November/December 2002 - Bluegrass Wildwater Association

Newsletter of The Bluegrass Wildwater Association Nov/Dec 2002
In This Issue:
Secret Handshake
Sweets Falls Rescue
WinterPaddling on the Meadow
NPFF Update: Big Changes!
Take me to the River
Don Spangler
Secret Hand Shake
You ready for the “Secret Hand Shake”?
Great, you just joined the infamous ranks of the BWA.
You’re now on-line and in the “Loop.” Now make sure
you have your BWA Handbook! It’s loaded with information and it saves you a few bucks at the Elkhorn
Put-in. You can picnic at the Elkhorn Take-out with
plenty of parking. A few persistent members pulled
that one off and defused a messy situation years earlier. Do you need to practice your roll or check out a
new boat? No problem; we can hook you up at the
YWCA Roll Secessions and put you in the newest
boats, free. How about a Spring Clinic to help develop
your skills? Or hooking up with a few competent people to show you the lines? A lot a bang for the buck for
$20. Now, you have everything. And you’re ready for
the “secret hand shake.”
Sweets Falls Rescue
From the National Park's Service Morning Report:
Gauley River National Recreation Area (WV)
Stranded Kayakers Rescued
WAIT THERE’S MORE from the BWA! And it comes
from its members. And comes from YOU. You joined
the BWA to have fun, learn, be safe and support the
BWA, RIGHT? Part of BWA is also taking care of the
rivers. The BWA supports river access and you support river access? The BWA supports clean water and
you support clean water? Then you support the basic
ideals of the BWA. You look at the world differently and
On the evening of November 3, rangers received a
call reporting that two kayakers had failed to arrive at
their designated take-out point on the Gauley River.
The Gauley had been running in excess of 4,000 cfs
(cubic feet per second), nearly twice that of the normal
fall commercial "Gauley Season" levels.
Rangers interviewed the caller and learned that Scott
Ryan, 28 and Ryan Radovich 26, both of Pittsburgh,
hadnot arrived as scheduled at the public river access
known as Bucklick. A hasty search of the other nearby
public and private access points turned up no signs of
the two men. At approximately 9:45 p.m., rangers
working along the old railroad grade near the Gauley
heard whistle blasts coming from across the river,
upstream of Sweets Falls. Two other rangers drove to
the Sweets Falls access and scrambled and bushwhacked about a half-mile upstream to the point
where the kayakers were stranded. The two men were
in early stages of hypothermia and displayed signs of
mental confusion. Rangers had them eat some energy
Continued on page 2
Continued on page 5
Secret Hand Shake (continued from pg.1)
you want to make a difference, even if it is in a small
way.
Bowlines is the Newsletter of the Bluegrass Wildwater
Association, POB 4231, Lexington Ky, 40544
The BWA gives you an opportunity to do just that. Each
year the BWA organizes several events to support river
access, quality and safety, both locally and nationally.
The BWA is also unique in that they take pride in their
support of the rivers. There are clubs that have hundreds, even thousands more members then the BWA.
They have not made the same impact. It is my understanding that the BWA contributes more volunteers and
donations than any other club in the USA does. There
are figures and feedback to support this. The events
sponsored by the BWA are another opportunity for you
to get something else besides a Handbook. The $20
you paid doesn’t go to a machine operating under your
sponsorship. The BWA is made up of volunteers.
YOU.
Club Officers 2002-2003
Join in on the Fun!
President
David Reed
Vice-President
Stacy King
Treasurer
Anothony Miller
Secretary
Kelly Glasser
Safety
Larry Cable
Program
Donnie Wilson
Newsletter
Tim Miller
Cyber Communications
Don Spangler
Conservation
Zina Merkin
Film Festival Coordinator Dave Margavage
Russel Fork River Festival
Coordinator
John Foy
Equipment Coordinator
Mike Bodner
At-Large Member:
Stephanie Lind
Membership Coordinator Sarah Cornell
Wildwater Cats Rep.
Corrine Voils
Past President
Bruce Rishel
Each year the people who volunteer and organize
these events stress out and overload themselves for
your benefit. Just kidding… They do it for the rivers.
They do it for a multitude of reasons. They do it
because it is fun, or it is a way to give a little back in
return. Maybe it’s a way of thanking the efforts of people before them, or for the future of those after them?
Do it for you if you like. Jump in and swim. Throw a
rope and help out.
BWA website:
859-527-5898
859-881-9474
270-752-0205
859-233-8877
859-255-8961
859-971-0897
859-879-8012
859-277-7314
859-268-2508
502-876-0468
859-278-2536
859-854-3054
859-266-0479
859-576-1766
859-313-5038
859-879-6538
www.surfbwa.org
Join the BWA! BWA Membership $20/individual; $25/Family year entitles you to receive the newsletter,10% discounts at many local and
out of state outfitter shops, use of club equipment, discount at pool
rolling sessions, a listing in the BWA Handbook, a stream gauge
guide, and web site with a listserve for member’s messages.
Meetings are held the at 7:30, the second Tuesday of each
month at Mark’s Feed Store, Lexington, Ky.
It’s great to hear people say and I quote, “Oh yeah,
your from that Lexington paddling club that does all
those sweet festivals and stuff for the rivers and stuff.”
No matter how they put it I hear their appreciation for
what the BWA has done over the years.
Submission of Newsletters articles preferred on CD, Zip or floppy disk (Mac
or PC) or typed. Pictures can be digital or ready to be scanned. Please
included stamped envelope for return. Preferred method: Files can also be
e-mailed to: TMiller732@aol.com
If you don’t know where to start I can offer a few suggestions:
The Russell Fork needs help in developing a new
Rendezvous site in Elkhorn City. The Roll Secessions
need teachers, gear and a way to deliver boats from
Kentucky Outdoors, (if you want to continue checking
out those new boats?). The Spring Clinic needs help
getting the word out and setting it up. The Film
Festival needs help making Sponsor calls and setting
up databases for mailings. The Elkhorn take-out could
use some information boards, road repair or trimming
around some bushes. You can get information on
these and other opportunities by contacting our club
President, Dave Reed or get in the “Loop” on the
Form.
really know why I joined the BWA. It wasn’t until I realized, that a few hard working people made the releases and access to the rivers I was paddling possible. I
was a little “scared”, but I jumped in any way and got
involved. I’ve swum bigger.
You could just simply eliminate the Roll Sessions,
Clinic and National Paddling Film Festival and just offer
the Handbook. But you didn’t join to make it simple.
Please volunteer and get involved. It’s like learning
how to paddle. It’s a little awkward and confusing at
first, but soon your comfortable and in the flow.
As for the “Secret Hand Shake” it comes from you.
It took me several years to figure it out. I paid my
dues, sometimes. I got a Handbook, paddled with a
few BWA’s once and a while and I went to the free
Friday night NPFF show. It didn’t seem to matter
whether I got involved or not, I was paddling. I didn’t
This opinions expressed here are not necessary those
of the publisher. Or are they?
Dave Margavage
2
Take me to the river?
HH: Um, yeah, why? Do you have a dog by that
name?
Hitchhiking to the put-in/take-out has been a part of
paddling since water started running down a
streambed (I think Spangler was about 23 years old
then). And everyone knows that you get extra river
karma points by giving hitchhiking boaters a ride. But
the cold, hard fact is that you are better off leaving
some people at the water’s edge.
D: No, it’s just that “brachial plexus” are two words I
never thought I’d hear come out of a boater’s mouth.
HH: I work for a chiropractor. I’m a massage therapist,
so I know all about the brachial plexus. In fact, if you
hadn’t come along, I was ready to call Allison on my
cell and offer a free 10-minute massage in exchange
for a ride.
Sometimes you just have to draw the line when deciding who you’re going to allow into your life, even for a
couple of miles. For example, take these recent
experi-ences
from the Elkhorn:
D: What about me?
HH: Well, you could give Allison a massage if you
want to, but I don’t see why that’s necessary since
you already have a car.
Shuttle #1
Hitchhiker: Hey, man, thanks for the ride…ewwweeee!
I think my cats peed on my shirt. I gave them a flea
bath, then locked them in the room with my boating
gear.
Do you see what I’m saying? We get enough weirdness and hassles from our friends without having to
put up with the same from total strangers. The solution? Simple: a hitchhiker’s questionnaire, based on a
point system, required to be completed before allowing anyone to ride with you. In order to earn a ride,
hitchhikers would have to score a
set number of points on the questionnaire. Individual
drivers could determine how many points would be
required before shuttling a hitchhiker. It could look
something like this (of course, values would only be
known to the driver):
Driver: Didn’t you notice the smell before you put it
on?
HH: The shirt was in my boating bag for 3 months.
The cats must have climbed inside and peed all over
my stuff. I just threw the bag in my car this morning
and drove straight to the creek.
D: You never take your boating gear out of your bag?
HH: Sometimes I do. I left my helmet in a friend’s car,
so I’ll be paddling today with my bicycle helmet. Hey,
how do you like my helmet liner?
Hitchhiking Boater’s Questionnaire
Name: _____________________________
D: It looks like a T-shirt sleeve.
I paddle:
_ kayak (+10) _ canoe (+5)
HH: It is! I stopped by Ed’s looking for a fuzzy rubber
liner, and he was out of them. Then I was digging
through his sale box and found this T-shirt sleeve. Ed
let me have it for free!
Please check all that apply:
_ I’m from Ohio (-10)
_ I have food at the take-out (+10)
_ You have to dig it out of the seats to eat it (-10)
_ I have beer at the take-out (+20)
_ It’s “Old Milwaukee” (-5)
_ I have margaritas at the take-out (+50)
_ I use words like “autochthonous” and “placenta” in
casual conversation (-5)
_ I have a cat, but no litter box (-10)
D: Cotton probably won’t do much to keep you warm
once it gets wet.
HH: Oh, well, it feels good on my bald head.
Shuttle #2
Hitchhiker: Hey man, thanks for the ride. My hands are
so cold I can barely feel my fingers. I think my dry top
is cutting off the blood supply to my brachial plexus.
While the hitchhiker is filling out his/her questionnaire,
the driver could be filling out his/her own information
on the potential rider:
Driver: Did you just say “brachial plexus”?
3
Continued on pg.4
Continued from page 3
Hitchhiker characteristics (check all that apply):
_
_
_
_
found it. We had to bush wack through the woods get
to the water. This involved cutting trees out of the road
and getting invited into a locals home for directions over
their kitchen table. We had meet at about 9am and didn’t get to the water until after 2:30pm. This should have
been a good warning sign, but being BWA members we
went for the run. Prior to getting to the river we did have
one false start where we almost took the boats off the
car and headed into the woods. We were wrong it was
only a small tributary.
cute (+30) _ ugly (-10)
smells good (+10) _ smells bad (-10)
in dry gear (+10) _ in wet gear (-10)
booties w/o water (+10) r booties w/water (-10)
Hitchhiker asks:
_ “Do you happen to have an extra paddle/spray
skirt?” (-15)
When we finally got onto the river it lured me into
thinking tht it was going to be a relaxng day. Since we
put on at some odd point up stream of the actual put in,
we had to paddle flat water. Yes, it was pretty but not
much fun. Initially there were a few odd rapids but not
of much interest. Once we got past the flat water it
quickly became obvious that we were in for an awesome day. The riveris very continuous class 3 / 4. Some
of the rapdis seemed to go on forever. Due the late put
in time we ran out of daylight and had to walk out.
(For rivers like the Gauley, Russell Fork Gorge, etc.)
_ “I’ve never done this river, mind if I join you?” (-20)
_ “Do I need air bags on this river?” (-25)
_ “I’ve rolled in a pool.” (-30)
By using this simple questionnaire, you will be able to
effectively screen your riders and limit your passengersto only those people who are just like you…
This was one trip where all of the extra stuff that we
normally pack and never use, were used several times.
I had to use my throw rope to pendulum our lead boater
out of the middle of the river. He was stuck ona rock in
the center of the river. Keep in mind that the only reason that I had any gear at all was that it happened to
wash into the eddy with me. I should probably note
here that this was my second swim of the day and gear
sale. The floating gear included my new wooden paddle that recirculated in the ledge hole that I had gotten
worked in, with it finally washing out into my hands.
Actually 3 out of the six of us swam due to the same
ledge hole. I loaned my breakdown to another fellow
swimmer who happened to have lost his. The extra
clothing and food and water that I also carry were used
on this trip also. It amazes me that I never used to carry
extra stuff. Thanks Lloyd!
Wait a minute. We’ll only be giving rides to people just
like us? How boring is that? On three let’s all rip up
our Hitchhiking Questionnaire Forms.
Ready? One, two…
Shuttle Bunny
All of the other boaters on this trip had extra gear
that was also used. Everything from extra food and
clothes to the flashlights that a few of us thankfully had
had brought. We used the flashlights to see while we
walked out 3 miles in the dark on abanoned railroad
tracks. If you have ever walked any distance on rail
roads tracks you know that its a miserable experience.
Dallas Hargis
BWA Winter Paddling
A large group of BWA members are avid winter paddlers. There are numerous runs that are normally only
run in the winter. Some of the more interesting ones
are the Tellico, Meadow, Cranberry, well the list is endless.
When boating in the winter always upgrade the class of
the river at least one level. Also bring all the extra safety gear you can carry (clothing, food, matches, etc.).
Also always have an emergency back up plan to get off
the river. Ours was to walk out on the railroad tracks, if
we hadn’t had this option we would have been spending a night in the woods. Several of us did have matches and lighters, thankfully we didn’t need to use them.
A few weeks ago several of us went and boated
the Upper Meadow. I have wanted to run this river for
years and finally got the chance. It definitely turned out
to be an interesting run. It took us most of the daylight
hours to just find the put in. Well, we actually never
tim miller
4
Sweets Falls Rescue Continued from page 1
bars and then began the trip back to the access road.
Obstacles including high cliff bands, rain-swollen
creeks, waterfalls and extremely dense laurel thickets;
these impediments, together with the cold, wet and
exhausted state of the boaters, made the going very
slow. All four emerged back at the Sweets Falls
access safely about four hours later. Temperatures
had dropped into the lower to mid-30s during the SAR
and it is likely that the two would not have survived the
night without the rangers’ intervention.
climbers, hikers and travelers. It has drama and excitement that include the Portage, Sacred Falls and Porter
riot. Please tell your friends about it.
Decisions to get the Big place or to attract the Big name
are not without conflict. Pulling together and putting
petty differences behind and making decisions that we
hope will ultimately benefit the NPFF and make it fun.
The NPFF is on its way to being the largest fundraiser
for river conservation in the USA. We need your help in
the next steps in making the NPFF a success this year.
The NPFF “Silent Auction” has always been the biggest
money raiser for the festival. We have always relied on
gear donations from various outfitters and manufactures
for our silent auction. But times are tough for a lot a
Companies. This is an area of concern. The simple
thing would be to assume we would not make as much
money. We could reduce overhead by staying in the
UK basement, no party and keep it basic. Na, too easy.
e
t
a
d
Up
It was decided to take a little chance and spend a little
more by taking advantage of the Kentucky Theater
location and our Special Guest Host. In addition to
gear donations we are looking at potential Corporate
Sponsors. By being on Main Street we should receive
more publicity and exposure and in return we can offer
our sponsors the same benefit. For instance, one idea
is to contact Kentucky American Water Co. Another is to
try a local Suburu dealer. It can be any Company or
person who cares about water conservation. Perhaps
you have some contacts that may be interested in water
quality, safety, river access or fishing. Just ask them!
We can put together a package for you, just let us
know. Even the marque and sidewalk on Main Street
are at our disposal for the event.
I need to STOP the rumors now. The 20 story construction project at the Hyatt/Rupp Arena has nothing
to do with the NPFF, this year. Don’t be surprised! A
lot of other people thought it was part of the NPFF to?
The NPFF has moved. It moved from the UK Nursing
Facility to Main Street Lexington, namely the spectacular “Kentucky Theater”.
It wasn’t the easiest process convincing Fred, the
Kentucky Theater Manager, to give up his Saturday
shows. Burgess Carey started working on him last
year before the 2002 Fest. We have been talking
about this place for years. And finally it paid off.
Now what? We just have to fill up an 800 seat theater!
As for Friday night? That is still pending. We do however see the possibility of having Scott premier some of
his trip from Africa. He will be returning just several
weeks prior to the Festival. Email me at
overflowxl@aol.com if you are interested in finding out
more about a special Friday night
Jam/dinner/drunk/event? with Scott. Or contact me if
you have any questions? And you thought is that all?
How about the Saturday Awards Party! It’s also pending. But we have our best people on it. I can tell you
this, “it WILL be Downtown, it will Jam, and it will have
HEAT.” So mark the NPFF down on your calendar,
February 21 & 22. That’s 2003! And I hope to see
there, or even at the next meeting?
This is the 20th Anniversary for the NPFF and it’s
building up to be the biggest ever. The pieces are
starting to come together. We are also excited to
announce that Scott Lindgren will be our special
guest host. Some of you may have heard or even
seen his adventure this past June on NBC. His expedition team was the first to complete the Upper
Tspango Gorge in Tibet. It is considered to be the “
Mt. Everest” of rivers. The deepest gorge on earth. It
is 5 times steeper and 5 times more volume than the
Grand Canyon. We will be showing Scott’s movie as
a non-competitive Feature at this year’s event. It is
more than just a paddling movie. It appeals to
If things go as planned that 20 story project at the Hyatt
will provide additional support for the NPFF in the
future. We’re on Main Street. Let’s have some fun!
Dave Margavage
5
International Scale of
River Difficulty
removed from boat and floated in different directions.
Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful
instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard
enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall off.
Class IV: Advanced Water is generally lots colder that Class
III. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise
swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require 'must'
moves above dangerous hazards. 'Must' moves are downgraded to 'strongly recommended' after they are missed.
Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large
drops. Frantic swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are
clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One
shoe is removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes
waterproof box with all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while
lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners
stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at boat which is
finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up river bank
involves inverted tree. One of those spring loaded pins that
attaches watch to wristband is missing. Contact lenses are
moved to rear of eyeballs.
Class V: Expert The water in this rapid is usually under 42
degrees f. Most gear is destroyed on rocks within minutes if
not seconds. If the boat survives, it is need of about three
days of repair. There is no swimming, only frantic movements
to keep from becoming one with the rocks and to get a breath
from time to time. Terror and panic sets in as you realize your
paddle partners don't have a chance in hell of reaching you.
You come to a true understanding of the terms maytagging
and pinballing. That hole that looked like nothing when scouted, has a hydraulic that holds you under the water until your
lungs are close to bursting. You come out only to realize you
still have 75% of the rapid left to swim. Swim to the eddy?
What #%^&*#* eddy!? This rapid usually lasts a mile or more.
Hydraulic pressure within the first few seconds, removes
everything that can come off your body. This includes gloves,
shoes, neoprene socks, sunglasses, hats, and clothing. The
rocks take car! e of your fingers, toes, and ears. That $900.00
dry suit, well it might hold up to the rocks. Your paddle is trash.
If there is a strainer, well, just hope it is old and rotten so it
breaks. Paddle Partners on shore are frantically trying to run
and keep up with you. Their horror is reflected in their faces as
they stare at how you are being tossed around! They are hoping to remember how to do CPR. They also really hope the
with the beer is still intact. They are going to need a cold one
by the time you get out! Climbing out of this happens after the
rapid is over. You will probably need the help of a backboard,
cervical collar and Z-rig. Even though you have broken bones,
lacerations, puncture wounds, missing digits & ears, and a
concussion, you won't feel much because you will have
severe hypothermia. Enjoy your time in the hospital, with the
time you take recovering you won't get another vacation for 3
years.
Colin Meagher
Found on rec.boats.paddle:
Someone asked an anonymous boater about his class IV
comfort level and he answered something along the lines of
"I'm comfortable that I can usually find an eddy to swim to."
Thus, the interviewer was inspired to offer this
International Scale of River Difficulty:
Class I: Easy Fast moving water with riffles and small
waves. Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. A nice
break from paddling. Almost all gear and equipment is
recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.
Class II: Novice Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Swimming to
eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river may
involve slippery rocks and shrub induced lacerations.
Paddles travel great distance downstream requiring lengthy
walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in
plastic.
Class III: Intermediate Rapids with moderate, irregular
waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed.
Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks.
Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision
to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer
realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated
in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are
Class VI: World Class Not recommended for swimming
6
Celebrate With Us Our 20th Year of Promoting
Paddling Films, Videos and River Causes!
BWA members!
Be a part of the 20th
National Paddling Film Festival!
• Your help and time, now and/or during the event can help
us take our event to a new level!
• Give your support to the rivers we enjoy and to our clubs
oldest amd biggest money raising event, the NPFF!
Call David Margavage and let him know you will volunteer to help.
T h i s Ye a r ! A s p e c i a l N P F F E v e n t i n L e x i n g t o n !
A Showing of “Into theTSANGPO GORGE”
"the greatest whitewater challenge in history”
Special appearance by Expedition Leader Scott Lindgren!
Scott Lindgren led a team of kayakers on one of the great river expeditions of our time:
the Tsangpo Gorge in Tibet. An incredible raging torrent that drops 9,000 feet in 150 miles,
through the world's deepest gorge.
See the video of this whitewater feat and visit with Scott at the NPFF this February 21- 22!
This year we have expanded the NPFF
into the historic Kentucky Theater!
For more information on entries, dates and how to attend the National Padding Film Festival:
http://www.surfbwa.org/npff/ or call David Margavage (859) 281-9362 DMARGAVA@jngray.com
7
Don’t forget roll sessions on Fridays!
Learn or
practice
your roll
this
winter!
Location:
Dates:
Garden Springs Y Time: 7:00 - 9:00
December 13, 20 January 3,10,17.24,31
February 7, 14, 28
Volunteers need to teach or collect money, contact Larry Cable @ 744-5930 or lcable@aol.com
More info & Map: http://www.surfbwa.org/html/events_roll.html
Thanks to Kentucky Outdoor Center for loaning Gear for roll sessions
Bluegrass Wildwater Association
PO Box 4231
Lexington, Ky. 40504
8