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Summer Travels

2010-08-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

"This is God's Country" explained an older gentleman with a big burly beard and a very wholesome look. I was in Wyoming and looking for the nearest gas station before heading over the pass into Jackson Hole. I found out very quickly during my westward travels to always fill my tank and be prepared for anything before heading into the great unknown. Arriving in Jackson sometime around 1am that night i was relieved to know that I would make it to my ACA instructor certification class the next morning, which was my first priority during my westward migration.
Teton's, Jackson Hole WY

Early morning encounter with a Bison

Gros Ventre early morning photo mission

ACA Instructors

I found myself breaking down my priorities throughout this past trip into 3 simple subjects. Number one; my family and friends, number two; my future, and number three; my kayaking. Leading up to this trip I had spent 3 months with my family and few childhood friends in WI so priority one had been taken care for the time being. That left me with the desire to progress myself and my future which lead me to Rendezvous River Sports for an instructor certification class with Sam Drevo as the instructor. The class had 2 Nols instructors, as well as many other fantastic paddlers that made for an amazing learning environment. During the course of our 5 day class we pushed each other to perform at the highest level possible using the information that we were learning and the knowledge that we had. Did you know that the first 6 to 8 inches creates the most power in your forward stroke?!?!?! Until this class I didn't and afterwards I feel 10 times more confident in my own personal skills as well as my ability to teach others what I have learned. Wrapping up a super productive week in both my education and my photography it was time to make the next move... it was between going to Fibark or putting on a 3 day river trip in Idaho with my best friend Andy McMurray. I had never heard of the river Andy was talking about so I started to ask around and after seeing Aaron Pruzan and Eric Semore's eyes light up to the sound of the word "Secesh", I knew where I had to go.

Team Boof or Die road tripin

Gearing up for the Secesh

Andy's first look at the portage

Breakfast under the tarp

Dry your stuff by the fire, it works great!

Overlooking the entrance to the Miracle Mile

If you've ever heard of the Secesh then you've probably heard of its largest rapid, the miracle mile! It's and eye opener for sure, packed full of huge holes, crazy seams and a big water feel that continues to demand your attention for what seems to last forever. Its awesome!!! Unlike anything I had ever paddled before the Secesh was a proper way to be introduced to Idaho river running. Continuing day two of our trip required us to paddle another Idaho classic, the South Salmon with a respectable flow! In fact it turned into some of the more full on big water I'd ever run and even found myself locked into a surf session with one of its larger hydraulics. I remember Andy yelling "hold on" in the mist of my fully loaded creekboat cartweel session, a few more thumps and I had had enough. To the river I swam and after some strong team work on both of our parts we had contained the situation. It had been 2 years since my last swim and a great refresher/learning experience as well. As I continue to develop my river skills it is evident that anything can happen out there and no amount of training will ever grant you perfection. This is where good judgment and experience will pay off, as well as continuing to hone and develop every type of river skill to insure you achieve every goal you set out for. In any case it was still a really big hole as well as late in the day. So we put up camp and enjoyed the magnificent canyon, with some hot cous-tuna-ramen-surprise! Situated about a mile above our last big rapid on the South Salmon our morning whitewater appetites were fulfilled once again with more class V for breakfast. Reaching the confluence with the Main Salmon we were graced with a bald eagle as almost "rights of passage" and a chilled out float back to the car. Idaho was proving to be much more than just potato's.

Staying warm in the hot springs on a cold day

Looking back upstream at the confluence of the Main Salmon

Alec Voorhees catching air on the Bladder

Hiking into the Sawtooth Mtns.

The Super Slab, 4 pitches of slab happy granite

Sawtooth Mtns. view after our 19 mile bike ride

By this point in my trip I was hooked and Idaho was rockin my world. Basing out of Banks and living on an island on the North Fork of the Payette, I picked up a few days of work for Cascade Raft and Kayak to continue the lifestyle I love so much. The Long family which own Cascade are some of the best instructors I've ever met. Instructing year round from Idaho to Chile it was a great pleasure to work with such amazing people! As Idaho continued to amaze me I found myself surfing some of the best waves I'd ever been on, waves like the Bladder, Climax and topping it off with Gold's Hole! I learned the concept of clean blunts and managed to get a few small ones around but really enjoyed the feeling of my first helix! Such an explosive move, I've never felt anything like it! One of my other major accomplishments during my stay in Idaho was a "Full Top to Bottom" run down the North Fork of the Payette. This was not something I did the first day seeing this magical river, but over the course of a month. Breaking down each section, scouting all the major rapids, and giving this river the respect it deserves! A few of the days that really stick out most are... My first run down the lower five at 5,000 cfs with Micah Kneidl leading the way; Jason Craig's and my first run down Jacob's ladder at 2,700 cfs with Alec Voorhees leading the way; and finally Andy McMurray's and my first Top to Bottom with Will Stubblefield leading us down. The North Fork is a true testament to a hard class V kayakers skills and will let you know where you stand as soon as you put on.

My last run down Scraming left on the North Fork

Micha and Kevin's run down the lower Five in a Topo Duo

Kat Levitt surfing Gold's Hole

Bryan Kirk clean Pan Am at Gold's Hole

East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon

Big Dipper at Otter Slid on the N. Fork

Leaving Idaho wasn't an easy decision to make. I'd paddled 11 new sections of whitewater, took thousands of photos, and made many new friends in my travels. But my priorities had changed and it was time to make the 2 day trek back see my family in Wisconsin as well as help instruct at Wausau Whitewater. In fact the Midwest Freestyle competition starts August 21st, and Colin Kemp and myself will be teaching a 2 day freestyle clinic before the comp. The past few years have been a huge success and I'm looking forward to this years event rockin out like all the rest! Until then I'm enjoying the time at home and the great water levels in WI right now, with the Root river reaching a 2 year high things couldn't be better!

Burn area in ID

Clear Water ID

Sunrise in Montana

Daisies in Montana

Badlands Rock, South Dakota

PS: The villain L served me well!!! Handling everything I could throw at it and performing it with ease. I heard it described as agile by a few of the North Forkers, with a bit more edge than the Rocker it did big water justice! Also, I love the 93 gallons of room, making multi days a breeze when packing all your gear in. Thanks for the great boat design!!!
Root river Fun!

Live from Jackson WI,
John McConville

photos courtesy of Matt Nolan 524fotos.com and Emily Meredith

Chile

2010-06-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

National Paddling Film Festival 3rd place photo 2010
Paddler: Chris Baer
Rio Claro "Garganta del Diablo"

"Its time to be class 5 boaters" said Chris Baer, only seconds before rolling over the lip of a mandatory 50 foot waterfall. With no way to jump to the pool below and no possibility of climbing back out, Andy McMurray, Chris Baer and myself were totally committed to everything that lie below. Chile had opened up with a bang, only 3 days in this beautiful country and it already had our full attention.

The Volcano Vallarrica near Pucon

Adam Bixby unloading boats at the Rio Llancahue

A lizzard i found at the take out to the Rio Llancahue

Chile is kind of like the land of big beautiful clean waterfalls, amazingly steep creeks, volcano's, glaciers, oceans.... Chile has it all! Offering so many different styles and difficulty of rivers, Chile has become the warm weather destination for kayakers all over the world during Chile's spring season. Pucon is definitely the hot spot to be as a kayaker. Within about an hour of the town there's enough options to keep a solid group of kayakers occupied for more than a few weeks with different rivers every day. The days are long and the creeks are short and steep, often times allowing for multiple runs or park n hucks to be done in a single day. Much like the green river is to Ashville NC, the Rio Nevados is the local favorite to Pucon Chile. This short by stacked run comes complete with a sweet opening slide, several deceivingly high 20 footers, and a stout 50 footer at the take out. The road leading back to town from the Nevados goes directly past another Chilean legend, the Rio Palguin and its super clean 70 footer. Composed of 3 different sections, and tons of other really quality drops the Rio Palguin has the power to flood your dreams with images of waterfalls.

Catchin air on the Rio Nevados

Nate Garcia stomping the first 20 footer on the Rio Nevados

Upper Palguin with Adam Bixby

Rio Desahue
Adam Bixby performing standard waterfall procedure

Rio Desahue
Nate Garcia on his 4th lap of the day

Moving on to a different location a few hours north of Pucon lies one of my personal favorites, the Rio Claro. Offering 3 different sections, this deep basalt canyon is worthy of a few days stay! Starting with the Siete Tazas ( seven teacups ) is five perfect rolling lip, pool drop waterfalls ranging from 10 to 20 feet and great for any paddler looking for waterfall practice. Continuing 3 miles up the water park like river of the Claro is the Veintidos Saltos ( 22 waterfalls ) section. A step up from the Siete Tazas, the Veintidos Saltos adds quite a few more drops ranging from 10 to 30 feet. Connecting these two sections is of river is yet again an ever harder section called the Entre Saltos, Garganta del Diablo ( the devils throat )! Good beta on this section is strongly suggested, for once committed to this scary but beautiful crack in the earth, there is no chance of climbing back out and a must run 50 footer. After descending down the toilet bowl looking 50 footer, the river goes though several blind hallways barely wide enough for a kayak to fit through. Its dark, cold, and many of the rapids are unscoutable but WOW, what an amazing place to be!

Chris Boofin his way down the Claro

Oh Yeah, I enjoy this kind of stuff!

Andy McMurray exploring the Rio Claro

Recent note as of 6-3-2010:
The Siete Tazas as well as the Entresaltos have been waterless since the 8.8 earthquake that sturck chile in Feb. 2010. As unfortunate as this is right now future geological changes and floods may bring back water to this worldclass stretch of river... only time will tell

Full moon at the Claro

At the put in Rio Fuy

Our first scout on the Fuy

Big water fun

The 20 footer with way to much water going over it!

Rio Fuy at the put in to the lower

Chile has truly been an epic place to visit. The experience's taken and the friends made will last as memories forever! Looking back now I see the 3 weeks spent there was only a scratch on the surface of what Chile has to offer. Much respect is given to those that are still there now running the stout on a regular basis, living the hard but beautiful life style that dreams are made of... So for now I'm back home in WI with the family for the rest of winter until the spring season brings in a new boating year. Keeping in shape with open pool sessions at the YMCA in Milwaukee and indoor rock climbing at the local gym. Looking forward to the new year of 2010, I plan on heading to Canoecopia this month, then head to the Shore's of lake Superior for the fantastic spring melt. Maybe a few weeks in Cali, Wausau Whitewater for the summer, Gauley Season this fall, and some sort of travel this winter again. Anticipating another great year, I continue on working hard and hoping for the best and speaking of the best... looks like the new Villain is going to be my new best friend!

Rio Terbeo

Home sweet home Chile, our shack on the lake!

Rio coilaco, park n huck Andy

Rio Puesco "Tres Troncos" Andy's last time using the dreamsicle

Also check out this months issue of Outside Magazine(June 2010). On page 8 there's a 2 page spread of Andy McMurray dropping the Garganta del Diablo on the Rio Claro.

Cheers,
John McConville

Peru

2010-04-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Peru after 2 days of bus rides from Ecuador, our team (consisting of Andy McMurray, John Kiffmeyer, and myself) was welcomed with stable weather conditions and endless opportunity. Peru is by far one of the most logistically difficult countries to kayak in, but with great difficulty comes great reward! Hosting some of the worlds deepest and remote canyons known to mankind, Peru is a kayakers multi day expedition wet dream.

Loadin Up for the Colca
Outside Yanta Wasi's B&B Hostel in Areguipa
Ave. Lima 610 Vallecito AQP
yuntawasipyt@hotmail.com -tel:(054)221496
Boater Friendly! and awsome owener

Rio Colca drive in

The town of Huambo

Based out of Arequipa, our team was able to successfully complete 2 of the more well known rivers to the area. The Rio Colca which was first explored in 1981 by Jerzy Majcherczyk, and the Rio Cotahuasi which is even deeper than the Colca. Popular with tourist, these two rivers bring in all sorts of outdoor enthusiast such as trekkers, sight seer's, and even the occasional rafter all hoping for a glimpse into some of peru's oldest history! According to Majcherczyk, who is campaigning to have the Colca canyon declared a national park, the Colca has the potential of becoming Peru’s top tourist attraction, surpassing Machu Picchu.

Our last meal and stop, Huambo

Arranging the burros (donkeys) for the morning

The Colca's canyon is an adventure of a life time! To truly understand the beauty of this canyon, one must explore this amazing place by way of the river. Only then will you appreciate this magical place to the fullest! One way in, one way out, success of this 3 to 4 day expedition is determined by survival of the fittest and being prepared for everything. The Rio Colca is the most remote I've ever felt, with canyon walls reaching upwards of 5416 meters (that's twice the height of the Grand Canyon in AZ), and its quality class 3-4 read and run whitewater will leave your soul wanting more. Though this river may not be for everyone, requiring an 8 hr hike into the Peruvian mountainous desert and probably 4 days on the water, those who do take on the task will be rewarded with out of this world Mars like scenery only found inside the belly of this beast!

Getting ready for our 8 hr. hike in

Terrace farming

6 hrs in, 2 to go... stayin positive the whole way

Clear water Colca

somewhere in the middle

Last view of the Colca

Continuing on and stepping it up a bit, the Rio Cotahuasi adds some class 5 whitewater with an even deeper canyon. Accessibly by vehicle as of 2009, the donkey trail portage around Sepia Falls (300 foot waterfall) is no longer an issue with the installation of the sketchiest one lane dirt road ever that has taken its place! Looking back through my journal entries from the trip I found these sweet words... "I started to find my peace looking up at the stars one night, the steep canyon walls boxing in the sky on every side. Even reaching the take out I found life to be simple. A warm breeze was blowing through town, kids were laughing and playing futball in the streets. The sound of running water passing through the irrigation canal and many different farm animals all living in peace in a little village tucked far back in the Cotahuasi Valley... life is good!"

Some of the rapids before Sipea Falls

The sketchiest one lane dirt road ever

The last drop of Sipea Falls... about 40 feet and looks good!?

Down stream Sipea Falls

First Nights camp

Enjoying life, a good fire, great friends, and an epic river

Day 2 Chris Baer

Boofin hard

Andy and Chris enjoying the scinic views

Inca Castle

Muy Bonito

Chris Baer Diving in

Andy McMurray likes this kind of stuff

Cool place

Inca Ruins

That it was, a good life with only the simplest things to occupy the mind. Reaching a point of peace in the amazing land of Peru, our team had just scratched the surface of all that was possible here. While taking a train ride to Machu Picchu our imaginations went wild yet again as the train provided a perfect view of the entire Rio Urubamba. In the city of Cuzco, which is the other major whitewater hub in Peru, lies rivers like the Rio Apurimac and the legendary 8 day Rio Paucartambo. Peru may be the most logistically difficult place to kayak but the reward waiting at the end of these rivers make this place irresistible. But the up coming rainy season was even closer now and our trip more than half over, so it was once again time to pack the bags and head south in search of more water, and from what we'd been hearing Chile had plenty of it...

Mauchu Pichu

Classic

John Kiffmeyer lookin good

Bee meets Flower

Keep the good times rollin

For more info and write up's:

Andy McMurray's blog

Chris Baer's blog

or contact me via e~mail swappe332@hotmail.com

John McConville

Ecuador 2009

2010-04-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have recently returned from a 2 month long trip to South America. My travels led me through 3 different countries starting from the amazing jungles of Ecuador and ending in the beautiful land of huge hucks in Chile. Currently I'm located in the snowy cold farm fields of WI with my family. Its nice to have a little down time with the family after a trip like this. Looking back at the photos, I'm reminded of an amazing time spent with great friends exploring a different culture and their way of life!Going over the Andy's mtn pass somewhere around 14,000 feet

The trip began with a flight into Quito Ecuador(oct 20, 2009), which is located at the northern end of the Andes Mtns. at an elevation of 9,350 feet. From there it is possible to reach any whitewater hub in the country by bus in less than 5 hrs. Being that this was my 2nd trip to Ecuador in 3 years i already had good beta on the country and our team (consisting of Andy McMurray, John Kiffmeyer, and myself) was able to move quick and start paddling by day 2. Kiffy's first day on the water in Ecuador
Rio Quijos Bridge to Bridge

Andy Rio Quijos El Chaco

Kiffy Rio Papallacta

Andy Rio Papallacta

Kiffy Boofin Rio Papallacta

Kiffy's 2nd run on the last rapid Rio Papallacta

Hanging out at Rodrigo's

Baeza has always been my first stop when arriving in Ecuador, in fact its been the best cultural experience I've had throughout my travels! La Casa De Rodrigo located in Colonial Baeza, is a sweet hostel owned by Rodgiro Morales Vega, and has a long history of well known kayakers that have passed through the area. The Valley below the town is known as the Rio Quijos, offering warm whitewater to any kayaker of any skill level. The area has everything from the fun and easy big water run of El Chaco canyon to the silly steep ( 400 to 500 fpm ) multi day run of the upper Oyacachi! Not recommended to run without a Jackson Kayak, as the upper Oyacachi will destroy gear and anything not made of crosslink plastic! Ecuadorian rivers usually offer bolder-garden style rapids that can be super continuous in nature and best done with either a strong group of kayakers or with Small World Adventures.

Overnight camping on the Upper Oyacachi

Andy eating some ramen noodles
Rio Oyacachi
Day 2 on the Upper Oyacachi

Shifting gears with new ideas and descending roughly 5,400 feet in elevation, my second stop when visiting Ecuador is usually Tena. This town is much larger than Baeza, offers a bit of night life and a whole new drainage to spice it up! During the drive from Baeza to Tena the road passes the put in and take out to one of the local favorites and mine as well, the Rio Jondachi. The Jondachi comes complete with a super muddy hike in, deep crystal blue water and a beautiful jungle gorge that will captivate the soul. (Highly recommended) Unlike most of the bolder-garden style rivers here in Ecuador, there's 2 rivers in this region that stand apart from the rest. The Hollin and the Pusuno both have large waterfalls (40 to 50feet) that can be done with the right water levels. Due to the low water levels during my last visit, I was unable to run these Ecuadorian classics so once again it was time to move on to a new location in hopes of more water. Coral snake found on the Rio Jondachi

Kiffy on the Jondachi

Andy boofin Rio Jondachi

Banos, yes this town is named after the word bathroom but luckily there is nothing smelly about it! Actually it's a beautiful town tucked away in the Mtns right next to the active volcano of Tungurahua. In the valley below Banos runs the Rio Pastaza, the locals run rafting trips but due to the water quality this isn't the highlight to visiting this mountainous town. The soothing hot springs, endless amounts of sugar cane taffy, good night life, and the Rio Topo is where its at! The Topo is in danger of being dammed up in the near future and unfortunately this is one of the best rivers Ecuador has to offer. The remoteness, unique biodiversity and quality whitewater make this a "must do" for the class 5 kayaker when visiting Ecuador. Banos

All in all, Ecuador has been a great place to travel. The fantastic bus system makes for easy travel and setting shuttle a breeze in comparison to other countries. During our visit to Ecuador our team ran 4 different rivers and 9 different sections, as well as successfully completing one extremely steep multi day! With the taste of whitewater on our tongue we were thirsty for more, Ecuador needed more water so we packed our bags and left it all behind. Peru was next in sight and with the upcoming rainy season closing in fast, we crossed our fingers in hope of manageable levels!

Here's a link to Small World Adventures,
www.smallworldadventures.com

John McConville

2010

2010-04-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

So here it is, 2010 already and quite a while since my last post here on the The Gnar Gnar. I thought it was time to catch up a bit and fill in the missing peaces from this past year. Also, since the Midwest creeking season is already over this year due to very little snow pack and an abnormally warm spring, I threw in a few extra photos from the past year...

Cunningham falls on the Manitou
Photo by Ian Garcia

Wolfmother on the Wolf in Canada
Photo by Tommy Gram

Last season's shore line experience was pretty epic to say the least! South Shore, North Shore, and even Canada... there are so many possibility's when the conditions are just right. Unfortunately this years conditions were anything but ideal, and one single day on the Black River is all that will be had for 2010.

Gorge Falls on the Black
Photo by Matt Nolan

Rainbow Fall on the Black
Joe Decker
Photo by Matt Nolan

Rainbow Falls on the Black
Photo by Matt Nolan

It was tons of fun and much needed after 3 months of not boating this winter... Nothing like a big slash in the face to get the blood pumping again! I was super lucky to run into Joe Decker, Andy Scheidel, Nate Heydt, and Chad Thurow to make for a great group on the Black that day. This was Joe's first day running the big 3(Potawatomi, Gorge, and Rainbow), and smiling from ear to ear he syled all three!

That night we camped at the Presque Isle, stayed warm by a fire, drank a few beers, and told story's about past boating years... Paradise at the Pres! I really enjoyed being back on the Shore Line, slept well and woke early to a beautiful day. Unfortunately we also woke to a very low Presque Isle so instead of experiencing the river by way of water, I decided to get creative and enjoy the rest of the day through the eye peace of my camera...

After the photo shoot, Matt and I took off in a blaze of glory to catch some bouldering on top of Rib Mtn before the sun set. It may have not been and epic season on the shore line this year, but at least the weekend was!

Cheers,
John McConville

The Black

2009-09-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Black
location: upper peninsula of michigan
5-3-09

John McConville Rainbow Falls

Looking back through the photos of this spring i came across the photos from the Black! We had a big crew (being it was the day after the Rada Race) and the river was running at a great level... about 550cfs. It had been 2 year since i'd last been on the Black and was looking for some revenge.

The Birth Canal may not be the bigest or hardest rapid ever but man will it dish out a beat down. With a little inspiration from Andy McMurray and Joerg Steinbach i found myself lining back up to this nasty little pour over for another fight. Driving right to left with a strong righty stroke i boofed the pour over, losing all of my speed i pulled through the strong back wash for a successful a run... A few big breaths before going over Gorge Falls and one great start to the morning.

John McConville Gorge Falls

From Gorge Falls down, the Black river is compiled of a bunch of really fun rapids and low angle slides with Sandstone Falls tossed into the mix. Ending it off with a bang, Rainbow Falls brings you back down to lake level from about 80 feet up. I was super happy with my line here this year, 2 years ago i didn't tuck at the bottom so tucking hard into the seam provided a much softer landing with out having to roll. :) Chris Baer also improved his line from a few years past, from being ejected out a few years before he stomped a perfect boof and landing this round.

Chris Bar Rainbow Falls

Finishing up the river marked a changing point in the trip, the water was starting to drop out on the South Shore and many of the North shore runs were also falling. Most of the people from the Rada race had left or was about to leave... But for some this was just another day and the journey was still to continue, Canada was soon to come...

John Kiffmeyer's big swim

Another day in Paradise,

John McConville

Jim Rada Memorial Race

2009-09-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jim Rada Memorial Race
Location: Presque Isle river camping
Date: 5-2-09

The Rada Race is truly a special time of year. This race was started to remember a man who pioneered many of the rivers we paddle today. Jim Rada, a teacher who loved the outdoors and being on the water. His passion for paddling lives on still to this day through the paddlers of today, bringing together people from all over to celebrate the joy of paddling.

Rada Race competitors

This year was the largest turn out yet! With 11 competitors and many more spectators, there was plenty of entertainment to go around. Manabezho falls definitely served up some interesting entertainment, everything from an unintentional back deck roll off the lip to a Dynamic Duo run off the falls...

John McConville pitbike racing

Getting back to the races, there were 2 events. A timed race from the bottom of the first big slide down to the bottom of Manabezho falls. Top 5 from that did a head to head from the base of the falls down Zome flume and into Lake Superior. The Head to Head was definitely my favorite event, with Nate Herbeck, Jorge Stinebock, Andy McMurray, Chris Baer, Nathan Borth and myself all battling it out for 1st. Not even 1 second into the race Andy and I were both trying to pop each others skirts. Getting that out of our systems we charged over the first ledge... Making our way into Zome flume I went for the pass on Chris but took a bamboo paddle blade to the chest keeping me from moving up in the world. Before to long it was all over and Jorge was in the lead by a mile! I think he had a better start than most of us, congrads on the win Jorge. All said and done we started popping each others skirts and tipping each other over. Must have had 7 swimmers floating into Lake Superior at one point! After a lot of swimming and jumping into the river everyone made it back up for another group run down the last mile.

Nathan Borth and John McConville Dynamic Duo Manabezho Falls

Its days like this that will bring me back to these root beer colored rivers for years to come. As if the day shouldn't get any better, Nathan and I ran the entire last mile of the Press in a Dynamic Duo. Big thanks to Neal Schroeter at Whitecap Kayak for letting us borrow that amazing boat for the afternoon. I was super nervous about taking a 2 person kayak over a 22 foot waterfall. Definitely didn't want to land flat or pencil in due to the shallow landing. After running the first few rapids we both felt super comfortable and confident in the boats ability to handle the task at hand. So we fired it up and stomped her down with a perfect 45 degree entry. Talk about redefining the meaning of team work, both Nathan and I were ecstatic after our amazing run over the falls. Down through Zome flume and into the lake for another perfect day on the Presque Isle. Ending the night with storys from the day around a big warm fire, I sleep well looking forward to the next day to come... the Black

~John McConville

Fully Committed .... Superior Falls

2009-09-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Chris Baer in deep thought

Montreal River (Superior falls)
Location: Presque Isle river camping
Date: 4-30-09

Chris Baer entry rapid

After a much needed night of rest in a super comfortable bed at Tommy's Hotel (thanks so much tommy) we pointed the posse East to Superior falls. No helicopters needed and with way less water than when Tao ran it, Chris Bear after 15 mins of scouting decided to fire up Superior Falls!!! 15 mins later Chris was in the water and paddling over the first 2 entry drops. Pausing only for a moment at the top of the Massive Superior falls, Chris turned his boat down stream and started to line up the drop. Straight down the big V and into the curler Chris charged. 45 mins after arriving at the falls, Chris Baer was back down to lake level. With a huge fist pump and a small scratch on his nose, Chris had styled his line over Superior Falls!

Chris Baer Superior Falls

After watching Chris run this drop made me really think about why "We" as kayakers do the things we do. I think in the long run we're all here to just have fun, at whatever level/skill you personally believe in yourself to handle! Weather its class 3 or border line class 6, that moment in which you believe 100% in yourself that you can do something and go out there and just do it!!! The amount of courage to do that at any level is why we do what we do. Because that feeling of accomplishment after looking back up at what "you" just did is the absolute Truest/Purest moment in life!

So get out there and GET SOME!!!!

Chris Baer Smiles :)

Paradise at the Press,
John McConville

PS: I ending my day off with a great run down the Press with Andy McMurray and Nathan Borth. We Paddled out into Lake Superior to end an amazing day with a perfect sunset over the lake...

The Onion

2009-09-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

John McConville Tears for Fears 1st slide

The Onion (Tears for Fears)
Location: Poplar River camping
Date: 4-28-09

Andy McMurray Tears for Fears 2nd slide

So i'm really enjoying sleeping under the stars every night in my bivy sack. Just crawled in for the night, zipping up both sleeping bags! Great stuff, i'm loving it!

Heather Herbeck catchin air 3rd slide

Looking back on the day i find memories of big similes :) and great friends. Opening up the morning with a bang, Chris Baer, Nathan Borth and I fired up The Encampment River with great lines all around. Perfect way to introduce Nathan to North Shore creekin only to follow it up with a run down the Onion River.

Nathan Borth Tears for Fears 1st slide

Meeting up with Nate & Heather Herbeck, John Kiffmeyer, and Andy MuMurray we loaded up and drove north to the Onion. Arriving in the parking lot it was great to see all of my friends super amped to run this Huge slide. John Kiffmeyer the man who first ran this slide and appropriately named it "Tears for Fears" was standing there suited up and ready to go. As everyone made it to the top we ro sham bowed to see who got to go first. Andy won and went 1st with everyone else soon to follow. Ending in the lake we all did a quick roll in the icy cold waters of lake superior keeping the "roll in the lake" tradition alive. Capping off another epic day on the shore we ate 2 for 1 burgers at the ski hill and watched the head cam footage from the day. Its felt good to have the whole crew back together laughing and joking at the dinner table. Its late and cold and everyone is asleep, tomorrow is another day...

Chris Baer and John Kiffmeyer Tears for Fears 3rd slide

Sleeping under the Stars,
John McConville

The Forbidden Fruit

2009-09-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Forbidden Fruit
Location: Superior Hiking Trail next to the Crow River
Date: 4-27-09

John McConville Encampment falls

Here I am, a week and a half into my trip here in the Midwest and what an experience its been. From the South Shore Falls and Slate Rivers to the North Shore Forbidden Fruit. The Encampment river was once referred to as the Forbidden Fruit of the North Shore and truly lives up to its reputation!

Alon Coppens on the Falls river

Today Chris Baer and I meet up for a late afternoon run down the Encampment river around 3:30. Having been down the week before we knew what had to be done and drove straight into the first true rapid, which is also the lead in to the 30 foot waterfall. Getting rocketed out the hole at the bottom of the S-turn entry rapid I turned to watch Chris get stern endered as well. (Never fails, this wild ride enders you every time!) Turn and burn, out of the eddy and over the sweetest 30 foot waterfall ever! Beautifully walled in on both sides we proceeded into the next rapid called Toney's Touchdown, appropriately name after T-Bone's interesting line a few years back. A few more fun rapids and some sweet slides put Chris and I back in the frigid waters of Lake Superior.

Andy McMurray Encampment Entrance

Tomorrow we head back with Nathan Borth for his first run on this North Shore Gem. Followed up with the family reunion with Nate & Heather Herbeck, John Kiffmeyer, Andy McMurray and myself for an after huck fest. Looking forward to the crew all being back together and adding Chris Baer and Nathan Borth to the party. Its been a phenomenal trip so far up to this point and I'm sure it's going to get even better...

Nathan Borth Encampment falls

Camping at the Crow

Day 1 North Shore MN

2009-09-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Time to Huck
Location: Duluth MN, John Kiffmeyer's Hostel
Date: April 16 2009

Andy McMurray Gazebo Falls

After 2 days of driving and some minor vehicle repairs, Andy McMurray and I were back in town and ready to Huck. Already warmed up from our South Eastern "Boof or Die" kayaking mission, we suited up and zipped over to Gazebo Falls on Amity Creek. Clint Austin a reporter for the Duluth News Tribune, saw Andy and I suiting up and decided to join us to watch the spectacle.

John McConville Gazebo Falls

Getting back in the cold, root beer colored water was a great feeling for Andy and I. It had been a whole year since we had last been here boating the rivers of Lake Superior and I was excited to be Back. Around the time of our 3rd lap on the Gazebo, John Kiffmeyer showed up to join the fun. One more quick lap over the waterfall and the 3 of us were off to another river for a late afternoon treat, the Lester.

Andy McMurray Gazebo Falls

The Lester river is the Local Hot Spot! Located directly in the city of Duluth, if there's water in the river there will be boaters in the water. Being so, getting back to the parking lot for the Lester river after our run was like a family reunion. Everyone smiling from ear to ear, excited to be back on the water again. It had been a long, cold and snowy winter in Duluth MN, and the Spring Season was just beginning...

Chris Baer Allmost Allways

South East Warm Up Tour!!!

2009-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Manns Creek

Mann's, Meadow, Mill my 3 favorite M's. After flying in from California, Andy McMurray and I loaded up and took off to West Virginia to nock off some of the rust built up from the winter.

John McConville Mill Creek Falls

7 days, 9 rivers, 11 sections... and on heck of a "Warm Up" for the Midwest creek season off the shores of Lake Superior! We arrived in WV with the levels primed from a storm the week before. A low water run on Mill creek, and an epic play level on the New river was more than entertaining for day 1. Day 2 put us back on the New for a perfect morning play session with Brian Kirk and Brian Jennings. After throwing down the play boats for a bit, Andy and I later met up with Todd Richendollar for some afternoon Lower Meadow action. The legendary Lower Meadow was flowing at a proper 1,200 cfs and packed quite a punch with plenty of big holes and pushy water. Reaching the takeout all excited and wet, the rain gods covered the sky's with dark clouds and started to Gush out water! With hopes and dreams of rising rivers, we slept well anticipating the day to come.

Andy McMurray Mill Creek Falls

Raining through the night, we woke the next morning to perfect WV conditions. Sunny and warm out, we arrived at Mill creek to find it still rising. Shane Grooves and Brian Kirk were both there at the puttin already half dressed and ready to creek. Within mins, the 4 of us were heading down the ultra classic WV creek with a great flow. Two laps later the gears had shifted and we we're relocating to another WV classic...

Andy McMurray Headless Horseman

Andy McMurray Boofing into Powerhouse

John McConville Mill Creek Falls

Mann's creek, from the words of Andy McMurray "Every Reason you should walk a rapid, then you go ahead and run it!" Shane Grooves, Andy and myself started down the creek, boofing pour overs, ducking logs, and missing sieves by inches. Mann's Creek is the true definition of "The Goods" when it comes to WV boating.

Manns Creek first rapid

Day 4, Dawn patrol with Todd Richendollar. Still itching for more Mann's Creek Todd and I boomed down for our early morning fix of whitewater. (Kind of like coffee but way better!) After working up an appetite from Mann's, Andy, Todd, and I decided to head North to the Blackwater for an afternoon serving of whitewater. The root beer colored water of the Blackwater reminded Andy and I of the weeks to come up North on the Shore's of Lake Superior. On the flip side of things, rivers up North were still frozen and we were getting wet and wild to the fullest in WV. As if things couldn't get any better, the next morning Todd, Andy and I ran down the Big Sandy. Another WV favorite of mine, the Big Sandy comes complete with 2 great waterfalls.

Todd Richendollar Big Splat

Andy McMurray Big Splat

Back on the road with new idea's and a full tank of gas, Andy and I headed South to Tennessee. Meeting up with Clay Wright and Justin Owen, our adventure continued with a group 1st decent of Clifty Creek. Owen had been spotting this one out for years, all he needed was some rain and a few friends. Lucky for us, it had just rained! Boofing our way down Clifty creek, we ended up flowing into the Canny Fork at a stomping level. Good stuff!!!

Clay Wright Clifty Creek

Justin Owen Clifty Creek

Andy McMurray Clifty Creek

Reaching the takeout of the Canny Fork marked the end of our South Eastern "Boof or Die" kayaking mission. The South East Rocked! Warmed up and ready to go, Andy and I drove North. Back to a place few have traveled, where the water is root Beer colored, and the soul of the shore flows deep in our blood. Duluth Minnesota, here we come...

Andy McMurray Rock Island

Upper Middle Cosumnes CA

2009-04-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Got out for my first West Cost Cali paddle the other day with Stephen Wright and Darin McQuiod. Heading to WI the 7th to meet up with Andy McMurray to paddle the North Shore of Lake Superior. Spring time is a great time of year!

John McConville

Mexico part 3

2009-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

From tacos and oranges, to pinecones and ice sickles. I arrived in South Lake Tahoe few weeks ago, got a job with SharpShooters Images shooting photo on the Heavenly ski hill. My office is at 10,000 vertical feet and my briefcase has a Digital SLR in it. Fun place to live if you like outdoor winter sports. Looking back at the photos from Mexico I remember how exciting our trip was.

Adriene entering S-Turn

Rio Alseseca Road Side Section:

Meet Up with Adriene and Davis to boom down the road side section of the Rio Alseseca. Being led down this river by Adriene was one of the greatest days in whitewater ever. With descriptions like "go strait over that hump there, try to get a boof half way down, get your nose up and try not to piton,... your going to land in the vail of the waterfall coming in from the side. It looks nasty but it goes!" then she would peel out of the edie and disappear over the edge.

The Road side was a super fun, bang for your buck river. Being that the river bed is made up of Basalt, it makes really fun pool drop waterfalls. Running everything but the crack drop blind made the road side super entertaining for everyone (Lance, Chris, Davis, Adriene, and myself John) especially S-Turn!

Stopped off at El Tajin. Famous for the ball games once played there with the out come of human sacrifice. Abandoned in 1230 AD, El Tajin's mysteries are still being dug up and restored to this day.

Rio Alseseca Tomata 1, 2, and the 7 Sisters

Everyone took a long look at Tomata 1 and Tomata 2. By the end of the day everyone had different idea's of which one looked better too. Lots of talking but not much kayaking. Eventually we down climbed/rappelled to the base of Tomata 2 to run the 7 sisters below.

The 3rd sister was apropriatly named (John's Rapid) after having everyone run down after i quickly scouted it. Getting out to scout sucked so i gave a quick disruption..."Its going to look really crazy when you go over the lip BUT there's a toung down the middle and a huge launch ramp to boof off with about a 15 foot free fall after. Good to Go!" and walked over to the lip a pointed out where to enter with my paddle. Chris went first with a great line and Jake was close to follow. Lance next and I pulled up the rear by landing on my head. oh well

The 6th sister was this sweet ( Gorilla Pad ) looking launch ramp. The 7 rapids we found below Tomata 2 were definitely worth the rappel in. Most of which are scout able from the orange and banana fields above.

Rio Texolo

Finding our way 2 hours south Lance, Chris, Jake, Davis and myself stopped off in a rafting town called Jalcomulco. After getting some detailed directions to the put in and take out we were off to a tributary of the Pescados, the Rio Texolo!

Most of the river is bolder garden style until arriving to the 45ish footer. Entering the cave like tunnel before the lip is a bit intimidating seeing how the lip is mostly walled in.

Super fun waterfall that broke 2 paddles and left smiles on everyone. It was just what the group needed and was looking for. After having a few laughs and breaking out the break down paddles we were off once again.

Here i am hitting a huge boof on the last big rapid just before the take out at the 90 footer. Caution, its easy miss the last edie before the 90 footer, make sure there's always another edie to catch. We hiked out river right up the hill and out of the gorge.

Mexico... yet another place where the people talk a bit funny and the whitewater is amazing. As i move on to the next phase in my life here in Tahoe i look back and remember how lucky we were to be able to live in Mexico for a month. With nothing to worry about other than which taco stand to eat at and where to paddle the next day.

Live from South Lake Tahoe,

John McConville

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-25T21:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Mexico... No snow, but plenty of warm water. So what else would a bunch of class 5 kayakers do on christmas day. Head to the Micos, grab the inflatable innertube, and jump off the travertine waterfalls. We left the cameras behind and had a blast swimming, flipping, and tubing down the Rio Micos. It's amazing we were able to tube down a 400 foot per mile river and not get hurt. Even managed to get worked in the last hole on Bad Boy. Super fun Feliz Navidad that i'll never forget.

Hope everyone back home is enjoying there Christmas as well. Just got back in Cuidad Valles last night, and leaving for San Diego tomorrow for New Years. From there I'll make my way up to Tahoe to play in the snow, its been a few years since i last went snowboarding. Should be fun!

Mary Christmas everyone,

John McConville

Rio Alseseca... As Real As It Gets

2008-12-17T06:42:00.001-08:00

Continuing on with my Mexico adventures, I find myself at Adventurec in Tlapacoyan. When we first arrived here about a week ago we had heard of a section of the Rio Alsecesa called the BIG BANANA. The rumor was that a crew the week before found a way in without having to repel the 120 foot waterfall. After talking with a few locals, and a bit of luck, Lance Reif, Chris Baer, Jake Greenbaum, Davis Grove, and myself found a trail to the base of the 120 foot Big Banana waterfall.

photo by Chris Baer

Day 1,
After a great breakfast and a late start we were off to the river. The hike in took about 2 hrs, up and down ridge lines and even down a creek bed that would eventually take us to the base of the waterfall of the Big Banana. (since then we've found a much shorter and well defined path to the river, aprox 1 hr less hiking, great parking at a church on river left) The run starts off with a few bolder garden style rapids, one of which claimed two swimmers due to a log just under the surface. I think it was like the 5th rapid in, last slot on the right wall, big walled in pool just after.

photo by Chris Baer

Heading down from there are a few more bolder gardens until the first big horizon line, which is a 20 foot waterfall. Super fun and good to go, scout right. Directly after is a mandatory hallway, slide, drop thing with a big hole at the bottom. Looks scary but good to go right down the middle. I broke my paddle first time down, and stuck the line a few days later on the return trip. After pulling out the breakdown, it was time to get back to business and push on.

Another beautiful walled in gorge, and then a 35/40 foot waterfall. Easy scout on the right along with a great trail to portage down to a 15 foot seal launch. Due to time constancies, everyone walked and did the seal launch. Directly down stream from there are 3 very unique drops, good scout on the river left. 1st one feels weird but is really fun, 2nd could defiantly beat you down, and 3rd one boof down the middle.

photo by Chris Baer

photo by Chris Baer

Working down from there are a few more smaller fun rapids until arriving at the Meat Locker. SCOUT RIGHT AND DON'T RUN UNTIL YOU'VE FOUND A WAY OUT OF THE "LOCKER"!!! The DEATH HOLE is the next ledge! By the time we got to this point it was dark, and after a group decision we decided to leave our gear and hike out. Being that i was the only one with a headlamp, i lead the group up and out through the banana fields on river right. After about a 2 mile hike we found a farmer and got a ride back to town.

photo by Chris Baer

Day 2,
After a much needed night of rest and "early" breakfast we we're back off to the river. Arriving back at the meat locker we quickly set safety, and made sure there was no way someone could float over the DEATH LEDGE. Extremely good lines were had by all, super fun way to start off a new day. :)

photo by Chris Baer

Directly after that is a section of the river called Pezma. About 5 main drops, one of which we officially started calling 80 / 20 after the way EJ described it in No Big Names. 80% boof 20% plug. Really fun section and a short paddle to the take out at Tomata falls.

phot by Chris Baer

photo by Chris Baer

Round 2, Return to the Big Banana,
Heading back a few days later our run down went really well. Jake and I ran the 35/40 footer with great results and we even made the take out by 4pm. The Big Banana is defiantly AS REAL AS IT GETS. Beautiful steep walled in canyons that barley let any light in, super clear water, and a handful of amazing drops. No other place in the world like it, and i'm thankful to be one of the few that have been ably to experience it.

Live from Mexico,
John McConville

Mexico

2008-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Hola Me Amego's!!! So here I am, reporting live from the warm warters of Mexico. Where the waterfalls are big and the traverntine is sticky. Curently i'm located in Ciudad Valles at Aventura Huastecae where Lance Reif, Chris Bear, Aaron Koch, and myself have been running some of the local rivers.

Day one started us off on the Mexican classic, the Rio Micos. Unlike anything i've seen, the Micos is made up of whats called Traverntine. Traverntine is formed from water thats high in calcium, it builds up on anything in the water... trees, rocks, lost paddles...exc As a result it makes really sticky pool drop waterfalls and slides that are over hung. interesting and fun...

Day 2 took us to the El Salto. More travertine... weird...

Lance playing the role of "Rodeo Superstar" good ride, cartweels on both sides

Chris Bear

Aaron Koch

John McConville photo by Chris Bear

The 5th Canyon of the Santa Maria

El Toro

Back to to Micos where Chris decided to run the big one, EL TORO (the bull). The bull is a beast, it hits hard and fast. To best explane i suggest checking out the video Chris put together after running the Bull.

El Toro video:

http://broadbandsports.com/node/22262

Rio Verde...An orange and a gun.

Today we picked up a mexican with an orange and a gun. He sat down in Aaron's Jeep, shared his orange and showed us the way to the river. Hiking down to the river i had a run in with a "jumping" cactice, it jumped up, scared me, bit me,i swated at it, it bit me again, and i was left with bit marks from the jumping cacti. oh well, down to the river we go.

The first Canyon we came to was amazing. It started with a 40 footer that Chris, Lance, and myself ran. Then went right into a 15 footer followed be another 15 footer. Cruisin down streem we found ourselves at the lip of a 100 foot waterfall called Llovinosa. We lowered the boats over the edge and walked down the class 5 goat path to the side.

The Rio Verde has been my faveroit run we've done so far. But the trip is just getting started, tomorrow we head South to Veracruze in hopes to find good water on the Alseseca...

Live from Mexico,

John McConville

Changing Seasions

2008-11-17T17:14:00.001-08:00

Back in WI now... spending some time with the folks before setting off on my next adventure. It's amazing how fast the summer always seems to come and go. Looking back, i find myself getting lost in the wake of the all the good times spent in WV. Worked 67 days on the water this year between the New and Gualey river. I love my job! Thats been the greatest part of my summer, loving my job and all the people i work with. Class VI had a great video staff this year, full of personality. :)

Chillin with the Class VI crew out at long point.

Gauley Season Rocked!! We were lucky enough to have a really warm fall with great fall colors. I learned righty phonix monkies and took 6th in the Animal Race. I also got really good at getting juiced at the bottom of Wood's Farry. Gotta love a good mystery...

Russel Fork...

Lance and I made it out for race weekend on the Russel. This was Lance's first time down and my first time seeing it at 1,000cfs. The race had a huge turnout of 52 competitors. Records were broken, swimmers were swimming, and respect was gained. I ended up with 23rd and a time of 11:30. I really liked the solo timed racing style compared to the Gauley's mass start. It becomes a personal battle with yourself, seeing just how hard you are willing to push yourself. One sec here, one sec there... I know where i lost time and i'm excited to push it harder next year.

Climbing...

This summer i became very involved with climbing. Wild Bill, Curt, and myself (both class VI videographers) spent many afternoons climbing till our fingers bleed or we til we couldn't see anymore. I'll never forget the first time climbing with Curt, we ended up climbing in the dark with our headlamps on. For me climbing has been another great way to stay in shape and push myself mentaly. Its amazing to see how far you are willing to push yourself mentally and physically before saying "let me down". There's nothing worse than being lowerd down after a vicious battle with the rock and losing... Then its back to square one and a rematch another day.

All in all, it's been an awesome year in WV and i miss it already. But like the fall colors, its time to change and move into winter. For me this means heading south of the boarder, Mexico here i come.....

The Animal Race

2008-09-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Animal race is nothing short of just that... an Animal race. If you want to win this one you better drop everything and just go.. never stop, not even to look back. The mass start reminded me of motocross racing, everyone charging forward for the hole shot. Tons of fun and great competition. I ended up with a time of 55:28 and 6th place in slalom.

One of the video boaters for Class VI (Sara Van Wesep) was filming when the racers came down. So i through a short video together with what she got. enjoy

Check it out here

Check out race results at... http://usawildwater.com/

Live from WV,

John McConville

Life in WV

2008-09-09T08:13:00.001-07:00

Gauley Season is upon us!!! Oh yeah. :) After paddling around 75 miles of whitewater on the Gauley river these past 4 days its nice have a day off. The first weekend was awesome and week 2 of Gauley is 3 days away.

Looking back through some of the photos of the summer it reminds me of why i love living here. I'm thank full to be living here in WV with the New river Gorge outside my back door. World class boating, climbing, biking, scenery, and people is what make this place so beautiful. I love every bit of it...

The week before Gauley a tropical storm dumped water in North Carolina and brought the New up to 6 feet. This was a great change of pace from the low water Weeks before. Owen and I both were getting some big air at Ender Waves. Upper railroad and Greyhound were stomping at a good level too.

Last week Monday i meet up with some really cool climbers from Kentucky. We hiked from Rodgers campground down to butchers buttress for 4 different climbs. I'm really starting to get into climbing, its another sport that's both mentally and physically demanding.

Mill creek has been my favorite place to take photos. There was a really cool mist in the air the day this photo was taken.

I find myself spending alot of time at the place i work. But with views like this from the overlook its hard not to love this place...

Live from WV,

John McConville

Midwest Freestyle Championships 2008

2008-08-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

After a long 15 hr. drive back to WV I've had plenty of time to reflect upon this past weekend. What i came up with is... I LOVE paddling! Especially when I get to paddle with all my friends in one place at the same time. This past weekend was more of a family reunion than a competition. I'd like to make a shout out to Team PBR and everyone involved that made this weekend possible. Thanks for a great weekend. :)

My week started off with helping teach a freestyle kayak clinic with Colin Kemp. There's nothing more rewarding than helping someone progress there own skills and push the limits of what they though was possible. Seeing someone land there first loop and come up with the biggest smile on there face. Its what keeps me coming back again and again. We all know that feeling of accomplishing after doing something new, that wave of energy that surges through your body. All in all, i really enjoyed helping teach this kayak clinic and watching all the progression that happened over the weekend.

Coming back to this event has been something I've been looking forward to since last year. Last year i placed 3rd with like 140 points, and the year before i scored 3 point. Year after year I've progressed my own skills and have pushed my own limits of what i thought was possible. This year the progression continued which lead to my first freestyle comp win and a score of 185 points. After 2 years of paddling and countless hours spent on the water I'm proud to take the name of Midwest freestyle champion. Whats next?.?.? maybe the world freestyle championships, EJ better watch out. lol making finals at the worlds has been a goal of mine since I've started kayaking. I know if i want to make this a reality that I have alot more countless hours of paddling and pushing myself even harder to get to that level. I think I'll take lots of small steps to bring myself to the top of the staircase instead of running to the top and talking the risk of falling back down. Anything is possible if the right steeps are taken.

In the end, the Midwest Freestyle Comp was once again a weekend to remember. Everything from the freestyle clinic, to Team PBR, 4 square, the night of the living donkey, and even having Pearl there to watch Jim Jensin take 2nd place. Everything that happened and the people that made it happen, thanks for a great weekend to remember. Speaking of the people that made it happen... thanks Cole Jacobsen, Chad Kehn, Colin Kemp, David Lemke, and Julie Walraven for making this weekend happen.

Live From WV,

John McConville

A New River Adventure 2008

2008-07-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

I put together a new video/intro for my New River movies here at class 6. All the footage is from the New River. Justin Kleberg (a new video boater to class 6) and I worked on the first 2 shots together, tons of fun and totally worth the time and effort.

Check it out here

Live from WV,

John McConville

Back in WV

2008-07-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

Wet and Wild WV, its good to be back... I've been kayaking just about every day of the week since I've been back. Working 5 to 6 days a week on the water and boating when i have off its hard to find time for my hammock. I love being able to paddle every day of the week. I've also been shooting lots of photos with my free time.

Last week the rain gods graced us with enough water to bring Mill Creek in. Mill creek is one of my favorite WV runs, its like the classic intro to creekin WV style with a sweet 20 footer on it. The rain also borough up the Gauley to about 7,ooo cfs. A few of us got to enjoy some good water on there too. OOOHHH YEEAAAHHHH!!!!

Sam England and I running the falls

Here's the falls at low water.

Headless Horseman is the next big drop right after the falls.

A few of us have been heading down to Canyon Doors at around 1,000cfs after work.

Looking down at double Z in the hart of the New River gorge from beautie mtn.

Its good to be back in beautiful wet and wild WV. I love every day of my life here, everything from the work to the mountains. I can't get enough of it and i never want to leave.

live from WV,
John McConville

North Shore Paddling Part 1

2008-05-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Once again I’ve fallen in love with a place where the whitewater is amazing and the locals talk a bit funny. That’s right, up dar in da North woods... For a few weeks every year these cold woods become home to some of the most amazing people/paddlers in the country. The snow starts to melt, rivers start to flood, and boaters start driving.

When a group of people like this join together something amazing happens. Something that can only be explained by taking that first step and going there and experiencing the journey yourself. That’s what it’s all about... "The journey" Meeting new people with the same interest and working together to enjoy what matters most. Living in the moment, enjoying life to the fullest, and don't forget, firing up that 30 footer downstream!!! Oh yeah :)

There’s nothing better after a long day of paddling than hanging out with all your friends at Paradise Beach and talking about all the thrills and spills of the day. My favorite part of hanging out on the shore was getting to sleep on the beach at night and watch the sun come up in the morning. Good stuff

This is a very common site to see on your way up the North Shore. There’s one road that goes up the entire shore line on up to Canada. This photo of the Beaver was taken from the road on my way up the first day.

Day 1 on the water... The Manitou

Chad, Tony, and I all put on at a really high level for a warm up run and find this monster to be our first rapid/waterfall. I don't think this has ever been run before and none of us did it but there is definitely a line there.

Day 2 Encampment

The encampment is placed back in one of the few areas left of untouched forest on the North Shore. It’s also extremely private with no good way to take out. The river starts off pretty strait forward and then drops off a sweet 30 footer with a wild lead in.

Here is Ben running the lead in rapid to the 30 footer

Perfect 30 foot waterfall that everyone ran. Check out Chad firing it up

Just downstream of the waterfall Ben runs Tonys touchdown. From here on down you have 2 quick portages and some super fun slides just before dumping into the lake.

Due to the privet property issues we paddled about 2 miles north on Lake Superior to the Crow River for a short hike to the car.

Day 3 Split Rock and Lester

The Split Rock River is one of the best rivers I’ve ever done. If you like big slides than this is the place for you. I don't think this river could ever be paddled to high; more water makes for fast sliding adrenalin pumping fun.

Check out Ryan running the last big one called Under the log.

Here I am running down the last part of Under the Log.

Slide after slide, the Split Rock is awesome.... After all that fast sliding fun we packed it up and headed south to Duluth for a quick bomb run on the Lester. That night we stayed at a hotel, got hot food and showers, and a bed to sleep in... A great thing to have before heading farther north the next day....

Check out part 2 soon

Live from WI
John McConville

John McConville

2008-04-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest video I've put together.

Check it out here

Live from TN,
John McConville

Cow Pie Falls, Henderson Creek, Cain Creek

2008-04-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just another epic weekend in TN. In the past 4 days I've gone from a 30 foot waterfall, to class 5 creekin, and then brave wave at a perfect 7,500cfs. I can honestly say I've been enjoying myself and all the rain here in TN.

It all started with a great rain storm that came through Thursday night. Clay Wright, Boyd Ruppelt, Samantha Brunner, and I headed over to Pine Creek to a flooded creek and a sweet 30 foot waterfall called Cow Pie Falls.

Perfect learning waterfall, here I am fully Tucked

Clay testing his new Hero out

Boyd set up for impact

Here I am spotting my landing

Got 5 runs in before we decided to head out. All the photos were shot by Samantha Brunner. Great job with the photos Sam. Waking up the next day Clay, EJ, Dane, and I met up with Keith Yell and Mark Travis for a run down Henderson Creek. Henderson flows into Richland creek and starts off like a micro creek but picks up a few tributary's and doubles in volume to make an awesome whitewater run.

HENDERSON

Fire Escape is one of the coolest rapids around. Here's Clay boofing the first drop to Fire Escape.

Looking back upstream is the bottom 3 drops of Fire Escape. Such a fun rapid with sweet boofs... I love it!

EJ with a big smile after running one of the great rapids on Henderson

All in all, its been a epic weekend that hasn't ended yet. Its now Tuesday and Brave Wave is still kickin at an epic level and that's right where I'll be tomorrow. So I'm off to bed to rest up for the surf tomorrow... C you on the water!!!

Live from TN,
John McConville

West Prong / Raven Fork

2008-03-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

The past few days of boating were epic!!! Great Falls, West Prong, Raven Fork, Brave Wave.... I'm still coming out of shock after running the Raven Fork for the first time. It all started after a perfect storm on Wednesday. Rock island started spilling Wednesday morning so we got to huck the falls and play in the hole at about 7,500 cfs. Great fun but it was only the start to my epic weekend...

Waking up Thursday Clay and I decided to head over to the West Prong to meet up with Horward Tidwell. The West Prong is the Smokies classic steep creekin fun run. Its so continues that the entire river feels like one long rapid that drops off the mountain.

Howard is like a West Prong legend, chances are if you've paddled the Prong then you've paddled with him.

I'm not sure what or if this rapid had a name but much of the run looks simler to this.

Making our way down to the lower I ran into an open boater that I knew from WI. Its funny how you run into the same people all the time just in different places.

Had a great day on the West Prong with every one there. Spent the night at Horwards in Knoxville which was super cool. Thanks so much Horward for the great hospitality and the place to stay. :) After breakfast Clay and I loaded up and headed for the Raven Fork, THE MOST AMAZING RIVER EVER!!!

RAVEN FORK

Let me start off with saying the Raven Fork is a total adrenalin junkie run. Its a SUPER steep pool drop river with HUGE slides that will leave you screaming for your mommy and wanting more!!! Pictures and video can give you an idea of what this run is like but will do no justice for what its like to drop over the lip and be totally committed to whats down stream.

Depending how far you hike up, Anaconda may be your first rapid. Not much time for a warm up for one of the hardest rapids on the run.

Eddy out fast after Anaconda or you might drop into Headless Horseman without a scout. Bill Clipper starts off with a great boof to get through the first hole before the slide down past the Headless part of the rapid.

Razorback is the next rapid. Really fun slide but don't mess it up, stay far right and avoid EVERYTHING on the left.

Clay, Pat, Drew, Will, and myself all ran Big Boy, a 35 foot water fall about half way down the run. Clay had a perfect line off the falls but anything can happen when running a waterfall, even breaking your paddle. Pat was nice enough to loan his paddle to Clay for the rest of the run so he could work on his class 5+ hand paddling skills.

Caveman is by far the sweetest boof ever. If you miss the most amazing boof on the planet you may end up finding out why this rapid is called Caveman. So stay away from the cave on the right and enjoy the sweet boof.

The Mangler marks the end of the steepest part of the river. Don't worry, the run out is extremely fun just not as steep as everything upstream.

This river and the people that paddled it with me left an imprint on my soul that will never be forgotten. The people that you paddle rivers with become instant friends for life. Knowing that everyone there is willing to risk everything to insure the safety of a fellow paddler builds a bound that is unbreakable. That is what makes life long friends. We couldn't have asked for a better good Friday, clean lines, warm weather, and big smiles all around. A huge thanks to everyone that made this epic week happen. I can't wait to do it again....

Live from TN,
John McConville

I also took lots of video so I'll be putting together a short movie here in the near future...

Suck Creek

2008-03-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

I finally got down to Chattanooga to get on whats considered the "creek boating arena" Suck Creek. Forgetting my paddle at home wasn't the best way start off the day but thanks to Taylor Martin I was ably brow his and still get in 6 laps. Paddlers never seas to amaze me with how far they are willing go to help out a fellow paddler in need. Thanks Taylor.

Suck Creek is like 2 miles of pure creek boating fun. This is the main drop in Road Construction

Knucklehead is a drop that doesn't get ran much but is totally do able if you need a bit more excitement.

Welcome to the THUNDER DOME!!! Check out Will Pruett wave wheeling the final drop in a playboat.

We all had a lot of fun out on the water this weekend. Meet some really cool people and got to see a few good old friends. I can't wait to go back!!!!

Live from TN,
John McConville

Cane Creek TN

2008-03-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Did Cane Creek the other day and shot some amazing video. Had a great day on one of Tennessee's most beautiful rivers I've ever paddled.

Check it out here

Live From TN,
John McConville

Caney Fork TN

2008-03-08T21:02:00.001-08:00

Got the TVF team together today for a cold run down the Caney Fork. Our team this year consists of Brad, Goat, Jase, Owen, Tom, and myself. This was the first run we all did together this year for TVF. (Total Vertical Feet)

I've always said it never to cold to paddle unless the water is frozen. I never said anything about frozen gear.

The hike in was beautifully and a nice way to warm up before getting in the water.

Great level today, about 2.2 on the Hwy 70 bridge which would make for a medium to high flow. Here I am running the entrance to Devils Kitchen.

The kitchen has two huge holes stacked right on top of each other making for a very intimidating rapid but totally good to go. All in all great day, it was good to get back on the water with most of the good old TVF team... We miss you D Mark!!

Live from TN,
John McConville

Ecuador 2008

2008-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

My trip down south to the jungle was the most amazing thing i've ever done in my life. I flew out of DC airport into the capital of Ecuador Quito. Our group of 6 (Julie, Brad & Katie, Bill, Tod, and I) met up in Quito and took a bus from there to Baeza, a small town on the other side of the Andies with great boating. We stayed at Hostal La Casa De Rodrigo, a boaters paradice.

Baeza is right in the middle of the Quijos Valley. Its a small quite town on the edge of the Andies. The frist day we got to run the Cosanga, a fun class 4 creek that dumpes into the Quijos. It rained alot that first day and into the next wich flooded everything for a few days. Day 2 was a HUGE water day on the Quijos with about 20,000cfs of water. That water level redefined boils and whirlpool eddy lines. The next day we ran the Oyacachi and in the following days ran 6 different sections of the Quijos. Baeza was sweet but it was time to move on to Tena.

Day 6 put us on the upper Jondachi just outside of Tena. The Jondachi river is in my top 5 favorit rivers ever run, it has the most amazing secenery i've ever seen. This was one of the portages you had to be like spiderman to get around.

Day 7 started with a run down the Lower Jondachi which dumps into the Hollin. The first 4 miles are alot like the upper section, class 4 bolder garders through the beautefull romote jungle of Ecuador.

We ran 6 different section of river durning our time in Tena. This cristal clear river was the Misahualli.

After a week in Tena we dicided to take a bus to Banos and try to get on the Rio Topo.

The Topo is a river that is in danger of being damed up someday. Less than 50 people a year get to see this amazing river. This is a must do if your ever in Ecuador. The topo remindes me alot of a cross between the lower meadows size and Manns creek steep boldergarden nature.

Banos was right next to an ative volcano. The first day in Banos we hicked up a mnt. next to the volcano to check it out. Every few min. the grouud would rumble and smoke would come out the top.

After spending 12 days paddling we went on a 11 hr. bus ride to the beach. Stayed in this crazy town called Montanita, a surfing town with a party problem. Went surfing for the first time and got beat down a few times but had fun in the process.

All in all, it was an amazing trip that will never be forgotten. Words can't explain a trip like this. Its only something that can be experienced, and i'm glad I did.

I've posted more photos on my MySpace page.

Live from TN, John McConville

Rock Island Dec. 21, 2007

2007-12-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

First time back to the Rock since I'd left Tennessee in the Spring. Had a great time hanging out with some of the good old boys from the shop. I can't wait to come back to work down here in Feb. after my trip to Equador. I fly out Jan. 2 and fly back on the 29th, so I'm super excited for that to happen. Anyways, enjoy the video....

Check it out here

Live from TN,

John McConvile
Justin Owen

Glade/Manns Creek, WV Friday Dec. 14

2007-12-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

Manns Creek is one of the most full on creeks I've ever done. Its steep, continues, and has amazing 5 to 10 foot boofs all the way down till the very end. I had did the first mile once before but had never expected it to get even more intense downstream.

You start your day off at Babcock State Park with a cool slide into a waterfall right next to this old windmill.

Started out the day with Pete, Brad, Eric, Sam, and myself with the level reading 3". Here's Pete Iscaro running Pillagers Plunder.

Looking back upstream from the footbridge at the end of the first mile.

Off ramp wasn't to bad... Just don't get pushed to far right into that shelf and hit your ribs.

Here Sam shows us one way to get under a downed tree on Manns.

Manns creek dumps right into the start of the Lower New on river right. From there we paddled down the New to Keeney's Creek to where we had parked. In the End it was yet again another epic day for me in WV. I'm looking forward to the next...

John McConville

Gauley at 11,500cfs Tuesday Dec. 11

2007-12-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Since i got some steep creekin on Mill the day before it was time get get back in the play boat. The Gauley had spiked 4 times the normal 3,200cfs release level and hit at about 12,000cfs over the night. So Steven, EJ, Dane and I headed out to the Gauley river to get our surf on. What we found was like a playboaters dream.

This is the big rock you usually step down from to get to the rivers edge.

Remember that high energy hole just after Iron Ring? Well today it was about a 12 foot wave.

The only eddy's we could find to wait for a ride were in the trees.

Canyon Doors was full of perfect waves just waiting to be surfed. I will never forget the way that river made me feel. All that power just waiting to explode. Holes that would have no problem eating an in tire house and waves that give you that feeling that brings you back for more.

Live from WV, John McConville

Mill Creek WV monday Dec. 10

2007-12-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Monday started off like any other day in my life, wake up, check gages, and go boating. Little did i know i would end up doing 4 laps on Mill Creek. Just another one of those epic days in WV.

Here's Mill Creek Falls just one of the of the great waterfalls on this river.

Powder House was the rapid that made me most nerves. There was this nasty crack in the wall (bottom left) that you didn't want to get stuck in. Peyton Love, Justin Burd, and Matt Smink took off after there first run. So on they way back to the put in I saw EJ, Dane, Steven, Bryan Kirk, and Kelsey Thompson at the falls. I quick unloaded my boat and hucked that falls again to do another run with that group.

The steep stuff starts right after the falls.

Here's EJ running Headless Horseman.

Dry Line Falls was another really fun waterfall that you would drive as far left as you could with out drying up and then boof on the right.

Mill Creek dumps right into the New River in Hawkes Nest Lake. All in all, is was a great day with only one scary incident at F@#k Up Falls but everything worked out. This run is in my top 5 for best rivers I've ever run and can't wait to come back.

Live from WV, John McConville

Lower Meadow 900cfs

2007-12-10T20:01:00.000-08:00

Met up with a group of about 8 people to run the Lower Meadow the other day. This was my 3rd time running this river and the first time I ran every rapid, including the legendary "Coming Home Sweet Jesus".
This is whats left of the die hard boaters in Fayetteville right now, everyone left after Gauley. The good old local boys and girls.

Its funny, everyone leaves and it starts to rain and the locals and I enjoy the amazing boating.

It was a beautiful day in WV, about 60 degrees out and about 20 degree's cooler down by the river. The fog consumed us as we entered Brink of Disaster.

Looking back up stream you can see Coming Home Sweet Jesus, a rapid i thought I'd never run but after seeing Bryan Kirk and Justin Burd run it I new I could and styled it with ease.

I followed Justin and Bryan through this cool cave that took you right out in this hole that you had to go through. Fun stuff

All in all, just another epic day in WV. Here I am running the last big rapid call Double Undercut.

Live from WV, John McConville

Winter Wounder Land

2007-12-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Woke up the other morning with this hair brain idea to go boating

found my self loading my stuff up and heading north up there in them hills

where i met up with Jack Ditty and the infamous JB. Both amazing boaters and people.

We put on the Big Sandy in the freezing cold with a mission to have fun

And did just that.

Big Splat is one of the best quality drops I've ever run and would recommend it to anyone for a whitewater fix.
Spent the night in Morgantown at Jacks and woke up the next morning to head even more north. Thanks again for the great hospitality Jack.

It had snowed overnight and into the next day. By the time we got to the Top Yough there was about 6 inches on the ground.

Jack said "If you haven't seen the first slide we should probably take a quick look" so we got out to scout. Neither of us really wanted to get out of our boats because how cold it was.

WOW!!! what a great way to start off a great day!!!

With views like this its hard not to love this river.

This was the first time I had paddled in the snow and loved every moment of it. Well, back to Fayetteville for now... Next week i head to TN to get my beat down on in Rock Island. I've been waiting all year to head back. I miss that hole.

Live from WV, John McConville

Midwest Freestyle Championships Aug 18, 2007

2007-11-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Wausau comp was the 2nd freestyle comp I'd ever been in, the first being one year earlier at the same place. The Midwest Freestyle comp of 2006 was where i started my kayaking. I had learned how to roll the week prior to the comp and didn't know any paddlers so thought that would be the best place to meet the people involved in the sport, and i was right. I entered the comp with only 2 days river experience, a rented boat and paddle from the Bear Paw, the expectation to have fun and meet as many paddlers as possible. I even was able to put 3 points on the board for holding a front surf for 3 sec. Oh yeah!! This year my best score was around 140. Going back to Wi for this comp was something i had been looking forward to since the day after the comp in 2006. Since i moved out of the state i don't get to see my Wi paddling friends very often. So, this meant alot to me to see everyone again. This was also the first time my parents got to really see me in action. All in all, my time back in Wi was great and i look forward to doing it again next year.

Also, a HUGE thanks to Ted Bratton for taking photos at the comp and all the other events up there at Wausau. I think i can safely say that everyone enjoys the photos taken by Ted. Thanks so much and all pictures are copyrighted by Ted Bratton, no other use or copying permitted without written permission.

K-1 Freestyle Men's Expert

Joerg Steinbach....1
Ben Peters..........2
John McConville....3
Craig Esposito.....4
David Lemke.......5

Going Huge without a paddle. A paddle is like a crutch, take it away and you learn to walk

See more pictures by Ted Bratton http://tbratton.smugmug.com/

Another Day in WV

2007-10-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

West Virginia is an amazing place! Plain and simple, if your into the outdoors this is the place to be. Everyone is here because they want to be, and the people are just as amazing as the place they live. Each day i've spent in WV has been another day in paradise.

Long Point is the most beautiful overlook i've ever seen. With the New River Gorge right there and the bridge that crosses.

Class 5+ gnar gnar Wolf Creek

Another highlight of long point is the river trib that comes into Fayette Station... Wolf Creek ... The river people of WV are one of a kind, you just have to meet them.

Pete Iscaro

John Cornwall Julie Wingard and Me(John)

Peyton Love

Gauley intro 2007

2007-10-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

This intro is something Owen and I worked on and put together for our movies at Class VI.

Check it out here

Live from the Gauley:
John and Owen

Big Sandy WV video

2007-09-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Owen and I are back at it again. Owen moved up here to WV and it started to rain. Found ourselves out on the Big Sandy, a WV classic at about 6 feet. Great run and i would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't been there.

Check it out here

Live from WV,
John and Owen

The Gnar Gnar video

2007-06-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my video. It took some time but with the whole move back to WI for a month and now down to WV I've been very busy. I just started my new job in WV at Class 6 River Runners as a video boater about 2 weeks ago and I'm lovin every minuit of it. What could be better than getting paid to paddle and make movies every day. I look forward to coming to work EVERY day i can. anyways check out the vid and enjoy the good times....

Check it out here

live from WV... John McConville

I love the north woods paddling!!!!

2007-04-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Last week was awesome... everything from the rivers to the people that were there that enjoyed running these hidden secrets of the north. The group of people that I found up there was unlike any other, they were by far the best group I've ever paddled with. Darning the time in the U.P. i ran the Presque, Black, and the Silver. The black beat me up the most but it was worth it, ever drop on that run is fun and 2 of them are BIG. Rainbow Falls was one intense ride and I'm looking forward to going back for another run. I've heard you have to take the Good with the Bad. If Rainbow was the Good than the Birth Canal was defiantly the Bad. I got worked, and beat, then decided going for a swim would be a good afternoon activity. That hole was the wost beating I've every had and i want revenge. Next time i go back I'm going to run that rapid again and beat it down. Other than that it was a great weekend with sunny sky's and 70 degree days. I'm Glad everyone made it off the river safely without serious injury to come back and paddle another day. I've also got lots of footage and I'm in the proses of putting together a video from the week, so stay tuned for some more great kayak porn.

Island Creek and Little Clear Creek Today

2007-04-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today started off with a lot of discussion about where to go and what would be running. This took about 3 hr. until Owen, Mark, Liz, Brad and I decided to head to Island Creek. The level was about 3 inches which was a little on the low side but still fun. This Creek is beautiful, one of the most scenic river I've ever seen.

After completing a run on Island we headed out to Little Clear Creek. Only Mark, Brand and I were able to make it out to this run due to car troubles. When we got there Clear Creek was HUGE and muddy. Mark had read there was a trail alongside Little Clear that ended right at the top of the good stuff. So we started to hike up and found ourselves bushwhacking our way up the hill side along a rock cliff. This was horrible and after about 45min of overgrowth we found ourselves right at the top of Triple Drop, the first big rapid. From this point on everything went great. This run has one amazing drop after another. I can't wait to go back to this fantastic river in the future.

The boaters propsective of Tripel Drop

All in all it turned out to be a great day with two new runs. I'm now about to pack up and head up to WI to hang with family and friend before making my way up to the North Shore. Spring Creekin Bonanza is going on next weekend and I plan on being there. I'm also looking forward to do the Black in the Upper Peninsula. So I'm outta here. Laterz

March Madness Kayaking

2007-04-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mark has been putting together a video from the month of march. This is just what Owen and I have been doing on the side of TVF.

Big drops, sick tricks, you know how it goes. lol

Check it out here

The TVF video will be comeing out soon to a blog near you!!!

Easter Weekend

2007-04-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

The last 4 days have been great with Easter Sunday ending up with a run down Tallulah!!! Thursday morning Mark and I got up early to meet Margaret at Daddy's Creek. This run is a southeast classic and if Catoosa in open and theres water in the river its a must do. Rattle Snake was the best part of the whole run. This run was explained to me like a creeky version of the Gauley River. The Hart of the Gorge comes with house sized rock bolder garden drops with a sweet boof off the FANG. This was a great way to start off my day before we had to be to work at 2pm.

Friday was Good Friday and the shop had off of work. Rock Island was only realising till 10am so I woke up early and headed to the hole hoping to run into someone else. Lucky me, just as I was about to put on the Jackson's pull up with a full car load. This was the first time I had paddled with EJ, Nick, Emily, and Dane since they had left for Africa and was one of the best surf sessions I'd had in awhile. After watching EJ and Nick surf without a paddle I just had to do it myself. I had aways wanted to hand paddle to hole but never did due to never having a combat hand roll. EJ put it best " the only way to get a combat roll was be in combat situation " so i tossed the paddle aside and worked my way out and you know what happened. I had thee best time ever!! I felt like I paddled better without my paddle than with it. Paddles are like crutches, take them away and you start to walk. Later that day we had BBQ at the Jackson's house and played football and bags. We also watched Hotel Charley 2 which was awesome and must be watched as soon as you get the chance to. It was a fantastic day and i had a great time from start to finish.
Saturday was the mighty Ocoee and the award party at the NOC. This was the 3rd time I was on the Ocoee and the 1st time I was sown all the play spots other tan hell hole. It was a bit cold and had a nasty head wind but still enjoyable. I never new that the Ocoee had so many different loop spots. Also, to my surprise I say almost all of the Juganuts there and Stanly whom worked at the shop for a few weeks. By the time hell hole was packed full of boaters I was glade to get off the rive and back in dry WARM cloths to head up to the NOC. The good music, pizza, and the showing of LVM 22 made for an entertaining night. The first place team in the sick birds (Stanley Steamers) cleaned house with most of the awards and prizes but THE JACKSON 5 still came out on top with 1st place in the young lions. We descended 35,059 feet in 8 days thought out the month of March. Good stuff

look close, Jim is dancing

the put in for Tallulah
Sunday was my first day on the Tallulah Gorge and I think i fell in love!!! The put in starts with about a 300 foot drop down like 600 steeps but that run is worth ever last one of those steeps. The main attraction is Oceana Falls which is a rocket ride that i can't wait to get back on. I ran the center line and took the THING head on. As soon as you hit the THING everything goes into a whiteout and you can't see another thing till resurface after the hole at the bottom. What a rush, that slide had ever nerve in my body tingling with a huge adrenalin rush like none other. Every rapid on that river is packed full of fun for a whopping mile and a quarter with a 2 mile lake paddle out. We did have one swimmer in our group with a lost paddle under the water but was lucky to find it right were they had left it. All in all, even though this Easter wasn't spent with family it was spent with good friends enjoying the things we love most, feeling alive.

Wilson's Creek 40 laps total

2007-04-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Five Jackson boats and paddlers entered TVF and all five survived. We were almost ready to give it all up going into this weekend but we had come to far. Wilson creek was our only chance at having a shot at winning this so we loaded up Thursday night a headed out. Friday was a three man team with Mark, Owen and I running 19 laps. We had arrived to the river only to see that the Juggernauts were already there and had a 1 lap lead on us already. Going into this weekend it was a three way battle for first between The Juggernauts, Team Sherpard, and us the Jackson 5.
Wilson's was at -4 and dropping when we checked Friday. It made for an interesting day to say the least. Owen and I had tandem pins in this on rapid at the same time. We also later found ourselves tandem surfing a hole at the bottom of a slide and found myself laughing at what was going on. Owen bumped me out and he stayed in fighting the BEAST. lol Mine and Owen's last last run of TVF turned into a bumper boat side surfing intentional carnage lap. It was great, Owen even lost his paddle at one time. Lap 19 Mark and I did our last lap in the moonlight, I love being on the river with a full moon.

Saturday March 31st was the LAST day of TVF and we had everyone on the team there. Brad and Goat arrived in town after we got off the river Friday. Jackson 5 started their first lap Sat. around 7am. This weekend was Brad, Goat, and Owen's first time on Wilson's Creek. We were surprised to see that the only other TVF team to show up was Team Sexy Kayaking Beast. Goat and Brad ran every other lap which made things easier for Mark, Owen and I which were still tired from the day before. In the end we put everything we had into this hoping for the best as of right now it looks good for the Jackson 5. This month has been a true test of friendship and physical ability and I wouldn't trade it for anything. This month was a great time and will never be forgotten.

Little River in the Smokeys 20 laps total for the weekend

2007-03-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

When we arrived Sat morning we found that team Juggernauts were already there and putting there gear on. I really didn't think anyone else would want to run the little at such low levels but that's what TVF does for you. We could have gone to WV where the water was which i really wanted to do but the rest of the team couldn't justify all that driving for paddling for two day. When i lived in WI the closest whitewater was about 3 hr. away and it wasn't unheard of to drive 5 hr one way in one day to paddle Piers Gorge. But in any case we ended up at the little.
Warning!!! there is wood in the sinks and its nasty. It looks like a spear sticking back up out of the water. Sun morning we tyred to ex track it with a pulley system but the only thing we were able to do was hurt ourselves in the proses. Goat took a hit to the leg when the rope snapped back and i fell in trying to laso the log. A few of us still did run the drop but it wasn't worth the danger factor.

Our best part of the weekend was watching two locals trying to run the river on sit on top kayaks. They were swimming everywhere. I'm glad they didn't run the elbow, cuz someone would have gotten hurt for sure. I did have a really bad line my last run through the elbow. I caught this really heady eddy just above the last drop that was hard to peal out of and ended upside down for the last part of the drop. It reminded me of the Birthday Eddy above the Notch on the Green but on a class 4 level. We got it on film and it looks alot worse than how it felt. Carnage is always fun to watch. I really looking forward to the end of TVF, I'm getting sick of LOW water runs just to get points. On our way out Sunday we looked at Treemont and can't wait to come back when there's good water to run it. It looks very continuous with a couple of good drops.

NOTE: I still need to work on correct paddle placement and timing, I feel better but it still needs work. I need to take strokes to get me somewhere not just to keep me moving.

Just another day at the office...

2007-03-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

OK.

Mark H. lended me his camcorder, and I set it up on the bank.
Only myself and one other person were out there today.

So this isn't my best and i have alot i want to work on.

EJ has me beat for sure!!

But this is what I enjoy.

In between TVF weekends, I squeeze in all the Rock Island I can. I've been paddling 5 day a week for the past 3 weekes.

Enjoy the video here!

The BIG weekend 12,444 feet 16 laps Citico 31 laps Tellico

2007-03-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Mar 16, 10:10pm
Tomorrow is going to be a day that will never be forgotten. We are currently heading to the tellico river to do what no Kayaker has done before, 40 to 50 laps in one day. Mark and I worked till 9am, so the rest of the crew got an early start and is probably arriving there now. The anticipation is Killing me, I can't wait to put on the rive. The rain gods are in our favor, the stars are out and the river is thumping from last nights rain. It spiked somewhere around 4.40 feet today at around 3 pm. By the time we put on a 12:01am it should be down to about 3 feet. I have a good feeling about this and feel prepared. Went to Wall Mart today and sent 31$ on waterproof lights and glowsticks. We also have spotlights and lanterns that will be used to light up the river. Everyone is pumped and ready to stomp the competition. I know this wont be easy but wining never is. It takes hart and the will to do whatever it takes to reach your goal. Brad told me at work this week that he hasn't been in a comp since High school and wants this more than anything. I remember back in school the Kids would wear t-shirts that said "Pain is temporary, Pride is Forever." I can't think of anything that is more true for wining or being the best at anything. Tomorrow is going to be painful and I know it, and can't wait to fell the burn. "Pain without love, Pain can't get enough" A song from Three Days Grace. Anyways I’m going to try to get some sleep on the ride out. I'll need to put in 200% to make this work.

Mar 17 sometime around 3am Eastern time.
I just crawled into bed. How depressing :( When we arrived no one wanted to run the river at the level it was at. Yeah it was high and someone would have probably been beaten down at baby falls, but I wanted to get on anyways. Oh well. Sounds like Citico is in mind for tomorrow and then back to tellico Sunday at 12:01 to start the Big day. I'm really tired and have to get up at 6:00am tomorrow so I’m out.

Mar 17 8:31am Eastern
THIS SUCKS!!! Woke up this morning thinking we were going to run citico. Well most of the guys went into town to get Hardies. How fun. Mark and I disappointed with how the day is starting discussed to go look at a low and scrappy citico. Now what. I guess suck it up to discussion making and start running laps on the tellico. Oh and by the way, there’s a another TVF team already on the river at tellico. Great way to start off what could have been a great weekend. Tellico is now somewhere around 2.5 feet and dropping. It will be interesting to see what the rest of the team wants to do... Surprising enough we just passed each other on the road and gave the Great news to Brad and Owen. Owen is wanting to do it True TVF style and bang down at a low level today at Citico and bang down tellico tomorrow at a level we all know by hart, LOW!!! Well the discussion was just made. Citico it is. Mark and I will be making the first lap with Brad as shuttle while Owen goes back to camp to get his boat and gear which he left for some reason. Also he will be waking up our only team member still asleep, Goat. Its now 8:54am and were driving back to the put in for Citico. I knew this weekend was going to be interesting but nothing like this. I need to get my gear on so see ya at the bottom. later.

Mar 17 3:42pm Eastern
Mark and I just did lap 11. The river isn't as low as I thought it was when we started, but I would consider it a minimal. Its has been dropping fast, I’d say its about 3 to 4 inches lower than when we started. Were averaging about 30 min a lap with shuttle. Adam Kamptner is running shuttle for us. I feel that this was the right discussion coming here for the most feet this weekend. Tonight is going to be the big night and everyone can't wait to get back to tellico. Owen and I are up next for lap 13 so gotta go and get back in the water.
P.S. Owen forgot the food back at camp so were all a bit hungry.

Mar 18, sometime around 5am Eastern
Tonight started at 11:20 when the alarm went off. Goat, Adam and I got up and started to get ready to start the night off. We had decided that dividing the morning into 2 shifts would be best. 12:30am, Goat and I finally pushed off hoping that all our equipment would work. With glowsticks on our boats and helmets and waterproof headlamps on our heads we started to paddle into the darkness. After about 5 mins on the river I was having doubts about what we were doing but pushed on anyways. We had a goal and nothing would stop us. That first lap was by far my run ever done on tellico. We hit more rocks than I thought was possible. Adam lit up Baby falls with a spotlight and the water proof lights were put to the test and passed. Without that spotlight I don't think this would have been possible to see what was going on at most of the major drops. Our 2nd run went much better and we started to learn the lines again real fast. By the 5th lap fatigue started to set in, lack of sleep and a poor diet was not helping. Between lap 5 and 6 we woke up Brad, Owen, and Mark to start getting ready. Running this river at night was something else and not easy. Things happened quick and bad lines costed time and energy. This is something I never want to have to do again but it will be remembered. Well I tired and falling asleep writhing this so I out. This day has just started and isn't going to be easy by any means.

Mar 19, Monday 12:34pm Central
I 'm sore everywhere and feel like a bus ran me over yesterday. All the Redbull is gone and I and I have to be to work soon. I was too tired to enter anything into my log yesterday after paddling so I’m doing it now. We had about 9 laps in before the sun ever came up. I remember what Brad and Mark said after completing there first lap in the dark, "This is stupid and I’ll never do it again after tonight" with a very disappointed look on there face. This really tested all of our friendships with one another. I know Owen blew up on at least everyone once thought out the day, But we worked thought it and pushed to reach a goal that look like it would never be reached. By about lap 27 most everyone looked like they had been beaten up by Mike Tyson. Goats face was wind burned, Brad had huge bags under his eyes, and Owen went back to bed and was start to act delirious. Mark was this fire tender trying keep everyone warm and I yelling at people to get back on the river. Thinking back now I remember looking a the temp in the car around 4am and it read ICE, about 32 degrees. Standing around outside even during the day was the worst part of the day. I looked forward to paddling to stay warm. All in all we didn't get our 40 laps like we wanted but we did put in a lot of work to end up with 31 laps. Which is a new record for tellico so I guess I can't complain.

Day 5 Mar11 Russell Fork 5 laps total for the weekend

2007-03-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Great weekend!!! It was Brad, Goat, and Owen's first time down and they styled it. We couldn't have asked for a better weekend. We did witness the worest at Fist. Someone that was very familur with the run did swim at Fist. He said he got flushed under the rock and got a breath of air in the cave underneath and then flushed out the other side. It put in perspective the unforgiving power of mother nature. Mark and I still fired up the main line at Fist even after the incident. All in all, the Jackson 5 had one of those weekends that wont be forgotten... Good Job guys....
Putin to the Russell Fork Gorge
Brad and I sporting the new Jackson Kayak Rockers, what a great boat
Me running the meat on 1st drop
Me running the center on El Horendo
Brad making the Box Move
Owen getting read to Fire up the Gnar
Team Jackson 5 after running El Horendo. (Top to bottom, left to right)Goat, Brad, Owen, Mark, John.

Owen running Tower
1 nasty swim, a pinned boat, a lost paddle and a long hike out :(
Mararet in front of the undercut rock in Maze

March4 Day#4 Caney Fork, Rock Island State Park

2007-03-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

Brad, Mark, Owen and I woke up this morning checking gages and looking to run sometime. We had a tip that Richland Creek would be running so we packed up and went out to find it low and scrapy.

So we packed up and went back home to find Great Falls releasing at 7,400cfs which made triple drop and auto boof runnable and alot of fun. Owen, Jase, Owen's friend and I ran both drops

Jase and I did it two times

March 3rd Day#3 Tellico 3,640ft

2007-03-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

The whole team was out there today, Brad, Goat, Mark, Owen and I did 14 laps on Tellico with one run ending in complete darkness. All in all it was a fun day at the Classic Southeast run.

March 2nd Day#2 Tiney Piney 450ft

2007-03-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

Got up early today to run the Tiney Piney with mark this morning. Beautiful river, and great play at almost every rapid. We did run into two river wide stainer's at the top but it was great after that. Baby Chimp was a fun rapid by the time you get to Whites Creek the river doubles from all the side rivers and makes surf city awesome. Great day and all before work that night.

Mark on Stairstep

John in Baby Chimp

March1 Day#1 Spring Creek

2007-03-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

March 1st starts the first day of TVF (Total Vertical Feet) which started with me running Waterloo, a 30 footer. Day#1 Spring Creek. Owen and ran spring creek with Tom and Adam before work. The water was starting to flash up when we put on, it made for a good morning before work.