Rogue River Campsite Reservation System

This has been a debate for some time. It's important to let the BLM know how you feel! Please, all Rogue River users, take the time to fill out this important survey:


http://www.oregonwhitewater.org/surveys/rogue_campsite_survey.php

Thanks!

Kayak School on the Rogue River

Idaho and Oregon River Journeys (dba Rogue River Journeys) is offering two special kayak schools on the Rogue River in 2009. The trips are 4-days long and are instructed by Phil and Mary DeRiemer of Adventure Kayaking. Rogue River Journeys is providing raft support, a full-time crew to cook meals, and all the trip equipment and logistical items. If you are interested in this trip, visit the Rogue River Kayaking page on RRJ's website!

October 10th, 2008 Rogue River Trip

The Southern Oregon University Whitewater Club spent three days on the Rogue River, October 10-12, 2008. We had a marvelous trip and can't wait to get back. Our group consisted of 12 folks:

Dana W.
Martina
Will V.
Scott F.
Nick E.
Erin E.
Jared
Ryan M.
Danielle M.
Dan
Paul M.
Emilie from Minnesota

A HUGE thank you to Idaho & Oregon River Journeys. If anyone is interested in Rogue River Rafting Trips, definitely check them out. Also, Galice Resort is the best shuttle service for Rogue and Illinois trips. The Whitewater Club always uses Galice because they are so reliable and helpful. Here are some photos from our trip:

Dan makes the move at Blossom Bar:

Dana and Martina, Rogue 2008:

Dana and Will with Nick and Erin in the background:

Martina and Dana slaving away...

Danielle Morgan at the bottom of Mule Creek:

Emilie and Jared at the end of Mule Creek Canyon:

Scouting Blossom Bar:

Scott Fine, day 1:

Ryan and Danielle at Windy Camp:

Paul hanging out in camp:

Our kitchen at Windy:

Erin and Nick float through a calm spot:

American Whitewater

Please join American Whitewater today. This amazing organization continues to be the political force and voice for hundreds of whitewater enthusiasts everywhere...

Join today and join boaters, kayakers, and whitewater enthusiasts from all over the United States.

RiverGuides.ning.com

As river guides, outfitters, and private boaters we all know that one of the most special things about river trips is the people it attracts. These are people who you wouldn’t mind spending all day with, preferably on the river, but also at the local pub or barbeque. Now there is a place for you to meet and “hang” with all your river friends: RiverGuides.ning.com (RiverGuides).

RiverGuides is a social network built specifically for river folk. It serves as an open forum to everyone (guides, private boaters, outfitters, and even those who simply “love” river guides) and provides users with their own blogs, discussion boards, photo galleries, and lots of other features.

As outfitters and guides, we all know that having the right people is a key to running great river trips; however, networking in the river business doesn’t just start and end with outfitters and guides. There are shuttle drivers, office staff, trip-prep employees, travel agents, food providers, airline providers, and many others who influence our river trips.

These reasons are precisely why a networking tool like RiverGuides is of value to everyone in the industry. The spread of knowledge, the sharing of ideas, and the connection of people – all under the umbrella of love for rivers – is what RiverGuides is about.

So let’s share and connect, but most importantly, let’s love our rivers. Join RiverGuides.

Pull-Me-Down-Peter

This is Dan Thurber eating his favorite meal: rum, topped with muffin, topped with polish sausage. Yum.

EddyFlower Vertical Challenge

From www.eddyflower.com:

EddyFlower proudly presents the second annual “EddyFlower Vertical Challenge”, a contest of endurance, skill and mental determination. The competition is simple: you and your paddling buddies paddle as many runs as you can endure for 32 days and, to give your paddling purpose, the challenge involves raising funds for young adults with cancer. At the end of the event, the team in each division with the most vertical feet is crowned champion.

• The Vertical Challenge opens at sunrise May 15 and closes sunset June 15.
• Open to all paddlers, from all states (including Canada), of all skill levels.
• Compete for prizes in one of six divisions (Open, Class V, Class IV, Class III, Weekend Warrior, Womens) that best match your team's skill level.
• All funds raised go to First Descents a kayaking camp for young adults with cancer.
• Drives new American Whitewater memberships to protect and restore America's rivers.

FUNDRAISER
EddyFlower has partnered with First Descents to raise money for a great cause. What better reason to paddle when every stroke you take raises money for young adults with cancer! First Descents offers young adults with cancer outdoor experiences that will forever change their lives. The 2007 EddyFlower Vertical Challenge competitors raised over $7,500 and sent seven youth to kayak camp.

The goal is for each member on each team to raise as many donations as possible during the event for First Descents. All donations raised go directly to First Descents to provide cancer survivors with a free, week long kayak camp in Colorado. The top 3 individuals who raise the most donations for First Descents win a new Dagger Nomad 8.5, Aquabond Carbon Paddle, and WRSI Helmet. For fundraising suggestions, review the Ambassador Fundraising Package and Vertical Challenge Donation Opportunities documents for ideas.

AW MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
EddyFlower is proud to support American Whitewater to help protect and restore America’s rivers. The first 100 registered Vertical Challenge participants are eligible to renew or sign up for a new AW membership at discount rate of $10. The balance of the membership fee will be contributed by the gracious fundraising efforts provided by the members of the Front Range Paddle Association. FRPA focuses on youth character development through paddle sports.

PRIZES
The EddyFlower Vertical Challenge award ceremony will be held at The Spot in Golden Colorado on TBD. Prizes will be handed out or shipped to the winners. Thanks to our Sponsors we have the best paddling loot on the planet to give away! Prizes include:

Most Individual Donations - top 3 paddlers who raise the most donations for First Descents win:
• 1st: Dagger Nomad Creekboat
• 2nd: Aquabound Carbon Paddle
• 3rd: WRSI Helmet

Most Individual Vertical - top 3 paddlers who paddle the most vertical feet win:
• 1st: 9 Day All Inclusive Panama Kayaking Trip (Boquete Outdoor Adventures)
• 2nd: GoPro Helmet Camera
• 3rd: PeakUk Safety PFD

Open Division
• 1st: 1 of each: GoPro Helmet Camera, PeakUK PFD, Kokatat Drytop, Aquabound Carbon Paddle, Level 6 Skirt and Bladder
• 2nd: 1 of each: Smith Optics Sunglasses, Keen Shoes, WRSI Helmet, NRS Throw Bag, Tech 4O TraiLeader Watch

Class V Only Division
• 1st: 1 of each: GoPro Helmet Camera, PeakUK PFD, Kokatat Drytop, Aquabound Carbon Paddle, Level 6 Skirt and Bladder
• 2nd: 1 of each: Smith Optics sunglasses, Keen Shoes, WRSI Helmet, NRS Throw Bag, Tech 4O TraiLeader Watch

Class IV Division
• 1st: 1 of each: GoPro Helmet Camera, PeakUK PFD, Kokatat Drytop, Aquabound Carbon Paddle, Level 6 Skirt and Bladder
• 2nd: 1 of each: Smith Optics sunglasses, Keen Shoes, WRSI Helmet, NRS Throw Bag, Tech 4O TraiLeader Watch

Class III Division
• 1st: 1 of each: GoPro Helmet Camera, PeakUK PFD, Kokatat Drytop, Aquabound Carbon Paddle, Level 6 Skirt and Bladder
• 2nd: 1 of each: Smith Optics Sunglasses, Keen Shoes, WRSI Helmet, NRS Throw Bag, Tech 4O TraiLeader Watch

Womens Division
• 1^st: Go Pro Helmet Camera, Kokatat Drytop, Aquabound paddle, WRSI helmet, Keen Shoes

Weekend Warrior Division
• 1st: 1 of each: GoPro Helmet Camera, PeakUK PFD, Kokatat Drytop, Aquabound Carbon Paddle, Level 6 Skirt and Bladder
• 2nd: 1 of each: Smith Optics Sunglasses, Keen Shoes, WRSI Helmet, NRS Throw Bag, Tech 4O TraiLeader Watch

DIVISIONS
Choose from five divisions that best match your team’s skills. The team in each division with the most vertical feet is crowned champion. The individual with the most vertical feet will be crowned as the overall individual vertical champion.

• Open Division: all runs are eligible in this division. The team in this division with most Class I-V vertical feet wins.
• Class V Only Division: only Class V (V-, V, V+) runs are eligible in this division. The team in this division with the most Class V-, V, V+ vertical feet wins.
• Class IV Division: only Class I-IV runs are eligible in this division. The team in this division with the most Class I-IV vertical feet wins.
• Class III Division: only Class I-III runs are eligible in this division. The team in this division with the most Class I-III vertical feet wins.
• Womens Division: all runs are eligible in this division. The team in this division with most Class I-V vertical feet wins.
• Weekend Warrior Division: all runs are eligible in this division. The ten best days as a team will be totaled to determine which team has the most vertical feet. The team in this division with the most vertical feet wins.

RULES
All registered teams and individuals must abide by all event rules. Teams or individuals failing to adhere to the following rules may be disqualified at the discretion of the event staff. Prizes will not be awarded to teams or individuals that do not follow the rules or are suspected of cheating.

• Competition begins sunrise May 15 and ends sunset June 15.
• Maximum team size: 5
• Minimum team size: 1
• Competitors can only be registered on one team.
• No solo paddling. A minimum of two paddlers required on a descent in order to receive credit for the run. Second paddler does not have to be a team member.
• You must stop to help if you see another boater in trouble.
• Single run limitation set at 5 runs per team member i.e. each team member can only run one section of river 5 times.
• Must use put-ins and take-outs defined for the runs listed eddyflower.com for competition credit.
• Must complete entire run to earn vertical feet. Portaging unrunnable and unsafe rapids is acceptable. Running laps on one drop or few drops doesn't contribute to your teams vertical feet.
• $10 per person registration covers insurance fee for ACA insurance. All competitors must fillout, sign and fax an ACA Waiver. Fax waiver to 720.519.0708.
• Teams may recruit a new team member(s) if you have an open spot(s) during the competition, however, no trading people in and out once the comp starts.
• Each team must have a team captain. Team Captains will be the point person for all communications with EddyFlower before, during and after the event.
• Teams must register, pay insurance, and turn in waiver by May 14 to be eligible to compete.
• Teams are responsible for entering in run and donation information as soon as possible, and must be within 48 hours of the descent or are subject to disqualification. See Standings section for details.
• Honor system applies, team member registration requires real First Name, Last Name, and Email Address. Anonominity doesn't work well with the Honor System concept.
• Prizes will not be awarded to teams that do not follow the rules or are suspected of cheating.

STANDINGS
EddyFlower.com will provide real-time event standings reports. These report web pages will include up to date standings for each division including.

• Total Feet By Division
• Total Feet By Individual
• Total Donations By Team
• Total Donations By Individual

Note: Teams will be required to enter laps and donations directly into the EddyFlower Login page. The goal is to have teams enter in laps and donations as soon as possible to keep the standings as real-time as possible.

VIDEO
EddyFlower will be creating a complimentary DVD consisting of team videos and photos submitted during the event. Last years video was sic, big thanks to Walkaway Creative for creating it!

POSTER
Big thanks to Len Eckstein for designing this years event poster! Click here for the full size poster.

CONTACTS
For additional registration, event, or sponsor information please contact:

Paul Hemming
Cell: 303.332.6262
Email: paul@eddyflower.com

Brian Copanas
Cell: 720.394.5379
E-mail: brian@eddyflower.com

Illinois River Trip!

Just got off a FABULOUS Illinois river trip. We had a great group of people, six SOU students (Amanda, Will, Dillon, Nick, Levi, and myself), one former SOU student (Dan), and Alan from Portland. Overall, great weather, good flows, and spectacular company. A trip report has been posted on OregonRafting.org. It has lots of great photos, a cool video, and short write-up about the trip. To check out the Illinois River Trip Report, click here. Here's a cool picture I snagged off of that site:

March 21-23, 2008 Illinois River Trip

What a wonderful weekend! We rafted the Illinois River in Southern Oregon and had great weather and good flows. There were six of us: Chip, Ursula, Creatch, Jen, Will, and myself. We had a really great time and even got the chance to explore a little bit. Rogue River Journeys let us base our trip out of their Selma guide palace and everything went very smoothly. Thank you RRJ!

We stayed at Pine Flat the first night and our second night at a beautiful waterfall camp about a mile below Collier Creek.

Here's a picture of our group at Pine Flat Rapid:


And a cool video:

Yo, check this thang out...

A social network for guides? Sickie-sickie-gnar-gnar! New this month (march) is the brand spanking new social network called RiverGuides. It isn't just for "guides" necessarily, there are a lot of private boaters and outfitters as well signing up for it. So, you should too (duh, fool). As of today there are 85 members and growing fast.

To visit the network and sign up, go to www.RiverGuides.ning.com!

3-day Illinois River Trip

Become a guide for Idaho River Journeys!

If you have guiding experience and want to work with a great team, give them a call!

1-888-997-8399
IdahoRiverJourneys.com

Kern River Outfitters 2008 Guide School

This is a great job opportunity for those who want to work for a great rafting company one some of the best rivers in the country (click to enlarge):

Sawyer Oars Press Release!

For Immediate release:
Sawyer Paddles and Oars™ kick off their 40th Anniversary with Microbrew!!



Sawyer Paddles and Oars™ in conjunction with Caldera® Brewing Company of Ashland, Oregon celebrates Sawyer’s 40th anniversary with a special edition brew: the SMOKERS STOUT! Named after the largest, toughest oar in the Smokers™ brand line, this limited release 20 keg batch is a salute to all of our faithful Sawyer™ and Smokers™ oar customers out there rowing the rivers of the world. Smokers Stout kegs will be distributed to pubs & eating establishments throughout the Rogue Valley, ready for enjoyment after the first week of January 2008.

One of the things that many paddlers and rowers have in common is the enjoyment of good beer. Although the Smokers Stout will only be available for a limited time in the Rogue Valley, anyone can enjoy some of Caldera’s other fine microbrews…in a can! Tired of bringing the same old swill beer on your river trips? Caldera® offers a refreshing change. Caldera® offers their Pale Ale and IPA in cans, and will soon be releasing their Ashland Amber in cans also. You can even order their beer on the web at: http://www.calderabrewing.com/ . Caldera cans are great to take along on your next river trip. They’re lightweight, they won’t break or shatter like glass bottles, and they crush down and pack out easily.

What’s the connection between Sawyer™ and Caldera® you ask? Since Caldera started brewing in 1997, Sawyer Paddles and Oars has supplied Caldera with the Ash hardwood scraps that become the tap handles for Caldera brews throughout Oregon. The same Northern White Ash is used to make our Smokers brand oars. Smokers oars are found on rivers around the world, from the Futaleufu in Chile to Cherry Creek in California, and fishing waters all over the country.

At Sawyer we realize that one of the biggest influences to our oar sales is through word-of-mouth and from the experiences of the men and women rowing with Smoker and Sawyer oars. So to those rowers: We thank you, we appreciate you, and we raise a glass to you! …Salute!

Friends are like peeps in a microwave

Verelle is a friend of mine. I wrote this poem for her:

The other night you were here
against the misty atmosphere
breathing deeply you gave a sneer
and now I want a beer

One day you said hello
and so I wrote it in a note
and now I like tacos

My favorite color is yellow
like the peeps in Othello
and I ate your cat, Aussie.

Oh my oh my! I missed my heroes!

Dear Journal,

28 days without seeing or hearing from my favorite heroes ever is far too long. Oh, how depressed I am in a life lacking of Leland or Will! Perhaps I will see them soon. If I do I will certainly have to purchase them a beer, for they will be parched from a long month of rescuing innocent children and saving wild animals, like a penguin.

Leland or Will, if either of you get this post please come home soon! I miss you guys soooooooo much it is simply unBEARable.... :(