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Despite pretty good skills that open up nearly any type of whitewater, in any boat, I am totally content on Class III. Here's the deal; on class III I can usually find challenging moves that make it plenty challenging, with virtually no risk. Making hard moves on easy rivers is a great way to improve. I've always said that. You can look around and enjoy the wilderness more. On Class III you'll find a great focus on the social aspects of the sport. You can get plenty of exercise. It is more of a lifetime sport (especially with my shoulders, which have weathered 37 years of hard core boating).

Importantly, advocating for Class II-III boating is advocating for the future of the sport. I do worry that people think kayaking is so extreme that they dont get past the hype, so they never realize that they can enjoy so much on class II. Help make others aware that all levels of kayaker is welcome in whitewater sport! Think of how many current day paddlers spent many formative years on easy water.

Don't miss the whitewater Symposium 2007 to be held at the new artificial course at WISP in McHenry, Maryland. see wwsymposium for more info...

The symposium program is primarily directed at those who actively promote the sport. Workshops are designed to support the grassroots feeder programs that encourage new and continued participation. The result is empowering more people to take on productive roles in stewarding whitewater kayaking development.

Our upcoming documentary project focuses on recreational kayaking's big change years: 1950's through 1980's. What paddling was like, and what the big moments led to the most dramatic changes in paddlesport. We strive to capture the fun, and the spirit of exploration and entrepreneurship.

Lets all redouble our efforts to sell the availability of great fun on the super safety of class II-III!

Palmerfest participants: 2 for 1 on any DVD titles and books through June 1st. Send me an email with a second title, after you place an order online.

I recently had opportunity to visit Canada, and visit with many of their top paddling instructors. While many of their issues are the same as instructors worldwide, some are different. I was guest speaker to Palmerfest, and thier first ever instructor symposium.

First I was struck by how Canadians are so darn polite to each other. I left with a reminder to myself to live more that way. Even though I rarely catch myself being rude, like most of us I can get caught up in being cynical, in a way that is counterproductive. They are kind to the earth too... with many of them bringing their own plates and utensils to each meal rather than opting for paper.