.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496078519159863010" /><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvgOply824nw2aqc-FXgiKgf4mUP0cqHmvW77w5dMyKGaIEs4WDd30f29SmIUEeAsL9LJRkAZq5l947yyaPAjstwyEXmZ11O40qOGdh1ch_4TVQupXyJgLvjKsZcD1cHmJHgA/s400/IMG_0045C.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496078528058688354" /><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X20Y75bDw0E&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X20Y75bDw0E&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Photos by Samantha Brunner and Bryant Haley</div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBakNY0SybMH7wru1WRL0U3XlzvtQyBNtujJOvRPH1NSM6-iWBW3XkNKsEcLGik9oPpk-IqxaRgalMuMEUGMuX4lFYqJmv-Zy6xvfrSlZRjbxpcdm1Q2zhOvtn_O0urYqB1cD1/s400/IMG_0390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496065028492159218" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">www.BoydR.com</div></div></div></div></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-59578165532031877432010-07-04T07:41:00.000-07:002010-07-04T07:51:45.191-07:00OKC Kayak Visit<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuNpbu7ceSM0adMNeggnFCCPEVMg3p0SgE4TpGty_THgbJl_PCXSbmyMHJvhy4zeImkZpSrPLG8ZzBBzexTtLmdQfmqIJf4dB20D8JMyoPm6raAZhuki451x37cI5kTOhIN_b/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuNpbu7ceSM0adMNeggnFCCPEVMg3p0SgE4TpGty_THgbJl_PCXSbmyMHJvhy4zeImkZpSrPLG8ZzBBzexTtLmdQfmqIJf4dB20D8JMyoPm6raAZhuki451x37cI5kTOhIN_b/s400/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490062715180485330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Times;font-size:13px;"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><p style="text-align: center;">Above left to right: Tony, Austin, and yours truly</p><p>On our way to Colorado we had the pleasure of stopping by one of Jackson Kayak's incredible dealers, OKC Kayak. These guys definitely have it going on and despite the lack of whitewater, they have put together quite a shop and rental program! When you first walk in you can tell they're family, but that alone isn't what sets these guys apart. Hours from any whitewater, OKC has a paddlesports specific shop with kayaks and canoes everywhere and a constant flow of traffic. What really blew us away was their connection to the local community, the secret to their success. I've never found an outfitter or livery with consistent volunteers helping with everything from sales, to stocking, etc... just to be closer to the people they paddle with. OKC has weekly "Social Paddles" where the shop rents kayaks and paddles with their local club, community, and customers. Once they're hooked or ready for something new, OKC not only sets them up with gear and boats, but with a whole group of friends to paddle with. To us, this is what kayaking is all about.</p><p>Thanks OKC!</p><p>Boyd Ruppelt & Samantha Brunner</p></span><p></p></span>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-10686162072608124182009-05-01T09:30:00.000-07:002009-05-01T09:49:23.460-07:00Big event weekend here in Memphis :-)<div align="left"><a href="http://www.outdoorsinc.com/images/log_slc_01.gif"></a><br /></div><div align="left">We're kicking this weekend off with the annual GREAT MISSISSIPPI CANOE & KAYAK RACE here in Memphis. This race is one of the largest canoe & kayak races in the nation with over 500 competitors... ranging from Olympic flatwater sprinters to your local average joes. It was voted "Best Race in America" by Paddler Magazine and Jackson Kayak will be there! This is followed by the Outdoors Inc DEMO DAY at Shelby Farms!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 440px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 578px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://outdoorsinc.com/images/paddlesportsdemoday.jpg" border="0" />Demos will range from fishing canoes and kayaks, to full-on racing & high performance touring kayaks, to whitewater kayaks... Meanwhile, Memphis is having a festival of its own called Memphis in May with the Beal Street Music Festival</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.thebealestreetmusicfestival.com/bsmfpix/images/DSCN1737.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>Stay tuned for more of the action!</p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-49550054249520607962009-02-20T06:03:00.000-08:002009-02-20T06:09:43.510-08:002009 HERO REVIEW<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLY0OdcOK-oIY9ILBebSuJ9-zFVrHo3d4Xax3wb0PddEaTlpKEoSzJ1Mh5WavU34LYTppuk18UniMJwSQDElkbl34lvcHoxPnMoZuzEjslrxodtTRU5eix28E7nLg1ryYhkq0/s1600-h/IMG_0370C3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304881150809470162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLY0OdcOK-oIY9ILBebSuJ9-zFVrHo3d4Xax3wb0PddEaTlpKEoSzJ1Mh5WavU34LYTppuk18UniMJwSQDElkbl34lvcHoxPnMoZuzEjslrxodtTRU5eix28E7nLg1ryYhkq0/s400/IMG_0370C3.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (Photo of Boyd by Samantha Brunner)</span><br /><div align="left"><br /><strong>Intro - The first date<br /></strong>In the past, Jackson Kayak's river runner had been more geared toward playboating, but this time the idea was quite different. We wanted the ultimate creeking, river running, expedition, and teaching machine that is more geared toward safety, volume, and fun on harder rivers. At the same time we wanted a kayak that new kayakers could fall in love with and without feeling limited. The funny thing is that the Hero turned out different than anyone really expected because of all the input from Team Jackson Kayak. So I've been putting this boat to the test ever sense, trying to figure out exactly what it is that I love so much about it and how we can improve it for the next round. So I'm writing about my experience in it as objective as I can, but I must admit my Hero quickly became my favorite kayak and it's hard to hide the love.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Pros - the love story<br /></strong>The first thing you'll notice when you get in a Hero is that it feels SO stable. It's a wide boat so it easily begins to feel like your "bomb shelter" whether you're creeking or it's you first time ever on moving water. My girlfriend's first time paddling her Hero was on a class IV/V creek in Colorado and she immediately felt safe and secure once in the water. I also put a friend, Phil, in my Hero with minimal instruction and led him down a class II-III stretch in Alabama... He did great, ran everything, and felt comfortable the whole way down. So one would think that such a wide, stable boat would be difficult to roll. What I've found is that it's very easy to roll, like every Jackson Kayak I've ever paddled. Just to remove my person bias, I put beginners in my boats that I was teaching to roll and some of them in our "class" boats. They all learned how to roll in equal time (quite quickly)and none of them thought the Hero was any more difficult. The planning hull allows for easy surfing for such a large boat and the cockpit and deck design are those of a full on creeker. The Hero is Cross-Linked plastic which is more difficult to mold into kayaks, but it's stronger, can be molded lighter, and has a lot more flex before it breaks. I stopped breaking boats when I switched to Cross-linked plastic. It's of course possible, but you've gotta love a strong boat that can take years of abuse. A far as Creeking and River running, What I love about this boat is that I can have camera gear and rescue gear weighing it down and at 5'8" and 155 lbs I can wavewheel it vertically and then punch a huge hole or run a series of steep tongues and waterfalls without any problem. I was a big skeptic in years past with planning hulls and creeking. Personally I never liked them but I must admit the Hero seems like the perfect balance. I boofed a 30'er and landed flat to see how it reacted (I was wearing a back support/spine guard) and it bled off the preasure much easier and quicker than I would expect from a planning hull design. I never suggest trying that yourself, but it's nice to know you have some forgiveness. It's accelerates easy and peals out great even in the most turbulent places. Even with a planning hull it will boof anything and stay high and dry through the most turbulent and intimidating stretches. It runs waterfalls very well and handles flooded creeks (that should be too high) and big water runs with ease. In fact it seems to excel more on fast paced, higher volume creeks. So you can see why I'm in love with it.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Cons - After the Honeymoon:<br /></strong>Not every relationship is happy all the time and we've yet to creat the "perfect" boat for all whitewater. Sometimes you have to search long and hard but there's always an area for improvement and this is where I have to be completely objective and fill you in on how to make this awesome boat work for you. Some of our own team got in this boat for the first time on the Cheoah in NC. A couple of them hated their first trip in it. When asked why they said it kept turning and trying to follow tongues without them. So upon further inspection we discovered their seats were ALL the way forward, the way they liked it in their Rockers. So they tried it again with the seat toward the back (all the way back in some cases) and after another run through the lower section and Bear Creek Rapid, they were in love too. Being too forward in the Hero seems to dig in the hull a bit, forcing the edges to take over into a turn upon even the most tiny weight shifts. Well, being positioned toward the back leads to the most incredible feeling ever because it lifts the bow, floats over everything without losing speed, and carves or spins beautiful turns at will... so you may have to dial your boat in to find what best works with your paddling abilities. It may look like hole-bait, but I can tell you that it's not. I have one friend that was used to paddling long, fast boat designs take it down Johnnies Creek in Alabama (IV/V) and he hasn't quite figured out how to boof a hole instead of directly taking it on. He got a few surfs out of the deal but told me at the bottom that he actually loved the edges for carving out. He felt very comfortable in a surf with it and had no trouble working his way out. Is it hole-bait? no, but it does behave differently than long boats. My girlfriend (really my fiance') is 5'7" and 125 lbs (but looks like 110). She wears an XXS waist in snap dragon sprayskirts but has a 30" inseam and she's always inbetween designs. She completely fell in love with the Hero in Colorado, but still felt like it was too wide. To compensate she added padding under her seat to give herself some leverage, but now she's rockin' a boat that fits - the Little Hero! The only real con I've personally found is that the edges can catch on bouldery, rock-pile style runs where constant rock-boat contact can cause the edges to catch... for those you may prefer a Rocker.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Verdict - long happy mariage or divorce?<br /></strong>I'm in LOVE with this boat. The "cons" are easily fixable but come with their own rewards. The wide design makes it stable and the planning hull and edges make it more fun to paddle in a majority of situations. It carves turns great, spins on a dime, catches eddies on autopilot, and handles the biggest gnarliest rapids without issue. At the same time it's a safe design that's easy to roll, friendly for beginners, and wavewheels amazingly well. It quickly became my favorite boat ever and if I could only choose one kayak to keep, this would be it. It's the most fun all round boat that I have ever paddled. I've tried to stay objective but my verdict is the same. She's a sexy beast and I'll love her long-time... :-)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-24955194727630002692008-11-25T19:38:00.000-08:002008-11-25T20:25:49.284-08:00When I'm not gettin' wet...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCngxS-o9s42-R81UgDFX8tONcRLUAvPQdpCc2LuJLmXil4mEVE3Jq9IvEHgV6_tCoQ_qQr0H33xLxnnNOyC1YBzQ8QeBB7qzmZvjBHMYM8_ebohyVY_CMR6d-rwU3Mk9sK5Gg/s1600-h/IMG_3932C.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272809912900164386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCngxS-o9s42-R81UgDFX8tONcRLUAvPQdpCc2LuJLmXil4mEVE3Jq9IvEHgV6_tCoQ_qQr0H33xLxnnNOyC1YBzQ8QeBB7qzmZvjBHMYM8_ebohyVY_CMR6d-rwU3Mk9sK5Gg/s400/IMG_3932C.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> One of my favorite places to be... taken by Jason Higg.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I know it's not really whitewater related, but the outdoor lifestyle goes beyond rivers. It's about being outside and enjoying this amazing rock we live on. So I thought I'd share what I'm usually up to on a weekend when I don't go kayaking. If you know me then you know I'm in love with freefall and that I'm in love with the sky... so it's fitting that I'm also a skydiver. Last Sunday my friend Jason Higg. took some shots of our last jump of the weekend... check it out!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272806828315937970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8TzsN9vyklztcpjitdcLVgaq0pSyUpD2FHHJVCzG2yfWoB9_GEtM_ttOrsilxhvNeJ2ht5xBM22VEL_BEGDg6C6vC3JqoUJWtg-BLxOanCTr-qnRfAKBZu5IMpSh9bwFYO2c/s400/IMG_3869C.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">hanging out on the plane ride... by Higg</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272806831965667010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqfD20bwNaL2wjQI_hKTB0WbwT3L20Ehyphenhyphen2PHtinYAf1LN5B42f1-QvKt11uJaA69zHz4dSYCJNnpZgS9GGgqFZIdjxFOBdlTfV-e_JQ0tzFaki6I1KNbFo0eEFWXSaVQV6M1z/s400/IMG_3889C.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">me and Frank (right) with a "Train" exit</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272806832276753538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pP07NNSpJw96Dl30E5K0GtWkw3YtDPcXAf8NA49KQcPQF0lzJsAsBo4KluPaqjtODMtQDt6zYxqWpT_ogB-aQFOF_Thz5zPJLTH0HWLFihfr5EfUPZlQYQS8uazyEKiK_VP2/s400/IMG_3914C.jpg" border="0" /> </p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Those clouds are at 10,000 ft</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272806837886579202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl14zndEyb5PdXsQc-dDeGcgtcJmw8-65uno-pugw_P-nOe43rpJ73yzR2BPNHDQde8dTvODggf8lDA_pSpCgkPMUPzgsaE_CwKAT9_Gq3ENFmlcOC-_V8TS52LyeKRS3D1fkp/s400/IMG_3914C2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">I'm walkin' on clouds!</span></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811929221727154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRQNlaSzN5minhlBTL8LSxHv8CdSa6CGgb2ULxivpYqhoqshWTIjFVvFOyjO9zwEBBeNkqitxwPy9omwxU7ATlrMvabDD7m7PkZvjnY2SGZKJHkpT6EO0yS75RH8BL4kpYWj0/s400/IMG_3916C.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">an amazing shot of Frank by Jason Higg.</span> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272809912105000050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Tp6-xXR9RfMJ2HJeDCBG3Hyq1AIdhtLUzb6o7YAq0zczsZGWBIfm3yPkBgDDiRoD1fX3TEQKXdCnkNhoDE34VH1S7Jl1L0zDnWw-9OOsiADHVdHAsQc45R0Vb5Qq7MhEfolU/s400/IMG_3930C.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">"If riding an airplane is flying, then boating must be swimming! If you want to experience the element, you have to get out of the vehicle."<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272809920665954066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ScK_cUkoGaBYhlMjcvvRoZrQHr8cgEAazR9hrQjoAEGvt3dMgQCH9Va_m_mA6FYutbn88Yjg26U20iuOXa6GfEJzwglsiSdDvQFUY8Ia3yos21Pb_fl-HCT5FnyvRpWuTgYg/s400/IMG_3932C2.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"> A little piece of heaven...</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272809921395984658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNENhvrqIxMlNdemtUd6S0DKGGFZ5hWv3XOaYvGlkxzf3G68uqvvMX-Iq6YI63IK7mwd2q20yKBuh0lzKHwhV8ilEuhRfB-2HK38Bw5GABf7x0WcRULIlE1y0VogNBktRpvrfY/s400/IMG_3938C.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">we can still see the plane!</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272809920113133698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkBxEOetTtagpug4e8wyV6KF8FDq4X7bI1LjPU2LzRuoaAOCyQJfYSb_xiq97IYws57ZRy0vXKw4qui38bcpXlXAOYo-aHXzAMGRmrt_A7mTEj9danlvSKRspyO-1hycTHLsT/s400/IMG_3944C2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">I love sitflying!</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272810349057656402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qdL9lZcSuLvSeoK370__c4UMk78RQhvBb_zBYw-IM0LC2R2Ec0nL8a_9t3pqlg61IQwweCPAVhFI2OJT7B-XVZjFDMtC5Md-JGmQtXVqOG7LxAlqIlaF0u1BPGQNzNOyo-PQ/s400/IMG_3949C.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Standing on cloud 9 ;-)</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272810351621351554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0gVqnwyFFR0rX2yNx5vY88LEfURU8Snm5dHDeQ1MQ3WsZVzvEAyb9WYRTR1fCx34kAOPCBeiuE1q8n5stEHZ55A62GA4yNb9mteTmOSMrKysRwpXP1rmLf4TlnNuZfJoNvKB/s400/IMG_3961C.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">about to drop in... another mile of freefall left</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272811125441771298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEZrFyRgfH9vmCTZvadqgRauEWD5BfxNpSkTZXQNMvWelQAD9JBaS5mmoeX60jjLpL0c-_esPAkdmNhwXn30u8qhhXLL1IqMkpOsFILbeWvbnWgQqzJLylY-tXWdq5NLXqssT/s400/IMG_3965C.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">a little "industrial haze" ;-) ...</span> </p><p align="left">If you've never been skydiving before, it's an amazing experience! It's a new view of the planet and a freedom like no other! It's also a perfect complement to kayaking. When the weather's bad and the rivers are running, the kayaking is great! When they're dry and it's sunny, the skydiving is awesome... it's a good balance ;-)</p><p align="left">Busy Livin'</p><p align="left">Boyd :-)</p><p align="left"> </p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-79935382873742608592008-10-14T07:46:00.000-07:002008-10-14T09:03:40.539-07:00Ice Lakes Creek, COMission: park & huck the burley looking cascade into SMC Campground<br />Location: South Mineral Creek Campground, CO<br />Paddlers: Boyd Ruppelt, Adam Goshorn, and Matt Wallace<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257024918805308738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdn8a6lbsjXGn0NWKmgjJG2HSjnUjMb9WfQi8XzP3LswRPjuC9h9NWYcU4hW3dBp3UEPwOUK0bdksuHRgrpqq0TXP2Z28oCd9pLHVVNSjulRLAJ3q3UNyO7hYtuLjaypz1pdX/s400/CO08Days5&6+081C3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd working his way down Ice Lakes Creek. by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p>After enjoying the high water in Crested Butte, I went down south with Samantha Brunner, Adam Goshorn, and Matt Wallace to find waterfalls and run some of the classic whitewater Colorado has to offer. The first thing we came to was Ice Lakes Creek, pooring into South Mineral Campground. It was getting late, the water was crankin, and we were losing our light for the day, but Matt's itch was contagious and we all decided to run it before setting up camp and cooking dinner. The Ice Lakes Creek cascade is an interesting, powerful series of drops that weren't very forgiving with the high water... but a super cool drop for sure.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257021906012811986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TP3kQqArDHF-pMFgmyitLEdiXQQGubuPfKnBAkoPiAvtl-LrHUG1t5pgJpRxINXzt0l0jGnUvHkQo8aJj32X2wemF6lFQgSjFswoOP8V03-xIom9RuIHlndFSdOcNaGshTvV/s400/CO08MattDays5&6+182C.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Matt Wallace finishing a strong line minus an epic back ender. by Adam Goshorn)</span></p><p>Matt was so fired up he went first. I held his boat on the tiny launch ledge until he was ready to slide in immediately above the first one. Having decided to follow it on the right, Matt had a great line down but when he hit the big pillow/hole above the last big ledge he was back endered and rolled just above the lip of the last one. I couldn't see him below the first lip so adam came up and told me to go a bit more left on the 3rd ledge... So trusting his last minute changes he held my boat as I climbed in and got set. Before I knew it I was sliding down the sloped bank immediately above the first ledge (hidden in the photos). I wasn't happy with my position above the second one and my contact was a bit out so I eddied out into a small pocket above the first big ledge before lining back up and going for it. I paddled over the pillow of water keeping me off the lip and before I knew it I was flying down the first big one with a big delayed boof to line up for the next one...</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFYOJJTKPGUZxY3npwNs8OT15Tz5a8F05ymMZb3S4YQK8XTprqt9Mfr-E70KBuwwGdt-OCLQZBkm5QX7NTlFU4LbnxV33VbJ4pf0dYyBxiMLZDvdgFxUgUCZwv0BZSnGtX2bE/s1600-h/CO08MattDays5&6+190C1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257023262597883506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFYOJJTKPGUZxY3npwNs8OT15Tz5a8F05ymMZb3S4YQK8XTprqt9Mfr-E70KBuwwGdt-OCLQZBkm5QX7NTlFU4LbnxV33VbJ4pf0dYyBxiMLZDvdgFxUgUCZwv0BZSnGtX2bE/s400/CO08MattDays5&6+190C1.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd boofing off the first big one. Photo by Matt Wallace)</span></div><br />Exactly where I wanted to be based on what I had heard from Matt's line, I felt good going into the next drop. The idea was to slide right into the outflow of the hole and off the next drop. To my suprise I slid in sideways losing all my momentum. With a quick roll in the hole, I rolled up grabbing the green water exiting the hole and flowing off the last big ledge and pulled myself off the next lip catching a little rock flake on the way down.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257023271316954994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieimbuAyn1kf9EsfhOA5nDCGUar_RYE7gYDAy7eQllBiwYMNxhRG3bVUkyjq3TKV36j8udu3c2C01Ok8B9123KAvG1RI85kt9eIE7n2laiGFArhUtMR12gXhxXN52fL8YiLqJe/s400/CO08MattDays5&6+193C.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd rolling up before sliding off the last big one. Photo by Matt Wallace)</span></div><br />It wasn't a bad line but it made me think the first line (far river right) was the way to go... Adam began to gear up and Matt hiked back up to hold his boat. Adam thought we could go even more left (just on the brink of disaster) for a good line.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257023272219534322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJfwpl_C2s28MCg2eWwxKdm-1CkMapjBJaHCkO0Oh4mbDYaUgKipbun3rkGMkfuIfLXCldserVlX7l2w0w93Y9JyPUW_c5ZUQ8QlN_3LJ5JFbX3C5dd3QZL7M8PcZXCM4mF5b/s400/CO08MattDays5&6+200C.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Adam setting up for the first big one. by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></div><br />So as he peeled off the first ledge he kept his speed and flew off the first big one too far left, nearly pinning on a tree. Skirting a potentially bad pin and even worse swim, he heroically pulled it back into the main flow but got surfed in the hole above the next one. Ripped down the cascade upside down, Adam kept his cool but got a bit pummeled in the big pillow/hole above the last big one with a not so prefered line:<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbv2Kd1VWjhpnw4g-oo0upQBb_gAX18FPCCMCgevctXDhHoP_WFsY-iqNdV3KpfecRSN0nREDRG0PNXS_GzeIa71euUMm1RTt060BiY9yttFwl1FYyOktmdZSDEQC5tkSIyNO/s1600-h/CO08MattDays5&6+210C.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257023273197663618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbv2Kd1VWjhpnw4g-oo0upQBb_gAX18FPCCMCgevctXDhHoP_WFsY-iqNdV3KpfecRSN0nREDRG0PNXS_GzeIa71euUMm1RTt060BiY9yttFwl1FYyOktmdZSDEQC5tkSIyNO/s400/CO08MattDays5&6+210C.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Adam with the not so prefered line. by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><p>He took it like a champ though and rolled up just in time drop off the last one backwards but upright, making it into the take-out eddy with a shit-eatin' grin like no other. He said amazingly enough he didn't hit much but water on his way down. Now we were ready for Whiskey, dinner, and a camp fire before our next adventure on South Mineral Creek.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257024919183363506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbNYi8152LBCZSWGhBAjTxPy2QmWiu3mdX0osuW8mnP0vwixlt1rSbBlwtqmHhXspyKjHagowStkd-gj71e1ZtJ3QVcnMxkQvGDrypoAjT4ZpMg5EyL-UgHc-4GxZTZB4P4Ca/s400/CO08Days5&6+081C2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd on Ice Lakes Creek, by Samantha Brunner)<br /></p></span><br />Till next time,<br />BoydBoydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-43292962722342220122008-10-11T07:36:00.000-07:002008-10-11T07:37:12.070-07:00La Plata Falls, Durango, COMission: La Plata falls, CO<br />Location: near Durango, CO<br />Paddlers: Boyd Ruppelt, Adam Goshorn, and Matt Wallace<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254228446740031666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ35oY8bBx7QKmWmfnJczEeqVpslROnIf4raND_yI9kwChl7joAlPLMrs-CQJzmhaMZzhOV2ReuxnkoliAYS0bmBfld4eC0cJcG-3OEgutS9lkyhOffj5w2X1JXJcvFjL6o1l6/s400/DSC_0120C.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Matt scouting "Silver Falls" by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></div><br /><br />Continuing on our trip with Adam Goshorn and Matt Wallace through southern Colorado me and Samantha continued south toward Durango in hopes of replacing our broken video camera and fixing Adam's flat tire. With most of the things on our lists on the way south a bit high for our tastes we decided to check out a seemingly little known drop called La Plata Falls (Spanish for Silver). So with Adam's tire fixed and no new video camera we shot over for a quick afternoon run on La Plata.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254228461608271906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqa4mNahaRZz34oONvpNU_gWcj2VZ75btAnipFJPOL67TINxPMorjCdBmqXtrlMFxD6mDq7gfet4ZF3_nv51rpZBz1E8ptfo1aCKk8k39HcSiMVje84h0HVynEcio5UYTrskZN/s400/DSC_0515C.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd filming Matt's run... photo by Adam Goshorn)</span></p><br />The thing about this drop that doesn't seem to show up well in photos is that the entire creek converges and banks 90 degrees the moment it drops off the lip. But it banks so hard that it forms a green wall on the river left edge against the slightly overhung wall while completely drying out the riverbed at the lip.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254228436744912546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQT52dZhr4Vv_jn7AVLV1Ik7h5qxkelCwhyuTFk5JupnZ0L3F_qONwGuda-U3WXaJ7CdUDdw9CAlUItTUNLHQHnerTKm0s9PfHwth38BHLp_AvDiZdwSR89Tcp9jstlX3tNrH/s400/CO08Day7+012C2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd dropping in... photo by Samantha Brunner)</span></div><br /><br />Then it crashes on itself, rolling it's way down the slot falls before slaming over a rock shelf and rocketing out into the runnout pool below. To make things more interesting, a sick looking whirlpool/terminal eddy thing forms on the river right and the river left exit was blocked by a huge log with only a tiny stream of water flowing over the far side. We decided to just focus on lining up the lip and riding it out and boofing over the log.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254228423617771026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84XQvsvnpl15HwHlULnfraFNrIY-sUfxPFEQJ8vgDz2luJi3D_WoAi-lf3LJC9PB6udqsCw7AV5ASHMKP-XP50oQF9MpfjOGIcQ_ckRz_Thk7GM-DjDaI42uDVir8zUtMh5Iy/s400/DSC_0134C.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Matt going first by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254230675862596674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9zNCqy-4gzb4N7ulcau4NXb8zdkvHv3WiLSa2GSxztT9B0WHIthiTwPmeO71-iEIjZ1lbcsONLPkST7mcGtKH9Du_4DBZFCFLOGinLH_uh324uRAyujM5o9LS3loHdtO2MlF/s400/DSC_0521C.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd dropping in while Adam films on... shot by Matt Wallace)</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254228445219082850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zus4T6o8CqJ_zcIgMZpEQcdlgMcNGy1LLReaxDW4yKMN5xmQjS3T_sMiua5fxFoIzt94upNLhZolAyc-XQ3VzoGMEH3RAEeR6ZBOKdm3UOHANba2Dk0IRVJAK6WQ4B4CMcnl/s400/DSC_0163C2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Adam's run as seen by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></div><br /><br />This worked out well for me and Matt, but Adam's line proved a bit more interesting while providing the biggest carnage of the trip...<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyLC9m6N57-sFx_M13lzIofLfd6axLdFRG1R50DasgcRdws9bYVdoCb1Q4O_2PWSiFXGqTGsz6KBQ3B-jDnbZn4HJj3RpSB3wOnCAkwrnhhoXj6XRBi_a-yI4JD33LHFEYKRy/s1600-h/DSC_0167C.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254230684035088066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyLC9m6N57-sFx_M13lzIofLfd6axLdFRG1R50DasgcRdws9bYVdoCb1Q4O_2PWSiFXGqTGsz6KBQ3B-jDnbZn4HJj3RpSB3wOnCAkwrnhhoXj6XRBi_a-yI4JD33LHFEYKRy/s400/DSC_0167C.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Adam finally out of the whirlpool... by Boyd Ruppelt)</span> </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSDaLhMJoKuKbn7VHJuMdB4A1jMFjmERWq35XtAMbX2milbR1Q7LtdV3yXn37W7Xi0IrzavJm4LYNWTWKUQUyvQ6xRkeUoCl7x3cu8BYOCBji-KbYq1U0HK4063p4YxRBVqau/s1600-h/DSC_0175C.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254230696149347378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSDaLhMJoKuKbn7VHJuMdB4A1jMFjmERWq35XtAMbX2milbR1Q7LtdV3yXn37W7Xi0IrzavJm4LYNWTWKUQUyvQ6xRkeUoCl7x3cu8BYOCBji-KbYq1U0HK4063p4YxRBVqau/s400/DSC_0175C.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(the aftermath... by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><p>After watching her fears realized through someone else, Sam decided to wait for another day; I guess two out of 3 isn't bad. If you're ever in the Durango area when all this is running, La Plata Falls isn't a bad stop for a quick fix...<br /></p><p>Boyd Ruppelt</p><p></p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-35229270758313724542008-10-03T13:53:00.000-07:002008-10-03T14:05:01.086-07:00The Rarely Run Upper North Fork of Daisy Creek, Crested Butte, COMISSION: Silly Slides<br />LOCATION: Crested Butte, CO<br />PADDLERS: Boyd Ruppelt, Samantha Brunner, Josh Oberleas<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252978028228775138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yuHkeORxVaDEROFiutKXDH7r3hdX4odeOJ1tlfhLZTrmyLIDh_sTGAc7mk-GkOI4r2TABzBD5i4cSyJ1QhmXCZyB4Y2m1FMEO9yZ_MyjHay9Jrbn7TmFSI7NxlGpe19ecluT/s400/Boyd+dropping+in.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd Dropping in by Josh Oberleas)</span></p>So as belated report from our trip to Colorado, Me and Samantha Brunner had the pleasure of catching a section that is rarely run on the Upper North Fork of Daisy Creek in Crested Butte, CO. Affectionately known as "the Silly Slides" this section rests hidden away from the hustle and bustle and mass-hucking of the other Crested Butte area creeks, usually under snow until it is too low to run. With the seemingly long 4x4 road/walk up Daisy Pass beyond the normal Daisy Creek put-in, most paddlers look up at the beaver dams not realizing what's just up the road.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252980378754823266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdsyha_4jjqQtHlcHkEmP-L-tLbJ7y1bFTXnr7s4Mbpye8ZXCv2UKvna6oE2-0-soa3Bul0aIBxirHJKsK7Yk1K83Y1PbM2Yn_TWGzPbrz1vC5lmdcpbdlpgUjcnHCxvXsS9y/s400/a+shot+Josh+took+of+the+enterance+into+the+3rd+one.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(beautiful scenery on a beautiful run. Photo of Boyd by Josh Oberleas)</span></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252984946772506578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P6EfMJmvaLb2AIVUqCEYcxfh02k3MGHCMzzHKgFhgqTOK8NnA1LF1yfvU3WVUbzeefrfYEA_VbVgXsfKHex9spuugxARguvAEkfHGMcAgmgkhtZqPydpED4INEzZ64-J7toZ/s400/thirsty.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(plenty of fresh drinking water... and if you get thirsty on the run, just take a big gulp)</span></p><p align="left">Curious to see for myself what was in the pass, I took off on a fast hike with Samantha Brunner to find out our first day in Colorado. What we found was a fun looking series of slides and waterfalls just appearing out of the snow with plenty of runnable flow. The only problem was an unportageable (or hard-to-portage) snow plug blocking the exit of the run. </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252979059025853010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AMmwQBfrb5jbJ_d5u1mnL86p_837BDSfjtGCxxGMiJaSl1JWd94w6KG-2C-hG5Lr2gw70nW_B7nOdnNKzOJ5fGGJTIrXtiLw7KaIHYRB2Qm3SJXuPMtkzt0poQJEV15BcySU/s400/right+before+the+slides+were+fully+emerged.jpg" border="0" /> So after our waterfall adventure with Adam Goshorn and Matt Wallace, we met back up with our Gunny turned Chile friend, Josh Oberleas, for some more good times in Crested Butte. Without hesitation, we went right up to the Daisy Creek put-in for a quick check to see if the upper section was open. Sure enough we found good flows, although we all wanted more (never satisfied I know), and a good section was completely clear of snow:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252981629225085762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE54TeRwVZraKq8T2DY4ASBwv6AZSlHruDYfKIXeLQ3-o4WWEz-zVJMGYKLRstppXP0rE4cE_IG_jWst9ochZm5UH3Iqwz0SJB4FqJBmK7tAnpCg_aJjyqzJ2PcnvY51Zd1fo/s400/Sam+charging+the+exit+of+number+3.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha charging down below the 3rd drop... photo by Josh Oberleas)</span></p><p>The start was one of the most scenic and interesting put-ins in the area, with a seal launch right off a large snow plug into the river: </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252979063326107970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmN21PcwTR34guLh0KLSB45GZh0GjlceU0o4gyqlD1UH1rMa6m0htUiAe3D30FJ72iuplNuo2aZhsNY8ORMYiKfOoeIERybnv55lfP77micEgb70h9YhIdHB77qpRUXlVgrPV/s400/Sam+about+to+drop+in.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha about to slide in right above the first drop. photo by Boyd Ruppelt)</span><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252979062865492498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSqYMGL1Epks8TmKHiAJGgKX1lwWJBwtamGRpsyp_gbANB7agI6fGMertnwaAsVkzxONaFo-VrGNfIs65r5cB1VpM-puBJdGPhqOol9AIySDZC6Iv59o2gfUM8FHlc1akWMlc/s400/our+snowboatin+launch+pad.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha on her way down by Josh Oberleas)</span></p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><p align="left">The creek is literally just emerging from the snow as some of the coldest, but cleanest, water I've ever felt! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252979066842725842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNylgy4kSl-x6MwqsOhMyeMj3ZwCiHDEmwofHhBwsnr-3zLn-K3ie1AdCSt4AsWmedymSMAKFBh3i5wvDH3OxodV-MVTu7DK5f5lRUgPMwNb-2CryR6aunsQmuPxK7GwXR9On/s400/Boyd+on+the+first+one.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd on drop #<span style="font-size:85%;">1</span> by Samantha Brunner)</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252979069951174434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_80H83MC0H5S702a0S4p-H8oeg8N84L4HWQSule5qSlSBLAlN3kV2urph9t5WsrZwurWbEqwHgfO76Qj9hVtQ02qwULeThbdGQGvCTnQeqKHXwPIg0fAuRyqxpqioAYYhyphenhyphenoC/s400/CO08Day12+063C.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha charging down the first one with the second one in the foreground by Boyd Ruppelt)<br /></p></span><p align="left">From there the creek goes around a bend and immediately off drop number 3, the sketchiest looking slide on the run. It looked a bit boat/back abusive when we were first scouting it, but we found out fast that the clear water made this whole run look lower than it was. This drop was no exception, going a lot smoother than we thought it would and with an awesome boof/90 degree turn combo on the last bit of the drop to avoid the wall. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252980372894476946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRigM4DXrYgz8zoAKw5CoDNzTJ88AmHVcZzMMof7lXGTgpNUM7E9uDrW3Yebxxb0Hw13hGKd4VLd-RcHLC2yDRLJd-texny8eqVq1LKAIqePAr7KYJLlit36dFpRd4PVtXr_P/s400/Samantha+on+Drop+number+3.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha on drop 3 by Boyd)</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252981632245389090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYrkEClTfaaPlwcSqxCXIkKXNzPQxfNgtT_XzQRPEiRn8FQR3OZGO55DikDPHhreoHTnz_rFjf3K0xHYFUoMzjnz_OZOWX_W4OHxfHecPf8o1aTHOlN5877dFXtr4nDFDju1n/s400/leaving+number+3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd making the last boof/turn move by Samantha Brunner)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></p></span><p align="left">We couldn't get over the water quality, scenery, and fun nature of the run... since a picture is worth a thousand words, here's some more pictures: </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252981622786212962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v2Xl2fc-73oiSJh5mtqUPi-5xWpredZvu0XAX4RsTBxaGw0Z44WHtqaGWknIxWHWpH6FSAtDEPxL8sV7LA17oxIpOyhrEmu-yyWXIDto_og0OM2OWrqZfHLerrfo7j8q7Sso/s400/Josh+in+the+Silly+Slides.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Josh Oberleas about to go off another by Boyd Ruppelt)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252981631186074786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9HxmjE_dX6yNUIBJPK0UqmAu0I_zHw8U51fKrTfTTysyOBasMCMvBZiAir-xvccPxJOspnMVWoY325zYnjxUIeM69pXXZu4YsxaFcWZHt7Ef22s7ByWxMZP1Jzh420JgKy-V/s400/somewhere+in+the+middle.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd in just his rashguard... ok, it was a bit cold... by Josh Oberleas)</span><br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252981629236792530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclYKOVlMvrJmclWuhmZ5qsswAJUW6OxiAQPn9JQyRTHgZzb6KnWuHOsGGHlCp4suTCq44E-H7d7iLHk1dkq-kJRmmOeQ15c2VNYOb-0rN01VS7yKazjU5wQ5ru0bzgoeTuKGa/s400/finishing+up+number+3.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha loving her Jackson Hero! by Josh Oberleas)</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252980374331506082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ikkaKXbtmF3jHWzS-OPjnQUkybjvPNSOZZ4W4e-CAecCchggBNkTM1236_th5FVDdgK842DE39qWRBDx7gHYwEz3ZE-htOHGE7d6Ah8LMuBVPNcKTn2tc0MRMRQeSba_zZ7d/s400/the+above+the+last+2+drops+of+the+Silly+Slides.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(the view downstream... by Josh Oberleas)</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252982880358306994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxTVA0HI1lM39eotT__2bVcW0UzIhE0Gg9EF93fTEcx_uDR-wLMZxOTk-FBtzOBjCiml5UPN9OI3HfDe332IQU8u0K82k8s2OZJyjlchMJBFIKjsNW3cLBx6oR6jnAADpVybO/s400/Boyd+turning+off+the+last+drop.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd carving off the last one... by Josh Oberleas)</span><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252982878230890866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9tac5xAfk8Bf8Yz5NkZhqLmyVR_RImMw-72rlxAndQVVIP53HY-MiWwxCZAOQeF8kxiQQ9yKT3WYxpY_sNhv78FFznCDVGQIOCR6yegYaCrpwY8niKzhOOUOTtZaem4CmxU_/s400/Josh+off+the+last+one.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Josh Oberleas threading his way down the last one... by Boyd Ruppelt)</span><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252982883222021282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlhvBifin8G4HX3OLd9DRAtTSIsbdc61K7Pp8SPZQrUdoTFJU9S4LdhICTF0qlSsaY4kPn4OoLri2LjjTb2AVNOeKZ4-3ohHktJ93Uh6yHEBoR-tu1gWoAQZjpzqQY0tXXIw/s400/Sam+off+the+last+drop.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha threading the needle between flakes on the last one by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><p>From the "Silly Slides" we continued on a fast, fun runnout that felt like a cold convayer belt until we got to a weird, short, hedgy section of blind, mid-stream bush-wacking. It doesn't last long and is quicker than getting out. Suddenly we found ourselves in a channel dropping off beaver dam ledge after beaver dam ledge. The current kept picking up and we were amazed to find a beautiful and fun paddle all the way to the big portage at the normal Daisy put-in, never getting out of our boats until then. After the portage we continued our way down Daisy Creek until we finally all flew off Big Wood Falls:</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252982886124735778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssdNgpGxwBNl_HhCWBQwl9iW0zMrS7lwhqIxhY92H04hVQkgP1XWIrq9aY7BqTOa55Ip0IUwxjDwQvuZ8PK9eihyphenhyphennCtlsD4JMlj1Fq8TB6KfxGt29qCbxxXvaBKQweaW49i0o/s400/Samantha+on+Big+Wood+Falls.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha on Big Wood Falls by Josh Oberleas)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252982889911479138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr36FJlyDOUgXcpxG4mXnIj6cAiQOrbfmdonftVNAJlASce1odvJKfbffoKkZjQpSOAz8sZGiD9dRsTp_fX7EXHLjqTq7BcF7CG2wB3BW-2NVh4q8-d0fLhZ8ovOO1OnidlvI/s400/Big+wood+Falls+on+the+normally+run+section+of+Daisy+Creek.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd enjoying the Hero's boofing capabilities off Big Wood Falls by Samantha Brunner)</span><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252984945791109042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0L5s31QJ9CVpTZuUvKOTrCPzn4jGuX1NZBFZpezg1I7kpI8nQBooErzHxGO7agaCcBKhW0iX5djT168oM6Cm1Wqdv3H-MIvGTW4D7ckYO6r709Rf7sUT7L1j04z_8aYepQfM/s400/The+trail+to+the+Upper+North+Fork+of+Daisy+Creek.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(the view up the road from the normal Daisy put-in by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><p>It's amazing it doesn't get run more often. It was worth the effort and a beautiful day that is rarely experienced in an area considered by some to be "over-done"... hopefully this will open some eyes to what might be waiting just around that next corner...</p><br /><p>Boyd Ruppelt</p><p>See More at: <a href="http://www.loopd.com/members/BoydRuppelt/Default.aspx">http://www.loopd.com/members/BoydRuppelt/Default.aspx</a></p><a href="http://www.coloradokayak.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253028595684543138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUCyFH_ilU9SdPzQo3yiOp7-ANuN6Fz5z714Pw7oo1PkZuX5i3heDo1Ksci0moM62FgWi3ry6gW1ojwbfmx82Ml3cliPFSqw_KvhKmfIYiGPHzIC3Z3G4oP4neM-0XWGwH8oC/s200/CKS+Logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-82102116522162451632007-11-28T13:56:00.000-08:002007-11-28T13:57:11.683-08:00Thanksgiving update from San Louis Potosi, Mexico<p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138003125009639922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFGlBsGGI32660l3TFBanoJZHktoOXeYbcVI8mtl347V9Q5kzDbTGKOyexdRARy-wjgC9sD6AQixy81aW_rbgJS8ThCsK16aUAh7E2Lyih1ZWsPTaZbE6DHjTrDD0fE9N0vfM/s400/Rio+Verde.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd dropping in on the Rio Verde. Courtesy of Adam Goshorn)</span></p>Getting just as thirsty as everyone else with the drought I found out that some of my paddling friends were heading down to Mexico for Thanksgiving in search of the beautiful, travertine waterfalls that San Louis Potosi is known for. Absolutely itching for whatever action I could find, I took off for Tampico with my good friend Drew Armstrong (for those that know him) and rented a car to drive down to meet up with our Alabama friends at Micos. The first stop was the warm, travertine waterfalls of Micos and Saltos for a quick warm up... just good clean fun.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138003722010094114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS0PsSHqc1z_xeDs1hBk1y-FLRkvrf7g9i24Bo8PgA_0wNTE52JRBpWOaN77LIvf_BR0D91CS3ktypbxGglMJ6kLw57bxcKOmfeZ3vDvz5wx4CHEKKTxizVeLuWg_00rCC5NE/s400/Micos.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Adam Goshorn putting in on Micos. photo by Boyd)</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138004121442052674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc9ajS8EP8n09xMdGHS6EzBtYgQ_2ms5_QMlpyZguOUrU6jLEPexFrAVtzPoPc0-fbTBoeQagQb3UEKCZ91nQJhoyPovRUzHtpo8QJzO7FfTLAMYq1wazUHnBIFVvxVKslfEZ/s400/nice+warm+up+on+the+Saltos.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo of Boyd by Drew Armstrong)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138003575981206034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsM_nY8fX0EoXOeesPrQ5suVmv-LrGlhgyEsxwUvrVHionqqWoTQwNzXf05EtfMZofMST3q0Rc7ePiqNXqlfUX8DTKQZIV27uuics5xfZU2wXClW4vblKa8fRMfU6a1_UHzhp/s400/Days+1,2,3+020C.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo of Drew A. on La Luminosa falls by Boyd)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138003958233295410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQy1Hkv7S1tf48euDotb6VzYJdskMqxBfUy_OAZfolPs5olu4NnPi6T-DhX-B0lIbCcYfIevmWMImnmqXRzQcpO_ccJkk0Ce5qJ_bdQyk8fLUf39ib3EwJn7yummGGTCgSoas/s400/Drew+and+Joey.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Drew and Joey hanging out on the travertine workin' the cameras. Photo by Adam Goshorn)</span></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After our fun warm-up day in Mexico, it was time to branch out and do a bit of exploration. </span></span>We found some pretty unique waterfalls to run and some truly beautiful kayaking! One Cascade in particular stood out. It's a cascade called Puente De Dios which translates as "Bridge of God." It's a beautiful maze of caves and potholes linked together in and around the riverbed. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138003318283168258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMGWoIy_gAiGO4709ZSf7D9ihosVJzK89BimV1olB4NiIyGMcta-qE-Cg0SRkoCWd7mUCT4RxCmRUSCo9E6ru5AYEr6pMCuNf5_jWLvg4cZAkN7boUQginUq6y1aAMUvKaY8P/s400/Boyd+tweaked+out+to+avoid+a+cave+on+Puente+De+Dios.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo of Boyd boofing into Puente de Dios by Drew Armstrong)</span></p><p>The water flows from the falls, through and around the caves, and into a deep pool before going underground. It then flows through a large, caved out room before exiting on its way to Tamasopo. The locals had a rope strung through so you could swim from one side of the cave to the other. We also found out that it is a big attraction for scuba divers. With the sound of screeching bats and whistling locals, we each ran the cascade one at a time trying to avoid any underwater spelunking on our way down the falls. It was a beautiful cascade and unique experience to say the least.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138004422089763426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzzY_CXZAqgZBW0niwrFjo_ji2QsPwYi0ogqk4YaPHTPD24T1Itw3L5a1lxbjbNsk_PoyeiKOOcSZ-EtcJl9XSbaFtBEppsZcCLoR0y5iD-uvvWuKYX-vl4m0uM2Ae1-3JWd-/s400/a+perfect+place+for+a+hammock.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(a perfect place for a hammock)</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138004671197866610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS97fw7aWz0acsF57qyl3v_zdbEsELVnY0CgkIDL1WPw64EhIm2PVXuk7B6o1gZ_OJym1lURaUkLMncltkmUp2xfFgYUDbkyE5Ejv7yTNpYDag_lD-DclF0YN6MSMocEogYnYX/s400/a+local+parade.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(local parade... photo by Adam Goshorn)</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138004258881006162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy-fnEy-xPp-HMFFNJe5B0RLbWdHSmMtj4ZtvuxBHnUjFdzR-8TMvN823XDpjghIX5RBpyQNgIBvTa3Pyzvj0qJLUysgGIMo5lmblHiduzTUX-LCJAxY1QzaYv3AFEfQZ7mZ0/s400/San+Louis+Potosi.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(the "good" road... photo by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><p>Happy Thanksgiving!</p><p>Boyd :-)<br />PS- special thanks to Drew, Kimberly, Joey, and Adam for the pics...</p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-89084479241026392912007-11-19T08:12:00.000-08:002008-02-22T15:22:57.517-08:00Voy a ir a Mexico!!!<div>Well, this week I'm continuing my adventures by taking a trip to Mexico! </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134585903000054242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6IVEsz-nPEaZygc_GajRwC31iF0biRKm7At2cC05Q91y01jSGkGnfDlzt6xNYzvv1Xp7dz4IBSYD25-5F12r-pFAw1crZb7VVNrWYsWfuG-bKdsbVAL8ev5qS0WB4jMy9Rxj/s400/Sarapiqui+expedition+008C.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I'm heading down with my friends, Joey, Adam, and Drew (hopefully meeting up with Rafa too at some point) to run some sweet creeks and waterfalls in Mexico. It should be a good trip and it looks like plenty of good water down there. More on our trip later this week from Mexico!</div><div> </div><div>Boyd :-)</div><br /><div></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-71385859977486326702007-11-06T12:36:00.000-08:002007-11-06T14:19:44.255-08:00GAF Weekend Update<div align="center"><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XYSudN_K9_59YbmRtyZZmIRgD3xdSKOfvDuH1DGvaTCWmRPVLgCtd9ZLOPscxWopPzRxuhV3EVQr10X55mSis14X_ZcmQsPJDrQo3WOh-44TdWmYT-yoRettYm-Uc6s4NV-t/s1600-h/bonfire+before++the+firewalk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129829928923138930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XYSudN_K9_59YbmRtyZZmIRgD3xdSKOfvDuH1DGvaTCWmRPVLgCtd9ZLOPscxWopPzRxuhV3EVQr10X55mSis14X_ZcmQsPJDrQo3WOh-44TdWmYT-yoRettYm-Uc6s4NV-t/s400/bonfire+before++the+firewalk.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Friends & campfire: photo by Boyd Rupplet)</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Every year me and Sam make the trek over to NC for the Nantahala Outdoor Center's Guest Appreciation Festival, affectionately called "GAF Fest" by Southeast kayakers and Canoeist. This year was no different. We packed up Thursday night and took off early Friday morning to get and early start on the festivities. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129853675797318754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bca3z-ulKnxfYQDyv1tsoi4CMz6EzbE-C_f6Cnumb5pbxA_0SuEedOJ-WKTrDsj_bOeWjiI2ZbqjJpnqcht8MaFno-qfyDOqC_l-PMcN22l9bsrU4_53q4TvvtPXQGgbP2Vs/s400/GAF07+219C.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo of Boyd by Samantha Brunner)<br /></span></div><div align="left">The week of rain & stormy weather leading up to the trip got our hopes up for the possibilty of something more entertaining over there than the Nantahala... But I we drove the Nashville the rain began to fizzle out and clear skies started to emerge. By the time we arrived in the Nantahala Gorge we found a barely even scrapable river bed in the cascades and a low flowing Nantahala River. Continuing our drive downstream we found what we really come to GAF for, lots of friendly faces and plenty of good times to be had by all! We decided to walk around and find all of our friends until shortly after dark where we were greeted by EJ, Dane, and Jonathan. After a short meeting with EJ, Samantha was ecstatic to find herself as the newest Jackson Kayak regional team member!<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129831363442215922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-M-Vx7jouusHd9nX25ezx7F3LRtfuPKiq4KtJ8MRPNGOVz3gNgS-6fFobtvZBwy4PxLuhFQshqAGm-HI4lpLEkJRG0zzFG1vrzn76kkAwOcBGqU7oG4S40gdhctfcDrnhkJB/s400/Samantha+on+her+way+back+up.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(a content & happy Samantha Brunner: by Boyd Ruppelt)<br /></span></div><div align="left"><br />From there we all walked around to check out the sales and to get some dinner (THANKS EJ!). :-) The next day was busy; lots of sales, lots of gear, and lots of people. We stopped at the Jackson Kayaks booth first to help sell boats for NOC, answer questions, and to see the friends this drought has had us missing so much! From there we were off to meet up with some more old friends for a quick trip down the Nantahala River. Searching for at least a taste of some steeper action a couple of us managed to get out and do the seal launch/big slide off the railroad tracks into the river, later followed by an informal Boatercross race through Nantahala Falls. After a long, fun, almost crazy day of work and play, we decided it was time for some food and the classic NOC party and live bands. </div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129830860931042242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxs2YtxUV6CkdlMDgClQ-nSnVVNhI7V7fodkGkWeEqzhn3CRUzwy7WyGblEPqmsUTGkyqfjT2ufepPNTU-zvj-ew7-RZZd6tVkO_URLDrP4owSojUX_iFBJ6zr8L5FgbxAoie/s400/Samantha+at+work.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha's always looking for new angles: photo by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129853551243267154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCpNwyKi49TdSwlf07bFirIdToFepWxcqz2cswRWErlJa-303I8KQzLfU0z_SSGyCIJQ7DLtNTE3ObLZ6x6G-rJCYwQEoftYBXHR8TalA9H1LhZhjqWa0RY1872EUaCaJa_5-/s400/GAF07+128C.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo of Samantha by Boyd Ruppelt)<br /></span><br /></p><p align="left">Nearly partied out we all went back to our friend Anna's campground where I had the the bright idea of spicing it all up with a good, old fashioned a firewalk... We all pitched in and got as much wood as we could afford and built a sweet fire and then all we could do is wait for it to burn down.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129839631254260738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_tlRE4E0N3JQwrXOlM01CBLD3vsXJ2IVpw-BMRs2legDrB6pMR9NN42P1oeifkBH5Lfp5hBCLDHzEMFEcCbgErFGnDIkaGsiA0rqTdtJrUxVMmXwzcf_ChUHP4rF6sSmVwuz/s400/FUEGO!.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(<span style="font-size:85%;">FUEGO!!!</span> Photo by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></p><p align="left">Eventually it burt down and we had nearly used up all our wood so we spread the coles into a path and just built on it until it was a hot, glowing, firey path of fresh coals and embers:</p><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129830543103462306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQBCMzqgXLivazQcTqlC3XLXp0mToCu9gfEmzgv_nC5As850fAVfWKOhydZffxZv-ujiCczZZT1wYu7kQDeFRSpK42kgaUYlGY_x_ITnuWbyDVuXRHceM8wNUYshX0JrNYXjp/s400/our+path+of+hot+coals.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(our glowing path of hot coals: photo by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></div><br /><div align="left">So with the camra ready, the coals hot, and the beer flowing (I was completely sober as always), there was nothing left to do but take our shoes and socks off and start walking! I think my friend Evan went first since he didn't want to wait any longer and it was his first time, and then I went right after while the coals were nice and fresh:</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129830100721830786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0sw-44X1hLJ8enboCXXqND3K3FJXU4FKO28fqqwmS8lR7ToRpw6ykXBVu0jJU3jFsvldF0lLgY3ofr5udCFZiLVED9QYz_nP1vk1-0KYnS-sFsv6wwxKR-Z65Uff_iepPe0X/s400/Boyd+barefoot+on+hot+coals.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd barefoot on hot coals; photo by Samantha Brunner)</span><br /></div><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129830671952481202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45gd-6UZNs0CSxBd59jk0xydqVlMogXe_wItJr5maOH9lKFawxO3f2TpJC7VOWg4XanNspQJF6nuecon97MUZl0waw5p0G66l9qLkJsbn5u4mSmkEvBzBX7MUcF8kP1IvCvrF/s400/GAF07+181C.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Evan going first - the flash knocked out the red color of the coals: photo by Samantha Brunner)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div align="left">Shortly after us, Samantha did it herself and picked up her camera again to take more pictures. We just kept walking on them and piling on fresh coals until we were out of wood. I literally lost count on how many times I did it and the only slight burn I got was from a hot, sticky ember that got stuck on my foot. It wasn't even a real blister. It was the perfect ending to an already awesome day! Sunday we got up and went back upstream to find some vertical action. </div><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129831161578752994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig02yNu_kF7PulRl1VmqvUb_yulEHtH4Qjrf8bMT7YxfAFEo8J11ucKBXF36xVLFAdI6F3DjIhD2XEDPV9thoO_a0woo9yB1HFAi50IiUnzqR2F6pOWz3rz90r2UdsS-RkZocb/s400/Samantha+looking+for+a+new+angle.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha and her Gaia duffle: photo by Boyd Ruppelt)</span></div><br /><div align="left">We were up for almost anything at that point and after some searching we found a manky little falls upstream of the cascades (not on whiteoak) where all the volume was channeled through one tough little slot before falling over a 8 ft drop. It wasn't huge and pretty, but it's extremely difficult to have a real good line on it. This puzzle kept us entertained for a while.<br /></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129830285405424530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNWMkKJ7Nwbt-mwyre0HrtdIzy7r1_eLzGYBbySH62WfviTBvzIDu_LywOCI_tXuIoFZet4t-_cLANvCwo8rVhtAORC6IRqctFQ3kG5r3c5Cd_BAf22Q05E0P1NxDAgDye4UT/s400/Boyd+in+his+Punk+Rocker.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd through the slot and off the lip: photo by Samantha Brunner) </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></div></span><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129831015549864914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBh74WQMRKPDGVYIlVmjaxj7ZXMne2o2CErAhbKvKimQYA7qyP60plMKf_5b_Y3pAELBzMENFic3IThk2MOS3egfFWPMSGKppHnEj2OaS4A1FEKWsYBaOBAwSjckf39dcYTuY/s400/Samantha+entering+the+small+falls+in+her+Punk+Rocker.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Samantha showing off with a better line - right above the lip: photo by Boyd Ruppelt)<br /></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129853860480912498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVV39FAhP1B3YSAB31Ipi9IO8Gj8e1niBwjsnnpT22elQfoz4NPYEMc7rtnFLkrEGwW2uQ6I8XgcQSLe-ApJqktNnY34836ikCZ5PxDNXVlTPu-_BvUzmf_I4pI1LDWNLi0Bo/s400/GAF07+050C.jpg" border="0" />Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-32582503399438981852007-02-14T22:00:00.000-08:002007-03-06T22:12:54.300-08:00"Memphis Hotties of 2007" by the Memphis FlyerYou guys will get a kick out of this...<br />when I got back from Costa Rica and got off the plane, one of the first things I found out was that me and Sam had both been nominated as "Memphis Hotties of 2007" and that we had an interview and photoshoot my first week back in school... you should have seen my face. It didn't end there. My birthday was Tuesday and I found out during our interview with the flyer that for my birthday Sam had arranged for us to go skydiving for our first time...and we're going this weekend! You REALLY should have seen my face then!<br />Quoted from the Memphis Flyer:<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="268" alt="" src="http://www.jacksonkayak.com/jkgallery-med07/20070208-05.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><br />Justin Timberlake isn't the only one who can bring sexy back.<br />For the third year in a row, in fact, we're back with 18 of the most interesting, attractive, sexy, and magnetic personalities in all of Memphis. They pour your drinks, help you into downward-facing dog, or may even conduct a little cross-examination. And that's in their day jobs!</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.jacksonkayak.com/jkgallery-med07/20070208-06.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sammie Brunner, 19, Boyd Ruppelt, 23</span></p><p align="center">This couple shares not just a love for each other but a love of the water. Boyd is a professional kayaker with Jackson Kayak, while girlfriend Sammie is his photographer.<br /><strong></strong></p><p align="left">Occupation: Students, kayakers</p><p align="left">Sign: Aries, Aquarius respectively</p><p align="left">Marital status: Engaged</p><p align="left">If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be?<br />Boyd: Costa Rica. The people are incredible, the food's good, the rivers are amazing.</p><p align="left">Any hidden talents?<br />Boyd: I used to do artwork. Not many people know that.<br />Sammie: I play the flute, and I pretty much rock at it.</p><p align="left">Describe each other in three words.<br />Sammie: He's energetic, adventurous, and, I don't know, Aquarius.<br />Boyd: She's definitely adventurous, responsible, and very social.</p><p align="left">Have you ever gone skydiving?<br />Sammie: [Pause] Happy Birthday, Boyd! We're about to. We're going for his birthday. By the time this comes out, we will have gone skydiving.<br />Boyd: I don't know what to say.</p><p align="left">Did we just ruin a surprise?<br />Boyd: It's okay. You just gave me time to prepare.<br />Sammie: I was just going to drive us to Birmingham and say, "Surprise!"</p><p align="left">What would be your deal-breakers?<br />Boyd: Smokers and people afraid of the water.</p><p align="left">What did you eat for breakfast?<br />Sammie: I had three Lifesavers. I was in a hurry this morning.</p><p align="left">If you were president, what's the first thing you would do?<br />Sammie: I would work on the school systems.<br />Boyd: Can I go with that one, too? [Laughs] What would I do, Sam?<br />Sammie: You'd probably just go kayaking somewhere.</p><p align="left">If you were arrested, what do you think you would be arrested for?<br />Sammie: Public indecency.</p><p align="left">This is a girl question: high heels or flats?<br />Sammie: Flats. I would fall and twist my ankle in high heels.<br />Boyd: But heels look better -- that's a guy answer.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">for the full article check out: </span><a href="http://memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A24393" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A24393</span></a><br /></p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-77405544096661321022007-02-02T10:33:00.000-08:002007-02-22T08:02:25.656-08:002007 Rocker Review from Costa Rica!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaufkHrtGmdOdoObcqur01cbKxPaqDtPIlk37PCvVyH2ievXbiR6WlqQk18Odq8s2XEjc8Sn5lzI2Fsil1DdXwAjGdQY6kl9XiWQY78lGBsZU6cW57VhMgBCfgaDrHP_YpdD4e/s1600-h/Costa+Rica+Day+One+064C.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027003969178311714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaufkHrtGmdOdoObcqur01cbKxPaqDtPIlk37PCvVyH2ievXbiR6WlqQk18Odq8s2XEjc8Sn5lzI2Fsil1DdXwAjGdQY6kl9XiWQY78lGBsZU6cW57VhMgBCfgaDrHP_YpdD4e/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+One+064C.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (unwrapping my new Rocker in Costa Rica. photo by Brad Sutton)<br /></span><div align="left"><br />Several Weeks ago I picked up my new 2007 Rocker and drove it back to Memphis just in time to fly with it to Costa Rica! Meeting up with team members Ben Stookesberry, Brad Sutton, and Mario Vargas I got to put the Rocker through some serious testing in a lot of different situations. Here's what I've found:<br /><br /><strong>My Stats:</strong><br />height: 5'8"<br />weight: 150 lbs<br />feet: size 8.5<br />waist: 29"<br />inseam: 30"<br /><br /><strong>Outfitting:<br /></strong>When I hopped into the first 07 production Rocker, I found fitting in instantly easier than years before. This is something I didn't think would be possible. The new elastic cord holds the footbraces in place great! so cutting down the footbraces is no longer a science. It's quick and easy and the foam won't fall out. This made the footbrace outfitting super easy to setup. In the 2006 Rocker I used 10 shims to even feel like I had hip pads... this made keeping the shims together, even when glued, a bit of a problem. So for 2007 the hip pads come with a pocket for holding shims. I was a bit skeptical about them because I didn't think I would be able to fit enough shims into each pocket to fit. I was wrong. The shims fit in great, I only needed 6, and the hip pads felt a lot more stable. The newly redesigned backband feels a bit more comfortable... I was particularly impressed with the use of the O- rings instead of small biners. The O- rings allow a lot more force to be safety applied to the backband... not to mention, WAY more wear & tear resistant.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027004896891247682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZXEgOpH0QYK8V6Uwi59WiiRs3Z2P-KW3aLtyJZ72GeFPadHsxGwu14j8awk1Po2RotoWsQlBknYwcl4xdkPtXuCiPz4rB6-7Q2awe21DRbTqn7bD6t80E9nr2ONYuJSkHRdt/s400/Boyd.PozoAzulFalls.1.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(putting the 2007 Rocker through some serious testing. photo by Brad Sutton)</span></div><div align="left"><br /><strong>River Running Performance:</strong><br />My first day in Costa Rica using the Rocker was in the upper gorge of the Pozo Azul. I immediately noticed that the new Rocker floats WAY higher and will go over just about anything. It boofs like a charm but is easy to control... not an easy combination. The first couple of rapids were pretty technical boulder gardens and the Rocker worked like a charm. The first waterfall we came to posed an interesting challenge. It was high enough that boofing may have hurt a bit, but a shallow rock blocked the lip. Two rock shelves converged onto the line and defined where we had to make it off the lip. So We decided to drive fast over the shallow rock for a boof and drop over the lip into a soft vertical landing. Normally, I would have been concerned about making it over the rock at the lip... I think most boats would have bottomed out on it, but the rocker floated over it so well that I didn't loose any speed going off the lip... I didn't even notice that rock shelf! Trying to compensate for my extra speed, I pitched a bit off the lip... but found the Rocker super easy to correct in mid-freefall. I simply tucked a little faster, bring the bow back up and tucked with a perfect pencil. The entry was smooth and the transition was smoother. I scooped out nicely underwater into forward speed and a GREAT, upright resurface. The resurfacing capabilities of the Rocker are AMAZING! All that just to say: The waterfalls capabilties of the Rocker have definitely improved! This boat is a waterfall machine! Hole punching was a breeze. When the Rio Patria juiced up with an extra 2 feet of water from overnight rains, the holes beefed up to say the least. A few times I found myself wondering if I could make the gap across the hole, but I found that the new Rocker just keeps going...straight through. It went over and under holes with ease, fully loaded down with 3 nights of expediiton gear. and when all else failed or all hell broke loose, it punched through HUGE holes and boils and seams without being thrown off line.<br /><br /><strong>Big Water Performance:<br /></strong>Typically, a full on creeker isn't what you want in a big water environment. Playboats and other lower volume boats are nice for slicing under holes that are too big to boof over or punch through... going deep is many times a good thing. At first thought, the high volume Rocker wouldn't seem to handle stout flows very well. But after heavy rains on the Rio Patria brought the river up an extra 2 feet I got to put the Rocker through it's paces again, fully loaded with expedition gear and camra stuff, in a tight, technical, FULL-on environment where the moves really mattered and the water was really BIG. Amazingly enough, the Rocker handled it great, staying on line through huge holes and tremendous boils while floating right over everything that would normally throw a boat off line. Occasionally I found myself with momentum in the wrong direction where fast correction was needed to avoid a bad boulder choke or huge sieve. With the stakes set high in a must make environment, the Rocker adjusted pretty quickly with it's own momentum and I had no problems changing or correcting my line. When the already high volume of the Rio Patria finally met with the big flowin' Rio Sucio, the tight big water creeking gave way to BIG waves and munchy holes, just high volume, wide open big water. The Rocker handled the waves and holes great, punching through hole after hole with little notice... But the downstream speed of the Rocker didn't prevent it from being maneuverable, it still handled with ease. At times, HUGE boulders were just too close together or large holes were just too stacked and melting a steep, turbulent seam was the only way through the chaotic, chundering water. The Rocker stayed incredibly stable in those seams, maintaining it's forward speed like it didn't even notice. This was a very pleasant suprise. A few times for sure I thought I was about to get worked like you wouldn't believe, but instead I barely took a stroke and didn't get my head wet, and this was with a fully loaded boat!<br /><br /><strong>Expedition Performance:<br /></strong>The backband drops down with ease and no matter how tired I was from the day, getting out my gear was never a problem! I simply popped down the backband and pulled whatever I needed out of the stern. Loading my stern was just as easy! The bow is super accessible now, with the hinged footbraces allowing easy reach for your sandals or other gear. The Rocker is actually very light for a creeker so when it was loaded down with my overnight gear, rescue kit, and camra, it was very managable on hikes and portages... except when I couldn't even carry myself, but that wasn't the Rocker's fault ;-) When fully loaded, the Rocker floated me high and paddled just as well as it did without the gear. It tracked well with great forward momentum, but turned just as well for fast corrections in tricky spots where timing and details mattered. On my trip to Costa Rica, I was on two multi-day trips in a row, 3 days each with only one night inbetween....all class V and better. Those two trips lead me through tight, bouldery rapids similar to Upper Big Creek in NC, a locked in canyon with class V and V+ rapids stacked one after the other with little escape, through the shallow manky section of the upper part of the Rio Patria, and through the BIG water brawl of the post-rain lower Patria and Sucio. What I found was that no matter what environment I was in, the Rocker pulled me through and outperformed any boat I have ever paddled, even while fully loaded. It was nice to focus on the rapids and adventure without having to worry about the boat.<br /><br /><strong>Safety:</strong><br />The Rio Patria gave me the opportunity to fully test the piton system. With rock flakes hidden behind waves and holes, sudden impacts were almost impossible to avoid. The good news is that my body never had to deal with the blow. The footbracing is the best I've tried at absorbing shock, preventing the ankle injuries common to kayakers. The outfitting is solid so you never have to worry about it failing at a bad time. The cockpit is large and the Rocker is stable so exiting with one or no hands free was never a problem. Most importantly, the Rocker is super easy to roll even in crazy boils and big water while fully loaded down with expedition gear.<br /><br />I absolutely love this boat and stand behind it 300% as a high quality full on Creeker. I knew the new Rocker would be good throughout the design process, but it took this trip to show me how good it really is. I think Jackson Kayak has finally come through on a FULL-on HIGH quality creeker for the mid-sized paddler. Jackson Kayak has truly gone above and beyond on this one. This boat is going to rock the season!<br /><br />Boyd :-) </div></div>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-3482556532717015642007-02-01T21:41:00.000-08:002007-02-04T10:57:48.021-08:00i PURA VIDA ! Costa Rica Trip Report<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C5G5Cz8XVRKdNwWcvus8w7FI9KHIKq2gRtXHIkHQTD3q1BVc47b0tOnvrXNeWPNfwWB_eBWmJqGSzzB409BdgrsbSwowZD0YYEEJFDeIUTGKo4h4j1ecIhw1u_u3negT2Leb/s1600-h/Costa+Rica+Day+1+BoydprofileC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025992887165411218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C5G5Cz8XVRKdNwWcvus8w7FI9KHIKq2gRtXHIkHQTD3q1BVc47b0tOnvrXNeWPNfwWB_eBWmJqGSzzB409BdgrsbSwowZD0YYEEJFDeIUTGKo4h4j1ecIhw1u_u3negT2Leb/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+1+BoydprofileC.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Finally in Costa Rica! Photo by Brad Sutton)</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Several weeks ago, I had never been out of the country before. So when I found out about the Costa Rica trip Brad was organizing, it was more to me than an opportunity to kayak somewhere new; it was an opportunity to experience a new part of the world for the first time! But with $500 in my account, no passport, school about to start, and only 2 weeks notice, it was crunch time if I was going to go on this trip. Somehow I was able to get a passport in less than a week, get my teachers’ approval for missing the first 2 weeks of the semester, get my shots, and pick up my new 2007 Rocker just in time to go to the first day of school and then hop on a plane to Charlotte, NC and then on to Costa Rica!<br /><br />I’ll never forget that feeling I had, flying with my gear and new kayak and stepping off the plane in another country for the first time... It was amazing to have pulled it together for myself in just 2 weeks and the sense of accomplishment and adventure was fresh inside of me with the anticipation of the drops, rapids, and new friends to come. I made my way through the airport, immigration, and customs, carrying my Rocker and luggage out of the airport, only to be met by a crowd yelling names, Spanish, and holding signs for tourists and taxis. A young man grabbed my boat and rushed me across the street where I was eventually met by friendly open hands (for tips) and Brad Sutton, Mario Vargas, and Mario’s girlfriend Coreylynn (no idea how to spell her name… sorry)… they grabbed my stuff and before I new what was happening I was in our shuttle van for the trip and we went to a parking lot to wait for Lucas, our photographer for the trip.<br /><br />The Costa Rica trip happened for one reason. Brad wanted to run big waterfalls, and he had his eye on La Fortuna… What really happened on our trip, turned out to be completely different than what any of us had expected. Personally, I had no interest in running something like Fortuna, but with lots of waterfalls on the side and the idea of possibly going big, I joined the trip to put the new Rocker to the test and to film with Ben Stookesberry and to learn whatever I could from my friends. My goal was to improve as a paddler and to push myself a bit more than before while experiencing a new culture in a new country for the first time! </div><div align="left"><br />Because of the ice storms, Lucas never made it to Costa Rica. After picking up Ben Stookesberry and his girlfriend, Lizzie, we took off to Sarapiqui and for a warm-up on the upper gorge of the Pozo Azul. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025982424625078034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94B_S_UMTAugiYcoFwZURxAhFGtWGb8RwlTgcwrDWOmfttj_ypzgaFTxHf6Coe4Ymb-MsKUcLOc_VQDwm2oAYQ9cIbpeeYBMIXB0dAMCESuK8kwfpVlI3pxFpdoJ5zfyr86uz/s320/Costa+Rica+Day+3+013C.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Getting ready for the hike into Pozo Azul. Photo by: Boyd)</span><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025989322342555458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlsq7n8g1T0rutbc0OUEoN2EIBvDuT4Y8lHovLd8_9RGaLfeQ13cYMu4Iq9oQZLYIlpWYwAyT4ScE5BYaeVLPwwObWSQ_mccSyKYf5P-a0qswosOl3iO3lNBQ_y9ptAc8pwgj/s400/Brad+Sutton+getting+ready+to+plug+another.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Brad Sutton dropping off the first falls. Photo by: Boyd)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025995584404873122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="409" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipm2RDLAUK_7esL_akGCOdMJgkI_xLk7pEOcXYA40KhzNlEPrsJBmL6hkYE148YIPshzDnHLvl6_PbjDVU_-IQ2eZU9qC3gysGno0rSi9SsmN6MQbol6rE4aGms7dnBUt3LKq8/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+3+029C.jpg" width="259" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd dropping off the first falls while Ben films. Photo by: Brad Sutton)</span> </p><p align="left">I hit the lip with a bit of extra speed to get over the small shelf above the lip. The Rocker went right over the shelf without losing speed, suprising me a bit. Overcompensating a bit, I pitched a little off the lip but with a fast tuck the bow pulled right back up to 15 degrees with no problem for a perfect landing and great resurface. </p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025990168451112818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRNgg9AG-Ui49LSFX-f9IG5qOfakF0F3J2K7gHRDAYylR0mml-mpsGXOQ_LmwY8dXSmjKDNSi8e3QeiF0bAO7tneJC6X3Qtjf6mIJKB7akSaL_MMkc6Wh3-_XTPI9WhJlsnUE/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+3+030C.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Ben Stookesberry with a smooth line on the first one. Photo by: Brad Sutton)</span><br /><br /><div align="left">The Pozo Azul was a bit on the low side, but the waterfalls were great! They proved to be a sweet warm-up for Costa Rica! I was thoroughly impressed with the new Rocker. It plugged great but was especially smooth on the lip and when resurfacing. It smoothly, but quickly, resurfaces upright and balanced with ease! After some easy, shallow, boulder mank, we eddied out above the lip of the big one, Pozo Azul Falls. It's probably the most run waterfall in Costa Rica, but you can't deny its quality... it's a great drop for practice or a good warm-up.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025989073234452274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5MPNmPzkKoT0uNQ-uEpCw-W2WWVxsXAL3k5eo9dRZsAdf_xSlVhHEfYxyvBIjaTXkmUAgLn2ZAfqvH6ufeTMzqJ8HsJUo1pN_eL8HuQZaqfgBkc0p-89JTn2W8WGn16D9XWM/s400/Boyd+putting+the+Rocker+through+some+serious+testing.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd testing the Rocker on Pozo Azul Falls. Photo by Brad Sutton)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">After our run down Pozo Azul, we took of for La Paz and a quick scout of the waterfall. Personally, I felt that it was a bit low for a run. The pool depth was about 10' lower than where it's usually run, probably pushing the falls into the 90' range. Brad decided it would go and decided to fire it up "tomorrow'... so the next day after more rain, we all showed back up at La Paz in the morning hoping it would have more water. It didn't. Brad was not feeling well that morning so the La Paz/Fortuna idea was deifnitely off, and our focus shifted from park-&-huck waterfalls and easy access to the places kayakers in Costa Rica just don't typically go. Ben was ready to leave the overdone waterfall silliness and go on a mission. We heard about kayaker running a section of the gorge below the La Paz Waterfalls before but couldn't find any info. On our way up to La Paz we found this waterfall:</span><br /></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026249244640156418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYdE0eClJ3xHFsQN8T4Twi1bzB0tfI_jVoZiwJ5zJq3mhdV6UUHKPMjyIw_PKbM7-nOovYc4Z-L_znMPFpyQz57zow6O3SaMfKVrNB7aNF3h8vGbqgr38tvqoOacYHee3olAL/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+3+069C.jpg" border="0" /></span></p>(waterfall downstream a ways from La Paz. Photo by Boyd)<br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">We got to thinking, what if we could put in at the base of this waterfall? What would be downstream? Keep in mind that the only thing around this waterfall was fresh, STEEP jungle and that the hike in is "muy peligroso" (very dangerous) to stay the least. It was also a lot farther away than it looks in that photo. More like this:</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026251774375893794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vwoMZA6CQOaQ0Q9WZ2b-r8-Z3cNXl_X8_ZDBiDzWkU5XT3i7176ZYRtCOtfzxqbGPWLBGlSTKEvsRj17FV97sajClqGIeH1NZp939ywMozM6-2BBNFsC_YLwjaYXkf3nhAVt/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+3+073C.jpg" border="0" />(the falls from the road. photo by Boyd)<br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">After talking to some locals, the hike sounded like a bad idea... but exactly what I think we were all looking for. Before we knew it, Ben had paid a local man, Senario, to show us the way into the gorge as our jungle guide. With only 5 hours of daylight left (4 in the jungle) we quickly geared up for the hike in. Ben, Lizzie (his girlfriend), me, and Senario took off down a hill and through a field and into the rainforest. Within the first 5 or 10 minutes Senario turned around and warned us not to get an upcoming tree into our eyes and not to rub our eyes after touching it. If we did, he said, it would make us blind. Before I could say much of anything, we're climbing through this tree and another and another, pretty much setting the mood for the rest of the hike. The rainforest is an interesting place, but it seems like everything in it will kill you or mangle you somehow... everything seemed poisonous or sharp, but absolutely beautiful. climbing our way down the steepest, mudiest forrest floor I've ever seen, we could finally hear water! Once in the river and with the sweat washed away for a moment, we began our trek upstream to the base of the waterfall.</span><br /></p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026262009282960178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8V2ppS7wd0I1Lsi13zqTSIdZWh26A654eGNULrjVJOtNUkck1tLBTjdUF6M7Wpm-cqZbyuk3W3pxU3VMQANhH4kV2ng7X5ywTa11l1Y8OeDluJDE7yVomLz9mwp_aVFhsGjZ/s320/Costa+Rica+Day+four+038C.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Our fearless guide Senario in rubber boots, blue jeans, and a t-shirt...& he couldn't swim! )</span><br /></div><br /><div align="left">The craziest thing about having Senario as our guide was that once we reached the river, he still kept up. We told him he didn't have to go up with us, but he insisted. He couldn't swim and had no gear. But somehow he made it from one shore to another heading upstream like a persistent, half-drowned rat...with the biggest smile I had ever seen, only stopping to dump out his rubber boots. He really made us feel like pussies in there...us in all our paddling gear, helmets and everything. And we were glad to have it on!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026264264140790610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1asuD9nCSqTx_VE-YZWkDZUsfu9FevstJj_WO6B94QhxH-ovftVRFztOy2V6aozmURSreBOlK7ekDKn2qiiiU7bWkFmmar0g6mXbo1ofLeiYajAQaG2PypL76Uy9djbEYU_9a/s400/Costa+Rica+Day+four+060C.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(me looking up at the falls, finally made it. photo by: Lizzie)</span><br /></p><p align="left">After finally making it to the base of the falls, we realized that we had a potentially great run, but that we really needed more water before we could consider it. The yield for good drops at that level was simply too low for the amount of time and danger to get in there. Running out of daylight and with the risk of being in the jungle in the dark growing, it was time to make our journey back out of the gorge. Senario was impressed and we made record time for our round trip! That night after guaro shots and a good meal, we were still ready to go on a mission. Ben had picked out a small section of the Sarapiqui that had never ben done before into a section that we had heard of being done once before... the information was sketch at best, but with a steep 4+ miles of river to run, we put on expecting to spend only a day on the river... with the unlikely possibility of one night out. Myself, Ben, and Lizzie packed our expedition gear with a little bit of food in preperation for the worst while brad stayed behind with Mario and Cory to nurse his sick stomach. I only packed 3 cliff bars thinking we probably wouldn't take long on 4 miles; we all felt more than confident. We had no idea how wrong we were! We were most definitely in for a mission.</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026272265664863154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulVSX5wMUgoYvH3xPvx_rpG4e9__bkZOHrlu4c4QqzFVdvoRMJcKm1QWGBPJNTCY-sVtdq56p5lI7L1gCJxyy7hN25EYascXSggoo-8ojzU-wAdpI_uiB3Ry2UEnxDPIlP802/s400/Rio+Sara+(10)C.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(me entering the first boulder rapid below the bridge while Ben films. Photo by: Brad Sutton)</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026267124589009762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BiYWs-l3p6QKsN6C7KDfXxJnnoMpnkJcPW39C3f2jRSBNQYBgy0IxqNpS8r5hlydF3ZJuGdpVhCubWFWAUE0qSvqQV_urx_VkuxmDmT9eVasw9W8SLgMDRGP7cUpQ0USxXgw/s400/Sarapiqui+expedition+025C.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Lizzie sportin' Brad's Rocker in the upper bouldery section. photo by: Boyd)</span> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026269723044223874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexW3KKWG4EEGTvcs4uvVO-FPpLPZ5NEq5B1icEvc-p6McdunDrsQ1u_SAODBJgxbWFSrhNC2h9sZgmP5w2a-SqEv6LaTiWD29zdsMLeuOuTFeJvxzRel7nOcNEdF2d3dxuz0E/s400/Sarapiqui+expedition+040C.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Ben Stookesberry on the upper section of the Sarapiqui. Photo by: Boyd)</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">The rapids started off as class IV and V boulder gardens, nothing too stressful or difficult. It continued this way until we reached a small powerhouse on the left where we were faced with a difficult boulder choke into a 20' waterfall with a long sliding enterance that all seemed to flush right through a caved out wall. All deciding to error on the side of caution we portaged with our first rapel into the pool below where we entered a new gorge: </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026270878390426514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPHMSsNmPhtTXzhmvqgCuO33EjPTT-_4XlpIg-5GDcfg4zeAa-yADJmtqUYu9uHfPfpq6OaGHWy9td2DiW7owySYrhRuf8lmm8c7JL_ZpKaOsxiFBKz__jnA3SThz9tqVuYY_/s400/CostaRicaFromBen+353C.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd in the first deep gorge. Photo by: Ben Stookesberry)</span></p><p align="left">Once locked into the gorge, the rapids changed in nature completely. After eventually running out of daylight, we found our camp for the night:</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026399478301203394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSwatAVpajvSgrCvTF0zLp7CSk9Fq1ciBE2MrIWRtCXYNFCnfvyIGdT9v66AbAIeBdGlqWQ3Lj0ONlubgV5_a634rUeAp7jOgmPqGd0f3IwPZPSlXD5_LBhi3BsENIVTu4zkK/s400/Sarapiqui+expedition+154C.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Our first campsite on the Upper Sara. photo by: Boyd)</span><br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Right beneath this waterfall!... well, across the river from it. It was the most beautiful place I've ever camped and one of the most beautiful I've ever seen! The next morning we were thinking... "yeah... we'll get off today." We had no idea how wrong we were. The moment we left camp and around the the next bend we began dropping into a canyon... a deep, overhung, soaking wet canyon with back to back class V and V+ boulder gardens with no escape. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026399796128783314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh272RtLTRaU9uLTvQiyt7LuxU3ERxTDrfuT1GLKUxWZynbfPmqkCUrmVXAHRVOxnpOSns9slDBab_LhcRgAH0g9ghWL-WD9yauclbbWa5dLQ73yTpeAe4VW_mobZAyOkuqUIy3/s400/CostaRicaFromBen+451C.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(a view down the canyon... before it really closed in. photo by: Ben Stookesberry)</span></span></div><br /><div align="left">The canyon was definitely full-on to say the least. And with minimal information on what was in the canyon, we had to tip-toe our way through the gorge to stay safe. Typically, only one of us would scout while another would probe the rapid based on river signals, moving on to scout the next drop while we moved through. Eventually, we saw heavy mist exploding up the canyon. Knowing it was a very large waterfall, we continued into the mist towards the rapids in the base with no other option (and a bit of curiosity of course). We came to the brink of a manky class V or V+ rapid right in the base of a 250 ft waterfall. The Canyon walls were so closed in that the wind and spray from the high volume falls could only fly upstream and downstream and straight back up! It was litterally like a hurricane at the base of the falls with winds strong enough to flip you if you let you guard down, making the rapid in the base even more difficult to run. I ran first on Ben's directions... Lizzie came down next and we all just nervously commited around the next blind corner, hoping our creek didn't drop over its own waterfall while knowing from what little information we had that another rapel lurked downstream. After one of the longest, highest stress days of paddling I've ever had, we finally made it out of the canyon.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026401600015047682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8pIq45E1geiY2hYCH6ptO-w7y0fsT89UNvguiW2E2CuYpvmjZaEciD_Hpd4eWArSNeIYC9wwKw1aYhowCEzIeeGOu5_H0so6g33izV3qVOZWm22vay7jK-XtbzN1U4W48Tuu/s400/CostaRicaFromBen+396C.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(A brief moment of relief, we were finally out of the canyon. Photo by: Ben Stookesberry)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><div align="left">Finally out of the canyon, the nervous tension broke into laughter; but our mission wasn't over. We knew we hadn't covered much distance and the sun was going down. Once above a manky class V+ or VI- rapid with few portage options, we were forced to call it a day and spend another night in the canyon. With very little food, my left-over cliffbar was not very filling and with no good sleeping options, my pile of lava rocks felt like the most comfortable bed on the trip. We were exhausted, but hopeful that we would make it out the next day. The next day we started bright and early with our second rapel of the trip, our only option for portaging... and downstream we were met by some of the highest quality rapids of the trip:</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026400062416755682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C-isBA_m0GBwFAiAbtZL1VXB8jk_p5BoaYBqw0HuaAW7nshiNey5LmF9OKkibGpTCiEtojU0VI3eFfARzbhuBAtnc104dJvhgS7XuP0fw15qMwv64Qi7gKxnHlHv19MUHVuy/s400/CostaRicaFromBen+430C.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Boyd at the lip of another drop into a wall. Photo by: Ben Stookesberry)</span></p><p align="left">The rapids gradually leveled out and the stress level gradually dropped allowing us to make some serious time again. The banks got closer and closer to river level. Before long we began seeing signs of civilization again and we knew our mission was almost complete. With smiles and grins, we made our way to the take-out bridge to meet up with the rest of our worried crew... probably as happy to see us as were to see civilization again... 3 long days later!</p><p align="left">You would think after being locked in a canyon for 3 days, that we would be in the mood for a break. Brad was feeling better though, and fresh rains meant the Rio Patria would most likely be prime. We immediately began to prepare for another overnighter... the Patria. The next morning we got a later start than we hoped, and the whole day just seemed to stay slow. Once geared up and at what we thought was the beginning of the hike into the Patria, Ben and Brad realized we were at the wrong spot... it was a mad search for the trail and their memories as we were running out of daylight. Not long after, Ben found the right trail. With the thought of just trying again the following morning, we decided to press on into the gorge.</p><p align="left">The hike into the Patria is the steepest, mudiest trail I have ever seen. Roots and vines were a constant problem while the trail seemed to constantly give way into a mudslide through the forrest below for hundreds of feet. Many times the trail was only wide enough for one foot while the mud on it was deep enough to reach my knees, nearly pulling my shoes off a few times. A 3 hour hike through the rainforest doesn't do the hike justice at all; it is much harder and more complicated than that. It was too wet to drag a boat and carrying the heavy boats meant constantly dealing with vines and trees while trying to just stop sliding down the mountain. This was quite likely the most difficult hike I've ever done with my kayak, and it was loaded down with full overnight and rescue gear. Eventually we made it to the Rio Patria, where we scraped and beat our way down about a mile to our first campsite of the trip...shortly above "the gorge." The next morning we made our way to the gorge on the Patria, sporting 3 drops in a mini-canyon with the last one nearly 70 ft tall. Ben portaged with the camra and I set video above the drops... thinking of running it, but opting for the portage. I'm still kicking myself for not going for it, but that is just a part of the experience of it all... maybe next time. Brad was the only one who ran it, having waiting for his second chance for about 9 years! He styled the canyon and the falls, but breaking his paddle on impact, he had a bit of trouble hand rolling up... It was really cool to see Brad step up his game and run the biggest waterfall of his life. He had a sweet line!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027000825262251026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S9qbJMYG00CqD2dEg9xlSCy5edkCaGp9QVObLDoWizlwQwIaz-KvJ7UUEMifEixSghbKtRxgKvRhu07lwN3iJQbF42b3xQXWW6U_NxOLZDjFzPS3q-RFIr9GRHHHTLwQFuu-/s400/Brad.Patria.Gorgefalls.2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Brad Sutton going huge. He waited 9 years for this one! photo by Ben Stookesberry)</span></p><p>Below the gorge Brad and Ben remembered easier rapids (V- with some V), but the river bed had completely changed. Only one rapid was recognizible to them and more portages and sick boulder gardens were waiting downstream. Trying to make it to the Rio sucio before dark, we started making some incredible time down tight, technical class V rapids through blind slots and stout holes. Late that evening, it became apparent that we weren't going to make it so we found a camp for the night, hoping the rain would finally let up (it rained the whole time). It didn't. After pouring on us the whole night, the rain brought the river up 2 ft that night. This seriously juiced things up for the next morning, nearly reaching our camp. We geared up for an exciting run to the Sucio... we had no idea. The first rapid of the morning was a slotty drop into a large fold and into some really big holes; and it didn't stop there. We were in for a serious ride, fully testing the big water capabilities of the Rocker in an extremely technical and dangerous environment, fully loaded down with expedition gear. Once we made it to the Sucio, the water turned yellow with sulfur and the water got even bigger... a fun stomping ride to the bridge in Puerto Viejo... the completion of our second 3-day expedition in a row!</p><p>Finally off the Patria, it was time for me to pack. The next morning I had to get back to San Jose from Sarapiqui to catch my plane back to Memphis... and that was a journey to say the least! I can't wait to see the video.... you can check it out in the upcoming Hotel Charley: River of Doubt movie by Clear H2O Films. I learned a lot on this trip from a group of amazing new friends in a place I can't wait to visit again! The journey was amazing and the change of plans lead to exactly what we were all looking for... though once at an unexpected time. Mario and Cory were awesome for driving us around a showing us a great time....HUGE thanks Mario! Thanks to Jackson Kayaks, Ben, and Brad for bringing me on this trip! Also... a super special thanks to the artist <a href="http://www.mgthevisionary.net/">MG The Visionary</a> for hookin' me up with some music for the trip! It's great stuff so check it out!</p><p>Pura Vida! (Pure Life!)</p><p>Boyd :-)</p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317164.post-1157509134910267432006-09-05T16:45:00.000-07:002006-09-09T15:23:04.253-07:00Labor Day Trip Report<p><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/1600/EastPics.9.2.06%20051C2.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/400/EastPics.9.2.06%20051C2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Me and Sam took off to NC Friday night with visions of rain in our head, hoping and praying the creeks would stay flooded for at least one more day. We left Knoxville, TN early Saturday morning to meet up with Drew Armstrong at Big Creek in NC. We had heard that everything was already dropping out fast and that this was our last option for some Saturday creekin'. We showed up at 8:30 Am Local and found that it was running strong at 2.8 ft! With huge grins and Drew on the way, it was time to get geared up... We started off with a quick run down the lower since it's best with more water and drops out faster than the upper section. Samantha did awesome on the lower! I wish I could have gotten pictures of her run. After the lower section we met up with lots of different friends that we just randomly ran into... and hitched a ride back up to the parking lot for a run down the upper section.</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/400/EastPics.9.2.06%20091C.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Once back up at the top, we met up with more friends and the parking lot was getting more and more crowded with amped up boaters ready to get in... the water felt GREAT!!! </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/400/EastPics.9.2.06%20110C.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p>From there I hiked up to run the Upper and ended up paddling with too many people to name on here... it also doesn't help that I'm terrible with names ;-) Samantha was an awesome girlfriend and hiked all the way up to 'Midnight Hole' and took pictures of us there and of me in 'Action Alley.' Check out the pics from Saturday!</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/400/EastPics.9.2.06%20019C.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo of Drew Armstrong running 'Midnight Hole' by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p align="left">Here's a sequence from my run on 'Action Alley.' For those that don't know, 'Action Alley' is basically one long rapid that contains the ledge called 'Baby Gorilla' and the 100 yards of rapids right above it. Sam took what she could from the one boulder she was perched on with her 300 mm zoom lense. This first one is of me running the technical rock jumble below the enterance ledge.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.memphiswhitewater.com/pics2/albums/userpics/10033/normal_EastPics.9.2.06%20038C.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p align="left">From there, I boofed on the far left side to avoid a nasty pocket on the right. This shot is of me just after clearing that boof.</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/400/EastPics.9.2.06%20040C.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p align="left">From there, theres a fast jet of swirly water that rounds a corner and drops off a ledge into a sticky hole. This is me rounding the corner and preparing to boof.</p><p align="left"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="292" alt="" src="http://www.memphiswhitewater.com/pics2/albums/userpics/10033/normal_EastPics.9.2.06%20043C.jpg" width="424" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p>Immediately around the corner is a boof in front of a log leaning across the river. There's a fairly sticky little hole below the ledge so a boof is a good idea. I caught an eddy on the left just below it before heading into the enterance ledges of 'Baby Gorilla'. It's the biggest eddy in 'Action Alley.' This is me in that eddy...</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/400/EastPics.9.2.06%20051C2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p>From there it was off to 'Baby Gorilla' but unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of that. It's a super smooth drop involving a 10'? boof between a rock shelf that almost like like a giant allegator and an overhung wall. There's not much room in the landing and the water is kicking out at mach speeds! :-) It's a blast to drop in and get shot out through the flume on the right like being shot out of a cannon. Immediately after, the river drops over the double exit ledge of 'Action Alley' and the action calms down a bit... Still fun, but not quite as fun and involved as the Alley! After a fun day on big creek we met up with our friends Dan Peschio & Jen, Shannon & Michelle Nicholson, John, Matt, Jared (from Astral), Mike & Dana, and Amy ... I think that's everyone... So anyways we grabbed some food at Burgermeister (they actually have vegetarian food!) in west Asheville and as it turns out... a bunch of crashed at Dan's house that night... hoping for rain or that the water would at least hold for Sunday! On a whim, we decided to go look at Big Creek again because everything else had dropped out and the Green wasn't running... and oddly enough it held at 2 feet!!! This led to BIG fat grins and a lot of gear flinging as we prepared for the trail up the upper section having the creek nearly all to ourselves! We put in just above 'Midnight Hole' and Sam hiked up again to get some more pictures (I'm thinking next time she'll be wanting to run it -I hope so!!)...</p><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/1600/http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/717/2520/1600/EastPics.9.2.06%20051C2.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.memphiswhitewater.com/pics2/albums/userpics/10033/normal_EastPics.9.2.06%20124C.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo of me running 'Midnight Hole' by Samantha Brunner)<br /></span><br /></p><p></p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 391px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="262" alt="" src="http://www.memphiswhitewater.com/pics2/albums/userpics/10033/normal_EastPics.9.2.06%20135C.jpg" width="400" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo of Matt running 'Midnight Hole' by Samantha Brunner)<br /></span><br /></p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="280" alt="" src="http://www.memphiswhitewater.com/pics2/albums/userpics/10033/normal_EastPics.9.2.06%20128C.jpg" width="437" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo of John in 'Midnight Hole' By Sam Brunner)<br /></span><br /></p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="291" alt="" src="http://www.memphiswhitewater.com/pics2/albums/userpics/10033/normal_EastPics.9.2.06%20133C.jpg" width="433" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Drew on 'Midnight Hole' by Samantha Brunner)</span></p><p align="left">We paddled down to the parking lot too tired to walk back up and do it again... From there we parted ways and me, Drew, and Sam left for the Ocoee to meet up with the rest of the Memphis crowd. We were thinking the rain was over for the weekend, unfortunately we didn't find out about all the extra rain until we were well on our way home after another run down the Ocoee Munday... Awesome trip though! I can't wait for the next rain. until then...</p><p align="left">Have fun out there!!!</p><p align="left">Boyd :-)</p>Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226767927525753717noreply@blogger.com