KAYAK and CANOE INSTRUCTION
Our beautiful Madawaska River CAMPSITE, paddling programs for KIDS, river SAFETY and rescue, WFA and exceptional INSTRUCTORS are among the many things we offer. JOIN us!
…We don’t need no thought
control Do you know to whom I can speak with about a possible story idea or coverage for the launch of a new test for driver improvement? Basically, it can tell a person how good they are and if they meet the standards for a par- ticular job, company needs, personal aware- ness, student drivers, teens and parents. Companies such as Wal-Mart are using this for its trucking staff as they are being hired, but it is also used for personal status as well. This is the first of its kind; this includes being an Internet-based exam. Would you like to uti- lize the exam as part of a story?
Tracie Lynn Tucker ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Upon further investigation, regrettably missing from the curriculum is: how to use a Slim Jim; boost a dead battery using Mohawk paddles; hold a muffler in place with scavenged fenc- ing wire; eject Journey’s Greatest Hits Live from a jammed cassette deck; and how to check river levels at highway speeds. —Ed.
Suffering synonyms
I’m writing about your hiring of a new assistant editor for Rapid. I am a whitewater paddler and I do have a dictionary, which I plan on borrowing from my girlfriend’s mother. I figure they’re overrated. Why bother looking up a word that nobody knows anyway? It’s the thesaurus that’s causing me a prob-
lem. Nobody I know paddles one of those any- more. Besides, it couldn’t be better than my Mad River ME, which is still a boat of choice down here in West Virginia. If you’d waive the thesaurus requirement then I’m certain that I’m the guy you’re looking for. The girlfriend and her kids are all looking forward to moving up to Canada.
Slim Pickins EMAIL
www.paddlerco-op.com info@paddlerco-op.com 1-888-233-3929
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R I V E R S I G N A L S
Yukon Canoe and Kayak Club River Raider Lawrence Brennan goes airborne before crashing
into the Yukon River. PHOTO BY NAT LOWRY
Not so funny bone
I am writing this letter in response to a com- ment [disparaging remarks about his use of elbow pads for freestyle paddling] made by a Mr. Eric Albert of Grande Prairie, Alberta, in the Fall 2006 issue of River Signals. Tyler Curtis endured quite a severe injury
to his elbow. I give him full credit for his de- termination to come out stronger all around. Maybe instead of questioning Tyler’s motives, we could all learn from pro boaters through the experience they have had with injuries. There could come a time when you could use some advice on stretches and strengthening exercises, and most of all, the emotional as- pect of an injury. The accident Tyler had does not mean that
he is not safe about what he is doing, nor does it mean he wants to start some sort of weird fashion trend. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and I think it was smart of Tyler to come up with the idea to wear elbow pads to protect himself. There is nothing wrong with protecting yourself from another injury occur- ring, and if wearing elbow pads (or a hockey helmet for that matter), helps someone to feel more secure, then that is great. I personally would rather look silly than not be able to en- joy the things I love.
Amber Curtis BEACHBURG, ONTARIO
Youth at risk
Please find attached some photos of a launch that was created by the Yukon Canoe and Kayak Club’s River Raiders. The kids in our youth paddling group are already solid pad- dlers, running the Tutshi, a class IV with four significant drops, and now they are taking it to the air. Also, if you get a chance to check out the website
www.yyola.com, you will be able to see some photos of our latest river trip on the Tatshenshini-Alsek. YYOLA stands for Yukon Youth Outdoor Leadership Association and it was developed to provide disadvantaged and at-risk youth the opportunity to take part in sports such as kayaking, rafting and rock climbing to further develop their skills and build self-esteem. Keep up the great work on the magazine!
Eyvi Smith WHITEHORSE, YUKON
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