Near Robbinsville, NC

Thanks to AW!

AW river beta website for the Cheoah:

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_3146_

Click on the link below for flow info for each release day:

http://www.boatingbeta.com/releases/cheoah_next

Do you paddle a kayak, canoe, raft or inflatable ducky with your kids, teens or grandkids?  If you do, then join members of the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts, Atlanta Whitewater Club, Carolina Canoe Club, Foothills Paddling Club, Georgia Canoeing Association, Triad River Runners and other Southeastern paddling families in a Memorial Weekend family paddle. The more the merrier!  We know that paddlers have more fun and stay more involved when they paddle in groups.   Kids are no different:  kids like to paddle with other kids.   Families Paddle Too! Memorial Weekend Paddle is to help kids develop more friendships as the 2012 paddling season begins

Camping location:  Smoky Mountain Meadows, 755 East Alarka Road  Bryson City, Call Freda at (828) 488-3672 for reservations http://www.smokymtnmeadows.com/

Schedule

Saturday and Sunday

Organized/tiered group paddles on the Tuckaseegee,(Novice) Nantahala (Novice +) and Upper Pigeon (Intermediate) rivers.

Saturday eve

5-7:00pm at Endless River Adventures. Store reception including snacks and staff meet and greet. “Paddling With Kids” discussion led by Juliet Jacobsen Kastorff, ERA

Sunday eve:  Campfire talent show and skits at Smoky Mountain Meadows. Prize drawings including Jackson Shooting Star youth playboat, Immersion Research youth splash jacket and more.

Monday

10:00am:  Family Rescue Techniques workshop with Juliet Jacobsen Kastorff, ERA, Meet at the “Dip” on the “Town Tuck”  No cost,  Pre-register by emailing jtcmonnig@gmail.com

OR

Play on the Nantahala wave with NOC instructors ($10 each).  Pre-register by emailing jtcmonnig@gmail.com

Memorial Weekend Store Specials for Families

At Endless River Adventures Boater Store receive 20% off kids boats and 25% off all kids gear

At Nantahala Outdoor Center buy any 1 full price paddling item, receive 20% off any 2^nd full price similar item of equal or lesser value on all paddling gear including boats. (buy one helmet full price, get 2^nd one 20% off, buy one boat full price, get 2^nd at 20% off, etc…

Families Paddle Too! Thanks our supporters including

Endless River Adventures http://www.endlessriveradventures.com/

Jackson Kayak:  A lucky youth paddler will go home with a Shooting Star playboat! 

http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/youth-kayaks/shooting-star/ 

Immersion Research http://www.immersionresearch.com/

Liquid Logic http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/

Nantahala Outdoor Center http://www.noc.com/

It is a paddling pool party on Tuesday nights from 7:10 – 9:10 P.M.!

Come join the J.A.W. , Mahoney’s Outfitters, some APE’s, and other paddlers from around our region at the Freedom Hall Pool in Johnson City, TN for tips & tricks about basic kayaking skills and learning how to roll.

Already mastered the basics and have a bomb proof roll? There is still a lot of fun to be had at our pool session by practicing your flat-water freestyle moves and fellowshipping with other paddlers in a nice warm water environment.

Admission to the pool is $2, rolling advice is free! Contact the office of the pool for session confirmation or questions regarding the facility. (423) 461-4872

Please note: The J.A.W. does provide the current fleet of boats for demo at the pool session, but neither the pool nor the J.A.W. provides paddling equipment (Paddle, Spray Skirt, etc…) for these sessions. If you are just starting out in the sport and do not yet have your own equipment, please post a message on the APEs yahoo group site or contact me with this link:

http://worldkayakblogs.com/wildwildwes/contact-me/

We will try our best to get you outfitted for the night! Also feel free to contact me for any other questions or comments you may have with the above link.

I hope to see you at the pool!

Wesley R. Bradley – Tri-Cities World Kayak Ambassador

World Kayak proudly announces the 4^th annual series of grassroots paddling events in the Tri-Cities region.  The World Kayak Hometown Throwdown is a series of FUN & FREE whitewater paddling events aimed at friendly competition on the Nolichucky River.  Judging is fun, rules are easy and prizes are only given out for participation… we draw names from a hat!

All boaters/paddlers are welcome to participate!  Our World Kayak region has teamed up with local Sponsors & World Kayak Partners to have 4 FREE events with prizes over the course of the 2012 summer paddling season.  However, you will be required to purchase a day pass ($3.00+tax per vehicle) from Riverpark Campground for the Nolichucky events.

NOTICE: Please do not park in a campsite at Riverpark Campground!  Campsites are only for paying camping guests and the owners have asked that we respect this policy.  Thanks for your cooperation in this matter by only parking in the day use area or the field adjacent to the campground entrance at the road.

Event Dates & Time:

Event #1: May 12, 2012

Click here for Event #1 Results

Click Here for Series Standings after Event #1

 Event #2: June 9, 2012 @ 12:00 P.M.

Event #3: July 14, 2012 @ 12:00 P.M.

 Event #4: August 11, 2012 @ 12:00 P.M.

Feature Location:

Nolichucky River, TN - Big Rock (adjacent to Riverpark Campground)

     *Freestyle Rodeo competition for river levels below 900 CFS

     *Downriver Freestyle/Slalom competition for river levels above 900 CFS

Click here for directions to Riverpark Campground

For Nolichucky River Levels call the TVA Gauge: 800-238-2264 and dial “3″ from the menu.  The Nolichucky Gauge Reading will be the first river listed in the announcement.  You can also check the Noli Gauge by logging onto this web address: http://www.boatingbeta.com/cgi-bin/myflows.cgi  

Event Schedule:

- Registration/sign-in will begin at 11:00 A.M. on the day of the event near the feature.  Look for the white tent and Hometown Throwdown banners.  

- The events will kick off with a paddler’s meeting at the noted event time.

- Awards Ceremony and Prize Draw will follow the competition.  You must be present to win a prize.

Events will range from simple rodeos to freestyle/slalom through-rapid style competitions depending on water levels.  Judging will be simple and done by competitors or friends.  Points will be awarded for everything, including window shades, underwater sleeping bags & twisted nostril flips!  Prizes are given for participation or volunteering, not scores, and a big bag of prizes from our local sponsors & program partners will be given away via prize draws.

Shout out to our 2012 World Kayak Partners:

Big thanks to our 2012 local sponsors:

     

Each event is being run by the Tri-Cities World Kayak Ambassador and his volunteer team.  Volunteers are more than welcome to join in on the event fun to be eligible for prizes… “Click here to Contact Me” if you are interested in volunteering for the Throwdown Events.

All Throwdowns will have event coverage at http://worldkayakblogs.com/throwdown/ and each competitor will be able see their results & photos at this web link after each event.

World Kayak will be providing on-line registration as well as accepting walk-on registrations the day of the events.  We HIGHLY encourage you to use the on-line registration system to help us better prepare for the events.  World Kayak is offering the WK POINTS SYSTEM again this year which will allow each competitor to GET RANKED ($10.00 annual membership fee) and compete in the inaugural Hometown Throwdown Southeast Championship!!!  The on-line registration system is easy to use and you can access it using this link:

http://worldkayakblogs.com/throwdown/register/  

Amateur Division Registration:

• Novice (All ages, with paddlers grouped by age)
• Intermediate (All ages, with paddlers grouped by age)
• Expert (All ages, with paddlers grouped by age)

Class Registration:

• Men’s K-1: Male paddlers age 18 or above
• Women’s K-1: Female paddlers age 18 or above
• C-1: Single blade paddlers (open boat or kayak)
• Juniors: Youth paddlers age 17 or below

We will also create other classes on the day of the events, if there is enough participation: i.e. K-2 class (Duos), Open class (inflatable crafts, SUP, etc…).  If you have any problems or questions about the online registration, please do not hesitate to contact Wesley to get you signed up for the events. 

Come out, have fun, strut your stuff and GET RANKED for a chance to win a Jackson Kayak Rock Star!  That’s right!  Jackson kayak has continued their full commitment to freestyle kayaking by donating a new Rock Star to sweeten the pot at the final event of the 2012 Hometown Throwdown Southeast Championship on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the NOC.  Look for more details about this event coming soon… 

See you on the Noli!

Events Contact Info

Organizer: Wesley R. Bradley

Telephone: (423) 647-1321

E-mail: wesley@worldkayak.com

The biggest paddling “race” in the country! Every paddler is welcome to participate at these social, beginner-friendly gate races.

The August round of the Canoe Club Challenge features a late-morning downriver race along with the afternoon slalom race. Register and start at the Forest Service Put-in Launch Site on Wayah road. See race details below:

2012 Canoe Club Challenge Events Schedule

Please Note: Event Schedule will be the same for June 16, July 21, and August 18th (slalom race only in June & July events).

Check out the complete event info at:

http://www.noc.com/noccom/festivals-a-events/canoe-club-challenge/

When:

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Hosted By:

Appalachian Paddling Enthusiast’s (www.riverapes.org)

Location:

Riverpark Campground, 3937 Hwy 81 S, Jonesborough, TN

Time:

Registration starts at 11:00 AM at the APE’s Banner (Post Cleanup Celebration starts at 6:00 PM)

Participants will be assigned into Clean Teams and provided maps of clean-up locations and given trash bags and gloves.

There are plenty of clean-up opportunities of key areas for non-boaters as well as areas designated for individuals with their own boats or rafts.

FREE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT!!!!! For cleanup participants after the clean-up, Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Q and the fixins will be served-up by the A.P.E.’s in the Pavilion while you enjoy entertainment by from the Down Home…The Whiskey Sticks!

WIN PRIZES FROM OUR SPONSORS!!!! During the entertainment we will be drawing tickets for fantastic prizes. Prizes are being supplied by the following generous sponsors: Landmark Learning,Patagonia, Cherokee Adventures, Mahoney’s Outfitters, Mountain Sports Ltd., MTI, Astral, Black Dome Mountain Sports, NRS, Nolichucky Hostel and Jackson Kayak.

Supporting Sponsors: Riverpark Campground, TVA, USDA,Columbia Sportswear,Washington Co.Tire Recycling Cent., Food Lion and Walmart

 Helpful information: Be prepared with appropriate footwear, sunscreen, bug repellant, etc. rafts, pickup trucks, and trailers will be helpful and appreciated. Consider bringing a packed lunch, boating equipment, rain gear, chairs, family, and friends.

For Camping Info Contact:

Bruce & Nancy Gantenbein (423)-753-5359

http://www.riverparkcampground.net/

For more information about the event Contact:

Debbie Briscoe

(423)-534-3636 ldcakes@hotmail.com

Directions to Riverpark Campground:

3937 Highway 81 S. Jonesborough, TN

From I-26: take Exit 37 (Hwy 81) toward Jonesborough. Go approximately five miles. Riverpark Campground is on the right after Embreeville Fire Department and crossing the river once.

From Jonesborough: Go south on Hwy 81 for approximately ten miles. Riverpark Campground will be on your left after crossing the river once

Welcome to Gauley Fest, the paddling worlds biggest party! Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted whitewater flows on the Gauley, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest river festival in the world, posting attendance numbers of over 5,000 people in 2002.

The event focuses on bringing people to the area to enjoy a weekend of outdoor activities while showcasing whitewater paddlesports and raising funds and membership for American Whitewater. The festival is a three-day event, with the main activities taking place on Saturday night. Expect the festival site to be bustling throughout the weekend with food, vendors, and activities for paddlesport and non-paddlesport enthusiasts of all ages.

The festival will feature live entertainment, a whitewater marketplace, beer, and a silent auction where you can pick up some awesome outdoor gear. The Gauley River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater and is our largest fundraising event.

All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewaters conservation and access work throughout the Southeast. Come out and join us for a weekend of great paddling, exciting competitions, live entertainment, and the infamous silent auction.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:events_gauley

The southeast’s biggest used gear sale of the year!!!

Check out the web site below for all the details:

http://www.noc.com/noccom/festivals-a-events/guest-appreciation-festival/

Event Schedule for releases coming soon…

The Baddlun is an extreme triathlon that includes a 14 mile bike course, 12 mile whitewater (Class IV-V) and 2.5 mile run. Not for the squeamish!

The Lord of the Fork is our annual extreme Class V downriver race in the gorge. Race history here.

Check out this website for details:

http://www.russellfork.info/index.php

AW link’s for runs:

Upper [Class II-III+]: http://americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2011/

Gorge [Class IV-V+]: http://americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2010/

Lower [Class II(III)]: http://americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/675/

Celebrate Fall with NOC

Join us this October to mark the drawing-down of another year. NOCtoberfest has grown so popular, this fall we’re celebrating with a month-long series of events geared to commemorate the rich variety of the season.

Check out the web site below for all the details:

http://www.noc.com/noccom/festivals-a-events/noctoberfest/

Near Tallulah Falls, GA

Thanks to AW!

AW river beta website for Tallulah:

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_506_

The greatest show in all of sports!

Official Green Race website: http://greenrace.amongstit.com/

The 2012 race will be held Saturday, November 3rd.  The first racer will be off at 12 noon and reach Gorilla about 12:04.  Directions to Gorilla can be found on the Green Narrows page. 

Racer Information:

If you haven’t registered do so for free online at boatingbeta.com. If you forget and have to register on race day there is a $100 late fee and you have to wear a clown nose during your run.

Get your shuttle ran early and be at the Green River Access Fund put in parking lot at 9-10AM to pick up your race bibs and see your starting order. Racer meeting is at 11 AM, followed by the greatest show in all of sports first racer starting at high noon.

Race with your throw rope and carry it while watching your fellow racers.

Awards party starting at 5:30PM. Food until is runs out, beer until it runs out, music, D.J., camping, race day footage, and Jason Hale awards show. $10 admission. Bring your camping supplies and enjoy a night in the gorge!

Spectators Information:

Be respectful of no parking areas on Big Hungry Road. There is often good parking available just past the trail head. The hike in is steep and slippery. Wear good shoes and bring an extra jacket. It gets cold down in the gorge. Follow this GPS location for SPECTATOR PARKING

While you’re waiting, check out all the past race results and AW’s Green Race Information Page.