Jayson Seaman

Other Occupation/ Interests:

Asst. Professor of Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire

Certifications:

ACA Whitewater Kayaking; Wilderness First Responder; NH Secondary Education English Teaching

Year Started Paddling:

1998

A first paddling story/moment; how or where you learned; what made it click:

I perfected my combat roll while kayak surfing in the ocean – a great place to practice while (safely) getting tossed around (a sandy beach is more forgiving on the noggin than river rocks when you spend as much time upside down as I did).

Did you have a favorite instructor/mentor/coach:

Janet Cowie’s paddling and teaching style is a great model for me!

Why did you start teaching:

To spread the love and respect for whitewater paddling

Best teaching moment:

Continuing to see Dennis Jr. grow and develop as an outstanding paddler and instructor (and seeing other former Zoar students tearing it up on their own years afterward!)

Why do you choose to teach at Zoar Outdoor:

Great people to work with (staff and customers alike); I especially admire Zoar’s commitment to relationships and to the environment, as well as the new programs they are constantly developing. And Joel’s salsa and squash soup are unparalleled.

Mike Vecchiarelli

What other sports do you do?

Rock climbing, mountain biking, x-country and back country skiing, mountaineering, archery, running, racquetball.

What is something you like to do when you are not paddling?

Mechanical tinkering.

Certifications:

Wilderness Medicine and Kayaking

Year Started Paddling:

1988

What is your favorite paddling memory?

9 days of straight paddling starting at Gauley Fest and the New River, then Yaug and Deleware, then to Maine for the Penobscott, with a brief side trip to Sumner Falls.

Loved it from the first river trip and still loving it.

Did you have a favorite instructor/mentor/coach:

The river gives me lots of feedback all the time.

Why did you start teaching:

Started as another fun thing to teach kids in the outdoors. Also, selfishly, it's the best way to learn.

Best teaching moment:

Being there when folks come through their first rapid.

Why do you choose to teach at Zoar Outdoor:

Zoar is where I live and play, and has the programs I do (kayaking, biking, climbing...)

James Sullivan

Other Occupation/Interests:

Ski demo shop supervisor in MT, most self-powered outdoor sports especially when gravity or wind is involved

Certifications:

WFR: ACA kayak, canoe, river rescue

Year Started Paddling:

1996

A first paddling story/moment; how or where you learned; what made it click:

When I first was shown how to ferry it definitely did not click. I tried the same ferry three times at the play hole at T-ville and swam each time. Each time I swam we also practiced throwing throw bags so at least I didn’t have to swim hard.

Did you have a favorite instructor/mentor/coach:

One of the best things about learning to paddle out here is that I’ve always have had a mentor. I started off working at an overnight camp that taught kayaking and Scott Cook and fellow staff were my mentor/s. When I was sixteen, Tom Foster took me under his wing while his school was open in Millers Falls. Currently Janet mentors me with the business side of instruction, the river makes a great office.

Why did you start teaching:

All my friends did it.

Best teaching moment:

There have been many, my favorite is when I see a student years later and they have become solid paddlers. It’s always great when a student is super motivated to be there.

Why do you choose to teach at Zoar Outdoor:

Like Bruce, Janet makes me too. Really though, it is a great community and close to where I grew up.

Mike Porter

What year did you start paddling:

01-02 ish?

Occupation (when not teaching at Zoar or in the off season):

eccentric billionaire/ Mt. Snow rescue in the winter, random contract guide jobs, snow/skate shop bum, living in a van, etc…

What certifications and other cool awards do you have?

WFR, OEC, NSP, I’m also a snowboard guy AASI I, lots of consolation prizes from losing at contests, canopy zip line guide and rescue guide, driver’s license, passport, stuff…

What is your first paddling memory?

Paddling Fife brook with Jimmy, Pennell, and bunch of new guides from my first year at Zoar.

What is something you like to do when you are not paddling?

Skate, ride boards, shred the soul gnar

Why do you teach at Zoar?

I love to teach, the camaraderie, transference of skills. It becomes an internal struggle to always teach in the most efficient and effective way. It’s almost competitive. It’s also nice to break up the work week doing something different.

What was your best teaching moment?

It’s nice to paddle with folks who’ve taken past clinics and watch how they’ve improved and become addicted to the sport.

What other sports do you do?

I’ve been snowboarding forever, skating for almost as long, surf, climb, bike sometimes a lot or not…

How did you start paddling?

When I started working with the folks at Zoar they just immersed me in the paddling world, it was like I didn’t have a choice! Good thing I love it!

Dennis Moore

What certifications do you have:

ACA; EMT-B; Swift water rescue

What year did you start paddling:

2005

What other Sports do you enjoy:

Volleyball, and Surfing

A first paddling story/moment; how or where you learned; what made it click:

The first few times i kayaked I was in a boat that was way too big for me. I think the first time I sat in a Jackson Fun 1.5, everything finally clicked. I could edge and turn and roll and my life was complete. That was the day I realized not only was I hooked but I was going to be in debt for a long time.

Did you have a favorite instructor/mentor/coach:

I would have to say my first ever instructor Jayson Seaman is my favorite instructor. To this day I still love just sitting back and watching his unique teaching style.

Why did you start teaching:

I shadowed clinics in 2007, and was an intern in 2008, and 2009 will be my first season as a regular full-time instructor.

Why did you start teaching:

I started teaching because I truly love the sport of kayaking. I think it is a great experience for people and it has helped me develop as a person. I want to be able to give other people the same enjoyment that I have every time I sit in a boat. I just want to pass on my love of kayaking to other people, and I love watching people progress.

Best teaching moment:

I would have to say my favorite teaching moment was when one of my students, who at the beginning of the clinic was terrified of water in general, finally started to relax and actually has greatly progressed as a paddler.

Why do you choose to teach at Zoar Outdoor:

Zoar outdoor is not just a place to work. It's an entire kayaking community and the staff is a big family. I took my first ever kayaking clinic at Zoar and fell in love with the people. I chose to teach for Zoar for those very reasons.

Brian Mernoff

Other Occupation/ Interests:

Swimming, Teaching

Certifications:

CPR, ACA, AED, Life Guard, First Aid, SRT, WFR

Year Started Paddling:

2004

A first paddling story/moment; how or where you learned; what made it click:

I took my first kayaking clinic at Zoar Outdoor with my dad after seeing the kayakers on the river during a rafting trip. After the first day on the river I fell in love with the sport. It was just me, the boat, the water, and a whole lot of fun. Soon after, I took a second novice clinic and began a long process of convincing my dad that buying me a kayak would be a great idea.

Did you have a favorite instructor/mentor/coach:

One of my favorite mentors is my high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Goodwin. He made a very difficult and dense subject fun and exciting for everyone in the class. A class never went by without a number of laughs. Towards the end of my senior year I began to ask him about how he did what he did so well as I too want to become a teacher. I always remember his advice while I teach now, whether its kayaking, swimming, music, or anything else

Why did you start teaching:

I was introduced to teaching when I was fourteen when I assisted swim lessons. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a student's mind suddenly "click", especially after a lot of work has gone into teaching them the material or skill. Because of this feeling, I have taken as many teaching opportunities as possible, including becoming a white water kayaking instructor.

Best teaching moment:

I had a small two person clinic in which one woman was unable to paddle in a generally straight direction (as a perfectly straight line is close to impossible for any paddler). We worked for several hours on the pond on every aspect of forward paddling. By lunch time, she was getting close, but it still had not clicked. That afternoon we traveled to the river. After running the first rapid, we decided to work on forward paddling again on a flat section. Within 15 minutes, it suddenly clicked. She paddled in a straight-line and the smile on her face was amazing. During the remainder of the day, her confidence could not be shaken. She had worked hard and completed her goal for the day.

Why do you choose to teach at Zoar Outdoor:

Besides being one of the few kayak schools in the area, Zoar is an extremely supportive company. I always know that I can ask any of the other staff for help if I need it. Many of the managers also work side by side with the other employees, adding to their support and creating a close knit family within the company.

Hillary Friedman
What year did you start paddling:

2005
What certifications and other cool awards do you have:

WFR; ACA WW K1; CPR/AED

What is your favorite paddling memory:

Flying through the air on a boof stroke on the lower section of the Beaver River

What is something you like to do when you are not paddling:

Skiin’ in deep powder

Why do you teach at Zoar:

I like to share my love for whitewater paddling with others.

What kind of boats do you paddle and how many do you own:

Playboat: Wavesport Project 45

Creekboat: Liquidlogic Jefe Chico

What other sports do you do:

Big Mountain Riding, Power Yoga, Running and Rock Climbing
How did you start paddling:

I flipped over a lot.

Scott Johnson

Other Occupation/ Interests:

Rock Climbing, Backpacking, Mtn Biking, Farming

Certifications:

ACA Kayak, canoe and swiftwater Rescue, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, WFR, Lifeguard

Year Started Paddling:

1980

A first paddling story/moment; how or where you learned; what made it click:

Running a long technical rapid on the remote Bonaventure River in the Gaspe Peninsula, Canada. The wilderness feel, the group I was with and the focus required to run it cleanly all made this a river trip that I'll never forget.

Did you have a favorite instructor/mentor/coach:

I went to college with Dan Gavere in Montana. He and several others were a huge inspiration to me.

Why did you start teaching:

1999-To share the joy of paddling rivers. Also, so more people can benefit from learning from an experienced instructor-something many of us never had.

Best teaching moment:

2 years ago, I brought a total beginner from the very basics up to paddling class III in just a few days. On their first run down the Gap, they flipped, then successfully rolled up and finish the rapid upright! It was a huge moment for them-where everything clicked and their confidence in their abilities zoomed and caught up with their actual skills.

Rachel DeMaine
Year started paddling:

2005
Occupation (when not teaching at Zoar:

Sales Analyst at Millennium Pharmaceuticals
What certifications and other cool awards do you have:

ACA Certification

What is your favorite paddling memory:
I met my husband. (I am curious what his is!)

What is something you like to do when you are not paddling:

I like climbing, snowboarding, cookies and baking. (I have been told my cookies are kind of like crack!)
Why do you teach at Zoar:

After sitting in the office all week, I could not think of a better way to spend my weekend than on the water. Teaching people a sport I love and watch them learn to enjoy it as well is great!
What other sports do you do:
Climbing (just started!), snowboarding, and according to my husband I am a gym rat! (I used to row (crew) but after 9 years, couldn't do it any more)

How did you start paddling:

My sister lived in Atlanta for 2 year, the group that she was friends with down there were very big into outdoor sports. She went a few times and liked it. For her graduation from Grad school, I took the two of us

Bruce Lessels
Year started paddling:

1975
What certifications and other cool awards do you have:

ACA ITE – ww kayak , canoe, ACA IT – swiftwater rescue

3rd C-1 World Championships, Bourg St Maurice, 1987
What is your favorite paddling memory:

Running rivers in Chile – great whitewater, warm weather and cheap food!

What is you favorite food or color or superhero or something you would like
to disclose:

Favorite food

SUSHI!

Favorite superhero

SUSHIMAN!

What is something you like to do when you are not paddling

Biking, being with my kids
Why do you teach at Zoar:

Janet makes me

What kind of boats do you paddle and how many do you own:

Plastic ones

65

What other sports do you do:

Biking, basketball
How did you start paddling:

Boston AMC instruction program in 1975

Jeff DeMaine

Years Paddling:

5+ Years at Zoar

Occupation:

Fire Protection Engineer Certification - Professional Engineer License Favorite Paddling memory - Running the dryway on a non- scheduled release day (bonus day)

Why teach at Zoar:

Great way to introduce people to the sport while perfecting your technique.

Other sports:

Telemark/alpine skiing, rock climbing

I had heard about this mysterious little play wave just about an hour from Zoar Outdoor but never had an opportunity to go play. Well ...Saturday afternoon I got my chance. What fun! After about 3 hours I was still smiling. Great surfing, spining and deep enough to go vertical!

The locals tell me the optimal level is beteween 6 ft - 5.5 ft but it can be paddled at lower levels. Check out AW website for the gage (Massachusett, Hoosic River, North Adams to North Pownal).

Directions: If you are traveling from the east, take Rt 2 west, to Rt 7 North into VT. Take a left on Rt 346 until you get to NY state line. Go about 1 mile, park at turn out on right. Follow short path to river & have fun!

As of today we still have some room in next week's clinics, and there's plenty of space in the Westfield Boys' Club pool in February. Hope to see you there!

Instructor Hillary Friedman just finishing a river run with some awesome women paddlers, April, Tammy [[&]] Ursala!

Instructor Jim Sullivan highlights the importance of theproper use ofriver rescue equipment.

Instructor Chris Snowdon helps studentsfine tune their roll by going back to the basics. Chris isemphasising the importance of the lower body (driving knee/hip snap)while rolling.

One of the most popular sessions is the open paddling with the Zoar instructors. Having fun and making connections!

“Make your eddy turns look easy” by using speed, angle management, vision and edge control.

Instructors Heather Young [[&]] Jim Sullivan work with alumni to “Perfect your stroke timing”.

Instructor Rachel DeMaine’s “hula dance” is well known to help the”Well-balanced paddler”.

Alumni got a chance to work on their technical skills in theZoar gap, a local class III rapid. Some got the chance to take the course”1st timers in the Gap” and others worked on “paddling the Gap with Control [[&]] Finesse”. Lots of great fun had by all!

Saturday evening, our cook, Joel put on a great meal that would satisfied any hungry padder. We watched a slide show of the days photosand other paddling DVD’s while we chated about the season and future paddling adventures.

Sunday’s weather was warmerand thepaddlers were eager to be out on the river again.We paddled hard and by Sunday afternoon everyone was tired and satisified.

Thanks to everyone who came to the reunion and I look forward to seeing you all in 2009! For more information on the reunioncheck out http://www.kayaklesson.com/reunion.htm

See you on the river! Janet Burnett Cowie, Director of Instruction Programs

Hangover Helper or Diamond Drill

Use the wave train to try wave wheels.  Wave wheels are often easier than other cartwheels because your boat has less water tension, so it rocks more easily.  Dial in the timing and you'll be swinging some great ends.

Use the river left pourover at the top of the big river left eddy to practice your double-pump initiations.  Use the current side to throw some good left ends.  This small ledge hole has plenty of punch to help encourage your bow down and you can often get two quick ends. 

Right Turn Riffles

Use the right turn just after Fisherman's Bend to practice more wave wheels along river left.  Be careful; this spot can be a little shallow if you get a real vertical end.

Freight Train / Hoosic Tunnel

Halfway down on river left there is small birch tree that leans into the water.  This marks a small really fast eddy on the left.  At the top of this eddy is a small ledge that can be doubled pumped along the eddyline - also a lefty spot.  This is a good spot to show off to the rafts; they always seem to catch me here.

Just before the bridge there is a pourover hole on the left.  Use the river left side of it to practice some right spins and ends.  It will kick you out to the middle if you initiate too far to the center.  Beware, this is one of the few spots that does have a head clunking rock just downstream of it on river left.  Make sure you tuck!

X-mass Tree

This is a nice deep area for practicing flatwater initiations.  Also check out the cliffs on river left.  The strange objects clinging to them and bobbing bow and stern alternately up and down happen to be fellow kayakers working on their torso rotation.

The Lemon Squeezer

Normally I'm not a fan of naming rocks, I like naming rapids, but I'll let this one slide because it's such a good spot.  These are the two large rocks on river right at the top of the rock garden.  This is an incredible leftie spot.  Use the micro eddy that forms along the river right side of the lower rock.  Once you start to dial in your cartwheels they will become endless here.  Let me know what your record is.  On the other eddy line is a very nice swirl for practicing righties.

The Rock Garden

Rock spins abound through this area.  I love using rocks as a way to practice the timing of the bow initiation.  As you spin and the bow begins to drop your reverse sweep needs to match the drop to keep the rotation coming around.  This section has great rocks for low and high angle spins.  One of my favorite rocks here is halfway down where there is a large slot with a large rock on the right.  On the left is a long dark colored rock that is about a foot above the water and perpendicular to the current.  The upstream face is vertical, and so will be the ends of your boat.

Miami Beach

I once told a student Miami Beach might not be as good as the real Miami Beach.  He hesitated a moment and then said, "it's better."  Use the wave train to practice wave wheels.

Krutiak Rapid

This is the last class II rapid before Zoar Gap.  Where the two channels come back together there is a side surfing hole on river right.  Try initiations to either side but beware the rock in the center.  It is also best to initiate slightly downstream from the seam of the hole.

Zoar Gap

The Gap boasts the most cartwheeling opportunities for the brave.  Try wave wheels before the entrance chute and also in the exit waves along the bottom right.  Use the pourover on river left before the entrance chute for some more leftie opportunities.  At the top of the challenging entrance chute and top river left eddy is a powerful ledge hole for some quick lefties but it will spit you out and send you into the middle of the Gap quickly.  The bottom left has another nice leftie spot if you work your way back up along the rock wall as high as you can get, then initiate.  The eddy on river right near the bottom across from the surfing wave has a high eddy fence that is a good righty spot for the bigger boats.

Mini Gap

Check out the small play hole on the right across from the large center rock.  This hole is great for righties on the river left corner.  When you flush off for the last time you can throw a big rock spin on the round rock just below it.  Beware, because the next rock just below it on the right is undercut along the bottom and tends to collect some deep underwater debris.

The next section down

Sometimes tubers know best.  Although most paddlers take out at the Gap, and the tubers put in there, the next section down has some great early-on play.  There are a couple rock gardens where super fun rock splats and spins abound.  Have fun looking at the river in a new light on your next run down!

- Jim Sullivan

I’m really proud that Zoar has offered whitewater kayaking courses for women for over 10 years and we are doing so again this year! Women’sspecific clinicsencourages women to come together in a supportive fun atmosphereto learn and share the experience. We are lucky to have a group of amazing women instructors on our staff who are excited to share their passion with you. If you have always wanted to try the sport and never had an opportunity this may be it! On August 2 - 3, 2008 we are offering a 2-day novice kayak clinic for beginners.If you already have experience and want to sharpenyour skills we have a Class II clinic scheduled for 8/2-3 and a Class III clinic scheduled for 8/14 - 15. For more info go to http://www.kayaklesson.com/noviceclinic_womens.htm or http://www.kayaklesson.com/class3_kayak_advanced.htm. Hope to see you on the river!

The Women of Zoar!

Janet Burnett Cowie - Director of Instruction Programs

Hillary, Rachel, Katrina, Patty, Elaine, Karen, Kate, Ashley, Jen, Amber, Jenna

First things first: get comfortable with the idea of hanging out upside down in cold water.  Dress warm, go to the local river and practice rolling.  Cold water is often a partial cause for the lifting-of-the-head syndrome.  Wear a head beanie and ear plugs and stay relaxed through that shock of hitting the water.  Relaxation helps to keep movements fluid and the head will be the last thing out of the water.  Just as studying for a test works best when the material is studied in the same place as the test, rolling works best when practiced in as close to actual conditions as possible.

Once your stationary roll becomes super consistent, then there is no need to practice it anymore.  It is time to work on ways to improve your combat roll.  Begin by targeting your biggest weaknesses.  Do you struggle with wave trains, holes, eddy lines, fear from rapids, shallow water, or just frustration?    

There are several ways to practice combat rolls in flatwater and whitewater.  The key to all the rolls is to control movements even though the water is trying to pull your body out of position.  The real key is to do the same roll that you practice on flatwater: relax, set-up, sweep and hip-snap, finish position and stabilization.

First start with your paddle pointing forward and flip with momentum.  Also paddle straight against some current, or downstream through a wave and then flip.  This will cause the water to try and pull you backwards and out of the tuck position.  If you practiced your sit-ups over the winter, hopefully it will pay off here.  In the river this sort of flip occurs when you hit a hole or wave and get pushed backwards.  It also occurs during enders.  Relax, tuck forward and towards the set-up side and roll - same advice as usual.  If you struggle with this roll try stationary rolls and flip with your paddle and body in non-setup contorted positions; practice unwinding underwater and go to your setup position. 

Another technique for rolling from the backseat, which happens in many reaction style flips, is called the back deck roll.  A back deck roll starts from the stern and ends up sitting forward at the finish. 

The next phase is to have a mean friend spin the bow of your boat away from your set-up.  The beginning of the roll is easier because the sweep stroke initiates from the spin.  The finish position will be harder, because the sweep will want to continue to the stern.  Don’t let it.  Sweep the same as without momentum - bow to hip.  Once you are comfortable with this go to an eddy line, spin on it in the direction you just practiced and then flip and roll.  You need to prevent the slight suction from the eddyline from pulling your front hand or body down and you need to maintain a smooth sweep across the surface of the water.

Now have a friend push your bow towards the set-up side.  It is really hard to maintain your set-up position during this drill.  Your options are to:

• Fight to maintain the setup and wait out the push. 
• Switch to the other side and do an offside roll. 
• Try one roll quickly and after it fails try a second one which might work because the spin is gone due to the first attempt.  This drill simulates flipping on an eddyline. 

Eddylines can be among the more challenging places to roll, and first roll attempts sometimes fail here even with very solid rolls.  Perfect practice makes perfect so for sloppy rolls turn down the force until it looks pretty.  For good rolls crank up the current until it’s a challenge!

Next have the same helper push your boat in the center on the same side that you are set up on.  The helper will need long arms to reach over your setup paddle.  The more practice you get rolling with the boat moving around the more comfortable you will be.  This drill is helpful because it brings you up to the surface on your setup side.  This is very similar to rolling on the downstream side of a hole.  Do it.  It is also similar to rolling on the downstream side after peeling out from an eddy.  Do it.  Choose non-shallow areas in the current and, Do it.  If you struggle with this, go back to working on the stationary roll and remember: practice, practice, practice.

The next step is to have your helper push in the middle of your kayak on the side opposite from the set-up side.  Unlike the last helpful roll, this one is a beast.  Ask somebody how hard it is to roll on their upstream side in a hole, and they’ll probably say impossible.  That’s this drill.  Your options here are to:

• Go to the other side and try an offside roll on the downstream side.  If that fails go back to trying the onside. 
• Try to take an underwater sweep / forward stroke to spin the boat to the onside and then roll. 
• Try and roll.  Even if it fails it might spin the boat enough that the second one will work. 
• After trying many attempts, swim.  This is always an option.  We are all in between swims.  Accept this as a fact, and again know that this is a hard drill.  This is also very similar to being upside down and broached on a rock.  When  trying these in current pick a weak but deep hole and a very non-undercut rock.  Less then Class I current will suffice. 

Now for an easier drill:  have a friend push up and down on the bow or stern or both.  They should let go when they feel you start to hip snap.  This simulates rolling in a wave train.  Timing can be important; try to roll when the bow is high, not the stern and fight to stay in the set-up position.  In an actual wave train, rebalancing is important, so at the end of the roll you should bring your weight aggressively forward to stabilize the boat and then take a forward stroke.  Also in a wave train it is often easiest to roll on the downstream side of the wave.  This is one time that waiting in the set-up until you feel the wave break over your boat can help.  In most other combat rolling situations rolling quickly is the way to go.  Find wave trains with no obstructions downstream to practice this.

Shallow water can be frightening, but it can actually make rolling easier.  Trust in your protective tuck.  The mistake people often make is to try and use the river bottom.  Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it stays in one spot.  Diving the paddle to the bottom can easily result in a broken paddle and hurt shoulders.  It is safer to roll on the upstream side when in shallow water, but this is often not a choice.  Think about rolling the same as in flatwater - keep the paddle sweeping on the surface with no resistance.  If the paddle happens to hit something it will probably give you an extra advantage.  If you try to use the bottom it will likely force your upper body out of the water and it won’t work.  Keep relaxed, don’t waste time, roll quickly and smoothly.

Frustration is one of the biggest barriers to rolling.  There’s not too much to say about it except that you need to recognize its onset and take a break from practicing rolls until you can relax underwater again.  Kayaking is all about the enjoyment of the sport; don’t let rolling slow that enjoyment down.  It is plenty of fun with or without a roll.  Rolling will come with practice and time in the saddle, so don’t give up on it.  Practice with different instructors.   Some instructors will work better for you than others.  Remember that it is just plain difficult to roll in some situations.  Practice drills that make rolling easy, build up confidence gradually, and start with very mild currents. 

Once you develop a solid combat roll your confidence will grow, and you’ll be able to push your skill limits.  There is no better feeling than when it clicks and feels solid.  Have fun developing a bombproof roll! 

Jim

Cold River (class IV(V)) - it was at 0 on the state forest gage this afternoon.  This is low but runnable.

The Chickley (class III) is also at a low/medium level:

Pelham Brook (class V) is scratchable, but barely:

Here’s Zoar Gap:

And here are a couple of deer that were out looking for food under all the snow:

Enjoy and feel free to give us a call if you’re wondering whether one of these is running!

- Bruce

Our instructors, Bruce, Cory, Brian, Elaine, Dennis, Hillary and I, were available for instruction and boat demos.  Everyone participated, from total beginners just learning how to be comfortable in a kayak to experienced paddlers learning to cartwheel.

Most people were there to sharpen their rolls or get coaching on more advanced moves.  It was great to have a variety of kayaks and canoes to try in one place.  What great fun!  Some folks actually stayed for 6 hours, so I guess if you’re not outside enjoying the snow you might as well be in a warm pool tossing ends watching the snow fall outside.   There was much giggling and a number of “ah ha” moments.

Although the weather forecast was for cold, Friday night’s keynote speaker, pro-boater  Anna Levesque, got a warm reception from the audience.  Her presentation “Kitchen Girl to Girls at Play!” chronicled her life actually making a living doing what she loves.  She entertained the audience with many stories of her journey from working in a kitchen to building her company ‘Girls at Play’.  She also showed photos from her travels to Mexico, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, and Spain.

Saturday’s events culminated with MountainFilm, America’s premier touring film festival, from the Telluride MountainFilm Festival which celebrates the outdoors and mountain adventures. The tour “combines adventure, mountaineering, unique personalities and important environmental and social messages” into a presentation geared toward an audience with broad interests.  

This year’s event held special meaning for many of us. The goal was to help raise awareness, support and donations to fight Ovarian Cancer and support the HERA Cancer Connection and the Kathy Kyker-Snowman Outdoor Leadership Fund for Women.    

For thirty years, Kathy Kyker-Snowman devoted her professional life to inspiring students of all ages to discover their strengths through energetic outdoor adventuring. Kathy was known for her enthusiasm, her welcoming smile and acceptance of others without judgment, her perpetual devotion to learning and teaching others, her physical strength and fearlessness and skilled and joyful ability to lead.

At just 52 Kathy lost her vibrant life to cancer, and outdoor education lost an exemplary leader. In her memory, a fund was started by Kathy’s family, friends and associates to keep her spirit alive. The fund provides grants to support young women outdoor leaders in their efforts to enhance their professional skills. The fund is open to women who are students at the 5 Colleges or Greenfield Community College, who have demonstrated interest in teaching in the outdoors.

I am excited to announce that $30,000 has been raised for the HERA Cancer Connection and the Kathy Kyker-Snowman Outdoor Leadership Fund for Women.   

If you are interested in finding out more or if you want to donate, please contact either Bob Garmirian or Glenna Alderson at Hampshire College, 413-549-4600

Enjoy Life and giggle whenever possible.

Janet Burnett Cowie - Director of Instruction Programs, Zoar Outdoor

Here are just a few uses for the webbing belt:

An anchor for z-drags and pinned boats

There are many objects alongside a river that can be used to make an anchor. Live trees that are at least six inches in diameter can be wrapped with webbing to make a great anchor. Also keep an eye out for large boulders or cracks between boulders that webbing could pass around or through. A knot made in webbing can also be chocked into a narrowing crack to create another anchor point.

There are a number of different ways to attach webbing to an anchor but the main goal is the same: create a strong anchor. The anchor should not budge with a strong push or pull. Anchors and webbing may need to sustain large forces, often over a thousand pounds of pressure with a mechanical advantage rescue. Tying webbing to the base of the anchor provides the strongest support. In some situations a higher anchor point will change the angle of pull on a pinned object. Keeping the carabiners off the anchor and suspended in the air prevents cross loading on them which could cause failure.

Both ends of a tensioned system can be anchored with webbing. When dealing with a pinned boat its best not to attach carabiners directly to grab loops. Doing so can result in broken carabiners or grab loops that could pop off and go flying if under tension. Instead, tie webbing or a prussik loop around the seat or grab loops of a pinned boat to reduce the risk of overstressing the system. Multiple anchor points can also reduce the stress on each point, creating a stronger system. A climbing course or river rescue course is a good place to learn techniques to attach webbing to multiple parts of a shoreline or boat.

A zip line for quick river crossings

A zip line allows many paddlers to cross a river very quickly. To set up a zip line first throw a rope across the current that needs to be crossed. Walk one end farther downstream, and then anchor both sides. Now attach a carabiner to a piece of webbing and clip this to the upstream side of the throw rope that is across the current. Anybody can then lay on their back holding the webbing and the current will slide them down the rope and across the river. A retrieval line can be attached to the carabiner so multiple people will be able to use the zip line using a single carabiner and piece of webbing. Attach the retrieval line to the carabiner and webbing and then pull the carabiner and webbing back after each person slides across.

A hand line for difficult scouts

Scouting a rapid can often be more treacherous then running the rapid. Many injuries happen to paddlers from slips and falls on shore while scouting. On a steep shoreline you can use webbing to set up a hand line for additional support in a particularly slippery area. To do this, have the first boater across the slope attach one end of the webbing to an anchor and then carefully traverse horizontally to another anchor. After the leader has secured the webbing to the second anchor, other group members will be able to use the webbing to cross more easily. A harness in conjunction with a hand line can allow a paddler to be clipped into the webbing and climb hands-free in a treacherous area. This can also allow paddlers to be anchored in for throw bag tosses.

A harness

Learning to make a quick harness out of webbing can be useful in a difficult shoreline rescue. Before you use this technique in a real rescue situation, it’s important to understand that this is essentially a climbing technique since you may be supporting your entire body weight on the harness. This technique should be done with the same level of care and training that all climbing involves.To make a basic webbing harness, also known as a “Swiss Seat”, first tie two leg loops into the middle of a twenty foot strand of webbing with the loops about six inches apart from each other. Then step into the leg loops. Wrap the side strands all the way behind your back and then up to the front. Feed the side strands through the front area that comes down the legs and then back to the same side all the way behind your back again. Bring them around your back to the front and tie off the waist portion with a square knot backed up with an overhand knot on each side.A correctly tied webbing harness with leg loops and a waist belt is suitable for vertical to overhanging terrain. A waist belt might be all that is needed for a steep shoreline rescue.

A six handled litter

In an evacuation situation a twenty foot strand of webbing can make a convenient six handled litter. This is not suitable for a patient with a potential spine injury, but works well when this is not a concern.

To make the litter start with the webbing tied into a large loop; then make two twists and spread it out on the ground. It should look like two figure eights, or three spots to hold onto on each side. For more support or stability add paddles or branches. Pad the litter to help keep the patient more comfortable.

A flip line for rafts

If a raft flips, attach webbing to one side and throw it over the top of the raft. Then the rescuer can go on top of the upside down raft. They will hold the webbing and lean back until the raft flips back over. Fall into a back flop to avoid your feet hitting the ground. Using the same technique, a second swimmer can get pulled into the raft as it gets righted by using a second webbing line. The rescuer climbs on top of the upside down raft and begins to right it. The second swimmer waits in the water until the raft is pulled about vertical. Then as the raft begins to fall they will hold onto the webbing and get pulled out of the water and into the raft. They can then help the first rescuer back in the raft.

A quick short reach device

Webbing can be used as a throw rope for someone that is a short distance away. Throw bags have the potential of getting stuck in rapids and can become an added danger. If extra distance isn’t needed a piece of extended webbing may reach a troubled paddler with less risk of getting stuck. An added benefit is that webbing can be put away much more quickly afterwards.

A tow tether

A tow tether is a great addition to a rescue vest but usually must be purchased separately. It is a short piece of webbing or bungeed webbing that can help tow boats. The tow tether is great because the boat is attached to the vest but can be quickly released if needed. Having it attached to the vest allows the paddler to maneuver more easily. It works best when the kayak being rescued is emptied out so that it will pull easily through the water. A webbing shoulder sling also works for towing boats. For a shoulder sling have the webbing in a large loop and attach one end to the boat. Then drape the other end over your shoulder. Never tie into an object that is being towed, because of the risk of capsizing or getting pulled toward a hazard. Always look downstream before towing to ensure that you won’t be pulled into another rapid, dragged around the wrong side of a rock or sucked into any other river hazard.

For dragging a boat

For long portages it is often easier to drag a plastic whitewater kayak than it is to carry it. Boats that are heavily loaded with gear are also sometimes too heavy to pick up, so they must be dragged. Dragging works well on inactive railroads and surfaces that aren’t too abrasive. The surface also determines how difficult it will be to drag your boat. Avoid dragging boats on pavement and rocks that are like pavement since these can quickly wear away a kayak. To drag a boat, attach your webbing strap to the grab loop on one end, and connect the other end to the puller’s waist. Padding around the waist helps for long walks.

A way to keep the kayak near the shore

Exiting from a kayak onto shore can sometimes be a tricky proposition when there are swirly currents. One way to prevent the boat from floating downstream is to attach a piece of webbing to it and hold onto the other end. This way the boat will be controlled during the exit on the way up the shoreline. It is embarrassing to have a kayak run a rapid without you.

An extra step to get back in rafts or canoes

Secure webbing to a thwart and then tie a loop about one foot into the water. Then use the loop as a step to assist the swimmer out of the water and back into the right side up raft or canoe.

The top of a shelter

To create a makeshift shelter, tie up some webbing like a clothesline and then drape a tarp or a bunch of branches over it. Use rocks, paddles, webbing, forest items and other tools that are often carried while paddling to create a unique shelter that suits the predicament. Shelters are great for a nice break on the river, or planned / unplanned overnight stays.

So, don’t leave the webbing at home on your next paddling venture. Practice using it during a river rescue course, climbing course or wilderness medical training. Also, practice rescue techniques with the group of friends that you paddle with. Treat it like a valued piece of gear. Keep river rescue gear up to date and check it periodically for weakness. UV sunrays reduce the strength of webbing the fastest. Replace it anytime it looks sun damaged, worn, torn or has lasted more than four years. Have fun on the river.

There was a meeting in the late fall at which the Corps was pretty strong about saying the release date was going to change no matter what and we’d better just get on board. At the time, we proposed an additional spring release on May 10, because their data seemed to indicate this would not be harmful to the fish. They said they would take it into consideration and get back to us soon. They delayed and delayed and we emailed and emailed until we finally had to publish something in our brochure and on our website, so we published the dates we requested based on indications from the Corps about when a release would be acceptable.

Now they are saying that the release will be right back on the same weekend as in previous years for 2008. In their letter laying out the schedule for this year, they also indicate that for 2009 the West release will be before the 15th of April or after the 1st of May (if they can pond enough water for it after the reservoir level restriction is lifted on May 1).

The Corps has acted this way for years - blowing off the boaters and using the inertia of their bureaucracy to stonewall any efforts we have made at changing their policies.

Bruce Lessels

First, stack everything in your favor. Get a short and stubby boat like a Ronin, Project or All-Star, for these will give the most volume for the “pop” you will need and all have a short stern to pull through the water on the landing. Next use the lowest feather paddle that you feel comfortable with. While it is possible to loop with a high feather it is harder, try 30 degrees or less. The final addition, which can help enormously, is an overthruster, be it homemade, from IR, or even a beach ball, all will work. This will sit the kayak a little higher in the bow stall and give you more volume to work with. So that’s the gear, now on with the move.

1. Establish a bow stall with both blades power face up and wrists rolled forward. Start bouncing by pushing down on the paddle gently with your arms and lean slightly forward. As you reach the peak of the bounce change pressure on the paddle and pull up on the power faces. Try to exert equal pressure on each blade, as this will stop you from loosing balance and give you more power. While pulling your boat into the water stand on your toes to push the kayak further into the water. This puts more of the volume underwater and will give you a larger pop. Take your time getting the right bounce, as rushing this will land you on your face.

2. Once you have pulled the boat into the water, and you know you have a good bounce, roll your wrists back to release the paddle. Now the boat will start to accelerate out of the water with you still standing on your toes with you torso sitting up.

When the boat pops out of the water reach up to the sky with you paddle and wait for the boat to reach the peak of the bounce. For really large flat loops it helps to look up aggressively, guiding your body up and out with your eyes rather than just forward.

3. As you reach the peak of the bounce start reaching out as well as up to set up the arc for the kayak to follow. While you are reaching out start the tuck forward to continue the arc and reach to the water by your toes. This will launch the seat of your kayak over your body and into the air and set you up for the snap. During this motion you are trying to land on your back. This ensures that you have the maximum range of motion to snap the kayak around and the least amount of water to pull you body through at the end of the loop.

Typically this is where the twisting happens during an attempt, as there is a tendency to throw on shoulder across the deck putting the kayak off axis. To stop this, concentrate on planting both hands in the water.

4. The snap needs to happen quickly and decisively, the moment your shoulders hit the water you should be kicking you heels over your head. This is a strong motion so a moment later you will feel the stern of the boat hit the water, push your heels through this and start pushing your body back into the water.

At this point it is common to push back over your head with both blades, but this will leave your shoulders exposed and will slow the recovery down. Instead slice one blade out of the water in front of your face and push the other blade over your shoulder with a bent elbow while sitting up straight. Once you are upright, flat and smiling like a Cheshire cat, start throwing as many as energy will allow. Try them on eddy lines, off rocks, over kayaks and off diving boards.

Enjoy,

Fergus Coffey

Here’s a video of how to do it: