Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Project WwSUP: Riffle Meditation
Only those who have patience to
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Coming Attractions: Kibler Valley 2016
The Look and Feel of Kibler Valley 2016
The 34th Annual Kibler Valley River Run is less than 2 weeks away. If you haven't been in a while have a gander at this sweet "paddle-porn" edit shot over the past 6 weeks by Delane Heath.Delane, a 40-something "playboater" with the spirit of a river otter, represents the very best of Kibler Valley, VA. With deep family history and roots in the valley on top of his passion for whitewater kayaking, he has a unique appreciation for the place and the local community. But mostly he's just an awesome dude who loves to have some major fun on whitewater with boater friends from far and wide. And he's a helluvan amateur action film story-teller.
Come and experience it for yourself at the 34th Annual Kibler Valley River Run on July 30, 2016. Official info available at kiblervalleyriverrun.webs.com
Also check out WWSUP at the Kibler Valley River Run.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
News: WWSUP at the Kibler Valley River Run
Creek-style Downriver Racing
Calling all whitewater SUP paddlers and racers!
The 34th Annual Kibler Valley River Run features a new riverside site, a shorter 2 mile course, on-site camping, and excitement for the future of this Appalachian tradition. The event is hosted by the Red Bank Ruritans on the Dan River in Kibler Valley, Virginia, the last Saturday of July every year.
For official information go to http://kiblervalleyriverrun.webs.com/
For a recent video tour of the highlights see Coming Attractions: Kibler Valley 2016
River Culture: Ephemeral River Art
Sandcastles of the River
I first met the Lone Kayaker many years ago as he was stacking rocks in the river. Moving slowly and deliberately about shin deep in the riverbed the short stack grew surprisingly quickly. The rocks, harvested from the riverbed where he stood, were tightly fitted forming a 4 foot tower - plum straight with four sharp corners. It was simple and beautiful ... and ultimately very temporary.
If you've floated the Dan River in the Hanging Rock State Park and Danbury, NC area over the past 15 years you've probably seen one.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
News: 2016 Kibler Valley River Run is back ON!
If you started making alternate plans for the last Saturday in July - STOP! The Kibler Valley race is back on! Here's some early information from the Red Bank Ruritans in Claudville, VA.
A new finish line with plenty of parking was confirmed today! The course will be over a mile shorter but still includes all of the best rapids.
It will be held on the usual date - the last Saturday in July - that's July 30, 2016
Expecting to see official information from the race organizers in the near future.
A new finish line with plenty of parking was confirmed today! The course will be over a mile shorter but still includes all of the best rapids.
It will be held on the usual date - the last Saturday in July - that's July 30, 2016
Expecting to see official information from the race organizers in the near future.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
News: Closed Campground in Kibler
UPDATE April 11, 2016 :: See "Kibler Valley River Run" section at the bottom.
Not many people know about the 10 primitive campsites tucked away in Kibler Valley, VA, on the banks of the Dan River where it's young enough to call a creek. There's no charge for camping. Just find an empty site and check in with the on-duty operator at the Pinnacles Hydro Station at the end of Kibler Valley Rd. Even tho my thing is promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the Upper Dan River I am always hesitant to loudly promote that campground. I feel like I would be betraying my friends who hold it as a refuge - like a secret hideout. There is no mobile phone service in that deep gorge ... if that helps you understand.
Fishing and Boating Access Remain Open
Outflow of Pinnacles Hydro Station.
Campsites are a short distance downstream.
Source: http://www.lifeinmayberry.com/ (Delane Heath)
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Friday, March 11, 2016
River Play: Sticky Little Hydraulics
Q: How do you hone whitewater SUP skills to paddle class 3 and harder?
A: Work the heck out of that class 2 river near your home.
- Catch every eddy.
- Surf every wave (even the teeny ones).
- Tap every rock.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Church of the Active Blade
Barry Kennon's smooth River SUP Style demonstrates the beauty that comes from attention to form and awareness of hydrodynamics.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Review: Farm To (wet) Feet
Where the Merino Meets the River
Layering for cold water: Keen sandals, NRS Hydroskin neoprene socks, Farm to Feet Blacksburg water socks |
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Whitewater SUP as Personal Expression
Ever since I made that video about whitewater SUP Style I keep seeing more and more examples of technique that shows more than just technical proficiency - not to mention great camera work and better editing. There's a spirit of play and improvisation that emerges when the foundation skills are well-honed.
Near the end of this exquisite reel by a French adventure journalist and videographer in Japan you will see a nimble member of Team Old Guy using his board to play with the river's currents with the grace and confidence of a dancer. There is a joyfulness in his movement that I only see in whitewater SUP paddlers. The rest of this shoot features truly fantastic scenery and inspired paddling.
Watching from above as one paddler carves an intricate line through a boulder garden rapid left me smiling in recognition - that's how I play with my own familiar creeks and rock gardens. From a standing vantage the river reveals so much more than is available from a kneeling or sitting position. Seeing what others around the world are discovering about whitewater SUP is too freakin' fun and exciting.
Near the end of this exquisite reel by a French adventure journalist and videographer in Japan you will see a nimble member of Team Old Guy using his board to play with the river's currents with the grace and confidence of a dancer. There is a joyfulness in his movement that I only see in whitewater SUP paddlers. The rest of this shoot features truly fantastic scenery and inspired paddling.
Watching from above as one paddler carves an intricate line through a boulder garden rapid left me smiling in recognition - that's how I play with my own familiar creeks and rock gardens. From a standing vantage the river reveals so much more than is available from a kneeling or sitting position. Seeing what others around the world are discovering about whitewater SUP is too freakin' fun and exciting.
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