Winter Roll Clinics

 

After my summer adventures, I decided what I really need is to tune in the roll...

The USNWC offered a weekly Roll Clinic at the Charlotte YWCA November - December 2008, and again in January 2009. The instruction was great, and I feel like I got a lot of personalized attention to help diagnose my roll. Coming out of the clinics, I am now very confident with my C to C roll, as well as a pretty solid off-side C to C roll. I won't be doing tricks any time soon, but it is reassuring to know I can consistently roll up on my own.

Whitewater Adventure Begins

 

During the summer of 2008, I collected many stories and injuries at the US National Whitewater Center. I decided I really wanted to taste the adventure of whitewater kayaking, so I signed up for a series of lesson packages with different instructors. I admit...I was hooked!

However, during one lesson I was overturned and my head collided with an artificial rock at the entrance to the Big Water Channel. My one confession is this really shook my nerves. I stayed the course. However, things went terribly after this experience, and it seemed I spent more time upside down than enjoying the adventure.

My sessions got progressively better, and my confidence is returning, so we will see what this year brings at the USNWC. Look forward to more updates as I continue to tune my skills and regain my confidence.

Catawba River, North of Rt.27 Bridge

Catawba River
Originally uploaded by wdbrady

I paddled from the dollar launch, by the Rt. 27 Bridge, down to the Mountain Island Dam. The total trip was approximately 5.5 miles round trip and took 90 minutes to complete. The weather was incredible at a balmy 65 degrees and sunny, and winds about 10 mph. Most of the shore is lined with residential homes along the Mecklenburg County shore, and the Gaston County side was wooded with a few homes along the way. There was plenty of wildlife to view especially down toward the Mount Holly park trails which run adjacent to the river.

Catawba River, South of Rt. 27 Bridge

IM000203
Originally uploaded by wdbrady

I launched from the Dollar Launch next to the Rt. 27 Bridge toward Interstate 85. Most of the trip along the Gaston County side was populated with factories and residential homes. The Mecklenburg County shore was mostly wooded with a few hints of industrial property concealed by trees. As I approached Interstate 85, the river was divided by an island which is inhabited by many wild birds. As I looped around and came back along US National Whitewater Center property, I was greeted by a large group departing from the center for a paddle trip. Just past the USNWC, I noticed a tributary which I decided to explore. Upon further investigation, I found an area with slalom gates used by the US Olympic Team for training. Overall, the trip was very relaxing and there was little current to work against in either direction.