WCP Online Newsletter

Eager Beaver!
by Dan (email)

Contributed 07/15/2005  Responses:  0

Hey there! My name is Dan and Im a new paddler looking for some people to paddle with! I live in Waynesville NC about 20 min. north of Ashville. I have had some ocean kayak exp. I once went from Hoonah Alaska to Juneau Alaska over the course of about 4 days. What a learning curve? :) having never been out in a kayak before and just buying one and hitting the water with too much gear but it was fun! Well living here in WNC has given me the white water kayak bug. So I went out and got me an old Dancer to learn with. So what do I do? The very first day I get my paddle??? I go out and try the E. Fork of the Pigeon River after two days rain? Not to smart. Lucky for me I have a good PFD and an Angle But boy it was fun. A little scary after my third swim. When i would almost lose it going through some small rapids i would bail so i would go through the rapid on my side I couldn t seem to snap my hip fast enough in the fast but shallow river to get up right nor could I use my paddle or hands the river was to shallow So I would hit ever rock there was? Oh Im never getting in the water again until I get my helmet. Which should be tomorrow. I hope. I know some of the basic river stuff never stand up! put feet up or in a ball and thats what i did didn't lose my gear but once but got it back after it got traped in a log jam. But it was fun as heck. I can't wait untill i get my helmet and hit the small pools to practice my rolls. So, If there is anyone willing to let an eager beaver tag along on any day My job is very flexible Please let me know. Im sure I could get you a lunch and maybe throw in a tall Pint of Guinness. I also have a great little wagon to put a couple of kayaks on too:) So again lunch and a Guinness to allow an eager beaver to tag along and I promise to not be a pain in the $@@ thanks again and be safe.
Yours truly,
Eager Beaver A.K.A. Dan