Tag: whitewater kayaking

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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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Beginner/Novice Whitewater Kayak Clinic, Trip Report

July 14-15, 2012
Scott Fisher reporting

We had a great group of new kayakers take the beginner class this past weekend.  The weather cooperated for the most part and we had a great time meeting new friends on the water.  We had three existing members and seven new APEs participate.  Please join me in congratulating Kelmara Kelly, Michelle Frazee, Todd Emma, Jeremiah Tomlinson, Penny Morgan, Marie Bradford, Haley Werth, Buck Mayzes, Mark Crass and Wade McKeehan.  All did a fantastic job and their progress throughout the weekend was obvious.  As is the APE way, let’s reach out to these folks to welcome them and include them in upcoming trips.

Special thanks to our AIs Steve Hagood, Stacey Lowe, Dave Walters, Donna Kestner and Sonia Millan for their time and expertise. Special thanks also to everyone who stepped up to loan our newcomers the gear they needed, especially Wes Bradley who year after year is there to provide boats and equipment for those who need them.

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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!

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Learn to Kayak! Beginner/Novice Whitewater Kayak Clinic, July 14-15, 2012

You know you want to. You’ve been thinking about it, how fun it might be. You see the occasional car with boats on top or pass by one of the many great rivers in the area and think to yourself “I think I could dig the whole kayaking thing.” Well, now’s your chance!! The 40th annual “Whitewater School”, sponsored by the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, will be held July 14th and 15th 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. For more information, contact Scott Fisher tfisher1@its.jnj.com.

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Chota Canoe & Kayak School, June 17-19

Contact:  Gary Kilpatrick

Chota’s annual Canoe & Kayak School has been a great way to introduce our sport to new comers for many years.  We offer beginner classes in whitewater kayak and canoe, as well as touring kayak and canoeing.  For those who are already into paddling, but wish to advance in skill level, our school also offers advanced beginner and intermediate whitewater classes.  Chota also provides the option of renting equipment from the club, depending on availability, or from area outfitters for this event.  This way you can still come and learn even if you do not have your own gear.

Pick your class from this list: Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Canoeing, Kayak Touring, or Canoe Tripping

Class descriptions are available on the Chota Website, PaddleChota.org.