2009: Year of the multi-day, part 1

So this summer was a big change-up for me in paddling style. Previously, I'd been running around chasing anything that was going. In 2009, I did some better planning and worked out a whole bunch of multi-day trips. In case anyone out there didn't know, multi-day boating is as good as life gets. I started the year off right by spending New Years, 2009, on a beach in the Grand Canyon. We ate filets, drank champagne, dropped grease bombs and howled at the moon.

Bomb!

My first multi-day kayak trip this year was a two day adventure down the Black Boxes of the San Rafael. Tragically, my camera had been stolen only a few days before and I don't have any photographic evidence of what was likely the first raft descent. I was the sane kayak support. Late June brought Cali calling as usual. I had an entire week to spend with the posse and we first fired up West Cherry Creek. While not nearly as classic as Upper Cherry, it provided from some awesome scenery, super intense V+, and the usual sunny Cali weather.

Almost there!

Alex Clayton coming down flat

I call this shot 'Gorilla in the Mist'. If you know C.Mo, then you know what I'm talking about.

After a great two days we found ourselves pondering a high water Upper Cherry run.

If you're going to get into multi-day trips, especially in Cali, you need to invest into a good kayak pack. The best commercial one I've found is the NRS Sherpa. I add an extra cam strap around to give it just a touch more strength. None of the packs are indestructible, but if treated properly they beat the heck out of the cam straps and pool noodles I used last year on the 9 mile hike.
Here's the reason that multi-days kick ass. This drop is called the Coffee Pot drop because it's 15 paddle strokes downstream from the putin camp. No shuttle, no fuss, just me boofing.

Tyson falling off the edge.

Alex about to disappear into the California Groove Tube, which is a lot less friendly than the original.

Another thing that has really improved my enjoyment of the multi-day trip is Watershed dry bags. They're a touch heavy, but absolutely bone dry and bomb proof. As you can see from this photo, all of us had at least a pair of them and I have 3.

Parting Shot: Alex launching high flow Double Pot.

Stay tuned for the next installment of 2009 overnighters.....

Thanks to Tom Janney for the Grand Canyon shots.

4 days & 4 nights, A kayaking self support, 65 miles-class 2-5

This June, Cameron, Joe, Amos and I did a 4 day self support kayak trip on the Rio Grande from the Colorado border to the county line below the Racecourse. 65 miles of class 2-5. Great times, 1 lost kayaker, lost whiskey, carnage, fishing and a trip that is etched in my memory of good times forever.
I had been wanting to do this trip for the last 10 years. I could never rope fellow boaters into it. I guess the concept of lots of class 2 and beautiful scenery didn't excite the "core" paddlers around. Luckily, I have some great bros that love kayaking regardless of the grade level and they joined me. We had flows of about 950cfs, tons of gear in our kayaks, a good attitude and actually paddled some whitewater during the trip. Sections that we kayaked were, Ute Mountain, Razorblades, Upper Box, la Hunta, Lower Box, State park, and Racecourse. I would recommend this 4 day self support trip to anyone that loves an adventure. We had an absolute blast. The wildlife was abundant, the scenery unbelievable, the winds way strong, and the whitewater was a blast. One of the best trips I have ever done. Oh ya, The Everest rules as a multi-day kayak. I think this trip will become an annual event. Stay tuned for next years episode and feel free to join us if you can break away from the "stout" for 4 days. It will do you good.
Enjoy. beers, Atom...

4 days & 4 nights, A kayaking self support, 65 miles-class 2-5 from atom crawford on Vimeo.

Crystal Gorge In HD

Well its been a while since crystal gorge has been running, the last day we ran the gorge, our buddy Anson came and filmed us. We attached a canon 5d mk2 in an underwater housing to my boat. It worked pretty well, he also hiked in and shot us on some of the other rapids with his red camera. Check it out.

Crystal Gorge HD Experiments from Fred Norquist on Vimeo.

Gnarquist's "Jonesin" Video Favorites

Well now that it is officially "Jonesin" season, I go into a strange and mildly satisfying state where I spend the majority of my time watching kayaking videos on the internet. As good as going kayaking? Not at all..... But im hoping by watching these videos, I will get a slight feeling of what it actually feels like. I find myself perousing through videos I have seen before, even some that I have seen 10 times, watching them over and over to try and bring back that feeling we all love of being on the river, and running big rapids. I can't wait to get back in my boat.

As usual, Demshitz's videos are some of the best out there.

YULE CREEK-HIGH WATER from jared seiler on Vimeo.

I think I have probably watched this video atleast 30 times. Great High Water Yule!!!!

This is a Great vid From Demshitz of some good Cali Creekin.

California Creeking May 08 from jared seiler on Vimeo.

Although playboating isnt nearly as cool as creekin, here is a good vid Demshitz made, its kind of like a music video.

The Pyranha REV @ the Eternity Hole from jared seiler on Vimeo.

Another Sick Demshitz video comin from Evan Garcia... he lays dem treats!

EG's South East Update from jared seiler on Vimeo.

And another EG vid comin straight atcha from dem pristine waters of the PNW. I'll be calling this place my home here in a few weeks.

Little White 2009 from jared seiler on Vimeo.

Who doesnt love carnage? I know I do... check out demshitz taking dem hitz

Demshitz The Movie Carnage Teaser from jared seiler on Vimeo.

This is by far one of my Favorite vids from the time I spent in Chile with demshitz
Upper palguin is the goods!

Kayaking the Upper Palguin Helmet Camera from Evan Garcia on Vimeo.

And yet another great vid from EG and our trip to chile. Rio Puesco, easily one of the best rivers in the world.

Rio Puesco Helmet Cam from Evan Garcia on Vimeo.

Here is some good CO classic creekin 2nd gorge of lime

2nd Gorge of Lime Creek from David Fusilli on Vimeo.

Demshitz love BC!

BC 09 from David Fusilli on Vimeo.

Demshitz way of life kills it! check out a typical day in the life...

A day in the life: DEMSHITZ from Aplin Independent on Vimeo.

There couldnt be a favorite video playlist without Rush Sturges and YGp's vids


Rush and Tyler's New Film, Dream Result is gunna be sick!!! Those guys can make some videos!


Some Palouse Falls Action... World records are cool too.


Carnage at Cherry Bomb!!!



This is easily one of my favorite vids, The Demshitz crew down in chile in 07


I dont tend to watch my own video that much because after editing them, i know everything that happens, but hopefully you like them, here is a link http://www.vimeo.com/user741074/videos

M-wave 2009

As the season in Colorado winds down... well mainly after Crystal Gorge stops running, I result to working, hanging out with friends, working on my car... things a river gypsy would only do if there isn't any kayaking. But every summer there is one wave that calls me out of my "normalcy" and makes me go whitewater boat riding. This wave is called m-wave. It is one of the only times where I am slightly scared playboating. The speed of the wave combined with the shape makes it one of the most fun playspots around. It was Conor's birthday also so needless to say, we had to do some whitewater boat riding.


We arrived in the evening, and proceeded to do the first ever m-wave night sess using alex's truck to provide some light.

Birthday brown.

I'm pretty sure I ate sh** here, but makes for a cool photo.
Conor is really good at browning.

And backblunting... very nice!!

Jonny getting a little m-wave practice in before worlds.
Yeah, he is good at kayaking.
I didnt even know I could do that.
Aerial BROWN!


"That Jonny Meyers is just so dreamy"-a girl at FIbark actually said that haha
Alex Hotze throwin down on his home wave like it aint no thang.
Jakub Nemec our good friend from Czec killin it as usual.

I bought a new whip!
Here is a cool edit I made from our little trip. David Yanez on the camera! Make sure to Download the E-V-A mixtape.

Big thanks to Forge motion pictures for letting us borrow their camera. check their stuff out here http://forgemotionpictures.com

M-wave 2009 from Fred Norquist on Vimeo.

Rocky Mountain Update - New-ness in Wyoming

Photo: ES

To quote the Big Lebowski, "New Sh!t has come to light man," and not in relationship to Bunny being kidnapped here but to a new mecca for wilderness creek boating.

There our some uh, concerns here though and we need to address them before we move on. The area in question is located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Wind River Mountains located on the Reservation are sacred to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. They are sacred to us as well. Before attempting any of these runs there is a set protocol which must be followed and which is summed up below.

You MUST obtain the proper permits for ALL days you are on Reservation land. A backcountry fishing license is required for you to access these areas. You can purchase your licenses at various places on the reservation and in many of the surrounding communities including Lander and Dubois. Click Here for a full list of purchase locations.

The legality of actually kayaking here is controversial. Please use caution. A rescue situation requiring outside assistance would certainly jeopardize our access. The Shoshone think we are crazy for running these rivers but they are also impressed with our skill and ability to SAFELY navigate them. One of their main concerns is that they do not want to have us getting injured and/or dying on their land. These are SERIOUS class V expedition style runs, even if they are only one day long. The Wind River Wilderness is as unforgiving a landscape as exists in the lower 48.

Do not draw attention to yourselves. NO GUNS. NO WHITE MAN FIRES. NO DOGS. NO CHASING THE WILDLIFE. USE LEAVE NO TRACE BACK COUNTRY TECHNIQUES AND BE KIND TO EVERYONE YOU ENCOUNTER, ESPECIALLY THE LOCALS. We are guests on their land, never forget that for a moment. I will hunt you down myself and scalp you if I find out you blew our access for some idiotic reason.

And now with the obligatory scare tactics and reservation issues out of the way, where and what are we even talking about?

This is what and where we are talking about! Photo: ES

There are now three classic runs which have recently been opened up on the Wind River Reservation that, for all intensive purposes, are the best wilderness creek boating in the Rockies. Seriously. I know hard to believe but if you are willing to work for it you will be justly rewarded.

Case in point, Fraser Tear tearing it up on the NF Little Wind. Photo: Aaron Mulkey

The North Fork of the Little Wind River was added to the areas must-do list in mid-July by Brady Johnston, Austin Rathman, Andy Blakeslee and myself. This little gem can be done in a day and has relatively easy access for the Winds. It also has potential to become an overnight classic as there is more gradient upstream of what was accomplished this past summer.

Fraser Tear again, in Larry, the first of the Three Stooges. Photo: Aaron Mulkey

Rathman in Double Duece. Photo: AM

For the complete story of our adventure go to Boofington Heights HERE

For some more beta and more of how to get this thing done go HERE

OK. So great there's this awesome little run there, with some sweet waterfalls and beatuiful granite bedrock. But what else right?

Austin moving on to the SF Little Wind. Photo: AM

Austin lead the charge to finally get these runs done and once we had knocked of the NF he was more than ready to accept the more difficult challenge of accessing the SF. He coerced Aaron Mulkey and Tom Sunderland into first getting a taste of the Nf and then on joining him to get the SF done. And they got it done in epic style!

Austin on Gadgets Go Coaster. Photo: AM

Tom on Atro Orbiter. Photo: AM

To read the full report of their one day, what should definitely be a two day adventure go HERE.

So now you've got these two amazing cali-style granite overnights in the same drainage, which is enough to have most packing their bags and heading north to WY. But wait, there's more! These could really serve as just a warm-up for the main event, one drainage to the north!!! BULL LAKE CREEK!

No Bull. Kyle McCutchen, Haagen Daazen. Photo: Ian Garcia

The NF Little Wind requires about 2-3 miles or so of hard hiking and a minor portage. The SF Little Wind requires 5 miles of hard hiking and few major portages. Bull Lake requires 20 miles of hiking and more than a few MAJOR portages. It is a mission. But for the true class V wilderness paddler it is one of the best. When you hike 20 miles, over two passes, from a 4WD road already deep in wild reservation land, to the base of the Continental Divide, you are officially out there. It's just you and your compatriots, the grizzlies, the trout, the eagles and the stouts. It is simply amazing country and for all the trouble the whitewater had better be good right. It is, damn good too.

Ian Garcia below the Class V Sneak rapid. Photo: ES

Ian Garcia in the Jim Bridger Double Slide. Photo: ES

For a good report on a Bull Lake mission go HERE.

So there it is. The case for the southern half of the Wind River Reservation being the best area for wilderness creek boating in the Rockies. Where do you think the best wilderness creek boating in the Rockies is? (OBJ will not be accepted as an answer to this question).

ES

What’SUP Workout

The rivers are running clear and low. Fishing season is pretty much upon us. Time to gain back that winter weight and go back to occasionally hanging out with our non-paddling friends. I try to hit the gym, but I just don't have time and it isn't kayaking. Nothing really is. This past weekend though I spent some time on Lake Erie with my wife’s family and found myself hooked on a new genre of paddling that might just keep my papa’s belly to a minimum through this mud season.

I know, I know, everybody’s talking about SUP. It’s the latest greatest, plus its name is a sweet acronym. It’s pretty hot right now and for some of us that is kind of turn-off, feeling like we are just jumping on the bandwagon, but here are some great reasons to give it a go, even if it’s just on flat-water.

1. It is a great paddling workout and really pretty fun. It works your core big time and most of the same arm, shoulder and torso muscles you use for getting your boof on.

2. It is an amazingly versatile sport. Take it out on flat-water, or the local class III run, take it to the beach to surf some waves or paddle your dog around on it. Liquid Logic is even coming out with a new SUP board that actually doubles as a sit on top kayak, the Versaboard , and it will be out next spring. That thing is looking to be the ultimate family fun vehicle.

Link to the Versaboard video and Liquid Logic Facebook page here.

3. It will be a new challenge that you can look forward to improving at every time you step on it. And believe me, it is a challenge. The flat-water isn’t too bad, but my first experience with a SUP was on Earl’s board on Westwater, and with some current, watch out! You’ll be on your knees before you know it, hoping just to ride it out.

4. Again, It has a sweet name.

5. When you get good you can surf the Glenwood Wave or try to kickflip a waterfall.

Photo by Werner Paddles Dan Gavere - SUP extraordinaire!

I truly think that most paddlers will really enjoy the SUP trend and that we will see more and more of these in people’s arsenals. It’s going to make class III super interesting again for many expert paddlers, and class IV downright hair raising. Just give it a try and you’ll know what I’m saying.

Below is a video of Nikki Gregg who also paddles for Werner talking about her SUP boot camp and the benefits of a SUP workout.

Colorado Junior Kayaking Championship

The Colorado Junior kayaking championships are a chance for paddlers under the age of 18, to compete against kids across the state in three disciplines - boater cross, downriver racing and freestyle.

Evan sheir, driving for the lead in the Boater Cross


This event is hosted by Nick Wigston and www.downstreamedge.com. Nick is also laying the ground rules, and getting things going for the Rocky Mountain Junior Kayak League. These leagues are springing up all over Colorado, (Durango, Boulder, Fort Collins, Glenwood, Steamboat, Vail and the Arkansas Valley) with a common vision of developing young paddlers into safe and confident kayakers. In what some say is a dying sport. The creation of the JKL and its influx of new paddlers, may be the saving grace for the sport of kayaking.

Twelve young and aspiring paddlers came from across the state to attend the first ever Colorado Junior Kayaking Championship. Creating a fun and exiting atmosphere, were the kids could challenge one another wile growing their on water confidence through leaps and bounds. This event introduced these twelve young kayakers to one another, creating friendships that will continue to grow throughout their lives as they search for friends to push the sport of kayaking to new heights.


These kids, and programs like the JKL are the future of our sport. So help promote the JKL and visit www.downstreamedge.com. Don’t you wish you could have learned to kayak from a professional instructor, twice a week with kids your own age?

Salida Combos 09

Two years ago I could do 4 trick combos. After working on them a lot last year I didn’t improve on them. With the new 2010 Allstar and 2 days of good water I completed a 5 and 7 trick combo and my 4 trick combo moves are cleaner and have more pop as well. Check out the video!

Review of the Hero Series

Don’t let the name fool you, the Little Hero is a very mighty boat!! Now, I know what you’re thinking: I’m supposed to be neutral. But after paddling the Little Hero, I have only good things to say about it. I have been using it for a few months now and absolutely love it! I came from the Punk Rocker and started using the Hero last summer in Colorado and fell in love with it the moment I got it in moving water. The Hero is a great boat but at 125lbs. it is a little big on me, it just takes a few extra shims. The Little Hero, although it looks small for someone that is 5’7”, fits perfectly and paddles just as well.
What do I love about the Little Hero and the Hero series?? Besides the fact that it is perfect for smaller paddlers, especially the ones that don’t have a lot of upper body strength, it is the perfect boat for any paddler of any skill level. Whether you are learning to river run or running waterfalls and punching big holes, the Little Hero can do it all. It’s easy to roll, easy to surf (or surf out of) holes, and it boofs like a dream.
The hull of the Little Hero (and all boats in the Hero series of course) makes it easy to ferry across the river, catch eddies, and- like I said before- surf out of holes if you happen to get caught in them. It is as if you can look at the line you want to run and the Hero will take you there.
With all of these wow factors, It’s not hard to see how the Hero series is good for paddlers of all skill levels. It will help the beginner learn how to run a river and build confidence, it will help a beginning creeker learn how to use holes to their advantage and run waterfalls, and- of course- it will help that long time creeker navigate his/her way down the river effortlessly.

A good example of my experience with the Little Hero would be when I took it on the Tellico in March. It was at a medium flow and it was my first weekend in my new kayak. There is a ferry at the put in that was effortlessly made with just one stroke. Down stream where the ledges lay the Little Hero was easy to maneuver through the necessary moves and boof easily over the ledges. I even free-wheeled it over the third ledge without a problem. Then, for some ferrying and eddying practice, I stopped at the campsite rapid a little ways above Baby Falls. I was able to ferry across the rapid the whole way down and eddy 11 times. And of course at Baby Falls, it boofed naturally. Of course, to be fair, I wish I could point out some of the less desirable aspects of the Little Hero but the truth is that I’m still looking for them.

Sam

British Columbia!!!!

After wondering for weeks if we would actually be able to cross the border with our passport-less friend, we finally successfully made it into sunny, hot, British Columbia. Only able to fit a little over a week of BC time into our schedule, we made best use of our time. There was a day of skiing on the Blackcomb Glacier in the morning and paddling the Cheakamus in the afternoon and another day that involved paddling 3 different creeks (Cheak, Callaghan, & Ashlu). Then we were off to Skoomumchuck Narrows. Unfortunately we spent most of our time watching a greened-out wave, but it was an incredible place to visit and the 2 surfs each day were certainly worth the trip.

Here is a short video that Dave Fusilli made of our trip.

BC 09 from David Fusilli on Vimeo.

Lost mountain lion cub.  

We wanted to keep it as a pet, but by now it might not have been such a good idea.

Scouting Mamquam.... too low

Skiing in a tank top!!

Hiking into Callaghan

Callaghan waterfall!

Dave surfing Skook in the new Pyranha Z-One

Starfish

More Skook sea life!

Video Footage of a Tugboat flip we witnessed during slack tide at Skook

Dave and Jared hiking into Rogers Creek

HH Films scouting

As the main rivers' start tapering off, it's time to look for some low water options, or hike around in the bush looking for new drops / runs. Well, I've been scouting out some stuff in my backyard up here in B-Ham Washington. The dog [Timber] hates me now as I've taken her on bushwacks through Hornets nests, cliffs, glacier runoff and fluctuating 60-100 degree exposed weather. We've stumbled across some cool stuff - check the pics and stand by for some kayaks in these waters...









Photo Credit: HH FILMS

CKS END OF SUMMER BLOWOUT

This weekend (August 7th-9th) CKS will be selling everything in the store for 20% off. We'll also be selling our ENTIRE demo fleet including AT/Werner Paddles, Creek Boats, Play Boats, River Runners, Rafts, Duckies, PFDs, Helmets, Wetsuits, and anything else we may have.

We'll also have a gigantic gear swap going on, so bring your old boat and trade it in for a new one!

For more info, click here.