Category: Paddling

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13th Annual Nolichucky River Cleanup & Celebration, June 21st

apes

APE’s are hosting their 13th annual event on Saturday, June 21st, 2014.  Meet at U.S.A. Raft, 2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN starting at 11AM.  Participants will be assigned to teams plus provided with maps, trash bags and gloves. There are clean-up opportunities for both those with their own boats or rafts – and shore crews.  Be prepared with appropriate footwear, sunscreen, bug repellant, etc. Rafts, pickup trucks, and trailers will be helpful and much appreciated. Consider bringing a packed lunch, boating equipment, rain gear, chairs, family, and friends.  Showers and restrooms are available at the campground.  For cleanup participants, a free BBQ dinner from Texas Roadhouse of Johnson City will be served at 6PM with live music by the Chaz Spence Trio and prize drawings.  Bring a lawn chair, kick back with a cold tasty beverage, and know that you did something good for the river we all enjoy so much!

Event Contact: Debbie Briscoe (423)-534-3636     ldcakes@hotmail.com

Event website: http://regions.​worldkayak.com/​tri-cities/2014​/05/14/nolichuc​ky-river-cleanu​p-and-celebrati​on/

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Swiftwater Rescue Course – June 27-29, 2014

Whitewater enthusiasts participate in hazardous activities in wilderness environments. Are you prepared to rescue yourself or your best paddling friend?  Are they prepared to rescue you?  Help in many cases may not be immediately available, and might be hours, not minutes away. Sign up and bring your favorite paddling crew to this clinic. It’s like buying yourself, and them, the safety line that may save your lives.

See the announcement for the details.  Cost for TEHCC members is $85.

Continue reading “Swiftwater Rescue Course – June 27-29, 2014”

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Beginner Whitewater Kayak Course – June 14-15

If you’ve ever thought how much fun it would be to learn how to kayak now’s your chance!! The Beginner Whitewater Kayak Course, sponsored by the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, will be held June 14-15 in the Tri-Cities area. The clinic is designed for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking—fundamentals that will ensure a fun and safe time on the river. No previous experience is necessary. Instruction will consist of one day on flat water and one day on the river. As in the past, there will continue to be a strong emphasis on safety. Participants will be responsible for providing their own gear and transportation, although loaner gear is available on a first come basis.

Registration now open – link.  Deadline is June 7th.

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Bluestone River Trip, May 16-18, 2014, 35th Year

Leader: Terry Dougherty (423-502-5177) The annual Bluestone River Trip (35th Anniversary) is scheduled for May 16-18, 2014. We will stay at the beautiful Pipestem State Park (Mountain Creek Lodge). Our trip leader has reserved a block of rooms, please call 800-CALL-WVA (ask for Pipestem State Park / Mountain Creek Lodge) and reserve your room for Friday and Saturday. To secure one of the clubs block rooms, reservations must be made by April 16. We plan to paddle the scenic Bluestone River both days. This is a class III trip the first day and class I the second day. You can skip the second day, if you like. Other options include family camping at the state park campground and / or driving up on Saturday morning. This is a GREAT trip with a lot of family fun, scenic river and very nice lodging. In addition to the paddling, Ed Montgomery will once again be in charge of HAPPY HOUR and libation coordination on Saturday night and is going to make this one special. Please contact the trip leader (Terry Dougherty, 423-502-5177), if you are planning to attend the trip.

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Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Clinic

Improve your fun and increase your proficiency with a class on paddling Class III-IV Whitewater.

Where: French Broad (Sect IX) or Nolichucky Gorge
When: Sat, Sep 1, 2012
Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm (EST)
Cost: $60

The Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Course (IWWK) is one in a series of paddling clinics offered through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This one day course is designed to refine and extend the judgment and technique of intermediate paddlers on class III-IV whitewater, with significant focus on improving fundamentals, boat control and river running technique. If you are just getting comfortable on class III water or already have solid class III skills and want to take it the next level, this class is for you. It will he held either on the Nolichucky Gorge or French Broad Sect 9, dependent on water level and overall skill level of the group. Having a somewhat reliable roll is encouraged. Course will be limited to 10 people.  More info for what you need to bring and prerequisites.

Registration: download the form with link below, complete and return form with your check made out to Scott Fisher by August 25, 2012 to:
Scott Fisher, 109 Highland Gate Dr., Johnson City, TN 37615

Click Here for Registration Form

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Lake Santeetlah Paddle/Camp, Trip Report

Debbie Briscoe reporting

Event Date: April 20th – 22nd

I headed out on Thursday night right after work to drive the 3 hours to the campground at Cheoah Point.  Islander had already arrived early that morning.  I got there right at dark:30 as usual.  With help from Islander and his incredibly bright flashlight (what was that thing?), I set up down in the woods.  It was a really nice place with good bathrooms and hot showers!  I pulled out my Bushbuddy and fixed a little coffee to wind down a bit before heading to my hammock. Continue reading “Lake Santeetlah Paddle/Camp, Trip Report”

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Swiftwater Rescue Course

Date to be determined, sometime Friday-Sunday in late July, Tri-Cities, TN Area (Near or on Nolichucky River)

The Swiftwater Rescue Course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. The course is being taught by American Canoe Association certified advanced swiftwater rescue instructors. Based on the 2011 course, cost will be $85 for TEHCC members plus two nights camping at $10 each paid to the campground. The TEHCC Steering Committee has approved a $40 refund for club members upon successful completion of the safety training. Further details will be provided in the June newsletter or contact Scott Fisher tfisher1@its.jnj.com.

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Watauga Gorge, April 1, 2012

Ryan Sheely reporting

Sunday April 1st I completed my first decent of the Watauga Gorge with success.  I was accompanied by Wes Bradley, Doug K., and Josh R.  Wes was my lead for the most of the lines, but I got to solo my first Class V ever- “Hydro” with success!  I have to say there are lots of rocks to get caught up and turned around on but plenty of Boofs to send your boat flying.  On this run you are surrounded by the beautiful gorge and its HUGE boulders. The geology of this gorge is amazing; I really don’t think I have ever seen so many rocks on any river I have paddled before -Make them your friends should you find yourself on this river.  We proceeded to stomp every rapid and drop we were challenged with.  I would have to say that “Anaconda” was my favorite rapid of the run and it was BIG.  We scouted “Stateline” and scoped the lines to set it up; I almost botched the line 20 ft from the drop when I was pushed against the rock up from the drop, but I was determined to recover.  Josh R. came out of nowhere and grabbed my stern handle to help free me away and I setup and stomped the line, but traded paint with his boat at the bottom.  Fun times! I was thankful for his assist!  I found this run quite challenging and a rewarding experience! This run will make you step up your skills and experience as a boater.  Paddle aggressively, focus your eyes on the next line and go for it!