Playboating at Bob's Hole on the Clackamas!
One Rapid of the Wind River! Woohoo!
Here are a few pictures too... Not much but a few!
From Upper Wind River |
From Upper Wind River |
From Upper Wind River |
From Upper Wind River |
The Rivers are FROZEN!
Out of school and ready to play, a small group of us went up to run the "Truss" section of the White Salmon here in Hood River, only to be denied access because... DUN DUN DUN.. it was FROZEN OVER!
BRRRR!
Desperate to get some exercise, we ran the Orletta, a lower run on the White Salmon. And then my camera died because it was so cold.
Til' Next time! I've got my camera charging! Hope you're out enjoying the river!
Pray for Rain!
Kim Russell
Pepper Salt Russell 1994-2009
Pepper Russell passed away on December 10th. She was very sick and we had to make the decision to let her be at peace. She was a river dog and loved going on kayaking trips. She traveled everywhere with my family. Many people treated her like their very own dog and for that reason, I feel the need to post this. We will all miss her smiling face at the put-in's and take-outs. We will miss her disgusting tennis ball in our laps, and we will most of all miss her unconditional love. Please remember all the good times we had with Pepper. She is at peace now.
-Christina Russell
How To: The Spin
Spinning is a relative simple move that teaches good edge control.
Step by Step Instructions:
Spinning to the Right: (If spinning to the left, just reverse sides)
1. Facing upstream in the hole, keeping your eyes on the hole, let your boat begin to turn to the right and enter a sidesurf as you left your left edge. Before you lose your momentum, take a reverse sweep stroke on your right side, turning your boat downstream.
2. Just as you begin facing downstream, look back upstream at the hole over your right shoulder and switch your edges so your right edge is now lifted slightly.
3. By simply changing your head position in the previous step, your body will automatically follow, and so will your boat. To aid in completing the spin, take a forward sweep stroke on the left side of your boat to bring the bow back around into a front surf.
4. CONGRATULATIONS!! You have just completed your first spin!
Tips:
When edging, keep your body in a neutral position and LIFT the edge with your thigh rather than LEANING your body to accomplish edging.
Keep your eyes upstream on the hole! Wherever you look, your torso and boat will follow!
Alterations to the Spin:
Clean Spin: Once you've mastered the spin using your paddle and have a good understanding of your edges, you can to spin without putting a blade in the water. Try to only use your edges!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day!
Kim Russell
Boat Repair and One Curious Kitty
This weekend, we got out for some good paddling on Dillon/Lava. However, before we were able to get out, we had to patch Josh's boat. The patch was temporary but we sure were hoping it would last longer than it did. It came off just below Dillon Falls (atleast we think) but the plastic did melt in to the crack enough to prevent lots of water coming in. Josh's boat now has a partially repaired crack that needs more work before we can jump on the river again. Here are some photos of the process: Above- Miss Nala was very curious during this whole process. What the heck were we doing? She sat under the Christmas tree watching our every move. She is too funny....
Benham Falls
Hello from snowy and cold Bend, Oregon! The down jackets are out and so are the pogies....nooo! Darn those pogies but hey, they're are brilliant. It's now officially that time of the year when you haven't quite adjusted to the cold and you choose to blast the heat in your car and get geared up in the front seat. Did I mention it's also time for the hot chocolate mug to become a permanent fixture in the creek boat? YES! You can't possibly go creeking without having a hot cup of cocoa in your boat. Let's see what else is new? Oh! I dyed my hair purple he he he! You should see my helmet liner! Anyways, back to the actual kayaking portion of the post....