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The Director’s Eddy I
n the late 1980s I learned that a “claw” gesture on your forehead pointed out a woman, and in some
cases a man, with a unique hairstyle which seemingly imitated a standing wave of hair at the confluence of your forehead and hair line. Recently, I was watching paddlers run a pretty rough section of whitewater. While watching one paddler work through a section, I noticed the
paddler gesturing with his hand in what seemed to be an eagle claw symbol, fingers open and facing out. I wasn’t sure what was happening—was he hurt? Hand cramp? Was it an involuntary reflex? Or was he simply trying to let me know there was someone with fantastic hair in my proximity? Later in the day, I witnessed a “claw exchange” between two paddlers. One recipient returned the gesture adding his own version and accompanying facial expression. There were several groups that followed doing the same gestures. I wasn’t sure if it was a neighborhood salute, was I in the presence of a Claw Colonel, or maybe they were Lady Gaga fans?
Claw sightings and versions varied—some hailed as if they were
imitating a Mario Soto change-up (without the baseball) from a car window, some added a quick flash claw at the take-out and some managed to get one in while playing in a tough hole. Like the courtship dance from the Superb Bird of Paradise, the claw gesture has its own rules and audience which I may never fully understand. Brown Claw (broun klō) 1: A gesture describing a standing wave of
brown water. 2: A gesture used by whitewater boaters to describe something extreme. 3. Something silly you do while paddling something difficult. 4: A gesture usually followed by some slang and noises you are sure not to understand. Like gestures, symbols and logos can morph over time to mean something
different than originally intended. Even at the ACA, our logo has changed over time and our core competencies have evolved over our 132-year exis- tence from “Comradery and Exploration” to “Education, Stewardship, Com- petition, Recreation, and Insurance”. While I’m not sure about the longevity of the claw gesture, I am certain the ACA symbol will continue to embody an unwavering commitment to be one of the best on-water organizations in the country for all disciplines and for people of all abilities. For all things paddlesport-related, please visit our web site:
www.americancanoe.org
PADDLE GREEN PROGRAM following page
Wade Blackwood Executive Director
American Canoe Association ACA FEATU R ED WAT ER T R AI L
FRENCH BROAD RIVER Paddle Trail
After two years of working with private land owners, business, partnering organizations and volunteers, the French Broad River Paddle Trail held its
grand opening on June 9th of this year. Managed by the Western
North Carolina Alliance and protected by the French Broad RiverKeepers, this 140-mile world class paddle trail stretches from Rosman, NC, to Douglas Lake, TN.
Paddlers of all kinds can find something to enjoy on this paddle trail. From taking in the scenic calm, flatwater segments to paddling more exciting rapids, exploring the hot springs or wineries located nearby, or angling in some of the best fishing habitats in North Carolina, there is something for everyone. Campsites are currently being constructed to complete a trail that will provide camping every 10 to 15 miles for paddlers. Campsites are open to the public as of July 2012 and reservations can be made online.
Recently named a finalist in Outdoor magazine’s top 10 “Best River Towns” contest, Ashville, North Carolina, has a lot to offer outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and the French Broad River Paddle Trail provides some of the best paddling in the South East.
For more information, visit:
www.wnca.org/paddle
For rentals, contact Asheville Outdoor Center:
www.paddlewithus.com
ACA CLUBS
Update Your Water Trails on
americancanoe.org
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