Upper Gauley River .... Then and Now

Award Winning Newsletter of The Bluegrass Wildwater Association since 1976. Sept/Oct 2015
In this issue: Upper Gauley River.... Then and Now
The Gauley, the Festival, and the BWA....
How they came together at an important time for paddling
Gauley 2015 Scenes
Off the Cuff: Comments From the Forum Worth Remembering
Eddylines of Interest
20th Anniversary of the Russell Fork Rendezvous October 23rd and 24th BE There!
f.
Upper Gauley River ....
Then and Now
John "Chief" Kulka
Chief
The Gauley
at Iron Ring
Teresa Gryder photo
is one of West Virginia’s many classic rivers. With two combined sections, there
are approximately 100 rapids rated class III or more (old school) to be run on about 25 miles of river. The Upper
was once considered the benchmark expert proving run but it has been supplanted by more challenging runs
throughout the Eastern US. Over time as boating equipment , instruction, and skills continue to evolve and improve, the Upper (and Lower) Gauley may have lost some of their reputation. Still any boater attempting these
runs needs a solid combat roll, excellent water reading skills, and a solid support team.
Continued on pg. 3
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2
My first run was way back in 1981 with a large contingent of BWA boaters. During the 80s and 90s I
would run the Upper Gauley several times a year and
even a full season of raft guiding it during The Fall of
1990. I felt very comfortable on the river surfing holes
and waves in almost every rapid on the Upper but as
the new millennia came upon us I found most of my
Gauley trips had become Lower Gauley trips. Don’t get
me wrong, The Lower is no slouch and it too has numerous play spots throughout its course and a couple
rapids that nearly rival the most challenging on The
Upper. Here are some recollections of my first run and
the four I have done this season.
1981
I started my kayak career at the 1980 BWA Clinic on
The Cumberland, Below the Falls. It was a drought
year but I managed to get a few beginner runs in with
BWA trips to The Upper sections of The New and The
Nantahala. At this point I knew I wanted to get better.
As the spring came on I tried to paddle at least once
every week mostly on The Elkhorn. I latched on with
Sam Moore and others and went wherever they went
often only being their shuttle driver but managed to do
runs on The Lower Tellico, Clear Creek, Nantahala,
Section 3 of The Chattooga, and even The Ocoee
without a roll.
rapid near the parking lot I flipped on a not much of a
wave but rolled up, I knew then I had to be game on.
At our first major rapid, Insignificant, I took the far
right to center line without much difficulty. I noticed that
a couple boaters got worked in one of the holes; maybe
we had a swimmer there.
Next big rapid Pillow Rock (Lobster). We scouted and
I followed Dandy Don’s line right to left into a large hole
that flipped me but I quickly rolled up and came out
okay at the bottom. Seems like we had a swimmer or
two here as well but I’m not sure.
On to Lost Paddle, which in my opinion is the most
challenging rapid on the river. We eddy hopped regrouping through each of the individual drops until we
finished up at the bottom of Tumblehome. Several of us
got sky high enders at the bottom, yee haw!
Iron Ring was simple like 99% of the boaters at that
time we walked it based on its reputation as a heinous
Class VI certain death trap.
Sweet’s Falls came next, basically a Leap of Faith,
Blind following the Blind Flippest (me included) no
swimmers to my knowledge.
We continued on past Mason Branch / Panther Creek
Big Frank Loudermilk convinced me to take a class
stopping for enders at Rooster Rock and on through
at Madawaska Kanu Centre in Canada that August
Woods Ferry aka Insignificant #2. I deliberately went
and helped me develop and bombproof my roll just
through the top left hole and you guessed it flipped and
before we went to Canada. At MKC we were placed
rolled. We pulled over on river left, stashed our boats,
in an intermediate class with Dirk Van Wijk (Katrina’s and began our walk through the tunnel and across the
dad) who drilled us on basics and play boating 1981
bridge to our campsite at Peters Creek.
style, with a graduation run on The Ottawa (Big water). It was an exciting and challenging day; the next we
My confidence and skill levels made a dramatic shift; would continue down the lower to Swiss.
I would run The New a few more times, The Middle
Meadow and Lower Gauley at super high water (5500 I would repeat the experience a few more times that
cfs). Mentally I felt ready to take the next step up.
year, cleaning it up each time a little more. Suddenly
The Gauley was my favorite river!
Sam invited me along on the club Upper Gauley trip
during the first week of release. With my trusty Mirage, 2015
I rode in the Cookie Truck to WV in full party mode lis- First release weekend 9/12/15
tening to the B-52s and Talking Heads along the way.
Our group was large (Apologies to anyone who I may Arrived late in evening on a rainy night; it had been four
years since my last Upper Gauley run. Because I knew
have forgotten or credited for being there who was
not) C-1ers included Sam Moore, Don Spangler, Terry the river I knew what I was in store for, still I felt more
nervous than on my first run. When you know rapids
Weeks, John Lovett and Wayne Catron; K-1ers Ed
Puterbaugh, Mark Wilson, Bill Stubblefield, Jerry Hey, are capable of flipping your boat, you realize that a
swim is possible. I hooked up with Brent Austin and
Dave Thomas-not Whitey yet, Rich Lewis, and me.
many others from BWA/KY boating community. All major Gauley rapids are preceded by large bends in the
So here is how it went down for me, at the second
3
river and long flat pools. At the top of all the big five,
waves. Start far left and aim for that fluffy wave at the
the butterflies would build up in my gut, fortunately
place where white and green water merge. Bottom
they would go away the instant I entered the rapid and right eddy line makes for tricky rolls.
took my first stroke all day long.
Sweets Falls Good approach and staying off the
Insignificant, followed Brent’ s line just right of center, eddy line usually make this an upright run. Great to
avoiding two large holes then working back to the cen- have Fred Wilson in front of me showing the entry.
ter of the river; different but similar to my old line that Thanks big guy!
starts far right. Upright throughout, all is good.
Sweet’s Falls Entry John Lawson photo
Pillow Rock, Line up in center left of river, go between
the “goalpost rocks”, ride the highway down going left
of the hole, then deal with what happens as you go
byPillow and then Volkswagon Rock. Not a pretty finish, but upright the whole way.
Awesome day, no flips or swims for me. Paddling a
Nomad makes it almost seem like cheating. Take out
at Mason Branch, no hiking with a boat up the Panther
Creek trail. Party at Tawny Farm, Elation!
Third release weekend: Boated Friday, Saturda , and
Lost Paddle, Start in center work right through first
Sunday (9/25-27) mostly with a small core group of
big waves, hit second drop at the peak of the 5-o wave four(Teresa, Amy, and Ed) often intermingling with
square on, continue through waves avoid Six-Pack
others. We hung at Pillow and Sweets watching and
rock, work back to the right; go left for a few more
cheering others on and I regained my Upper Gauley
drops, work right avoiding or punching holes eddy at
mojo for the most part. I would flip and roll one day at
the bottom of Tumble Home. Catch eddies and your
the bottom of Insignificant and once at Sweets not bad
breath as needed. Clean and upright throughout this
for a senior citizen. Next time I hope to paddle somenearly half mile rapid.
thing a bit more sporting like a RPM and surf like the
old days. Hope to see you all there.
Iron Ring We run this now, and have for years. My
rule is stay in the Green Water until it ends, crank your
boat 90 degrees and punch through the green bottom
4
The Gauley, the Festival, and the BWA....
How they came together at an important time for paddling.
Don Spangler
Don Spangler
BWA paddlers on the Gauley River in 1984
Whitewater paddling was still in it's early years, when two mountain climbers, Sayre & Jane Rodman, decided to raft the Gauley in 1959. The Rodmans had taken up rafting with same small miitary rafts doing runs
in Pennsylvania,West Virginia and the Potomic drainage. On the Gauley they put in above where the dam was
being built. Encountering high water they ended the trip at the dam site but did the run down to Swiss two years
later in 1961, when they succeeded along with several other rafters. None of the rapids had names, but the one
that would be named iron ring developed it's reputation on that trip. One participant got too close to the undercut
and was sucked into it along with the raft. She was spit out and the raft eventually was shot out along with the
oars. The raft did not have a frame, the oars used a flexible oarlocks that was glued to the raft. Needless to say,
that is why most people chose to carry around that rapid for many years.
In 1960 the Corps of Engineers started on the Dam at Summersville, a project that would take till 1966 to finish.
Between 1999 and 2001 generators were added to generate electricity. While the results of the dam would flood
a section of the Gauley that the Rodman's would describe as having "glorious whitewater", it did set the stage for
what is now the annual fall "Gauley Festival".
In the sixties the Cheat river in northern West Virginia was often thought of as the "premier" whitewater run in
the east, but as paddlers began to explore the Gauley, it's reputation for it's rapids began to outshine the Cheat.
In 1968 a group of paddlers including John Sweet made the first successful 'hard boat" run in canoes at 1200
cfs. John Sweet was the only one to run the rapid " Devil's Backbone" which was eventually to be named after
him. After getting off the Gauley that Day they found out that another dam was to be built on the Gauley.This
5
prompted one of the participants on the trip with Sweet, Jeb Stuart, to organize a trip the next year to document
and name the rapids as part of stopping the new dam.
Also in 1968 Jon Dragan with his brothers founded the first commercial rafting company on the New, "Wildwater
Expeditions Unlimited ". In time, because of his association with Jeb it grew to offer trips also on the Gauley
thus leading to the boom in rafting on the New and the Gauley rivers as we know it today. By the early seventies, Jim Stuart, had decided the best and perhaps the only way to preserve what was left of the Gauley and it's
rapids was to encourage both private and commercial rafting on the river. He got Jon Dragen to supply rafts and
he got a group of eight to pay to run the Gauley in them. This convinced Dragon to add the Gauley to his commercial trips.
But could have turned out different, there had been a proposal to build two other dams, one at Carnifax and
one at Swiss. Yet another option was proposed, why build two dams, why not one giant one at Swiss that have
it's waters back up all the way to the Summersville Dam? (In later years,when it was discovered that the old
topo maps the COE was using were wrong and that would not work, yet another proposal was to build a long
tunnel down to Pillow rack.)
By 1973 whitewater enthusiasts had taken note of the effort and got involved and came to see what the excitement was all about. One of these was Charlie Walbridge who wrote about a 1972 fall run in the 1973 issue of
the American Whitewater Journal. Charlie, who would eventually become well know and a legend in the paddling community describe what an early trip down the gorge by a large group of paddlers was like. It is fascinating reading: shttp://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/show-page/issue/2/year/1973/page/60/
In 1973 the BWA did not exist, but what did exist was SAGE outfitters in Lexington. If you were a paddler you
knew about SAGE, it had the necessities of what you needed for paddling.... at least what existed at the time.
The key thing it provided was instruction in paddling, which most wannabe boaters really needed at the time. It
was these instructors that were among the first from Kentucky to know about and start paddling West Virginia
rivers including the Gauley. Those of us that got some formal training at SAGE took a while to get the skills and
experience to even consider the Gauley. But, if you have a passion for paddling, you may take 2-3 years or so,
but you pursue that passion till you get there.
Don Spangler
BWA Paddler Karen Moore having a good run on the upper Gauley at Pillow Rock in the early eighties.
6
By the time the BWA came into being in 1976, there were Kentucky paddlers around that were good enough to
run the "big" West Virginia rivers, and with each year more of us looked forward to paddling the New & Gauley.
By the late seventies and early eighties trips to West Virginia were becoming a regular thing.
With the long tunnel still being considered Citizens for the Gauley River was incorporated in 1982 and would
lead the fight to stop a new dam or tunnel. West Virginia Wild Water Association, the Canoe Cruisers, the BWA
as well as many other clubs and paddlers came together to preserve the Gauley for paddling. Writing letters to
our congressman or senators opposing the tunnel project as well as promoting the benefits to the local economy
or the river used for recreation.
I have sketchy memories of the first Gauley Festival put on by Citizens for the Gauley River, perhaps from the
exhilaration of having run the Gauley or perhaps because I had shared some Wild Turkey with other BWA paddlers when we got off the river. I do remember a big field, a few tents and booths lined up, but nothing to resemble was it blossomed into later years. Attendence was somewhat sparse and was mainly of paddlers who had
run the river that day. It was October and it got dark early and I most likely found a campfire to sip some more
In the early days a dirt road that went near Peters Creek was the take-out for the upper run or the put-in for a lower
run on the Gauley. It ws a long carry either way. Mike Weeks came up with the idea that if we built an indian travois
or drag sled that would be an easier way to get our boats to the river. It turned out to be marginally better, if you
did not have to include the effort to build the travois. Paddlers, left to right: Mike Weeks, Don Spangler, Beuren
Garten, and John Davis.
7
From Bowlines 1983 a
copy of the BWA's club
letter to the Corps of
Engineers concerning the
proposal for the Gauley
River that would eliminate
much of the river for river
recreation that is loved by
river runners nowadays.
Don Spangler
Sam Moore doing an ender on
the Gauley in 1986. Sam was a
President of the BWA & motivated the BWA to do paddling trips
all over North America as well as
internationally.
8
"Turkey" and tell stories with friends.That also probably
clouds my memory of it. But it was with the money from
that festival and the following ones that the CFGR was
able to pay David Brown (an experienced river saver)
to organize and lead the effort.
The effort would succeed finally, on Oct. 17, 1986,
Congress made whitewater recreation an official
purpose of the Summersville Dam. It also required 20
scheduled releases during the fall drawdown.
1986 also marked the year that Citizens for Gauley
River, turned over the festival to the American
Whitewater Association. The AWA reported it netted
5400.00 from an estimated attendence of about 1500
paddlers.
In 1984, things were more organized and the festival
was at Mt. River Tours. More to eat and drink and I remember a band and a much larger attendence than the
year before. Not to be forgotten, it was the year that
the BWA's Women in Rubber were the big hit of the
festival. The audience (mostly guys of course) would
have thought it great if they could have gone on all
night. The Women in Rubber got invites to other river
events and imitators soon sprang up after that.
From Bowlines Sept/Oct/Nov 1984 about the festival.
Gauley River Festival 1984
Once again the Gauley River Festival, sponsored by
the Citizens for Gauley River, was a success. Each fall
boaters from all over the eastern U.S. flock to the Gauley
River for the running of the Gauley River. This year has
been no exception. The festival was Sept. 22 & 23.The
river was bank to bank with kayakers, C-boaters and rafter - all enjoying themselves on a beautiful fall day. Wetsuits were not a necessity. Earlier dates for the releases
helped with warmer weather. This helped replace the
memories of cold rainy days on the Gauley. The festival
was held Saturday night at Mountain river tours’ campground.Hamburgers and hotdogs were available along
with all the beer you could drink. BWA’s own John Davis
and Barry Grimes assisted with films, slides and videos
shown during the evening. A member of the Army Corps
of Engineers spoke to the group to tell of the Corps plan
for whitewater recreation on the Gauley. A brave man to
face1000 boaters.
Entertainment was provided by a Bluegrass band and
our own Women in Rubber. They put on their best performance yet! All in all, the festival was a great time.A time
to see old friends and enjoy the excellent whitewater of
the Gauley river.See you there next year! The Gauley
river will continue to have releases throughout the month
9
From the 1986 Nov,-Dec issue of AWA Journal.
ITS THE LAW:
Whitewater Recreation Releases
Required for Gauley Whitewater
On October 17, 1986 Congress made whitewater
recreation an official project purpose of the Summersvillle Dam, and prescribed a minimum of 20 days
of releases during the fall flood-control drawdown.
More importantly, language in the bill gives whitewater releases precedence over any future hydropower
generation during the fall whitewater season.
getting cooperation from the Corps for releases, and
because the city of Summerville and NOAH Corporation are planning to install a hydro project in the dam.
One sentence of the legislation reads, "Except in
cases if emergency, no suspension or modification of
such releases may be made solely for reasons associated with the generation of hydroelectric power at
Summersville Dam.
In recent years the Gauley River has become a mecca
for whitewater enthusiasts from around the nation.
The Corps of Engineers, recognizing the economic
value of the fall releases, began actively cooperating
with whitewater interest groups in 1985 by announcing release dates in January and "pulsing" flows from
The language was included in the Water Resources
the dam in dry years to enhance the reliability of the
Development Act of 1986 by Congressman Nick Rahall, who hails from Beckley, West Virginia, Congress- season. After the fall 1986 season, the Corps reported
man Rahall first included the whitewater authorization that whitewater recreation accounted for $16 million in
direct and indirect economic benefits during the 20 day
language in a version of the 1984 omnibus water
project bill, which relates to hundreds if Corps around season alone.
the nation.
The legislation resulted from a cooperative effort beThe language is important to the future of whitewater tween West Virginia outfitters and Citizens for Gauley
recreation on the Gauley because of past problems in River that initiated the legislation in 1984.
Estimates are that Gauley Season brings some 60,000 people to the area and
produces over $30 million in revenue for the state during its six week period!
10
Gauley 2015 Scenes
By Kyle Koeberlein
11
Gauley 2015 Scenes
By Kyle Koeberlein
12
Off the Cuff
Comments from the Forum
Worth Remembering
One thing to keep in mind with ACE, they can be a rambunctious bunch. Good guides, highly professional, well
trained and highly skilled; but if you are not interested in
swimming (getting dumped), you need to clearly commuHey guys. This is the deal. Sue and I want to raft the entire nicate that to your raft guide. There are a lot of folks who
Gauly because we just want to and we definitely can't hard come to the Gauley specifically for the rough ride, and
boat it. So, we want to go with the following group. It's
swims earn tips. Of course, if you're into it, any self-reexpensive and you need to make reservations by the end specting ACE guide will be happy to give you the big swim
of this week. I need real honest commitments and we can at Pillow.
have a BWA group together. Let me know ASAP. We need
four more bodies to ride.
ACE is definitely the outfitter you want to go with for a
Raft the entire Gauly on Saturday
August 10, 2015
marathon (full Gauley one day trip) if for no other reason
that trip is during Gauly Fest September 19 Saturday. than the fact that they have a private takeout on the Lower
Howard
August 11, 2015
Howard,
Ace is a good company, albeit, these days a giant. They
swallowed up some competitors over the years. You will
have a good time. Not sure we will see you though as they
have their own agenda and hangout spots on the river. I
think seeing the whole river would be a good day for you
guys. You are both fit and while you will be hungry and
tired at the end of the day, it will be a great experience.
You should plan to camp Saturday at the festival grounds.
Always big BWA and Viking camps set up for the weekend.
Biggest river festival in the world, proceeds to AW, our river
champion.
Brent
As an ex-raft guide and whitewater videographer on the
Gauley, I can lend some insight.
First, just an aside. The best (and most expensive) way to
see the entire Gauley from a raft is to book a Gauley Overnight. The pace is slower, the service is incredible, the food
is fantastic, the campsites are sweet, and on the second
day you're usually the first folks on the water after a lazy
breakfast, which is inspiring and a beautiful way to start the
day. If you were to decide to book an overnighter though, I
would recommend going with either River Expeditions (for
the high-quality overnight location at Sweets Falls), or with
Class VI River Runners (for the overall high-end service
experience).
Gauley, right below Pure Screaming Hell (the last major
rapid) that will save you from nearly three miles of mostly
flatwater paddling. When you've already done 23 miles on
the Gauley in one day, that's a huge deal and ACE is the
only outfitter that offers it.
I can recommend guides to request, but first I have to
check and make sure they're still working at ACE.
Also, the thing that Brent mentioned about ACE getting
huge and gobbling up smaller rafting companies, that's the
story of the New River area. Business has shrunk drastically there in the last 10 to 20 years and nearly all the small
companies have been bought up by larger ones. Some of
them still exist, but are owned by a larger conglomerate.
Last but not least, that bit in ACE's literature about "A 14foot waterfall. Seriously.".....no, not seriously. Sweets falls
is no more than six feet tall at best, but you won't care.
Hanley Loller
Thanx for the insight Brent and Hanley. I need 4 more
paying bodies to fill the boat. I don't feel comfortable putting down all the money myself and then scrambling to get
riders. There are times when hard plans and times need to
be met by paddlers that are used to just figuring it out when
you get there. I guess that's my age and parenting showing.
Howard
August 12, 2015
What Brent said is right, but I think I understand the dilemma.
13
The event was a raging success. We had 24 racers, perfect weather and plenty of suffering was had by all.
ACE probably doesn't have a marathon scheduled for that
day. It takes a minimum number of people to schedule
a new trip and the marathon isn't a wildly popular trip. I
suggest shopping around for a company that already has
a marathon trip scheduled and just attach yourself to that.
You may have trouble getting six people to come along
from the BWA.
My time was not had hoped, I need a lighter bike and
some better legs, but still had a blast!
Place
1
2
Call Class VI River Runners (or their parent company Ad- 3
ventures on the Gorge, an umbrella company for Class VI, 4
Rivermen, and Mountain River Tours).
5
6
Try North American River Runners (NARR). Tell 'em to tell 7
Alan Jennings (operations manager) that I sent you. wink- 8
9
ing smiley
10
11
Try River Expeditions. Tell 'em to tell Sue Bess Gilkerson
12
(general manager) that I sent you. winking smiley
13
If none of those pan out, call the reservationist at ACE and 14
ask if they'll run you on a hybrid Marathon just putting you 15
16
on an Upper trip and then switching you to a Lower trip
17
at the takeout. If you get a game reservationist, they may
18
agree to do it.
19
Another thought, shop around days. Saturday is the most 20
21
popular day to go rafting, and by far the worst. You pay
more, it's more crowded, and you don't get the same per- 22
23
sonal attention you would on a Sunday (or even better, a
24
Friday or Monday).
Name
Hrs
Eli Darby
2
Zack Darby
2
Randall Ausdran
2
Stephen Sanborn
2
Will Enochs
2
Chris Pesce
2
Terry Smith
2
Matt Nielson
2
Adam Bourne
2
ChristineYario Warren12
Bobby McGrath2
30
Christopher McCoy
2
DJ Biddle
2
Matt Rudolph
2
Matt Walker
2
Jim Enochs
2
Nikki Malatin
2
Brian Vermillion
2
Jason Dillow
2
Ben Riekhof
2
Justin Bolender
2
Josh McGrew 2
52
George Szarka2
55
Daxton Bacalman
3
Min
2
3
5
6
13
21
22
23
26
28
43
31
32
32
34
35
36
37
38
40
43
12
24
17
Sec
39
54
17
58
57
23
3
55
30
24
8
32
52
38
49
49
49
35
27
2
4
Hanley Loller
Could someone please cross post to Vikings forum.
.... addendum.
Cheers, Justin
You may find that companies are a bit more willing to bend
to meet your needs on those off days when they have
trouble getting bookings. It's a real problem for the rafting industry that all the business is piled up on Saturday.
Makes it hard to give professional raft guides anything like
full time work, and makes it hard for anyone to actually be
a professional raft guide. Still you need a buttload of equipment and guides to accommodate those Saturdays....
August 25
Here is summary I posted on the facecrack page:
Hanley Loller
2015 Occoe Bradfield Baddlun Results
August 24, 2015
Congrats to fellow KY boys Adam Bourne, DJ Biddle, Matt
Walker and Matt Rudolph. Thanks for coming out guys.
Now that I've had a few days to process and get the feeling
back in my legs I am more and more thankful and impressed by the turnout. We had some stiff competition and
I think we all pushed our limits. We had 24 competitors,
plus two others that committed but couldn’t compete. Kevin
I hope you are feeling better and Wes Prince, who had
some issues with travel and equipment, we missed you
man! We had awesome volunteers, some who committed
their whole weekend to the cause. I’d like to thank Amanda
and Alex Scharwath, Kevin Sullivan Mather, Gabrielle
Marie Summitt "Gabby", Christy Sims, Taylor Walker, Kat
Levitt and David Levitt and Chris Gibson for safety on the
water and especially my wife Jodie Bolender who put up
14
with my moody sometimes anxiety filled attitude for the
past month or so. You all rocked it out, thank you!
This event was in dedication to our dear friend Scott
Bradfield (Karin Bradfield) and we took up donations to
be given to American Whitewater (https://www.facebook.
com/AmericanWhitewater) and Save the Ocoee (https://
www.facebook.com/savetheocoee?fref=ts). I am blown
away by how generous everyone was with the donations.
We raised $250! I'll be happily writing a checks AW and to
Save the Ocoee this week (I plan to it split evenly between the two). I had mentioned giving all the donations
to AW but I thought the Ocoee River Council - Save the
Oocee fund would also be very fitting for this cause. Scott
would be so proud and stoked that we all suffered together on the race course and at the same time contributed to
such worthy organizations.
The Park Rangers and Campground host were very hospitable to this event. I didnt' make official notifications so
they handled it very well finding out about it on very short
notice. We'll have to debate how the race will develop
next year and coordinate with them earlier.
I rode the bike course on Friday to set out flags at all the
turns (big mistake, my legs were screaming at me during the race!) but none-the-less it helped. Unfortunately,
someone had taken up almost all the flags by race time.
Only two of the ten or so turns were still marked for the
race. Next year we will do a better job of notifying the
community about the race and get more official with the
markings. There was some confusion out there on the trail
but overall I think most folks did ok with navigation of the
course.
cramping out on the run, I know I was.
I could have done a better job of reminding folks to bring
swag for the awards table but a few folks did and I thank
you for that. Astral provided a pro-deal card, I will make
a formal thank you to them for that, thanks Nikki Winkler
Malatin! We had a brief awards ceremony after the race
and that was fun. Congrats to Eli Darby for first of overall
at 2:02:39 and to Christine Yario Warren for first Women at
2:28:24, good to see the lady's competing, props to Nikki
Malatin as well, you killed it! I’m also posting the results
again with this message for posterity. Next year, we’ll do
something more official with the awards and hopefully a
dedicated after party.
While I have your attention, if anyone wants to do
the Pangorge Race (https://www.facebook.com/
pangorge?fref=ts&ref=br_tf) in Chattanooga in November
I’m looking for some team members. I did it last year and
it was a lot of fun. I’d like to find some team members who
want to go out and have fun, but not necessarily compete
for first. Holler at me if you are interested.
Well, this race was a raging success in my book. I had
a lot of fun organizing the event and making some new
friends. I'm sure I'll be seeing you all out in the rivers here
soon. Thanks for coming out. Let’s do it again next year.
Boles
rand or bungee - which skirt for a newbie?
August 26, 2015
I am shopping for a skirt and thought I would pick up the
BomberGear Aquashock since the price is so good right
I didn’t get to hang with many racers on Saturday evenow ($59 online). It arrived this week and I have been tryning, so I didn’t get all the stories about how each coming it out on dry land. It is very tight and hard to get on and
petitor’s day went but I did hear some of the tales. I would off the kayak. This makes me wonder if a rand skirt is too
encourage everyone to post or comment with details of
advanced for me, ie, too hard to get out of if I flip. Would
their day so we can learn and all do better next time –
the bungee type skirt be better for a beginner? Any recomand have a chuckle at your miss fortune smile emoticon
mendations?
I know we had some wacky stuff happen; one racer’s
seat bolts exploded and fell off during the first part of the
Pat Brennan
trail. He lost his seat and attachment bolts in the woods
and had to search and re-install his seat to the post. One I went to the snapdragondesign skirt years ago because
racer broke a chain in the back part of the trail and had to it is so much easier to get it on the boat. I hate trying to
push his bike approximately have the course back to the
wrestle a blankin skirt on the boat.
putin (funny thing is, this racer still beat me!). One racer
got a flat on the race course and another guy stopped and Joe W.
gave him his spare tube, good karma! I didn’t hear much
about mishaps on the water, my run went ok, got spun out If you're strong enough to pull the rand then there's no
twice, I was gassed! There were many accounts of folks
problem, but if you're constantly fighting to put it on and/or
15
pull it off then the bungee is better.
Linda Tribble
It'll come off much easier when it's wet and you can't
breathe
WaVeYDaVeY
As long as you don't leave your grab loop inside it, there
isn't really a "beginner skirt". If you can get it on, it's fine.
I agree with Joe about Snapdragon, with a caveat. Get the
Snapdragon with the implosion bar. If a skirt's going to fail
(blow off), it's almost always going to be downward pressure blowing it inward. The implosion bar easily makes up
for any possible deficiency in how tightly the skirt holds
and I can easily say that I have never felt as secure in a
skirt as I have in my Snapdragon with implosion bar. Easiest skirt to put on I've ever used, bar none. Love me some
Snapdragon.
BTW, rubber rands totally suck when it's cold. The stretchability goes way down. I bought a cord skirt to wear when
it's cold.
Wes
One more thing I forgot to mention - rubber rands are
somewhat stretchable. You can leave it on your boat for a
while and it will stretch out, or better yet the biggest cockpit
you can find. Over time of limited use it tends to return to
original size so consider storing on your boat if you get it
stretched out to an acceptable size.
Wes
OcoeeFest this Weekend!!!
September 02, 2015
I plan to be at the Ocoee Sunday. Hope to connect.
Cheers,
Hanley Loller
Millard
Rubber or bungee there are 2 factors that affect ease or
installation / removal on any given boat (and cockpit rims
vary as well) - elasticity of the rand and friction. In general,
rubber rands don't stretch as much as bungee but offer
more friction at the interface. In my experience with both,
cord skirts go on and off easier but rubber seals better.
However, there are cord skirts with extra neoprene that if
tucked properly improves seal but in my experience are a
total PITA to put on properly. I love my Skirtworks Rubber
rand skirt. It's tight as a tick but does't let in much water,
especially on a JK boat.
We're camping at AU so we can get in on the Music et al. ~
Not heading out until early Saturday so I don't miss Smiley's baseball game Friday night.
We're taking a raft down the Middle both days ~ possibly
have spots if anyone's interested.
Would love to hook up with everyone at some point, somehow ~
Let's celebrate Betsy's Bday Tribe Style! winking smiley
In regards to implosion, Hanley and I will forever agree to
disagree. winking smiley You don't need a bar to prevent
implosion. Most high end skirts now are super stretchy in
the main deck part and beefed up around the edges (to
prevent wear / tear). The super stretchy middle prevents
implosion. In my experience it just stretches until it runs
into you and doesn't pull off the rim. Tested once while
momentarily pinned on the "landing rock" on the left side
of Towers, RFG at low flow when I unintentionally went off
the drop too far rt and sideways. I literally felt the water
pounding my thighs and the skirt did not release.To test
this yourself just have someone (preferably a REALLY
close friend) push on the middle of your deck until either it
releases or they run into something. Guarantee you can't
release my skirt this way.
As I mentioned in another thread Brit and I will be there
Sat - Mon. Our primary focus will be training Brit for the
UG smiling smiley Brit has to work Fri night so not going
down until Sat a.m. More than likely will do top - bottom in
playboats Sat then creekers on Sun and probably both on
the Middle on Mon. Anyone wishing to train with us is of
course welcome! We will be focusing on challenging ferries / moves / hole surfing. Tentatively planning on maybe
a mountain bike ride or two - watching the rain forecast
which is getting wetter.
SYOTO!
Essa
The fest sounds fun. We won't be into partying but the tug
of war sounds intriguing. I think that would be a fun activity
for the club to do at roll sessions or the clinic. Can't find on
the website where it is being held. I actually was planning
to camp - honestly - if we got down there on Fri night and it
16
wasn't going to rain much. Since both of those issues are
in play and since my Mom may now be joining us for part
of the wkend at least I'm thinking we'll be hoteling it.
At some point we intend to do the Middle on Boogie boards
if the swim flippers I ordered arrive by Fri. Brit's been nagging me about this for years - ever since I told her about
my Middle run on the inflatable alligator (pool toy) and my
co-guides in tubes around 1988 or so. I talked her out of
the inflatable pool toys and into the boogie boards for hole
surf options and durability. My gator busted while blasting
the ledge at Flipper and I had to swim the rest of the river.
A canoe club at Tablesaw tried in vain to "rescue" me by
trying to entangle me in about 20 ropes - the looks on their
faces priceless as I ignored them and swam on to Diamond Splitter. Except for a few places where we'll be glad
to be on the boards I'm sure, the Ocoee is actually a pretty
fun river to swim - provided you are geared appropriately.
We'll have on farmer john thick 5mm wetsuits for warmth
and padding. Anyone want to join us for that mayhem?
end of a rope under thousands of pounds of dynamic tension comes whipping back. Although some of these cases
are extreme (attempts to set world records, etc) it would
seem that some caution would be in order.
Okay, now I'm going to go see if I can hang myself with
my mitten strings, or maybe I can find a safety sucker and
choke on it.
Carry on.
Hanley Loller
FYI: The reason I know about this is because I regularly
read XKCD's What-If.
A while back someone asked if two tug-of-war teams could
rip apart an iron bar. Turns out they can, and it only takes
about 25 folks to do pull a half inch iron bar apart.
Contact me if you wish to do some training with us or swim https://what-if.xkcd.com/127/
/ boogie board the middle. Otherwise hopefully at least run
As always with What-If/XKCD it's an interesting and eninto some of you fine folks! smiling smiley
lightening read.
Wes
Hanley Loller
September 03, 2015
September 04, 2015
Okay, I give up, but I couldn't stop myself.
Interesting read Hanley. Where do you come up with this
This should cement my reputation as the most hyperbolic stuff?
Sammy-Safety in the club, but I feel like it's a good idea
I think I'll be at the Ocoee for a Sunday Funday/Gauley
to put it out there because I could easily see this going
warm up session. Laps on the Olympic Section anyone?
somewhere bad.
Tug-of-war would be a fun activity for roll sessions or clinic, Chief and Wes, I'll give you a call or text.
but (cue eye rolling) be careful, it's a surprisingly dangerBoles
ous activity, especially if performed with a stretchy nylon
rope like a throw rope.
Hey, it's not hard to get drawn in to the XKCD universe. I
read the What-If's religiously whenever they come out and
I refer you to a startlingly revealing article about the huncheck the new cartoon every Monday, Wednesday and
dreds of injuries and fatalities associated with tug-of-war
Friday.
over the last century.
http://priceonomics.com/a-history-of-tug-of-war-fatalities/
Yeah, tug-of-war, who knew? Better stick to running waterfalls.
If you don't have enough time or morbid fascination to read
Hanley Loller
it, I'll sum it up. A few dozen people pulling together can
generate an amazing amount of force and easily break a
very strong rope, often resulting in the rapid contraction of First Timers Trip - Lower Gauley (9/11-12)
the rope in people's hands leading to severe rope burns,
September 06, 2015
severed fingers and hands and sometime deaths when the
17
The Gauley is one of the few rivers I can honestly say I
look forward to paddling with as much anticipation today
as I did 20 years ago. It has it all: big rapids, great current
between the big rapids and if I haven't said it before, BIG
RAPIDS.
Here is hoping for a big turnout for the first timers trip
down. Stay tuned and make plans for a special introductory trip down one of the finest rivers in the Southeast.
Mike and crew are ready to show you new peeps down the
first time. The plan is to show you some sweet lines and
a lot of fun water. Above that though we will be showing
you safe lines. The potential to have you offer us a beer is
greatly increased if we can get you to the takeout without
you getting the shit beat out of you. The list of volunteers
is quite impressive, all except me. My usual instructions
are: See that big fuckin' rock? Don't hit it. You are welcome
then to follow me as I have learned my lesson about hitting
rocks, most likely from that one in front of us.
I think most are thinking of staying a Tawney Farm campground. Great location that is very close to the putins. It
is quite remote so running over to Summersville for eats
takes some commitment. On Saturday, the local church at
the takeout will be cooking as a fundraiser opportunity for
them. Some of the best slawdogs you will ever have can
be bought there. For those of you who do not know what
a slawdog is, it is a chilidog smothered with cole slaw. The
first time I had one was there and I have been hooked
since. Several choices on the hotdogs, brown beans, cornbread, etc, etc. The food is good and the only thing better
than the price is the group of wonderful people that are
cooking. This is a big time fund raising event for the church
and they really bust themselves to make you some great
food and a pleasant experience while you are there. One
of the best less than five buck meals you can have. God
will like you better if you let them keep the change.
Cannot say enough for Tawney Farms. Wonderful people
and nice camping. Primitive but showers are available.
The place is beautiful. I think all campgrounds look like the
apocalypse happened and we all gathered there when the
shit went down. Just the nature of campgrounds I guess.
Or..................maybe, just maybe it is me. But the setting is
quite beautiful. I think this year they are planning for music
and fireworks again. HINT: make friends with people who
have Verizon as their carrier. It is the only one I know of
that you can get a call out. AT&T sucks out there too.
Dallas
How to follow up on Dallas's poetic verse?...man, tough
act to follow.
WHAT: Lower Gauley First Timers Trip
WHEN: Friday 9/11, 10:30
WHERE: Swiss take out, camp at Tawny Farms
WHY: OPENING WEEKEND GAULEY and 'Aint Swiss' fest
So far we've got Jeff Schetler, Jeff Kirkner, Joe Wheatley,
Kentucky Bazooka Jim Welch, Kyle Snowden, Dallas, and
yours truly confirmed for the friday run. Anybody else in
that I've forgotten or haven't heard from yet post here or
shoot me a text (585-507-3853 - Dave Martin, say nothing
and meet us at Swiss!)
Jeff Schetler and I are leaving lexington EARLY Friday to
make it to the Swiss takeout to meet everybody at 10:30.
Friday can't come soon enough! Hoping to get a PFSD
(personal first slaw dog) this year!
SYOTG,
MFW
Some of you boys/girls that been around a while need to
come fire up the Upper Gauley with me. I know you want
it...I show you good lines...
Brent
I can help with them lines too, the ones I remember. But
really the Gauley is just read and run. You must be river
literate; if not follow someone.
Chief
Chief,
I just got your email. Yes, I am in for Tawny Farms Friday
and Saturday night. Let's make a big sweet encampment.
I have some popups, tapestries, limited but some carpet,
Get your firewood from out there. This area has some ass- etc., but we could use more. Will bring a drum of course.
hole of a bug that is doing a lot of damage and attempts to
My truck is available for lower shuttles if I can get up to
keep it localized are improved if we don't haul it to WV in
some firewood we brought from this area. A couple of good the top first, and it is at Woods Ferry at the end of the day.
This system has worked bomber for years now. And, yes,
ol' toxic Duraflame logs work pretty well, just don't cook a
the gas meter is still broken, but it will have plenty of gas in
marshmallow or a hotdog over the flame.
18
it. Racks are a bit safer after Lou got a hold of them this
summer. Looking forward to the next week and a half of
boating. Whew!
SYOTR,
Brent
September 10, 2015
Going to be a fun weekend with great water. For you
first timers here is a list of the rapids on the lower.
Koontz's Flume III+ (watch out for 5 boat hole)
Canyon Doors III
Junk Yard III
Upper Mash IV (better take the Jeff K line here)
Lower Mash IV (Been eaten by this one a time or two)
Diagonal Ledges (Hawaii 5 Oh) II+
Heaven's Gate IV (Gotta hug the right side of the gate
rock)
Rocky Top III
Big Freakin Rock
Upper Stairstep III+fun
Lower Stairstep III+fun ( I like to call these two rinse and
repeat)
Rollercoaster III
Enchanted Eddie II
Rattlesnake III
Roostertail III
Pure Screaming Hell IV (Split the holes at the bottom
and you will have a good day)
Kevin's Folly III
Also Ace has a great video library of these rapids and I
would recommend that you watch it.
http://www.gauleyriverrapids.com
Its hard to get a feel for rapids from video but I think
that any exposure you can get before running is a good
thing.
Now for the disclaimer:
As a first timer you are responsible for deciding if you
are ready to make this run. This is a long river with no
real good options for walking out . It is possible to take
out at the end of the middle at Buck Lick. You can run
back ender rapid at the end of the middle and it will give
you a good feel for what you will see on the Lower. The
access road there is no longer maintained so not sure
how close a vehicle can get but we had some middle
only paddlers take out there last year.
Joe W.
Save the Ocoee. ORC vs TVA (Please read)
September 13, 2015
Hi All,
I wanted to get out some information about the issues being raised between the Ocoee River Council (ORC) and
the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
As most of you already know, the TVA has given the commercial rafter, represented by the ORC, an ultimatum,
which basically boils down to the fact that the TVA wants
the commercial rafters, operating on the Ocoee, to pay
9.3 million dollars, upfront, or the TVA is going to stop the
scheduled release of water on the river.
This proposed deal by the TVA would be for a term of 5
years and would require a renegotiation, between the TVA
and the ORC every 5 years. The current agreement, which
has lasted for the past 35 years was for 6.4 million dollars, and is due to expire in the spring of 2018, which could
mean the end of scheduled releases on the Ocoee for
rafters and kayakers alike.
Above, I have included some information on this issue. The
OCR has asked for the support of our individual members
in the form of letters to congress. On the OCR’s website is
an easy to use program which makes writing letters to our
legislators extremely easy and I encourage everyone to
take the time to do this.
Basically what the ORC wants is simple, they want our
help in pressuring our legislators to change the charter of
the TVA. Currently, the TVA is the only public utility in the
country that charges for scheduled releases. All other utilities, are mandated to provide for public recreation in return
for the use of a public resource.
The ORC has also asked that the BWA sign a Resolution
of Support for the OCR in this fight. During the last club
meeting, we discussed this resolution and, with the permission and support of those present, I have signed and
submitted this resolution on behalf of the BWA. Above, you
will also find a copy of this resolution.
Along with the information I have included above, here is
a link to the ORC’s site where you can take advantage of
the letter writing tool. It’s simple, it doesn’t take much time,
and it could make the difference in keeping the Ocoee as
accessible as it is now.
Thanks for your help with this,
19
Bob
[savetheocoee.org]
Ironman Louisville 2015
September 15, 2015
second training may seem like odd timing, but it allows me to
work with out of town volunteers who show up for race day only.
These are not required, especially if you have volunteered in the
past, however they are always a great way to share your wisdom
from years past and add to your skill set.
6. Show up and enjoy the free coffee, doughnuts, and time on the
water wile we raise money for American Whitewater!
This same link can be used for signing up for most other Ironman
Here be all the tasty details you've been waiting for folks . Please Louisville volunteer groups as well.
pass this on to anyone who may want to join us . Obviously the
Oct date has faded the fair weather boaters, and diverted the
Here's the annual volunteer info, please read to the end , some
Russel Fork Freaks from my usual volunteers .
big changes this year, always good to refresh knowledge, however many years you have helped in the past.
No excuses , all who are not signed up to compete in Baddlun
The first batch of numbered items are changes, or points I want
have to join me for this AW fundraiser. Lots of details to follow
to stress, the rest is all the important info you need as a volunteer
but date(s) are 10/10, 10/11 . Yes it's very early a.m. on a Russel on the swim course.
Fork Weekend, but there are three other weekends to hit the
border ! Free t shirt , breakfast , and my continued adoration
1.Again we will assign exact locations on the water using the
await the boaters who make the scene. We sit in flatwater for two LARGE, numbered inflated buoys . Most volunteers will be given
hours, watch crazy fit people start a 140.6 mile journey . Somea buoy number to go to, avoiding any confusion where you are
times you need to let them hang on your boat, other times they
supposed to be on the course. Yes there will still be my special
need navigation assistance , and some need extraction. Nothing people who are Zone captains , roamers, or get other special
to it for whitewater people !!
assignments, but most volunteers will be given a number, and
Many details to follow , sign up using the link below ,use drop
an inside or outside course location. If your zone captain (they
down menu to find sat/and or Sun Kayak safety, password is
will have different colored wrist bands) , the police, or Ironman
VIKING (yes all upper case) , fill out fields and show up .
course marshals ask you to relocate , please do .
[www.doitsports.com]
2.As usual, please let me know if you have special skill sets such
as swift water rescue , advanced life support, lifeguard training,
and if you have competed in Ironman distance races before.
if we get a good response from the central KY crew , will find a
camp/ friendly accommodations for fri/sat night . Sign up early so
I don't loose any undue sleep . /size]
3. I need a group of special special people again (all volunteers
are special, some are more special than others), this includes
Read away or send to your refer your friends !
9 zone captains (7 zones, 2 backups), shore based spotters
along course, waiver/wristband help, volunteer kiosk/ shut down
Dates are October 10,11 . Sat is practice , Sun the main event
person(s), and the usual assertive/talented boaters to occupy the
. Big announcement is that we will raffle off a kayak this year !
inside turn and start areas. Let me know who you are, so we can
Jackson boat of choice through Canoe Kentucky ! Tickets earned fill these spots ahead of race day.
by showing up to training =1ticket, Sat practice swim =1, Sunday
race =2, and gear loading after race =1. Of course if swim gets
4.The weather may hand us air that is colder than the water
cancelled for whatever reason, so does the raffle . Chances will
temps. So if you get a bad chill , just roll upside down till you
be your name/number dropped into the hopper , regular numwarm up, and roll back up. That was a joke for most of you, do
bered chances can dissolve in water, so will have a process in
find a way to dress for the morning lows. That means no cotton
place to add slips during training, after sat swim, after sun race,
, all synthetic clothing , you can get separated from your boat so
and after gear loaded. Drawing held after Ironman crates ready
think about full body thermal protection that will fit under your life
to ship out to next event Sun. Winner need not be present to win jacket . If this happens, the water should feel great, until we pluck
, so make sure your # is on the slip. All water safety volunteers
you out of the water, or get you back in boat . There should be a
eligible , and I will keep some spare slips in my pocket to be
decent amount of loaner splash tops etc , but cold weather gear
handed out to anyone I deem worthy of extra chances (think zone will be first come first serve. Of course if you are one of the woncaptains, gear loaners, shuttle drivers etc. )
derful loaners of gear, make sure your name/number are on it .
1.To volunteer, go to this site
[www.doitsports.com] ... _id=155427
2. Use drop down button and find Viking Canoe Saturday and or
Sunday Water Safety Groups. Select one at a time and repeat
process if volunteering both days.
3. Password is VIKING ( Yes that's all Caps ) Then click "Join
Group" button.
4. Fill out required fields with fairly accurate information, then accept liability terms, if they are agreeable to you.
5. Training Sessions are slated for Friday oct 9th at 6:30 at the
Community Boat house/Yellow Lot/ Where we meet Sunday am,
and again Sat, after the practice swim, around 10:30am . The
5. Yes you get a volunteer t-shirt as usual , but we will utilize
wristbands to identify us as volunteers on the water . Your buoy
number/course location will be written on it.
6. All athlete extractions from the course will be made on the
outside of the course!! This can be tricky if there is a lot of swim
traffic, and you have an athlete on the inside. If you are dealing
with an emergency don't delay crossing the course carefully, if an
athlete is conceding during heavy traffic, toss the extra life jacket
on them, relax, and wait for a safe extraction .
7. We will have a few Anchored resting rafts to be strategically
placed along the swim course (please note that athletes will NOT
be disqualified by resting on these floats). I will place the approxi-
20
mate location of these rafts on the course map, once we have
approximate locations and numbers of them.
-Your buoy number will be the point you pass before spacing your
boat halfway to the next buoy, creating a halfway point between
8. Wet suits are going to be allowed this year . That means most two buoys. The inside boater should stay in line with the course
markers, and the outside boat should create about a 60 foot
swimmers will float if they stop moving, however DO NOT assume ALL swimmers will float . High muscle density , mixed with space, on other side of course, for the swimmers. Wind, current,
a thin suit, can create negative buoyancy (sinking). Your #1 piece and the water dynamics created by 3000 athletes can move you
of gear on the water is that extra life jacket for anyone who seem around, so adjust as needed.
s to be in distress.
- Be aware that no matter how good/important your place on the
- Our purpose on the water is mainly to provide our eyes and ears course seems, myself, police/fire/coast guard, or zone captains
may need to move you about the course to fill gaps etc.
to any athlete that is in distress. This is usually a friendly bow
or stern to grab onto for a quick rest, a life vest to float on wile
waiting to be extracted from the course, and at worst, pointing the ** Course Communication / Signaling These are the same as
previous years, but please review them. We will cover them again
search and rescue divers to the last known location of a missing
athlete. I'm starting off with this heavy scenario because I hope to in the parking lots before launching.
1. Arm raised and steady- This means assistance is needed, and
never have it occur. Wile the swim portion of Ironman is the only
historically lethal portion in the events history, no one has died on everyone is conscious.
the course. That tragedy has been left to the hospitals and motor- 2. Arm raised and waving side to side - This indicates that the
swimmer is unconscious and immediate assistance is needed.
ized vessels of EMS, after a coronary type event, not drowning!
( hopefully the other hand is holding onto the athlete or the life
I don't intend to scare anyone from assisting the swim portion,
jacket wrapped around the athlete).
this is simply my appeal to focus on the competitors, and of all
3. Both arms in an X overhead- Indicates missing swimmer from
things LISTEN during the event. Seeing someone in distress in
the surface and will activate the dive team, try to have a good
the middle of a hundred swimmers, is much harder than hearing
the call for help. Other swimmers may buoy an athlete in distress idea where the swimmer was last seen. If you can, try to paddle
to that location and stay as close as possible until help arrives.
as well.
4. Patting the top of your head- This can be a question, or answer
and it means everything is under control, no emergency.
- With that out of the way let's get to the details for this years
5. Whistles - ironman has extras on lanyards, if you need one ask
event.
and please return . If you hear or make one blast it means give
- Breakfast goods, coffee,etc served both mornings!
me your attention. Three sharp blasts indicates an emergency.
-Sat practice swim volunteers meet at the base of Joe's Crab
-Signals 1-3 can be made with the paddle as well for better
Shack no later than 7:20 am. There will be free parking under
visibility from a distance. Last year we were also issued signal
I64, Blue Lot, just past the gate and to the right. The practice
flags, they can be stored on your lap or quivered between your
itself is from 8am-10am, any swimmers in the water past 10a.m.
life jacket and back. They can be used to make all signals. Hand
will be in big trouble.
signals can be done wile using the whistle.
The practice course extends from the race day exit steps to the
Kennedy (I64) bridge, no swimmers allowed past that point. We
- Once the race is under way, avoid crossing the column of swimwill review hand signals etc that morning. Chips will be used
mers unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do need to enter
to monitor the number of swimmers in and out of the practice
or cross active swimmers, do so in the direction the athletes are
course. The short course is easy to spread out evenly on, so no
need for Zone captains, or buoy assignments on Sat. This is gen- swimming. Obviously if a swimmer needs immediate assistance,
paddle straight to the athlete, wile trying not to harm others in the
erally a very relaxing day for athletes and we get a lot of thanks
process.
from them.
-Sun event volunteers meet at The Louisville community Boathouse , at the back of the Yellow parking lot, of the Riverfront
park system. This lot is across from a ,billboard,and cross fit gym,
and there is a new rowing facility between the formerTumbleweed and our lot. Sign ups begin at 6:00am, I will make final
announcements around 7:00 and all boats should be launched by
7:15. There is not a separate pro start this year, so all age group
athletes will begin race at 7:30 . This is a very intense day for athletes , and we are there for the start of it, there is a lot of nervous
energy on shore and in the water. What looks to us as a fairly
calm event can be quite a different experience for the athletes,
many of whom are getting kicked, bumped and poked as they
settle into their pace. Be aware of this particularly before the turn.
-EVERYONE on water ,and not competing , must wear a life
jacket (PFD), and carry an extra for any athlete who may need
one! If you do not have an extra, Ironman has crates of them for
you to borrow.
- Anyone who needs gear (boat, PFD, Paddle, etc) let me know.
I have started a list, an we have never run out of loaner gear, but
you must let me know what you need before the event.
- Athletes can use your boat as a temporary rest. It is best not to
let them hold on close to the middle of the boat, encourage using
the ends of the boat . Weighting the center may cause the boat to
flip over.
-It is against the rules to give any athlete forward progress on the
course, doing so could cause them to be disqualified. Be aware
that some serious forward progress would be needed to affect
results, so keep athletes calm who fear they will face the worst,
and don't give anyone an advantage, no matter how much money
they offer you.
- If you find yourself capsized, and cannot roll back to the surface, don't panic, you've got the life jacket on right? Try to keep
your boat and other gear away from the swimmers, and either
swim to a shallow place to get reset, or someone will be along to
assist you.
- Swimmers may stray from the course at any time. Some areas
of the course (like the turn area) can have several swimmers
off line at any given time. Signaling the athlete(s) and directing
them back on course is best done by banging your paddle on top
21
ured out how to let people download pictures from my website for free. BWA people need to feel free to use photos
as they please. I get allot of enjoyment catching yalls crazy
moments. When you click the download button it prompts
for a password. Password is boofin.
of your boat, then talking with them. Some athletes will want to
"swing wide" at the turn, this is OK but try and keep them within
40 yards of the outside of the buoys. If the swimmer wants to go
out farther than that, and they seem to be navigating well, leave
them alone to tangle with the course director.
- If any athlete attempts to cut the turn short, and does not
respond to several attempts at redirection, please get their race
number (in marker on the arm and thigh) and report it to your
zone captain, or me as soon as possible. The course is open for
over 2 hours so if you don't have a good memory or paper and
pen, tell others and we will sort it out later.
Gauley Fest Photos http://www.photolandmark.com/Kayaking/Gauley-Fest-2015/
Keep Rockin In The Free World,
- You are a volunteer and are not expected to handle athletes (or
zone captains, etc) who are problematic, verbally abusive etc.
Simply smile and wave, then signal Ironman officials to handle
the situation.
Koebs
-Once all the swimmers have passed you, your zone captain may
invite you to go to another zone that needs help, or feel free to
follow the group to the finish. After 2 hours 20 minutes form the
last swimmer jumping in (Approximately 10:45am) We will be running shuttles from finish, back to the rowing club, if you want one.
Do remember to bring your boat up to the Crab shack lot sooner
than later if you need shuttle, we don't want to leave anyone
behind.
- The first bikes will return to transition around 12:20 am. We
should all be off the river by 11 am, so plenty of time to help load
gear in our cars, and for those looking for extra credit/raffle ticket,
helping load trucks full of swim course gear is our final task. The
first bikes will come thru a few at a time, but don't linger too long,
or you may get stranded till the bell curve of bikes return from
their 112mile voyage. Best way out of the lot is to take a left onto
River Rd, then first Right on to Frankfort Av.
-Ironman has a closed media policy regarding the race, so if
anyone from the media is asking you any questions, please refer
them to me or anyone on Ironman staff.
Thank you and please e-mail me with any questions or gear
requests you may have.
Todd Schindler
bilgebait@bellsouth.net
Posts: 3290
Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:35 pm
Location: Louisville
October 11, 2015
WE blew the minds of the rookie assistant swim course
staff ! Oh wait , we do that every year ! 160+ Ironman
events worldwide , and once again we make the rest look
bad . Thank you all !
turbodog
Photos From Gauley Fest 2015
September 22, 2015
Below is a link to the photos I took at Gauley Fest. Wish
I would of caught more of you on the River but had an
amazing time rafting with Timmy Miller Saturday.Finally fig-
22
Advance sales for the 2015 Russell Fork
Rendezvous AW Shirt
September 27, 2015
Hi All,
As you should know, the BWA is selling t-shirts this year for
the Russell Fork Rendezvous to raise money for American
Whitewater. Although the shirts will be available during
the weekend of the 24th at the Russell Fork and possible
before, I've set up a site where you can beat the crowds,
make sure you get the size you want and order your shirt
in advance. Advance sales of the shirt cost $20.00 and include free shipping. Although I doubt they will be shipped in
time to wear at the event, (but who really wants to wear an
event t-shirt at the event) don't miss this chance to support
an organization that supports us; American Whitewater.
Bob
Order now, order often, and remember, it's never too early
to start that Christmas shopping...
smiley No scouting any rapids, just took Fred Wilson's
Beta and lead for the most part. One snafu was a breakup
of the group due to raft traffic at Insignificant. I was a little
rusty (been a while since my last UG run) so inadvertently
led her right into the middle of the top right hole of Insignificant! I punched it without a stall and Brit stalled for a
stroke or 2 but didn't surf smiling smiley At Pillow she was
sucked into the toilet bowl backward and flipped while
exploring Woodstock hole in Iron Ring. Great rolls in both.
We had no swimmers in our large group - always a bonus!
smiling smiley Great time as always Sat night at Gauley
Fest!
Sun it ended up being Brit and I, Jeff K and Phillip Cornette. Phillip missed our lead out at Insignificant and ended
up surfing then swimming out of the top right hole. The
rest of the run was pretty smooth and Brit and I switched
lines / results from Sat at Pillow and Iron Ring - I found the
toilet bowl and flipped as well on the corner of Woodstock.
We did the Pillow jump / swim which is a blast and highly
recommended! Due to our diligent training and preparation
Brit had an enjoyable intro to the UG and I'm a proud Dad.
Also thanks to Koebs for the awesome pics at Pillow on
Sat!
Wes
To order your shirts in advance go to www.russellforkshirt.
weebly.com [russellforkshirt.weebly.com]
Volunteers (really) needed for Rendezvous
October 07, 2015
Belated TR Brit's UG PFD (ignore if you read it on
Hi all,
FB
October 01, 2015
For the benefit on those that missed it on FB - the proud
dad has to repost here...
Spectacular boating recently! Last weekend Brit and I
couldn't work out an Upper Gauley run so we had to settle
for a couple of warm up runs on the Lower. My planned
week on Upper Yough between weekends didn't work out
for work paperwork issues. But I did meandered up to
Friendsville early Thur for a couple fun days boating the
UY with Fred Wilson, Brent and others. Had a great time
meeting / boating with / hanging out with the legendary
John Regan. Great guy and fun to hang with. Fred and I did
a challenging MTB ride Fri and ended up chasing water and
busting through groups on the UY. Was a hoot!
Picked up Brit at PIT Fri night and after 4 hrs sleep made
an 8 am meetup with Fred our other first timer Mike Wilson
and others for Brit's first Upper Gauley run. Like her Dad's
first UG trip we had to make it a Marathon (Upper + Lower
= 26mi). She styled the Upper and hung with the group for
the lower with no complaints. Take that naysayer! winking
Well Rendezvous is just around the corner. It's been a
mad rush to get it set up but we're in the home stretch and
it's going to be a great event, a great way for the club to
pull together, have fun and at the same time raise a lot of
money for AW. Although several of us have been running
ourselves ragged getting this event going, the one thing
that we really need to make it a success is you. We need
volunteers to work the gate, act as security, and of course
to work the firewood detail. All volunteers will be given free
admission to the event. Below are the positions and a brief
description of the duties.
Gate workers; We need people to work the gate on Saturday night. The shifts will be about 1.5 hours long and
ideally be ran with 2 people per shift. What you'll be doing
during the shift it to make sure that people coming into the
event, pay the admission. $10.00 per person. I've done this
before and it was actually a lot of fun. You'll also be handing out wrist bracelets to everyone that pays. you'll have a
radio and if you need anything I'll be on the other end. The
shifts are listed below.
23
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We need 2 volunteers for this shift.
7:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. We need 2 volunteers for this shift.
9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. We need 2 volunteers for this shift.
10:30 p.m. to Midnight We need 2 volunteers for this shift.
Don't forget 1st drop. The one hole on the run that can
be terminal even out of your boat. I would want 2 ropes /
throwers there! The other holes are more likely to flush you
once you are swimming and rope rescue is more a matter
of convenience. Also if the manpower is available wouldn't
Security People: We need a couple of volunteers to work
be a bad idea to set rope/boats at Towers and a rope at
as security for the event. You'll basically be doing wrist
Fist even thought they are above the start until everyone
band patrol to ensure that those that are there have paid
gets through. Be sure and set the rope above Climax. If
admission. If any trouble occurs, we need you to defuse
you wash into the middle I'm not sure a rope from shore
the situation as peacefully as possible and try to head off
would help? I'm hoping to be there that weekend and be
any problems before they arise. Nate and I are available to able to help out.
assist in any areas where additional help may be needed.
Wes
Firewood Detail We need at least 2 people with a truck to
go to a predetermined place and pick up enough firewood Allan's 1st GAULEY Trip 10-10-15
for the 2 bonfires. Although this sounds like a pain, we do October 11, 2015
this every year and it's really not that big a deal. Besides
that, you can do it whenever you want. Friday would be
Super Saturday on the Middle & Lower GAULEY. Thank
great but any time Saturday before the event will be great you Tim S. for posting an coordinating the trip. A super
as well.
BWA group as always Allan, Dallas, Tim S, Kyle S, Jeff S,
Phillip C, Justin, Codie, Jim, Will B, Bob (Kansas), (Jessica
Thanks in advance. Please respond here or feel free to call & Woodford for shuttle assistance) thank you for including
me with any questions or to volunteer.
us in excellent day on the Gauley you guys are the best.
Bob
502-550-4225
Allan's first Middle & Lower Gauley run was super. His first
encounter with Julie's Juicer showed how it feels to get
juiced, however, it gets better. His skirt imploded somehow,
Lord of the Forks race and Rendezvous.
after a couple of interesting roll attempts to roll, he Does
October 07, 2015
roll up with a boat full of water and a confounded look on
his face, like " What The....."!, and never even swam. Had
During the Steering Committee meeting I made a promise some good looking boofs too. Styled the rest of the float
that I'd point out that, although the Lord of the Forks Race like a pro. He showed how to exit the kayak and scale the
and the Rendezvous, being held at Carson Island are gen- huge boulder in the middle of the river where the rafters
erally seen as one and the same, that the two events are
jump for a big splash back into the water. Justin & Tim S.
completely separate. The Lord of the Forks race, as far as also provided a gracefull boulder jump as well.
I know is being ran and organized by Eric Henrickson.
There were only 2 swims for the day, I flipped at the top of
When I spoke with Eric, recently via IM he said that
the drop at Heaven's Gate, the devil told me my head was
preparations for the race were going well and that he could down while attempting to roll multiple times but everyone
still use some volunteers to work as safety for the race. If
else who assisted with my swim didn't agree. So, when
you're interested in helping out with the race, his number is entering Heaven's Gate stay upright, there isn't any good
207-272-8014
down there below, I looked.
Bob
We headed back to Lexington, Allan got to sleep & dream
October 14, 2015
of an awesome Gauley trip while the two swimmers in the
Spoke with Eric and it is my understanding that race will
van stayed awake drove home laughing all the way.
begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday! Could use safety boaters
and throw rope people at Climax and El Horrendo! May
I am so blessed to have the BWA Family to help me in
want to check with Eric to be sure.
showing Allan the joy in the outdoors & whitewater kayaking adventures, I couldn't do it without all of you. Thank
B.J
you from the bottom of my heart, you all are Super.
24
your being. That is such great news to hear! Your dedication and devotion to your wife is something to be admired
and emulated. Its getting kinda rare these days(such
devotion to your spouse) so it's good to see it. That's great
news. God bless you and denalie
They call me Bruce.
Announcement, and explanation, and thanks
October 12, 2015
Denile and I dropped off the radar over the last five weeks,
and I know some of you have been wondering where we've
been. Well, after 12 years of waiting, Denile got a kidney
transplant just after Labor Day. It's been a hard road for
many reasons, and there are still rough patches in front
of us. Denile said it well; a transplant is not a cure, only a
treatment. It does, however, hold out the prospect of a better, healthier and less restrictive life.
tshuler
We're still going to be in recovery mode for at least another
month or two, and we're probably never going to actually
pop the champagne corks on this event. You're never really in the clear, a fact we are all too aware of from Denile's
first transplant which failed after six years. There is no
expiration date on a transplant. It lasts as long as it lasts.
-MeganL
October 13, 2015
I'm so happy to hear this, but I know this blessing comes
with its own specific issues and anxieties. I'll be thinking
about both of you and hope to see you both out and about
in a river or a pool or at a meeting soon.
Lonnie Bedwell's latest
October 13, 2015
Spoke with Lonnie Bedwell yesterday (Oct. 12, 2015) and
he gave some details about the Upper Gauley run. Said
I want to thank everyone who helped us over the last
he ran all the rapids clean with the exception of Pillow
several years. There were numerous times when our home and there he flipped and rolled back up! He got surfed at
dialysis schedule meant that I had to have someone fill in 5- Boat Hole (excuse if I didn't get rapid's name right) and
for me at a rolling session or I was severely restricted in
lost all verbal communication and he couldn't get out, so
boating time and had to make quick one-day turnarounds he finally decide to flip on purpose in hope to get "washed
or early morning trips to the Gauley. Many of you bent your out" and that worked! Eric Jackson let Lonnie use one of
schedules to accommodate me and give me the pleasure E.J.'s boats to paddle the U.G. with and told Lonnie that if
of your company on the road and on the river, which often he completed it that the Jackson's would consider spongot me on the water when I otherwise would have had to
soring Lonnie!!!! (So, if all of us BWAer's would send E.J./
pass. This helped more than I have the capacity to exJackson Kayaks a little note recommending Lonnie to be
press, and I possess a lot of expressive capacity. Thank
sponsored I am sure he would appreciate it - would be nice
you all from the bottom of my heart.
for BWA P.R. to have an "Honorary member" sponsored by
Jackson!!!) Next "maybe" project for Lonnie: Possible ZamMany of you have helped us out in a multitude of ways and bizee (excuse spelling) run with the Jackson's and Steve
I can't begin to enumerate all of them, but I am sincerely
Fisher!!!! Will update further in the future.
grateful for all your love and support over the years. One
day, I'll buy each and every one of you a beer or a sarsaB. J. - Kayak Bum: The only ambition I ever had in life, and
parilla.
it was well worth the wait!
Have a good weekend, there are many great recreational
options available and you should all take advantage of
these opportunities to enjoy them while you can. Bring
back stories, right now I'm living on stories, and video, and
pictures.
Peace be with you,
Hanley Loller
I can tell you are a man who loves his wife w every fiber of
25
Eddy Lines of Interest
NPFF road show third weekend in September (second release weekend). New river is great newer class 2, 2+. They
have lots of food available to buy that is delicious, and you
can bring food to cook but really not necessary.
BWA General Club Meeting
August 11, 2015, 7:30p
Roosters Restaurant, Lexington, Kentucky
Club President, Bob Larkin, Called the meeting to order at
7:45p and welcomed attendees. Bob briefly reviewed this
past week ends summer party at the Ocoee and recognized
the great work Clay did with securing location and Adelessa
did with the food and related organization. Kudo’s were
given to all the new boaters who were out and for the excellent race.
Robert noted he was paddling Elkhorn a few weeks ago and
Sauffley’s is getting a little crazy and some folks getting in
the way of the farm across the street so suggested to consider using AW for take outs whenever you can so we limit
the traffic and vehicles at Sauffley’s.
Stone chimney location at put in has been a problem also
and it is recommended to park at put in spot.
Officer reports
Don (Newsletter) – Newsletter coming out soon (next week)
and a bit delayed for some stories pending from most recent
trips. Republishing a couple of articles from historic archives
which Walt hopes will be interesting to readers. Please
submit articles or pictures even if you are a new member!
Bob encourages members to look back at some of the older
bowlines issues as they are very interesting.
Howard (Membership Coordinator) – 325 total members.
Past 30 days 14 new or resigned. Largest membership we
have had.
Old Business
Discussion regarding AW acres and portable toilets. Company is supposed to be maintaining every month.
Need AW, NPFF and Gauley fest volunteers.
Trip reports
Ocoee race report - 20 racers, Clay pulled win this year.
BWA had very high final score. Some very close battles for
placement. Susie Jakes won female division. 10 racers from
BWA with some late entrance but overall an excellent race.
Sue (Secretary) – July general club meeting minutes and
August steering committee meeting minutes posted today to
Bob discussed Ocoee run trip on Sunday and how well
the forum
new boaters performed. Bob swam Grumpy’s for first time!
All new boaters rolled and Megan completed trip without a
Walt (Safety Officer) – season for open pool sessions has
swim.
ended and new closed pool sessions will begin after new
year.
Rafting with Jim G and BJ on Saturday which was awesome
and discussion of how the trip went.
Megan (Member at Large) – No report
Jeff (Treasurer) – $8,300 in bank account. Money for another party and also for Ocoee defense fund called out and
a discussion regarding the impact of the TVA attempting
to increase costs on the local economy discussed. Noted
that there are form letters on endless adventures website
if anyone interested to submit letters to congress. Bob will
research and come back to group with proposal for assisting
with TVA issue.
Dot relayed Saturday experience with boating trip and
though challenging, had great experience following female
friend down that really helped her with trip.
Clay discussed party. We were invited back next year to
camp ground and it was a fantastic party!
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
at 8:40pm
New Business
BWA Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
Location: Durachta/Markowitz Residence, Lexington
Kentucky
Date: September 1, 2015
Gauley fest is coming up, Sept 18-20. Bob and Megan will
be running the booth and it was noted that AW can always
use volunteers. Recommendation that everyone become
members of AW and you get a $10 discount if you are a
BWA member. Gauley fest is a great place to get used
equipment. If it is your first festival, recommended you camp
on festival grounds. BWA members try to get there early
and stake out spots to left behind 4H dining hall to left of
entrance.
John and Jesse discussed Sunday Hiawasee trip which
went great and they jumped off bridge at the end.
Bryce road his PFD down per Adelessa.
Attendees: Mike, KC Frankenstein, John, Megan, Jeff, Don,
Howard, Bob, Walt, Brandy, Susan, Bob, Joe
Bob called the meeting to order at 7:40pm. Howard made a
motion to accept the August minutes as written which John
seconded and unanimously carried.
26
A Shuttle and gear driver thank you was circulated by Jeff to current contract terms. Deal is in works for rafting compagroup.
nies on Ocoee to fund and that additional cost must then
be passed on to clients. Current tickets $37-45, proposed
Officer Reports
780% raise on middle, Upper 180% raise with TVA proposal
to renegotiate every 5 years. Bob suggests as an organizaVice-President: Brandy Jones – Nothing new right now
tion we need to come up with and submit our position on
related to clinic but will be forthcoming.
this issue. At the online sites for American white water and
Savethe ocoee.org you can sign up and send a submisMembership: Howard Markowitz – 326 members which is 1 sion to your legislator and also make a personal donation if
more than last month. New renewals have slowed.
desired. Pushing out a statement paper and recommendation to member e-mail or through the Apricot website was
Treasurer: Jeff Kirkner - $8, 365.62 in the bank.
discussed. AW has been involved in this issue also. Bob
made a proposal that we make a donation to the Ocoee
Secretary: Susan Durachta – no report.
River Council of at least $500. Discussion among steering
council members was to increase this amount up to $1,000.
Safety Officer: Walt Hummel – no report.
Bob will present this issue at the general members meeting
next week.
President: Bob Larkin - Appalacian voices coming in September. White water park in Boonesboro. Discussion of
Bob has had it suggested that we do a fund raising for BWA
whether or not we should do this again. Travel agency rep
thru t-shirts at the upcoming festivals and he shared a conhas contacted him about travel, kayaking, flights – question cept drawing.
as to whether of interest. Several indicated yes.
Discussion on colors and keeping a neutral color and cut
that is both boy and girl. Don suggests considering a club
Gearmeister: KC Frankenstein – no report.
pre-order concept which was well liked by steering committee members. John made a motion for $300 for the
Newsletter: Don Spangler – Newsletter was published last
fund-raiser T-shirts with pre-order and Sue second the moweek. Would like to receive submissions from upcoming
tion which was unanimously carried. Discussion was held
Gauley Fest in October.
regarding whether we should take to membership meeting
to consider supporting a higher amount. Bob will also have
Webmaster: Joe Wheatley – There is not much on calendar. this as an agenda item for next weeks membership meeting
Wild Apricot prices have increased. Conversation that the
to discuss
site is pretty good.
Next general club meeting is at Durachta/Markowitz home.
Member-at-large: Megan Larkin – no report.
There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned
NPFF: John Mello – NPFF kick off meeting was held in last at 8:39 pm
week. Bob will be helping to head up Gauley fest activities. Howard will be transitioning into solicitation of silent
auction items. John has touched base with Buffalo Trace
and everything is in order. Anyone who knows contacts,
BWA General Club Meeting Minutes
Directors, film makers – please solicit hard for film submis- Location: Durachta/Markowitz Residence, Lexington
sions for the festival as have only received a few still image Kentucky
submissions thus far. Films can be submitted at NPFF.org. Date: September 8, 2015
Dates are February 19-20 for Gauley Fest, September 18
for Russel-fork. Discussion of what will be needed out of
Steering Committee Members Present: Susan Durachta,
storage for event(s). Discussion was held regarding the po- Howard Markowitz, Megan Larkin, Bob Larkin, John Mello,
tential purchase of indoor-outdoor carpet if none are availBrandy Jones, Jeff Kirkner
able in storage. A motion was made by Bob to approve up
to $250.00 for Brandy to shop for a carpet if needed. John
President, Bob Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:52pm.
M seconded and motion was unanimously. Discussion held August 11, 2015 General Club Minutes were distributed for
regarding how to obtain an inflatable sofa and one will be
review.
looked for to borrow.
Swift water rescue – Bob is looking at setting up a session
probably as part of or around the Spring clinic, but most
likely a few weeks after. There is a lot of interest in particular
with new members. If in good financial position we will want
to discuss budget related to this when the time is closer.
Ocoee issues raised. Discussion regarding TVA and the importance of the TVA to our sport was held. TVA charges for
releases which generates big dollars and much to the local
economy. The current contract is up March 2019 so Summer season in 2018 scheduled release would be last per the
It was asked that Sue correct name of Dottie to Dot in last
month minutes. Howard Markowitz made the motion to
approve minutes, seconded by Robert and unanimously approved with correction noted.
Evenings speakers, Tom Sexton and Tarence Ray were
introduced.
Officers Reports
27
Vice-President: Brandy Jones – has identified a rug for purchase and will be procuring prior to Gauley.
cushion but winter roll session was strong this past winter
and also spring clinic attendance was higher than normal.
Normal margin is around $3-5k. There being no further
Membership Coordinator: Howard Markowitz – 328 memdiscussion, motion was put to vote and unanimously carried.
bers – up 3 from last month
Howard made a motion to approve the club’s support of the
resolution of opposition which was seconded by Meghan.
Treasurer: Jeff Kirkner – noted that at one time we earSuggestion was made that it be posted for members on our
marked money for renovations of AW Acres but renovations site. There being no further discussion, motion was put to
were never initiated. Annually we provide about $1,000 for
vote and unanimously carried.
AW maintenance (mowing, etc).
Bob then discussed T-shirt design for Rendezvous and
Secretary: Susan Durachta – inquired to group about prefer- presented some potential samples for members. Discussion
ence to post minutes more quickly after meeting and have
was held regarding BWA providing some seed money to
any corrections from input if no one minds draft minutes
fund the shirts initially and they would be sold with any profit
being posted. Preference is to have minutes posted sooner being rolled back into the club fund. Bob indicated the steerafter meeting and corrections made later as needed.
ing committee had initially discussed $300 but that he would
like the members to consider supporting $500. Discussion
Safety Officer: Walt Hummel – not present
of desire to have quality t-shirts and some expressed desire
for a performance fabric as opposed to cotton. Bob will
Conservation Officer: Eli Purdy – not present
review the options available and report back.
Program Director: Mike Wilson – not present
Evenings speaker Tarence Ray, Appalachian Voices Field
Coordinator then provided a presentation focused on environmental and water quality efforts for Kentucky.
Newsletter: Don Spangler – not present
Webmaster: Joe Wheatley - not present
Trip reports – brief trip reports provided
Gearmeister: KC Frankenstein – not present
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:00pm
Member-at-large: Megan Larkin – no report
NPFF: John Mello – call to support Gauley NPFF booth.
Film festival Feb 19-20 and things moving along well
BWA Steering Committee Meeting
October 6, 2015, 7:30p
Etheros Brewery
President: Bob Larkin – have set up volunteers needed to
run booth for Gauley and still need some assistance for
hauling, booth set up and tear down.
Bob then opened discussion on the Ocoee. He has been
in contact with Ocoee River Council and he discussed the
structure of the TVA and structure of the contract which expires in the Spring of 2019, and if not renewed, releases will
end with expiration of the contract. Ocoee is an extremely
popular white water site and accounts for more than 622 full
time jobs and generates greater than $42M. Fee increases
would be significant. Impact for our group is that it promotes
the sport significantly, and we use the water within our club.
Bob asked the club to consider opposing the increases and
indicated that several clubs have done so and the benefits
of doing so. Bob then passed around a resolution of opposition for members to consider and asked members to consider signing. He then asked the membership to consider
financial support and indicated the steering committee had
discussed and is supportive. Zena made a motion to support
giving Ocoee River Council $1,000 which was seconded by
John. Further discussion was held regarding AW support of
this. Bob indicated AW is supportive and that AW supports
through the Ocoee River Council. Discussion regarding current fund balance of approximately $8,300 and whether that
is common annually. Usually we do not have this much of a
Attendees: Meghan, Bob, Howard, Sue, Don, KC, Jeff,
John, Brandy, Michael, Eli, Paul, Joe
Bob called the meeting to order at 7:43p. Our new member
Michael was welcomed.
Bob discussed fun of Gauley Fest and how well everything
went including the excellent decorations/living room area set
up by Brandy for the film viewing.
Russell Fork Rendezvous was discussed and it was initially
cancelled by other supporters – BUT, we plan to hold our
own Rendezvous event anyway! Unfortunately, Ratliff Hole
is not available for this…however, Carson Island is available and we have confirmed this location for it. It will be a
great event with some of the typical drum circles and fun
on Friday night, two bands on Saturday and we will hold a
raffle – this will be a 20th anniversary celebration. Nate has
been instrumental in raising money in the past for this event,
and will again leverage efforts to raise money. Bob indicated
he would like the committee to consider funding $300 to AW
Acres for the Rendezvous event. Howard made a motion to
fund the $300 to AW Acres which Meghan seconded. Discussion was held regarding liability insurance coverage and
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any risk associated with BWA resulting from the race, Lord
of the Forks, that is held at Russel Forks at this same time.
Bob clarified that the Lord of the Forks race is absolutely
not part of our Rendezvous event and that it just happens to
occur that same weekend. Further discussion was held. Bob
indicated that he would ensure a posting stating the race is
in no way associated with BWA or the Rendezvous weekend
event is placed on the Forum and would consider if there are
any other appropriate actions he should take to ensure this
is well documented and communicated. There being no further discussion, the motion was put to vote and unanimously
carried.
KC – no report.
Eli – Discussed that he is working on the Elkhorn clean
up this coming spring. Discussion was held regarding the
Port-a-potty and changing rooms at AW Acres property and
whether or not we should consider getting rid of them as
they are unused and an eye sore, in particular the changing area. Noted the Port-a-Potty was implemented when a
neighbor to the property complained of being offended by
individuals relieving themselves publicly on the property.
Eli will follow up on Port-A-Potty’s being serviced regularly.
General agreement that the changing area is in poor condition. Eli was asked to get some quotes to knock it down and
replace it and bring the quotes to the committee for review
and consideration.
below the IRS guideline amount so no concerns.
Joe – Not much to relay on site – discussed meeting location for general meeting which will be Roosters and Joe
will ensure it is posted on the site. Not much activity until
January roll sessions and newsletters. Question regarding
Christmas party date and Bob indicated we would start planning after Rendezvous.
New Business
Bob called for any other new business, and there being
none raised, the business portion of the meeting was concluded and trip reports were given.
Brandy had first trip on Gorge and it was Sweet!! Then
next day upper Russell Fork which was tough and included
a bump to her head, but all is well. Class 5 Carry into the
Rockcastle by Joe. Meghan did run on lower Gauley and
swam twice and rolled 7 times – it was rough but great! Don
has been up North to Adirondacks at Moose and Hudson
Gorge but there was no water release so had great time but
no paddling other than some lake paddle. Paul worked with
TRR clinic with visually impaired on Nantahala. Sue and
Howard did the Elkhorn this past weekend with John and
saw an eagle a bit before AW takeout which was very cool.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45p.
Sue – no report.
October 08, 2015
Don – September/October issue of Bowlines in the works.
Don would love to have pictures from Gauley for the newsletter. Bob suggested a post on the forum asking for pictures
and Bob will talk with Kyle about being our official photographer for Rendezvous.
There are only 236 active members in the database. 83-85
are in the renewal overdue/lapsed state. Should probably
think about archiving those. There are about 10 in the new
or renewal pending state that should be investigated to see
if they have or are ever going to pay or not.
Paul – Winter roll sessions will start sometime the second
Jr.
week in January and run until the weekend before spring
clinic (approximately). Currently working on lifeguard details
and $75 per session will be our cost/charge again this year.
Howard - 328 members and Mike is newest
Meghan – no report
Brandy – Carson Island has electricity – Hurray! Moonshine
District and Hot Chicks are bands arranged and would like to
pay them $350 and create a communal beverage cooler for
them. Great bands for space and Brandy will run the dance
party.
John – NPFF both at Gauley went great and much appreciation to all volunteers. Next NPFF meeting sometime in early
November. Kudo’s to Brandy for decorating the NPFF booth
at Gauley!
Jeff - $1,000 was paid to the legal representation for Ocoee.
$7,587.99 is current balance. Asked if current balance is
any concern for tax purposes and Jeff confirmed we are still
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20th Anniversary of the Russell Fork Rendezvous
October 23rd and 24th
Carson Island
Elkhorn City, KY
$10.00 per person, proceeds go to American Whitewater
2 bands
Dance Party
Bonfires & Drums
Costume Contest Paddling Movies
Russell Fork Rendezvous is just around the corner. Since Gauley Fest, when Nate, the President of the Vikings
and I realized that no one was actually putting together anything for the event, and thus there wasn’t going to be
a Rendezvous, we’ve been working together to get this event up and going. Here’s the details of what's going so
far;
This year will be the 20th Anniversary of the Russell Fork Rendezvous and we’ve come up with an event that
we hope will do the occasion justice. On the weekend of October 23rd and 24th the Rendezvous will be held at
Carson Island, just outside of Elkhorn City, KY. On Friday night, the event will kick off with bonfires, drum circles,
(All players are invited to attend) and kayak movies, provided by the NPFF Road Show.
On Saturday, the event will kick into high gear. Starting at 6, we have 2 bands playing; an awesome band called
Moonshine District, and a festival favorite from events across the Southeast, River Funk. Later, probably around
10:00, we’ll kick off the Dance Party, which will go as long as you’re willing to dance. There will also be bonfires,
drums until who knows when and a costume contest. Come as you are or dress up, there will be plenty to do and
see. Tickets for the event are $10.00 per person, with all the proceeds going to American Whitewater.
Don’t forget, t-shirts for the event (I just got them in and they look great.) They are available for advance purchase at:
http://russellforkshirt.weebly.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
We need volunteers for this event. GO TO :
http://www.bluegrasswildwater.org/bwaforum/read.php?5,27406,27449#msg-27449
Bob Larkin, President BWA
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