Articles

American Whitewater just completed a successful Board meeting in Portland, OR and we greatly appreciate the efforts of local volunteers like Megi who helped make this such a great event. While the Board Meeting allowed us an opportunity to do some strategic planning for the organization over the next few years, we also took some time to explore a couple of local rivers. Megi served as local host and joined us on tours of the White Salmon and Sandy Rivers

ITÂ’S MAY 5TH FOR 22nd ANNUAL GREEN RIVER CLEANUP WeÂ’’ll be there! So will all your friends! The biggest, oldest, best river cleanup in Washington State is coming soon! The Green River Cleanup is organized by Washington Recreational River Runners (WRRR) and Friends of the Green River (FOG), with many other organizations and government agencies as sponsors. Look for WKC, PTCC, Mountaineers, BEWET, Sierra Club, GDWA, UKC, American Whitewater, WRRR, FOG, CLC and more. Boaters from all over Washington and

 Formerly known as the Lyons Whitewater Festival, L.O.G. has expanded from the pure kayaking events dominant at its inception.    This year’s kayaking events will include down river racing, boater X, amateur and pro freestyle, and the 2007 addition of a creek race [creeking is different from freestyle or down river in that an individual is kayaking down a narrow riverbed that is rated class V or V+].   Also this year LOG will host a Bike Trials competition. [Trials is a

As part of a collaborative project with American Whitewater, Butte County Search and Rescue with a grant from the Butte Fire Council, California Stewardship Director Dave Steindorf and AW volunteer Eric Petlock made a presentation at a Water Rescue Conference in Magalia California.  Some of the largest fire departments from all over California attended this three-day conference.  The goal of the conference was to work on standardization of training in all water rescue disciplines and create a network of instructors

American Whitewater is hosting a celebration of our southeastern rivers on May 19th at Tapoco Lodge on the banks of the Cheoah River.  Join event hosts Sutton Bacon, Chris Bell, and Brian Jacobson for an enjoyable evening with guest speaker Doug Woodward author of Wherever the Water Flows.  Woodward will talk about his exploration of southeastern rivers in the 60’s and 70’s along with his role in the filming of Deliverance. The dinner at the Cheoah River will raise money

The National Safe Boating Council honored American Whitewater Board Member, Charlie Walbridge, for his exemplary leadership and outstanding service on behalf of safety. Charlie Walbridge started canoeing at summer camp in the early 60’s and started paddling whitewater seriously in college. He was an active C-1 slalom and wildwater racer and worked as part-time as a river guide in the 70’s. He has paddled rivers throughout the US and Canada, including several first descents, but he now spends most of

BUENA VISTA, CO – Whitewater enthusiasts will descend on this small historic town on the Upper Arkansas River May 18 – 20 for a huge kickoff party to celebrate the start of the summer whitewater boating season. Buena Vista-based Colorado Kayak Supply is coordinating an action-packed weekend of fun and educational activities for paddlers of all ages and abilities. Kayakers from beginners to aspiring competitors can rub elbows with paddling manufacturers, top pro kayakers, and other industry pros during a

Idaho Governor Butch Otter recently announced plans to reinitiate a state effort to register non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts.  Previous efforts in 2004 and 2006 were found to be irresponsible and were defeated by the legislature after receiving many letters, emails, and phone calls from paddlers.  It appears that yet another such effort may be necessary this year.    Learn More: http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-mar3007-boat_owners.160f2d8b.html  

On April 15th, AW volunteer Charlie Vincent filed comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission formally objecting to a proposed dam on southern Idaho’s Bear River.  The Onieda Narrows would be flooded if the new dam were constructed, devastating the ecological and recreational values of this last flowing reach of the Bear River in Idaho.  The dam would also interfere with a settlment agreement that AW is part of on an upstream dam owned by a different utility.   Recreational releases on

On March 22nd, the New Hampshire Senate voted unanimously against a proposal to require a $10 per boat per year fee on all boats used in the state.  It is likely the vote came as a direct result of calls, emails, and letters from paddlers and business owners.  After careful consideration, the paddling community generally opposed the legislation.  The New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game remains in financial distress and paddlers should seek other ways of supporting the agency through

2007 was the first year for the American Whitewater wall calendar and it was a huge success, so much so that the 2007 edition sold out in record time. The 2008 print run will be substantially increased to meet demand. American Whitewater is soliciting contributions of dynamic whitewater photography for the 2008 edition of the calendar. We benefit tremendously from photographs donated by professional shooters who generously support our mission. American Whitewater is looking for photographs that capture the entire

Last year out of about 100 Pikes Peak Whitewater Club members, 43 were members of AW thanks to the efforts of Mike Brown. Mike was also instrumental in identifying a need for an AW river stewardship staff position in Colorado. Fast forward about 8 months and now the Colorado Stewardship initiative heads up the list of AW’s top 10 River Stewardship issues for 2007  and the river stewardship position was filled in March with Nathan Fey. Mike and his family will soon

American Whitewater is making membership growth and retention one of our primary focuses in 2007. Our goal is to reach a membership level of 7000 by the end of 2007. In 2006 American Whitewater increased our support from foundations, grants, and corporate partners, now we need to focus on the last piece of our funding plan, you our membership! By growing our membership base, American Whitewater can increase our representation of whitewater paddlers’ interests in river preservation and restoration. As