Having Fun & Raising Awareness

All I can say about this one is it was one of the most fun days I've had out there and the intensity and beauty in this video shares that. Tumwater Canyon and the Wenatchee valley are some of my favorite places on the planet and kayaking is one of my favorite things in life. Freefly Systems got ahold of Tom Potter and asked him to get a couple of the boys together to make some magic happen. Of course I was happy to be a part of the fun we had that day. Have a look at some great editing and over-the-top drone work on a great day this summer. Thanks to Freefly Systems, Tpot, Gabe and Eli.

Before the whitewater begins, the first bit of this video brings awareness to an ill-proposed dam project on the Skykomish River a few at the local utility are trying to push through. It's been 4 years so far, and they've come up against nearly insurmountable opposition from just about all sides, but it's not over yet. They must not realize that not only it is a poor design, but also in poor taste to attempt to install a project like this in what might be considered a National Park in future generations. Temporary dollars for a few of the herd are never worth permanent destruction to the beauty mother nature provides. Have fun out there ya'll, what it's all about!

www.savetheskyriver.org

Longboatin'

Leavenworth, WA

Got my first long boat a couple weeks ago and wouldn't you know it, WA was having some epic flooding on top of EPIC snow. Perfect!! I headed to Leavenworth and met up with Tom Potter to get on a fun first time long boat stretch. The play run on the Wenatchee is a great spot to test out new craft, even in winter! The Karma RG was fun and much easier to control than I had suspected. I chose the RG for the added versatility of a drop down skeg and rear hatch for easy stowage. I knew I'd be getting on lakes, doing some touring and general milling about with this boat and since the Karma Unlimited and RG come from the same mold, why not?

The RG has comes with the standard planing hull and edge profile typical of most Jackson Kayak whitewater designs, making it quite responsive and easy to maneuver. It's a little heavy for a whitewater boat, but it's 12 long too! After this first run I can't wait to start exploring bigger whitewater in Tumwater and some of my favorite creek runs. Stoked I finally got one and have it in the quiver!

Here's a quick video I threw together of its maiden voyage. Longboat run, Christmas style! Have fun out there and happiest of holidays from the happiest place on earth, Leavenworth, WA!!