John & I offered this mini-class for TAPC members who wanted to learn a bit more about maneuvering in current on our local rivers. We have done a similar clinic in past years, on the same stretch of the Boardman (Shumsky to Beitner), but this time things were a bit different. For one thing, everyone who signed up (Dan, Anne, Linda and Allen) had already been paddling on several TAPC outings. So they were able to explain exactly what skills they wanted to work on. That helped immensely, and it allowed us to tailor the afternoon activity to their needs. In the past, there was usually at least one unauthorized swim break, and this time there were none. And this year, since the removal of the Brown Bridge Dam last fall, this section of the Boardman has a lot more current than in previous summers. So we were very impressed with the group!
As we were packing up gear at the end of the afternoon, we were discussing useful things that came out of the clinic.
Quotes:
"I did okay, until I hit that snagaroo, but I was proud that I didn't lose my cool, even though we ended up exchanging kayak paddles."
"I now understand why John told me not to keep paddling under a low bridge" (the paddle had gotten caught under the girders)
"I saw how much easier it is to turn early in order to hit an eddy"
"I see that it's sometimes okay to head downstream backwards"
And we all learned about encountering solid obstacles: "Lean downstream!"
No photos today....too busy with other stuff. It was fun for all of us, and all of us are looking forward to more adventures on the water!
Report by Lois