186' Anyone?

The pursuit of record breaking waterfalls descents in kayaks continues. Shortly after a new world record drop of 127ft Santa Bella Falls in Brazil was recorded about a month ago, Tyler Brandt stuns the kayaking word by running 186ft Palouse Falls in Washington State. All I have to say is yikes!!! Have a listen to a first hand account by clicking here. Can't wait to see the footage!!

It's Derby time!

Saturday May 2nd and Sunday 3rd mark the 52 annual Hudson River Whitewater Derby weekend in North River and North Creek NY. Since 1958 paddlers seeking more than a scenic mountain pond have been challenging the headwaters of New York's Hudson River.

This kick-off event for many paddlers whitewater season features two days of races.

Day one includes Slalom Races for novice paddlers and the Giant Slalom for those paddlers with more experience, as well as the Wild Water Down River Race. Day two features the Whitewater Derby Race from North Creek to Riparius. And for those new to the Derby, and well, new to paddling, the newly reformatted Chuck Severance Memorial Race will be open to novice paddlers with canoes, PFDs and paddles available to those without. So there's no excuse not to jump into the action. Receptions and award ceremonies follow each day of paddling. For more information on the Hudson river Whitewater Derby click here.

White Water Paddlers Need More Water.

The lack of significant snow pack, combined with the lack of rain this spring has made for low water levels in the Adirondacks. And along with low water levels, comes dry, unhappy white water kayakers.

Spring, by far, is the best season for thrill seeking white water kayakers to scratch their early season boaters itch. As the snow pack melts and the spring showers fall, local mountain creeks and rivers overflow their banks inviting local kayakers to explore the normally unrunnable waterways. White water kayakers are being forced into summer habits of traveling down stream, unfortunately by car, to seek water levels suitable enough to sink their paddles in. The Hudson River along with the Moose River, in the Central Adirondacks, offer reliable spring flow and are popular spring runs. But even these mighty rivers are running lower than usual.
So don't be alarmed if you see a vehicle loaded with short, plastic kayaks driving aimlessly around your neighborhood. Or notice what seems to be an organized rain dance by your local river. It's just whitewater enthusiasts waiting for the rain to bring up their favorite white water run.

Float planes banned in 2011

The use of float planes on Low's Lake will be prohibited after 2011. A resolution approved on Thursday April, 16 2009 by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will have Low's Lake managed as a wilderness area. A draft of the resolution can be seen by clicking here.

Early Spring Paddling on the Saranac River

Steve & Jennifer's annual Easter weekend paddle down the Saranac River with Sammy and Andy. It was a cool, low 40's, breezy day and the sky was a bright Adirondack blue.

Adirondack Sports & Fitness Expo 2009

Steve and I attended the Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer Expo 2009 this past weekend. There was excellent turn out for both days of the event and lots of people are excited about the upcoming paddling season.

We both had the opportunity to take advantage of the indoor pool that is set up for the event. I led an introduction to Kayak stroke and boat handling techniques seminar, and Steve led an introduction to solo canoeing and canoe racing seminar.




By far the most popular on water activity of the weekend was kids kayaking 101. There was a line around the corner and lots of smiling faces. And there is nothing better to see than smiles on the future faces of paddling!

If you would like to learn more about the Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer and Winter Expos, visit http://adksports.com/