JOE J AC OBI
Olympic gold medalist and current CEO of USA Canoe/ Kayak was a student of West’s.
“In 2006, Jeff helped certify me to become an American Canoe Associa- tion instructor. Coming in, I felt the clinic was somewhat of a formality for me but Jeff challenged my ideas and helped me to see instructional concept from a new perspective. Those four days learning from Jeff six years ago put me on a path of innovation and creativity in instruction that I still carry forward today in promoting the sport.”
K AT L E V I T T
Kat Levitt became friends with West in the late ‘90s, spending countless days together on the Ocoee.
“My first season on the Ocoee, Jeff convinced me I was ready to paddle the Green. Mostly, I think he wanted me to drive there in my SUV. As broke raft guides, our trip was doubtful. We rummaged through our cars and the Ace couch for money. I hit the jackpot, finding a $50 savings bond in my glove box. I cashed it in, filled the tank and off we went. I survived my run, wearing flip-flops and no elbow pads. That night, we ate burritos and ice cream cones, and watched Godzilla at the dollar cinema. I’ve never felt more alive.”
TODD WEL LS
Top expedition boater Todd Wells first paddled with West on the Stikine in 2010.
“Paddling the Stikine had been on Jeff ’s bucket list for a long time and all summer he had been doing attainments on the Ocoee and laps on the Green with a 35-pound dumbbell strapped inside his kayak. Erik Boom- er was the third member of our team and would be leading our way. Jeff had been one of Boomer’s main mentors growing up, taking him on his first trip down the Grand Canyon, and Boomer had been one of mine, teaching me the fundamentals of kayaking throughout my teenage years. “When we finally put on the river, every rapid felt bigger and more ex- citing than the last. At Site Zed, we decided to portage the top of the rapid and run the ABC Line down the bottom portion. Boomer wanted to take photos, so it was now up to Jeff and I to navigate our way downstream. Jeff led the charge, peeling out of a small eddy with powerful forward
strokes. I followed close behind. We were each other’s only means of safety. I’d never before felt as happy and satisfied as I did when I got to the bottom of Site Zed with Jeff, and I think he felt a similar sensation. “The day after we took off the river, we explored some tributaries
and somehow decided that the following day we were going to attempt a one-day decent of the Stikine. Boomer and I slept through our 5:30 alarm, but Jeff, already in his paddling gear, was quick to wake us up and get us on our way. We put on the river before six surrounded by an eerie fog. When the sun came up we paddled through Entry Falls and started our daylong adventure. That day on the Stikine was the best single day of paddling I’ve ever had. I was glad to share it with Jeff and it’s a memory that will last forever.”
DAVI D L E VI T T
Longtime friend and fellow creeker, David Levitt logged three vertical-mile-in-a-day runs with West.
“Parked at 10,000 feet and surrounded by snow, our water bottles were freezing into solid blocks of ice. Snug in zero bags, wearing our boat- ing layers and enveloped in total darkness, we awakened to the sounds
72 RAPID SPRING 2013
of pounding on the truck window. It was not going to stop until we emerged and geared up. Jeff was awake and ready to start paddling. In a matter of moments, folded peanut butter sandwiches were stuffed into mouths. Boats were being dragged down the trail before daylight began to break.
“On the water, it was understood that quick glances over the shoulder
while we stayed in the flow were the norm. We didn’t race, but paddled the flats and rested in the rapids, making well-timed strokes as needed. We watched each other’s backs, but did not eddy out without a clear purpose or need. There was no stopping for a drink or snack. Water and food were on the shuttle. In the case of something really big, like Stairway to Heaven on Bear, the leader would float for a moment to
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