February 22 marked the twentieth anniversary of the National Paddling Film Festival presented by the Bluegrass Wildwater Association. This year’s event was a roaring success for both the BWA and AW. There was a tremendous amount of interest in American Whitewater at the event, and AW staff signed up 27 new members. AW would like to thank all of our new members, including Bryon Engel and Jessie King who are our two newest “Ender Club” members.
American Whitewater would like to extend thanks to the members of our many affiliate clubs who stopped by the booth and either renewed membership or joined AW for the first time. Members from the Viking Canoe Club, East Tennessee Whitewater Club, Georgia Canoe Club, and many other clubs were present and volunteered their time to help BWA judge and put on an excellent event.
The highlight of the festival was Scott Lindgren’s presentation of his 60 minute documentary “Into The Tsangpo Gorge”. Lindgren was a guest speaker at the festival, and gave the crowd a bit more insight into his epic journey to Tibet. After the showing of the film, Lindgren entertained questions from eager audience members for over an hour.
Congratulations go out to all of this year’s winners. This years Best of Show Accomplished division and Paddlers Choice award was given to Milton Aitken for his carnage filled video “The Paddlesnake Hunters”. Best of Show Professional division was given to Olaf Obsommer for his epic foam boat movie “Painkillers 2”. An extra special congratulations go out to AW Regional Coordinator Thomas O’Keefe who took home the Best of Show Amateur division for his movie “Washington Whitewater: A Little Backyard FUN”. For more information on this years winners, please visit the NPFF site at http://www.surfbwa.org/npff