Lynne's Page

White Water Lesson#1

The day started off simple enough with a quick stop at Wal-mart to pick up some last minute essentials. A stop at the gas station to fuel up the car and get a quick wash. The kayak now loaded up with paddles, PFD, helmet and toss bag. All set and ready to go!

It’s a gorgeous day, 80 degrees with a light breeze wafting through the air, snow still embracing the tops the Tushar Mountains and paint brushed clouds reach for the heavens in a big blue beautiful Utah sky. Who could ask for a more perfect day to go kayaking, commune with nature and have an exciting new adventure!

2:30 pm time to hit the road. Hwy I-70 looms before me as I head south towards my destination. As I drive along Hwy 89 towards Rock Candy Mountain my thoughts are on the river below me. I stop at the take out and snap a few pictures of some rafters. I continue on to follow the winding river through Sevier Canyon and my mind begins to map the hazards that I‘ll be facing very soon. I tell myself you’ll need to stay river left of that boulder, river right of that downed tree, you can relax and enjoy the float through that section.

I meet with my guide and teacher Don owner and proprietor of Always Rafting. We aired up the boats, suited up and headed out across the Hwy to our launch point where we went over proper paddling techniques. We launched our kayaks and spent time in a flat water section adjusting my seat and knee straps then we turned and headed down river.

Don had me practice breaking through eddy fences, leaning, turns, self rescue, boy when he tells you to dig he means dig!!! I practiced all my new techniques all along our journey down the Sevier River. Don stayed busy pointing out rock formations most of which, I couldn’t make out but enjoyed the humor behind there names.

A rather nice sized rock and I had a close call, a little to close but, Don’s ability to yell “dig dig dig dig” over the roar of the rapids spurred me on to correct my pending situation. I also, found my self sitting on top of a rock for a few moments but managed to pry myself free. In no time, I started feeling as though I was part of the river, respectfully of course.

The total trip took about 2-½ to 3 hours, a quick shuttle back up river, unload and next thing I know I’m headed back down river where I find myself trying to paddle my car!! Believe me it doesn’t work out well!! I met up with KFC when I hit town, scarfed my dinner and now with blistered hands have done my best to tell you all about my newest adventure.

Lesson #2

The weather forecast was for thunderstorms but, it turned out to be another beautiful afternoon with big pluming thunderheads decorating the sky. Time again to to head up river and meet with my kayaking teacher. As I neared the pullout, Don was there with two rafts full on clients beaming with smiles as they waived at my slow drive by.

Arriving at Always Rafting and Kayaking, I new exactly what to do this time. I grabbed my boat aired it up, suited up and waited for Don to arrive and his two boat loads of friendly rafters. It turns out one of the boats was occupied by of two of his summer guides and their friends. All where warm and receptive.

For me the river was sweet today, she better understood me or I her. I moved my kayak with greater confidence and ease as I headed down river. My lesson began with how to float sideways into a rock then reach out and hold myself steady until the current spun me around back to the main flow. Next was surfing, I managed to hold my position within a dip in the current, not beautiful for my first try but, nun the less I gave it my best shot. The float was filled with playing in the currents, ferrying the river, cutting eddie lines, rolling through rapids, forwards, backwards and sideways. All during the run, I think I had the biggest smile ever!