Just got back to Richmond from Oregon, where I had a chance to take a six day intermediate class with Sundance Kayak School. The school was incorporated into a five night, 40 mile trip down the wild and scenic section of the Rogue River. This was my first multiday river trip, and it was pretty incredible. If anybody is curious, you can find the website at: http://www.sundancekayak.com/intermediate-kayak-schools.
We had 11 students, including me. Experience levels ranged from three that had never paddled before [they were taking the eight day beginner version of the course, which tacked on two additional days of instruction before setting off down the river] to one paddler with Class V experience. All had a great time, though the complete beginners had to ride the rafts for some sections.
This was my first real exposure to Class III [as well as two rapids that the book rated at Class IV, but that our instructors said didn't really deserve that rating for kayaks], and - surprisingly enough - I often found myself inadvertently upside down in all kinds of water. I had made a grand total of five combat rolls prior to this trip, and nearly quadrupled that number over our six days on the river. I proved that I could roll in surf waves, wave trains, boils, eddies, holes, and even after crashing into another kayaker in an inadvertent side surf in a hole in front of me. My instructor told me that I got a style point for that one, as I knocked the other paddler clear, then went upside down myself. I asked him if I still got the style point if I didn't do it on purpose.... He grinned and said sure. So I have that going for me. More importantly - to me anyway - I made it down the river without swimming, or without requiring a rescue to get upright again. Goal accomplished. That said, I think I may have also proven that I have gotten to a weird point where I can roll better than I can kayak. My goal for the next time out will be not to actually need my roll so many times.........
Anyway, I haven't actually met that many Coastals, but for those of you that knew I was headed out on this trip and asked me to let you know how it went, this post is for you. I also thought I'd throw it out there for anybody considering making this trip someday and looking for information. For a Class II paddler looking to step up his game, this was the perfect trip. Like I said before, though, I think that it was also a really great experience for the guys on the trip that were already comfortable in much bigger water. It was just a great experience all around - great water, great people, and great instruction that catered to each paddler's experience level. There was also beautiful weather, wildlife, and scenery; and outstanding food in the camps at night. If anybody is ever interested in taking this trip and would like to talk to somebody that's actually done it, please feel free to drop me a line.
Hope to see everybody on the river.............
Rogue River, Oregon
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Eskimo Toast
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