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Winter Paddling precautions Part 2

Kay Uwe Konojacki — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:05:36 +0000

On this posting I am going to mention a few things about choosing a run during the winter season.

1) Length of run.

Try to choose shorter runs in colder temperatures to keep warm.
If you can leave an extra shuttle car in the middle of the run for an additional take out in case someone is to cold to continue.

Remember that one of the first sings of hypothermia is loss of brain function.

2) Difficulty of run.

Select a run well within your and the groups ability. With the extra challenge of the temperatures and possible water level fluctuation. I recommend that this is not the time to push your limits.
If you haven’t done a lot of winter paddling or get cold easily choose a run below your current ability to see how you and your group deal with the cold. Then you can reassess the run as you get used to the temperatures.

3) Know your group

As always learn your groups paddling ability
Know if they have paddled during similar conditions,
Be sure they are aware of the conditions and how it will affect them.
Make sure they can handle the cold.
I usually try to get a larger experienced to less experienced ratio of paddlers this time of year. ( also keep in mind experienced with winter paddling

Remind everyone that it is cold out there and if they are not prepared for it they should be asked to not paddle.

3rd Annual Ocoee River Race Supports First Descents!

James McBeath — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:01:28 +0000

Over 70 paddlers and 4 rafts, joined the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club for the 3rd Annual Ocoee River Race. For the past 3 years, TVCC has hosted a downriver race on the Ocoee River. The past two years it has been supporting First Descents. Check out the video from the “Duo Division”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDf2ELZEKF4. TVCC is proud to have raised over $1,000 dollars for First Descents! Check them out at www.firstdescents.org

Boise Whitewater Park Update

Troy Wilson — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:28:46 +0000

The long-awaited Boise River whitewater park between Quinn’s Pond and Veterans Memorial Park is a construction site today, surrounded by chain-link barriers. A wintry chill kicks up off the water, and the river itself has been diverted through Quinn’s Pond while crews rebuild a century-old diversion dam.

If everything goes as planned, kayakers will be navigating dramatic man-made waves this spring.

Boise Whitewater Park Update

Troy Wilson — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:28:46 +0000

If everything goes as planned, kayakers will be navigating dramatic man-made waves this spring.

Winter Paddling precautions Part 1

Kay Uwe Konojacki — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:30:56 +0000

Living in the Fraser Valley we have a great opportunity to paddle year round. With this in mind everyone needs to re-evaluate there risk management plans. Weather you are paddling with a couple of your friends that you paddle with everyday or are going out with a group that has come in just to paddle.

Hypothermia is something that we should be aware of year round but it definitely takes it place at the top of our priority list this time of year. Here are a few tips you should think about in this area.

1) Dress for a swim.

You should always be ready to spend some time in the water.
Extra layers are recommended.
Remember if you do get to warm you can always do a couple of rolls and cool off.
If anyone in the party is not dressed for the weather have extra gear on hand for them or don’t let them paddle.
Even if they probably won’t swim they would be useless if needed in a rescue. ( if they can’t spend time in the water how can they help you if you get into trouble) Think about the group safety not just one paddler
Head socks made of fleece make a big difference in keeping you warm. You may need to readjust you helmet outfitting to accommodate the fleece liner.

Gloves or poggies for your hands.

I prefer poggies since you still have the ability to “feel” what you need to like Paddle ,Grab loop. The down side is they are attached to your paddle so I keep a pair of gloves in my boat in case I need to do things with my hands other than paddle such as rescues and rope work.

Gloves give you the benefit of keeping your hands warm weather at all times. The biggest thing you need to keep in mind is can you feel your grab loop. If you are paddling with gloves before you hit the water close your eyes and make sure you can find your grab loop with your eyes closed.

These are just a few things to keep in mind. Some of my best paddles have been with the snow on the ground but please paddle safe.

Kay-Uwe

Log jam on the French Broad

River Chick — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:05:12 +0000

There’s a massive log jam on the French Broad. It’s expected to break, sending a wall of water down the river. If you are heading to the FB today, rethink your plans!

ABC 13 News Video: Massive log jam on the French Broad River

New Nantahala Ambassador

River Chick — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:40:08 +0000

Amanda Gettler joins the World Kayak Team as the new Ambassador for the Nantahala region in Western North Carolina.

New Nantahala Ambassador

River Chick — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:40:08 +0000

Amanda rowing the Grand Canyon

Amanda Gettler joins the World Kayak Team as the new Ambassador for the Nantahala region.

WWP Update

rockjumper — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:10:29 +0000

The Friends of the Whitewater park got together last month to here the lattest update on the Park’s process.
WWP update as presented by Mike Aho and Tom Pratt:
The City of Spokane has approved funding for $44,000 to pay for the EIS. The EIS could cost around $80,000 and the Friends of the Falls will pay for the remainder of the EIS. A new agreement between The City of Spokane and Friends of the Falls is currently under construction.
Our next gathering will be on December 8th @ Jack and Dan’s at 5 pm.

Snow has arrived in Chilliwack

Kay Uwe Konojacki — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:25:32 +0000

It was a interesting evening when we finished our pool session the other night and found a couple of inches of snow on our cars as we a loading the gear at the end of the night. The great thing about the Chilliwack is that even though the river is low is is still very paddle-able. Plus we have the added bonus of the Ski hills opening up and lots of back-county activities . Many local paddlers will spend at least one day on the river and one day on the snow.

It’s a tough life but we manage.