RS ENGINEERED FUN
In our Spring 2012 issue, we offered our pick of three top whitewater play parks (Class
III, www.rapidmag. com/0058), stirring up the timeless debate—artificial or natural? On Facebook, Nathan Cline wrote, “If it wasn’t for the USNWC [U.S. National Whitewater Center, an artificial river in Charlotte, NC] I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ll admit it’s rough on gear and if you swim, you’re going to get road rash. But with the warm water and pushy boogie it’s a solid stepping-stone
to more
challenging H2O.” Michael F. Metzbower
agrees, “It is a great place to get help and help oth- ers,” while Pete Katt credits the USNWC for “helping me transition from class II to class III.” Brittany Gilley took a stand on the other side of the fence—“Not a fan”—but agreed with Brian Vogt “anything that gets people out in a boat is a good thing.” Also on Facebook, Nick Lawhon submitted this practical opinion,
“While a whitewater park will never be the same as a wild river, it offers two things that are hard to find: accessibility and a low risk environment where beginners can master skills.” John Welcher and Paulette Kirby chimed in, “Wish we had one.” For a map of the country’s top whitewa- ter parks, check out our Summer/Fall 2009 issue (“Growth of a Nation,”
www.rapidmag.com/0059).
EVENTS
Summer is in full swing and so are whitewater events across the coun- try. Whether you’re a kayaker, open boater or rafter, get started at the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival in Maniwaki, Quebec, August 24–26 (
www.gatineau.org). Don’t miss the famous parties and pad- dling at Gauley Fest in Summersville, West Virginia, September 14–16 (
www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:events_gauley). Then head back to Quebec for the 2012 Rafting World Cup, held Septem- ber 19–24 on the Jacques-Cartier River and Rivière-aux-Sables (www.
quebecraftingworldcup.com). Dig out your dry top again for the 2012 Whitewater Symposium hosted by Wet Planet Whitewater in White Salmon, Washington’s Columbia River Gorge, October 12–14 (
www.worldkayakblogs.com/ wwsymposium)—this is the event to meet, paddle and share ideas about whitewater and its future with top paddlers, instructors, manu- facturers and industry big-wigs. Old Forge, New York’s infamous Moose River Festival (read all about
it in our Spring 2012 issue, Standing Waves,
www.rapidmag.com/0060) runs amok October 19–21 (
www.mountainmanoutdoors.com/events/ moose-river-fest). Round out the season by watching top creek boat- ers compete at the Green River Narrows Race near Asheville, North Carolina, November 3.
Whitewater Rescue Courses Whitewater Rescue (WWR) – 2 days
Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) – 4 days
WRT-Bridge (upgrade from WWR to WRT) – 2 days WRT Recerti fi cati on – 2 days
Whitewater Expediti on Leader – 12 days *Incl. WFR, WRT, and more – Dumoine River
Join Boreal River Rescue for the best training for river guides, whitewater instructors, and independent boaters.
www.borealriver.com info@borealriver.com 1-866-242-9383
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