Monday, May 14, 2007

Northwest River is Wood Free

Last Friday a group of four paddlers took on the Northwest River for the first time this spring. We caught the river at 18.8 cms, which is a nice medium - low flow for this run. Apart from some confusion on meeting times, which was my fault, it was an awesome day. Sunshine, sorta warm water, and lots of good lines.

Last fall the rapid known as "Right to Left," in the first canyon, was blocked by a river wide log. I'm pleased to announce that this rapid is once again wood free. As well, there is no wood in "Pinball" around Northwest Falls.

For anyone interested in the nomenclature used for rapids on the Northwest River I would like to add a new name to the list. Below "Fish Hook" there is a small double ledge drop that I have always referred to as the "Double Ledge Drop." Many paddlers are familiar with the sticky hole at the bottom of the second ledge because many of us have been stuck in this hole. Cody Neal is the latest member of the kayaking community to become intimately acquainted its sticky nature. Cody informs me "a swim out of this hole doesn't count because you can put your feet on bottom, walk out of the hole, and into the eddy." I propose that the name of this rapid be formally changed to "Doesn't Count Rapid." If you're aware of any previous names that take precedent here please let me know.

Dave MacDonald will be pleased to hear the Cody doesn't just offer crazy advice, but he actually practises what he preaches. Cody was seen in the eddy dragging both his boat and paddle onto shore. His selfless action of hanging onto his gear made it much easier for Paul Rose, the better paddle in this case, to help Cody rescue himself. In this era of irresponsible, selfish behaviour by drug-enhanced professional athletes Cody's actions are commendable and he makes a fine role model for younger paddlers in the crowd.

I've thrown in a link to a slide show of pictures we took on Friday. I hope you enjoy.

Northwest River Slide Show

Pipers Hole Festival and Northwest River Updates

Hi folks,

The Pipers Hole River Festival took place on April 28, 2007. Seven brave souls turned up to take on the low flows on Pipers. The river hasn't been above 1.4 m this spring. The rodeo was held as a river running play event due to the lack of distinct features. Paul Rose was definitely styling the river. He managed to find several small cartwheel seams and was hitting multi-point cartwheels all over the place. Dave Ennis is pleased to announce that he relenquished the "Best Swim Award" this year and headed home with a dry boat. Thanks everyone that popped out for the day and to the Outfitters for supplying a few prizes.