Articles

Paddle rafters, catarafters, IKers, and inflatable paddlers of all kinds, now is the time to prepare your story for American Whitewater. Our issue celebrating inflatable paddlers–their unique approach to whitewater, their accomplishments, and their culture–is coming up soon. Deadline for submitting material for the Inflatible Issue is August 31. Please contact the editor directly to submit stories or photos; please contact him with any questions: editor@americanwhitewater.org   Photot of rafters flipping before a live audience (previous page) by Bryan Kelsen

Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed new legislation to provide funding for programs aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive aquatic species in Idaho. The new law requires boaters, both motorized vessels and non, to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF). Any boat that is registered in Idaho or another state, and any non-motorized vessel (canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat, etc.) will be required to purchase and display IISF stickers in order to legally launch and operate in

There’s no better way to describe this event than RiverLink’s own words:   "Start making your "yacht" for this year’s Rockin’ RiverFest, a FREE day long festival sponsored by Asheville Radio Group and RiverLink at French Broad River Park featuring the ever popular raft competition, music competition featuring local bands, kids parade, live performances, local food and beverages, corn hole, frisbee golf, kayak demonstrations and much more!  There’s something fun for everyone!"   Check out the full event details on

This is a reminder that the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership (including Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Western North Carolina Alliance, the Forest Service, and others) will be controlling oriental bittersweet, privet, and multiflora rose on the Cheoah River this Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th.  These aggressive invasive plants are overtaking Virginia spiraea, a federally threatened plant.  If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP by Thursday, July 25th.  Carpooling from Asheville can be arranged.  All tools and equipment will be provided.    Who:    Volunteer work day

YUBA BEAR / DRUM SPAULDING UPDATE Fordyce Creek Planned Release Schedule As part of the Yuba-Bear Drum-Spaulding Relicensing Boating Flow Study, Fordyce Reservoir drafting flows will be augmented to provide the following releases to Fordyce Creek: Date                                                            Flow, cfsThursday 8/13                                                300Friday 8/14                                                     400Saturday 8/15            

July 25th Immersion Research and Wilderness Voyagers will be hosting the 29th Annual Upper Yough Race – with the proceeds going to American Whitewater!   Challenge the exciting Upper Yough and help raise a few bucks for American Whitewater at the same time. There will be classes for everything from Wavehoppers to short boats and even a team class for three paddlers where at least one must be female. What’s more is each racer gets a cool t-shirt and everyone

The Chelan Gorge Recreational Releases present whitewater boating opportunities that will be available for two weekends this July. American Whitewater has invested more than a decade of effort into bringing this opportunity to the paddling community of the Pacific Northwest, and we are excited to kick off the first weekend of releases. During the relicensing process several parties including the utility raised serious objections to whitewater recreation on this reach given the hazards of the gorge. The utility, federal regulators,

As you probably already know, AW is holding a huge summer-long membership drive with monthly winners through September and two grand prizes being drawn in October.   The contest is simple and you can still be a part of it:   Only open to members of American Whitewater Members Joining or renewing your membership with AW gives you one chance to win Every $10 donation (by a current member) equals one chance to win (i.e. $100 = 10 chances)  

AW is asking you to make a special effort on a critically urgent matter. Certain members of the legislature and the administration are attempting to pass a combined water bill package through the legislature that will provide for a "water czar" and tens of billions of dollars in fees and bonds to construct a peripheral canal and more dams. We are very concerned as to the implications this may have on the delta.    So what to do?  There is a rally and press

The State Legislature has proposed amendments to Senate Bill SB 14 and AB 64 that would allow Hydropower to be imported from out-of-state sources (including Canada and Mexico), as well as change the mega-wattage RPS qualifications for existing Hydropower in both California and out-of-state sources from 30mw to 50mw.  Under existing conditions, California utilities are required to derive 20% of their power from renewable energy sources (Wind, Solar, and Hydro at 30mw or less).  Changing the mega-wattage standard wouldn’t create

Come see American Whitewater at this year’s Deerfield Fest July 25th in Charlemont, MA.   After 15 years, Deerfield Fest keeps gettting better! The fest will have no shortage of things to do and will feature vendors, food, boats, a silent auction, plus – and most importantly – the chance to begin or renew an AW membership! Not to mention all the proceeds of the event go towards funding American Whitewater’s river stewardship.   Check out the Deerfield Fest event

American Whitewater would like to recognize John Regan as our July volunteer of the month. John did the tractor work spreading gravel and brush-hogging to help, along with others, in maintaining the Upper Yough access area. This acess area, owned by the State of Maryland, has been maintained by American Whitewater volunteers for the last 8 years. John has been instrumental spearheading this work so all paddlers can enjoy the excellent Upper Yough. Thanks John!     In recognition of

  Get your journal online and save AW money!   (In order to read the online version, you must be registered with the AW website and have your membership account associated with your website user account) The online journal includes all of the color photographs and provides earlier distribution. If you would be interested in no longer receiving printed copies of the magazine and solely reading the publication online, please email info@americanwhitewater.org. Your email should include your name and address

Keep this number for assistance in the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park – (865) 436-1230. This number connects to the Park Dispatch Office and should be used in non-emergency situations. For boaters who regularly paddle in the Park it is advisable to program the number in your cell phone. See BoaterTalk post:  http://www.boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk/1659925 June 25, 2009 – If you didn’t catch it, an overturned kayak was found just outside of the Smokies on the MP of the Little Pigeon.  It spurred

Last week FERC approved a whitewater recreation plan for the North Fork Rogue. We are pleased to be working with PacifiCorp who has committed to immediately implementing the plan and providing the whitewater recreational opportunities this summer. Whitewater recreational opportunities will be available on: July 18/19, August 15/16, Sept 6/7, Sept 26/27 Because whitewater recreation was not fully evaluated in the studies prior to licensing of this project, we successfully advocated for a complete evaluation of whitewater recreation needs at