Thursday, May 08, 2008
California American River Whitewater Trips
California's whitewater rafting season has begun. The Sacramento Bee in Northern California recently partnered with the well-known whitewater rafting company, W.E.T. River Trips in a historical event on the three forks of the American River. They called it the Rafting Triple Crown or Rapid Fire.
Rare is the day when all three whitewater sections of the American River are runnable. Due to spring runoff and dam schedules, North Fork American, South Fork American and Middle Fork American are rarely flowing at the same time. This past week, The Sacramento Bee, Good Blood Productions and W.E.T. River Trips accomplished a record setting time on running all three whitewater sections in less than 12 hours in one day.
Ryan MacPherson, who works for W.E.T. River Trips as a safety kayaker on the class 4+ North Fork American owns his own video production company, Good Blood Productions. Ryan recently finished working with the documentary, "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. W.E.T. River Trips has given Sacbee.com permission to post the video for their readers.
Congratulations to this California rafting company and the great publicity for all the whitewater companies in the west.
Rare is the day when all three whitewater sections of the American River are runnable. Due to spring runoff and dam schedules, North Fork American, South Fork American and Middle Fork American are rarely flowing at the same time. This past week, The Sacramento Bee, Good Blood Productions and W.E.T. River Trips accomplished a record setting time on running all three whitewater sections in less than 12 hours in one day.
Ryan MacPherson, who works for W.E.T. River Trips as a safety kayaker on the class 4+ North Fork American owns his own video production company, Good Blood Productions. Ryan recently finished working with the documentary, "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. W.E.T. River Trips has given Sacbee.com permission to post the video for their readers.
Congratulations to this California rafting company and the great publicity for all the whitewater companies in the west.
Labels: american river, california, flows, north fork, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Rafting News from Second Life - USA
Whitewater and paddling in the USA is pleased to announce world wide partnerships with the rafting and extreme sports networks. W.E.T. River Trips is the first rafting, whitewater or paddling entity in Second Life. Over one year in development, W.E.T. River Trips is networking in the virtual world with giants in the extreme sports industry such as the Costa Rica sims, the Weather Channel's surfing sims, SL Triathelon, Base Jumpers, Diving and Second Life script and terrain developers.
Builder, Tu Dae - Wizard Water & Rock Video
Throughout the virtual world, W.E.T. River Trips has encouraged other sim owners to create rivers, streams, whitewater, waterfalls and other water elements in Second Life.
Recently, the Dutch have announced the creation of a new sim soley based on paddling sports. The marketing relationships with the Dutch were developed in-world through electronic music and owners of other sims.
W.E.T. River Trips is now a concierge level landowner in Second Life. Their female avatar is represented by their domain name RAFTWET. The avatar is a single, business woman created to network with other sim owners and businesses. She has created three major groups for avatars including a builders's group for land development and the paddling sports of rafting and whitewater.
"Our focus is to network and educate. The more the public knows about rivers, the more protection a river will have from the encroachment of civilization and pollution. Countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Brasil, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Japan are already here marketing their outdoor tourism programs. We were concerned that the USA had not discovered this marketing opportunity. We came here to make sure that the USA was well-represented for outdoor tourism and whitewater rafting. And now... we are network partners with the world," exclaims RAFTWET Jewell, the company avatar in Second Life.
As the rafting company celebrates their first year in Second Life, they have taken on a philosophy of sharing and educating the world-wide public to the whitewater rafting and extreme sports networks. "If you build it, they will come" is the mantra of the virtual world builders, and W.E.T. River Trips has taken this to another level in marketing whitewater paddling sports.
Builder, Tu Dae - Wizard Water & Rock Video
Throughout the virtual world, W.E.T. River Trips has encouraged other sim owners to create rivers, streams, whitewater, waterfalls and other water elements in Second Life.
Recently, the Dutch have announced the creation of a new sim soley based on paddling sports. The marketing relationships with the Dutch were developed in-world through electronic music and owners of other sims.
W.E.T. River Trips is now a concierge level landowner in Second Life. Their female avatar is represented by their domain name RAFTWET. The avatar is a single, business woman created to network with other sim owners and businesses. She has created three major groups for avatars including a builders's group for land development and the paddling sports of rafting and whitewater.
"Our focus is to network and educate. The more the public knows about rivers, the more protection a river will have from the encroachment of civilization and pollution. Countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Brasil, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Japan are already here marketing their outdoor tourism programs. We were concerned that the USA had not discovered this marketing opportunity. We came here to make sure that the USA was well-represented for outdoor tourism and whitewater rafting. And now... we are network partners with the world," exclaims RAFTWET Jewell, the company avatar in Second Life.
As the rafting company celebrates their first year in Second Life, they have taken on a philosophy of sharing and educating the world-wide public to the whitewater rafting and extreme sports networks. "If you build it, they will come" is the mantra of the virtual world builders, and W.E.T. River Trips has taken this to another level in marketing whitewater paddling sports.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, second life, surfing, trips, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Silver Creek - California
Visit the AmericanWhitewater.org water steward organization for river rafting acess for the public. Many runs have been opened by this politically active organization. Most recent was the Silver Creek run on the South Fork American river. Only 10 elusive days were available to run this small section of the main south fork in the last 2 years.
Kayakers, paddlers and media swarmed onto the river at the last days of October 2007. Reviews, kudos and accolades were given on this most precious whitewater resource. Contact AmericanWhitewater.org for more information on how you can influence the water managers of this run to allow for more water releases on scheduled dates.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, please visit the C-W-R.com website.
Kayakers, paddlers and media swarmed onto the river at the last days of October 2007. Reviews, kudos and accolades were given on this most precious whitewater resource. Contact AmericanWhitewater.org for more information on how you can influence the water managers of this run to allow for more water releases on scheduled dates.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, please visit the C-W-R.com website.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Gauley - West Virginia
The state's Division of Natural Resources Whitewater Commission has been asked by the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters to levy a mandatory 35-cent fee for each rafter that floats through 4 sections of the Gauley River.
This fee would help the WVPRO in stocking trout for the river. Since 1990, the association has taken it upon themselves to stock the river with trout using the association's membership fees. This has helped extend the recreational opportunities for the public and the resource.
Each licensed rafting company will collect the monies as a mandatory use fee and submit those funds as part of a monthly report of use. This same concept is used in California on the American River's whitewater sections of the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American.
The Gauley and other rivers already have a use-fee levied for rafting, but this fee covers the agencies that fund studies for economic impacts and developing tourism, carrying capacities, safety issues and overseeing the quality of the rafting trip itself.
The new fees will be earmarked solely for the stocking of trout. This program will help to create a economic base for fishing and extending the Gauley's recreational resources.
Thanks to the Daily Mail for this item.
This fee would help the WVPRO in stocking trout for the river. Since 1990, the association has taken it upon themselves to stock the river with trout using the association's membership fees. This has helped extend the recreational opportunities for the public and the resource.
Each licensed rafting company will collect the monies as a mandatory use fee and submit those funds as part of a monthly report of use. This same concept is used in California on the American River's whitewater sections of the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American.
The Gauley and other rivers already have a use-fee levied for rafting, but this fee covers the agencies that fund studies for economic impacts and developing tourism, carrying capacities, safety issues and overseeing the quality of the rafting trip itself.
The new fees will be earmarked solely for the stocking of trout. This program will help to create a economic base for fishing and extending the Gauley's recreational resources.
Thanks to the Daily Mail for this item.
Labels: american river, california, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
AB 951 - American River, California
The California legislator's have finally addressed the deviant behavior on the urban lower American River in Sacramento. Assemblyman Dave Jones, a Democrat representing Sacramento wrote the AB 951 after many of his constituents had raised questions about the alcohol-inspired riots from past holiday weekends on that river.
The county placed a ban on alcohol, but found that they could not regulate the actual behavior in the rafts. The local jurisdiction pleaded with the assembly to find a way to regulate drinking on the river. The cost to the county has been noted as increased sheriff patrols on the river have tried to prevent near riots during the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends. And then after the trip, the rowdy paddlers get in their cars and drive drunk putting the entire community at-risk. All these holiday weekends attract participants who have traveled sometimes from out-of-state to join the revelry on the do-it-yourself float stretch of the class II Lower American River.
What used to be a fun-filled weekend for families has turned into classic film grist for a "Girl's Gone Wild" episode. This is the urban jewel of Sacramento's waterways. The Lower American has been an artist's river as many well-known painters have featured river scenes in their artworks. It has been a local shame that the river has lost it's soul to a bunch of rowdy testosterone-laden young hooligans ready to drink and fight their way towards manhood.
The Sacramento community welcomes Congressman Dave Jones bill. Now let's hope the Govenor's listening to those who want to enjoy a day on the river without wading through beer bottles, trash, boom boxes and flying fists on what used to be a family rafting trip.
The county placed a ban on alcohol, but found that they could not regulate the actual behavior in the rafts. The local jurisdiction pleaded with the assembly to find a way to regulate drinking on the river. The cost to the county has been noted as increased sheriff patrols on the river have tried to prevent near riots during the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends. And then after the trip, the rowdy paddlers get in their cars and drive drunk putting the entire community at-risk. All these holiday weekends attract participants who have traveled sometimes from out-of-state to join the revelry on the do-it-yourself float stretch of the class II Lower American River.
What used to be a fun-filled weekend for families has turned into classic film grist for a "Girl's Gone Wild" episode. This is the urban jewel of Sacramento's waterways. The Lower American has been an artist's river as many well-known painters have featured river scenes in their artworks. It has been a local shame that the river has lost it's soul to a bunch of rowdy testosterone-laden young hooligans ready to drink and fight their way towards manhood.
The Sacramento community welcomes Congressman Dave Jones bill. Now let's hope the Govenor's listening to those who want to enjoy a day on the river without wading through beer bottles, trash, boom boxes and flying fists on what used to be a family rafting trip.
Labels: american river, california, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
SURFING Magazine - Carbon Offsets
Surfing Magazine, established in 1964 covers progressive surfing and is the official magazine for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. They have formed a partnership with Carbonfund.org foundation to buy carbon offsets for mangrove reforestation in India. Mangroves are important for the health of fish habitat and help filter ocean pollution.
The magazine's second annual Green Issue will be distributed August 21, 2007. The first Green Issue focused on how global warming will affect surfers and surfing. This year, the publication is making itself accountable by buying the carbon offsets.
"We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy," says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. "Offsets aren't the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe."
Carbonfund.org support mission for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects, help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization is a non-profit.
Thanks to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility for this news item!
The magazine's second annual Green Issue will be distributed August 21, 2007. The first Green Issue focused on how global warming will affect surfers and surfing. This year, the publication is making itself accountable by buying the carbon offsets.
"We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy," says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. "Offsets aren't the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe."
Carbonfund.org support mission for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects, help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization is a non-profit.
Thanks to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility for this news item!
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, recreation, surfing
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Tuolumne River - California
Well-known river, the Tuolumne, lies just outside of the Yosemite area in California. A popular rafting destination for many northern Californian paddlers, the river has been on several lists of top ten whitewater rafting rivers in the west.
After two years of extreme high water, the Tuolumne will have great regulated flows though out the 2007 rafting season. Outfitters on the main section of the Tuolumne and the famous Class V section called the Cherry Creek run, should have a near normal season due to dam controlled water releases.
The Cherry Creek run is one of the most difficult Class V rafting trips, and original whitewater pioneer, Marty McDonnell's Sierra Mac River Trips was the first outfitter to offer commercial rafting on this stretch of river back in 1972. "I have a passion for that stretch of river," said Marty McDonnell, "It requires a team of guides who really know the river and we have a group of about six who work together here all summer whose main focus is the Tuolumne. Folks who want to do the river know we do about 90 percent of the trips, and they trust us."
The Tuolumne River was designated to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System on September 28, 1984. The O'Shaugnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park controls the water releases for the main Tuolumne river.
Thanks to Union Democrat for the quotes!
After two years of extreme high water, the Tuolumne will have great regulated flows though out the 2007 rafting season. Outfitters on the main section of the Tuolumne and the famous Class V section called the Cherry Creek run, should have a near normal season due to dam controlled water releases.
The Cherry Creek run is one of the most difficult Class V rafting trips, and original whitewater pioneer, Marty McDonnell's Sierra Mac River Trips was the first outfitter to offer commercial rafting on this stretch of river back in 1972. "I have a passion for that stretch of river," said Marty McDonnell, "It requires a team of guides who really know the river and we have a group of about six who work together here all summer whose main focus is the Tuolumne. Folks who want to do the river know we do about 90 percent of the trips, and they trust us."
The Tuolumne River was designated to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System on September 28, 1984. The O'Shaugnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park controls the water releases for the main Tuolumne river.
Thanks to Union Democrat for the quotes!
Labels: california, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Friday, June 01, 2007
White Water Media Day - California
Whitewater rafting enthusiasts will appreciate the efforts from the American River community in the Lotus Coloma Valley in Northern California. Tomorrow, June 2nd is the Annual Whitewater Media Day on the South Fork of the American River. El Dorado County, California Outdoors, the American River outfitters, local businesses and the media will all be paddling on the Gorge section of this river.
The Gorge is an 11-mile stretch of Class 3 to 3+ whitewater river. The section starts in the heart of the Gold Rush town of Coloma, where John Sutter found the first gold. An historic park lies in Coloma preserving Sutter's mill right on the shores of the river. The Gorge flows through several rapids and its moniker emphasizes the steep canyon-like walls near the best class 3+ rapids of the day. The river ends in Folsom Lake, a large reservoir just above Sacramento; California's state capitol.
Each rafting company donates guides, rafts and equipment, vehicles, barbecue, and, even land in order to host this special media event. Publishers of print, television, radio and internet media send their representatives to paddle and river raft the South Fork American, the most popular river in the Western United States.
The Gorge is an 11-mile stretch of Class 3 to 3+ whitewater river. The section starts in the heart of the Gold Rush town of Coloma, where John Sutter found the first gold. An historic park lies in Coloma preserving Sutter's mill right on the shores of the river. The Gorge flows through several rapids and its moniker emphasizes the steep canyon-like walls near the best class 3+ rapids of the day. The river ends in Folsom Lake, a large reservoir just above Sacramento; California's state capitol.
Each rafting company donates guides, rafts and equipment, vehicles, barbecue, and, even land in order to host this special media event. Publishers of print, television, radio and internet media send their representatives to paddle and river raft the South Fork American, the most popular river in the Western United States.
Labels: american river, california, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend is coming tomorrow. Travelers will be out throughout the country visiting state parks, recreating outdoors and gravitating to our waterways. Due to high gas prices, many vacationers will be traveling closer to home and visiting rivers and lakes nearby. Picnicing and camping are the usual pasttimes while river rafting will augment many visitor's plans.
Rafting News suggests that all paddlers wear a lifejacket and proper gear no matter what river or lake you are floating. Watch and supervise your chldren at all times when near a body of water. Even your teens need to be supervised near any water or river.
Keep alcohol to a minimum or not at all if you are paddling or swimming. Alcohol will impair your judgement and also fool you into thinking the water isn't cold enough for hyperthermia. Use common sense when in the outdoors. Keep hydrated during hikes and rafting, especially in the warmer areas of the country. And remember that spring runoff is cold and fast and should be prepared for appropriately before attempting any rafting trip.
If you love the outdoors, then respect it. That respect will go a long way in preventing vacation time tragedies and will help you to preserve the time-honored memories of Memorial Day Weekend!
Rafting News suggests that all paddlers wear a lifejacket and proper gear no matter what river or lake you are floating. Watch and supervise your chldren at all times when near a body of water. Even your teens need to be supervised near any water or river.
Keep alcohol to a minimum or not at all if you are paddling or swimming. Alcohol will impair your judgement and also fool you into thinking the water isn't cold enough for hyperthermia. Use common sense when in the outdoors. Keep hydrated during hikes and rafting, especially in the warmer areas of the country. And remember that spring runoff is cold and fast and should be prepared for appropriately before attempting any rafting trip.
If you love the outdoors, then respect it. That respect will go a long way in preventing vacation time tragedies and will help you to preserve the time-honored memories of Memorial Day Weekend!
Labels: california, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, wet river trips, white water
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Sacramento River Whales - California
Whale sightings are an uncommon event on rivers. Two whales, a mother and her baby, were spotted swimming in the Sacramento River in California. Disorientated and possibly entangled by debris, the mother whale is swimming towards the urban center of the state capitol. Hordes of people are lining the banks of the Delta viewing the historical event. Not since the whale, Humphrey was sighted back in 1985, has the populous been so excited. Families, workers, students and scientists are all drawn to the spectacle.
On a more serious note, biologists are worried that the whales organs will be affected by the warm waters in the river. Unlike cold temperatures in the ocean environment, a whale's organs can be harmed by the warm river temperatures causing death.
Whale expert John Calambokidis from the Cascadia Research in Olympia, Washington and Joe Cordaro, a biologist from the National Marine Fisheries Service are helping to monitor the creatures. Rescuers may start distractions and annoyances in front of the whale's path to disturb the creatures in hopes of turning them back to the ocean. Alaska Whale Foundation is tracking the whales with volunteer rescuers. They have asked the NMFS for permission to help the whales.
In the meantime, traffic jams are occuring along the river roads as people are swarming to the sight. Whale sightings may be a spectacular event, but the unnatural setting is causing harm to the poor creatures of the sea.
On a more serious note, biologists are worried that the whales organs will be affected by the warm waters in the river. Unlike cold temperatures in the ocean environment, a whale's organs can be harmed by the warm river temperatures causing death.
Whale expert John Calambokidis from the Cascadia Research in Olympia, Washington and Joe Cordaro, a biologist from the National Marine Fisheries Service are helping to monitor the creatures. Rescuers may start distractions and annoyances in front of the whale's path to disturb the creatures in hopes of turning them back to the ocean. Alaska Whale Foundation is tracking the whales with volunteer rescuers. They have asked the NMFS for permission to help the whales.
In the meantime, traffic jams are occuring along the river roads as people are swarming to the sight. Whale sightings may be a spectacular event, but the unnatural setting is causing harm to the poor creatures of the sea.
Labels: california, environment, outdoors, rivers
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
American River - Coloma, California
The Lotus Coloma Valley, center of the universe for California's rafting community, will be hosting several special events throughout the 2007 season. Music, art, environmental fund raisers, American River conservancy events will highlight the year.
This charming, rural foothill community just outside of Sacramento, California's State Capitol is also home to the original gold rush. The historical Coloma State Park is preserved there along with a museum and gold panning demonstrations. The community lies on the shores of the South Fork American river, the most popular whitewater river in the western United States. For more information on recreation and paddling, visit coloma.com for an expanded read on valley events.
This charming, rural foothill community just outside of Sacramento, California's State Capitol is also home to the original gold rush. The historical Coloma State Park is preserved there along with a museum and gold panning demonstrations. The community lies on the shores of the South Fork American river, the most popular whitewater river in the western United States. For more information on recreation and paddling, visit coloma.com for an expanded read on valley events.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, white water
Friday, April 27, 2007
Cal Salmon River Fest - California
California Salmon River hosts a River Fest from May 5 through the 7th. The Raft and Kayak competition commences on May 6th. The Cal Salmon is a Class 5 white water run that flows on a beautiful pristine river near the California/Oregon border. World class kayakers are expected to attend this party on the river.
For whitewater rafters who want to go rafting during that time, contact a Cal Salmon outfitter and reserve your river trip now. A listing of Cal Salmon rafting companies is located on the California whitewater rafting C-W-R.com website.
For more information go to Caliproduct for the announcements and times or visit their main website at http://www.caliproduct.com.
For whitewater rafters who want to go rafting during that time, contact a Cal Salmon outfitter and reserve your river trip now. A listing of Cal Salmon rafting companies is located on the California whitewater rafting C-W-R.com website.
For more information go to Caliproduct for the announcements and times or visit their main website at http://www.caliproduct.com.
Labels: california, outdoors, paddling, rafting, rivers, trips, white water
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Abigail Hoffman
Well known Maine outdoors woman, Abigail Hoffman died recently in a tragic ski accident while participating in fundraiser at Sugarloaf. A rafting guide, legislator, mother and outdoors lover, her death leaves a huge hole in Maine's outdoor industry.
Her influence in helping environmental and conservation concerns leaves many mourning. Popular outdoor blogger, Carey Kish has a tribute on his blog to her with a call for donations to the Kennebec Valley Land Trust, PO Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364. Instead of flowers, please consider contributing in her name. California environmentalists send a heartfelt note of symphony to her friends and family.
Her influence in helping environmental and conservation concerns leaves many mourning. Popular outdoor blogger, Carey Kish has a tribute on his blog to her with a call for donations to the Kennebec Valley Land Trust, PO Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364. Instead of flowers, please consider contributing in her name. California environmentalists send a heartfelt note of symphony to her friends and family.
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, rafting, recreation
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
SMUD Relicensing a Gift for Rafters
SMUD's (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) recent relicensing is proving to be a gift to whitewater rafters in California. California rafting will be available throughout the season with controlled flows coming from dam operators on the South Fork American and Middle Fork American Rivers.
The agreement is allowing SMUD to manage the water by providing runnable flows on both rivers. On the South Fork American, the operators have designated "dry" Wednesdays in the month of May and June with flows everyday. And in July and August, everyday will be available with only a "dry" Monday.
On the Middle Fork American, the water managers will provide 7-days a week of runnable flows.
Based on this year's dismal snowpack, the agreement and management of the river resource will prove to be a gift for the whitewater rafting public assuring them of boatable flows this rafting season.
The agreement is allowing SMUD to manage the water by providing runnable flows on both rivers. On the South Fork American, the operators have designated "dry" Wednesdays in the month of May and June with flows everyday. And in July and August, everyday will be available with only a "dry" Monday.
On the Middle Fork American, the water managers will provide 7-days a week of runnable flows.
Based on this year's dismal snowpack, the agreement and management of the river resource will prove to be a gift for the whitewater rafting public assuring them of boatable flows this rafting season.
Labels: american river, california, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Friday, March 30, 2007
South Fork American - California
Flows will be impacted this year due to a less than normal precipitation this past winter. Due to SMUD's generous and cooperative management of the resources at the reservoirs, agreements were reached to provide normal flows through the duration of the season from now until September. There will be some limitations and these limitations were agreed upon by various organizations in anticipation of drier years.
Flows on Mondays in July and August will be designated dry days while the flows on Wednesdays will be dry during the May and June calendar. Most California rafting outfitters discount heavily during the week so some outfitters may be impacted based on their promotions. Most will shift their incentives to avoid these dates to accommodate the public on their river trips.
The South Fork American along with the Middle Fork American may be the best rivers to raft this summer season in California. With the flow agreements, paddlers can at least count on the contracted flows on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.
Flows on Mondays in July and August will be designated dry days while the flows on Wednesdays will be dry during the May and June calendar. Most California rafting outfitters discount heavily during the week so some outfitters may be impacted based on their promotions. Most will shift their incentives to avoid these dates to accommodate the public on their river trips.
The South Fork American along with the Middle Fork American may be the best rivers to raft this summer season in California. With the flow agreements, paddlers can at least count on the contracted flows on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.
Labels: american river, california, flows, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Friday, March 02, 2007
California Rafting Trips - 2007
Late winter storms have changed the landscape for California rafting trips. A series of storms blanketed the Sierra Nevada with fresh snow that assures the whitewater paddling public that the 2007 rafting season will be normal to above normal in places.
In Northern California, the rivers are already running as die-hard paddlers and kayakers challenge Class 4, Class 5 runs. The Smith, Cal Salmon and Trinity have already started their whitewater season due to precipitation.
On the most popular white water rafting river, the three forks of the American River, paddlers have never stopped rafting throughout the fall and winter months. Kirkwood Meadows received a large snow pack this past week which guarantees great flows on the South Fork American. North Fork American, one of the best Class 4 runs start this month just in time for spring break, while the Middle Fork American should flow from now through September.
Down south, the Kern and the Kaweah will have normal flows according to the rafting outfitters. The recent storms have boosted their river flow expectations to around 60% of normal with more storms coming.
In Northern California, the rivers are already running as die-hard paddlers and kayakers challenge Class 4, Class 5 runs. The Smith, Cal Salmon and Trinity have already started their whitewater season due to precipitation.
On the most popular white water rafting river, the three forks of the American River, paddlers have never stopped rafting throughout the fall and winter months. Kirkwood Meadows received a large snow pack this past week which guarantees great flows on the South Fork American. North Fork American, one of the best Class 4 runs start this month just in time for spring break, while the Middle Fork American should flow from now through September.
Down south, the Kern and the Kaweah will have normal flows according to the rafting outfitters. The recent storms have boosted their river flow expectations to around 60% of normal with more storms coming.
Labels: american river, california, flows, north fork, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, spring break, trips, wet river trips
Monday, February 26, 2007
Klamath River Karuk Ceremonies - California
We just received this update from Karuk Mountain Dance Council regarding the Karuk Jump (Mountain) Dance on the Klamath River. The annual Karuk Tribal ceremony is centered at the village of Ameekyaaraam, which is near Ike’s Falls on the Klamath River. As the Karuk Jump (Mountain) Dance Council, they continue to speak for this one dance and this dance only. All rafting companies on the Klamath, please read the letter below:
"We are alerting you to the dates of the Karuk Mountain (Jump) Dance as soon as we are able. We hope that your company will find these dates useful as you develop your rafting schedules.
During the period of AUGUST 6, 2007 through SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, we ask that a “quiet zone” from the Salmon River Bridge at Somes Bar to below Ike’s Falls be observed. We also ask that during this time, there be no takeouts or put-ins at the dance grounds under the Klamath River Bridge on Ishi Pishi Road at the mouth of the Cal Salmon River. We realize that there is a need to “take-out” before the long stretch on the Klamath River to Orleans from Ike’s Falls. Take-outs on the east side of the river, below Ike’s Falls is an option, but please observe the “quiet zone”.
We appreciate your efforts to help us make this religious ceremony comfortable for the Indian families who participate. Please share this information with other rafting companies and others who would find this information helpful. We would like to expand our mailing list, so please encourage those you share this with to contact us so that we can add them to our list.
Thank you so much for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please call David and Jan Tripp at (530) 469-3432. Or write us at PO Box 325, Orleans CA 95556."
The Karuk Mountain Dance Council
"We are alerting you to the dates of the Karuk Mountain (Jump) Dance as soon as we are able. We hope that your company will find these dates useful as you develop your rafting schedules.
During the period of AUGUST 6, 2007 through SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, we ask that a “quiet zone” from the Salmon River Bridge at Somes Bar to below Ike’s Falls be observed. We also ask that during this time, there be no takeouts or put-ins at the dance grounds under the Klamath River Bridge on Ishi Pishi Road at the mouth of the Cal Salmon River. We realize that there is a need to “take-out” before the long stretch on the Klamath River to Orleans from Ike’s Falls. Take-outs on the east side of the river, below Ike’s Falls is an option, but please observe the “quiet zone”.
We appreciate your efforts to help us make this religious ceremony comfortable for the Indian families who participate. Please share this information with other rafting companies and others who would find this information helpful. We would like to expand our mailing list, so please encourage those you share this with to contact us so that we can add them to our list.
Thank you so much for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please call David and Jan Tripp at (530) 469-3432. Or write us at PO Box 325, Orleans CA 95556."
The Karuk Mountain Dance Council
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips
Friday, February 23, 2007
Swift Water Rescue Founder Passes Away
America Outdoors, the leading professional outdoor adventure organization announced that Jim Segerstrom, the founder of the Swiftwater Rescue Technician Program and a partner in Rescue 3, has passed away on February 5th. Many members of America Outdoors will remember Jim from a Western River Guides Convention in Salt Lake City in 1980 where he spoke to the outdoor industry about a new Swift Water Rescue Certification Program and a new organization called Rescue 3.
The Swift Water Rescue Technician Program under Segerstrom became a highly regarded training program, known worldwide. The training is now offered in over 30 countries throughout the world.
A small stroke on Thursday, February 1, followed by a second one led him to be hospitalized at the neurological ICU at UC San Francisco's Moffitt Hospital where he passed away.
The boating community sends their prayers to the Segerstrom Family. Jim's influence had a profound affect on the whitewater rafting industry. His influence was felt throughout all emergency rescue programs on waterways throughout the country. He was a true pioneer and took his teachings throughout the United States, Japan, South American and Europe.
Thanks to America Outdoors for this News Item
The Swift Water Rescue Technician Program under Segerstrom became a highly regarded training program, known worldwide. The training is now offered in over 30 countries throughout the world.
A small stroke on Thursday, February 1, followed by a second one led him to be hospitalized at the neurological ICU at UC San Francisco's Moffitt Hospital where he passed away.
The boating community sends their prayers to the Segerstrom Family. Jim's influence had a profound affect on the whitewater rafting industry. His influence was felt throughout all emergency rescue programs on waterways throughout the country. He was a true pioneer and took his teachings throughout the United States, Japan, South American and Europe.
Thanks to America Outdoors for this News Item
Labels: california, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Epic Broadband Channel
The Weather Channel has launched a new interactive web site called Epic. The new site will highlight how outdoor sports is directly affected by weather conditions. Epic Conditions is the parent company which will debut the new program on March 4th, Sunday at 9PM on the weather channel. The Epic site is available now.
Exclusive video by Warren Miller productions will show the incredible dynamics of weather and high-risk sports. "Epic is designed to showcase the power and importance of weather and its impact on outdoor activities," said Tom Flournoy, VP of advanced media for The Weather Channel. He also goes on to say that the site will encourage the positive impact that weather brings to people's lives and outdoor passion.
Imagine how that interaction will work after a major storm on rivers. Epic will surely impact the whitewater industry by allowing users to view rivers rising at their peak and the paddlers challenging those rapids. We can watch rivers like the North Fork American at its prime flow!
Exclusive video by Warren Miller productions will show the incredible dynamics of weather and high-risk sports. "Epic is designed to showcase the power and importance of weather and its impact on outdoor activities," said Tom Flournoy, VP of advanced media for The Weather Channel. He also goes on to say that the site will encourage the positive impact that weather brings to people's lives and outdoor passion.
Imagine how that interaction will work after a major storm on rivers. Epic will surely impact the whitewater industry by allowing users to view rivers rising at their peak and the paddlers challenging those rapids. We can watch rivers like the North Fork American at its prime flow!
Labels: california, flows, north fork, outdoors, recreation, trips
Monday, February 05, 2007
Global Warming - Can it Happen?
Global warming is the hottest news item around the globe. How it affects the land masses and climate changes can be alarming. Indonesia is looking at losing most of their country around 30 years from now. The U.S. is hunkering down for more "Katrina-type" events in the southern states. California and the west will probably have hotter summers and wetter winters of catastrophic proportions. European nations will suffer from killer heat waves similar to a few years ago.
Geologists and other scientists have seen this type of climate changes throughout the history of our planet. Those changes came gradually or after a catastrophic event such as Krakatoa or other earth shifts. This time, we can point to our own vast network of technological advancements such as the automobile and the burning of fossil fuels. Those of you who are reluctant to believe that man could affect the world in this manner need to take a look at the anthropology of the Moai on Rapa Nui better known as Easter Island.
Geologists and other scientists have seen this type of climate changes throughout the history of our planet. Those changes came gradually or after a catastrophic event such as Krakatoa or other earth shifts. This time, we can point to our own vast network of technological advancements such as the automobile and the burning of fossil fuels. Those of you who are reluctant to believe that man could affect the world in this manner need to take a look at the anthropology of the Moai on Rapa Nui better known as Easter Island.
Labels: california, conservation, environment
Friday, February 02, 2007
California - South Fork American
The whitewater rafting community and its paddlers are rejoicing over the recent agreements with the utility companies on the Upper American River rafting hydroelectric project. SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) has come to an agreement with the boating community to release water from their dam sources for year-round recreation. This historic signing yesterday came after a long five year struggle of negotiations. The agreement will be in place for a 30 to 50 year stretch.
Here is the agreement:
Many groups came together for the historic signing including state and federal resource agencies, environmental groups, whitewater recreation groups and private citizens.
Next step is the relicensing with the Placer County Water Agency's Middle Fork American River. According to representatives of the rafting community, this relicensing should be a lot smoother than the long five year negotiations with SMUD.
The rafting community is in awe of the prospect of having guaranteed flows for every weekend of the year. Imagine, being able to count on flows whenever you want to go rafting!
Here is the agreement:
- Regularly scheduled whitewater releases and guaranteed flows for whitewater rafting below Chili Bar Reservoir year-round in all years of the agreement.
- Higher flow releases to protect and enhance habitat for aquatic species.
- Improvements and construction of recreational facilities near reservoirs.
- $1.3 million per year for recreation and maintenance funding.
- During drought conditions, flexible operations.
Many groups came together for the historic signing including state and federal resource agencies, environmental groups, whitewater recreation groups and private citizens.
Next step is the relicensing with the Placer County Water Agency's Middle Fork American River. According to representatives of the rafting community, this relicensing should be a lot smoother than the long five year negotiations with SMUD.
The rafting community is in awe of the prospect of having guaranteed flows for every weekend of the year. Imagine, being able to count on flows whenever you want to go rafting!
Labels: american river, california, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips
Monday, January 22, 2007
California Rafting Trips
California is experiencing lower than usual rainfall and snow this winter. Beautiful blue skies are taunting outdoor enthusiasts as ski resorts and rafting companies hope daily for winter weather. Normal precipitation for January has been underwhelming as signs of spring are everywhere in the valley. Freezing temperatures have been the norm throughout California as agriculture deals with crop losses.
Bill Center of Camp Lotus, a river campground on the South Fork American assures the rafting public that reservoirs are in healthy condition due to the past two seasons of larger than normal snowpack and precipitation. Negotiations are underway with the utility companies to schedule water releases for this season. Due to the storage of water in those reservoirs, rafting on the South Fork American, the most popular river in the West, should maintain good flows throughout it's season along with the Middle Fork American.
For 2007, California rafting trips should be a great year for families,
youth groups and corporate groups. Most outfitters are reserving their spring and summer trips now. Weekends sell out quickly, so start organizing your California trips soon.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, see the C-W-R.com site, a river description site with a listing of outfitters.
Bill Center of Camp Lotus, a river campground on the South Fork American assures the rafting public that reservoirs are in healthy condition due to the past two seasons of larger than normal snowpack and precipitation. Negotiations are underway with the utility companies to schedule water releases for this season. Due to the storage of water in those reservoirs, rafting on the South Fork American, the most popular river in the West, should maintain good flows throughout it's season along with the Middle Fork American.
For 2007, California rafting trips should be a great year for families,
youth groups and corporate groups. Most outfitters are reserving their spring and summer trips now. Weekends sell out quickly, so start organizing your California trips soon.For more information on California whitewater rafting, see the C-W-R.com site, a river description site with a listing of outfitters.
Labels: american river, california, outdoors, rafting, recreation, wet river trips
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
This weekend, celebrate "green" by attending one of the many film events in Nevada City, California. The South Yuba River Citizens League is presenting its 5th Annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival. This is the largest environmental film festival in the country. Presented by Patagonia, the outdoor clothing manufacturer with a reputation for promoting conservation and environmental causes, the festival was originally founded in 2003 by the SYRCL.
The SYRCL has long been a champion for the Yuba River and its watershed. It has become the largest, most successful and effective single watershed organization in California. The Yuba River is located in Northern California on the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. There are three forks, the South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork that make up the Yuba River. A beautiful area, the watershed is bordered by the Feather River, the Truckee River, the Bear River and the American River.
A great companion river to the early spring rafting runs on the North Fork American, the Yuba also highlights difficult Class 4 & 5 whitewater sections. As development and populations encroach on these areas, the SYRCL and other organizations have found much support in the conservation community to preserve these areas and the water quality.
Several film events will be scattered throughout the weekend in Nevada City. 110 films will be presented along with local community support at art galleries, restaurants and retail stores. Film makers and reknown environmentalists will be on-hand to give talks and answer questions throughout the different venues. Here is the information for tickets and locations for the SYRCL film festival.
The SYRCL has long been a champion for the Yuba River and its watershed. It has become the largest, most successful and effective single watershed organization in California. The Yuba River is located in Northern California on the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. There are three forks, the South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork that make up the Yuba River. A beautiful area, the watershed is bordered by the Feather River, the Truckee River, the Bear River and the American River.
A great companion river to the early spring rafting runs on the North Fork American, the Yuba also highlights difficult Class 4 & 5 whitewater sections. As development and populations encroach on these areas, the SYRCL and other organizations have found much support in the conservation community to preserve these areas and the water quality.
Several film events will be scattered throughout the weekend in Nevada City. 110 films will be presented along with local community support at art galleries, restaurants and retail stores. Film makers and reknown environmentalists will be on-hand to give talks and answer questions throughout the different venues. Here is the information for tickets and locations for the SYRCL film festival.
- DATE: Friday – Sunday, January 12-14, 2007
- LOCATION: multiple venues in downtown Nevada City
- COST: $5 - $210, Tickets available at the SYRCL office or by phone (online demand for tickets has overwhelmed the availability; for purchase go directly to the Festival Ticket Office at 317 Spring St, Nevada City, CA 95959.)
- CONTACT: South Yuba River Citizens League, 216 Main Street, Nevada City
(530) 265-5961, www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
Labels: american river, california, conservation, north fork, outdoors, rafting
