Howell Island 6-18-2011

For the first time in my life, this last week, I had to say no to a kayaking trip. Kevin won’t let me miss our family party for father’s day. The second blow that came this week was when rick invited me to go to Colorado with him and I had to decline because of a family trip and money. This grown up stuff sucks!

Howell Crew

So, to get rid of all my frustration, Brad and I headed to Howell Island for some good ol’ surf. We showed up a little late but when we got there Larry, Rick and Josh were ripping it up. The level was a nice 24.5ft and the 3rd wave was rockin.

Brad setting up the camera

This was brads first time at Howell, and he was quite impressed with the wave. After about 4 hours my arms couldn’t take any more.

Larry and Josh ripping it up

What a great way to spend a sunny Saturday. Here is a little video I made. Check out 2:26! Until next time, enjoy.

Howell Island 6-18-2011 24.5ft from Curtis Ahlers on Vimeo.

Ocoee Trip

Upper Ocoee Crew

A three day weekend at the end of May can mean only one thing – a Southeast paddling trip.  While there are many from which to choose, attractive female raft guides, guaranteed river flow, a run full of play spots, and a clean 7’ boof that begs to be run all day, makes the Ocoee River the obvious choice.  And so Curtis and I loaded the boats on the Subaru Friday afternoon and headed to Ducktown, TN to catch up with the crew: Rick, Nicky, Matt, Jenny and the always entertaining Fireman Larry.  As we made the trip down, Curtis had the twinkle in his eye, almost as though he was coming home for what I’m sure will be the first of many trips for the season.

Larry getting his game face on

For the weekend, we had the set-up: a house in Ducktown, great home-cooked meals, help running shuttle, and even a photography crew through the Olympic section.  Two runs on the upper and three on the middle for the weekend provided plenty of memorable moments.  

Larry at Alien

Larry styled Alien Boof with the hand paddles.  Rick just stomped the boof.  I rode out the entire rapid in a bow stall at Blue Hole (completely by accident).  Curtis cart-wheeled Callahan’s Ledge like no other.  Matt rolled up on a rock just above Humongous and teetered just the right way to GO LEFT and save himself from a potentially not so good day. 

Rick on Alien

mid cart wheel

Jenny tried her hand at a ducky on the middle, and Nicky not only rocked on the water, but with the planning and the cooking as well.  Perhaps the highlight of the weekend for at least Curtis, Rick, and Larry was Matt, Nicky, Jenny, and I drinking from the boots – it’s always delicious and enough to make you try that roll just one more time in the future. 

Chris first boof

Getting some

A great weekend in all thanks to a great crew! Enjoy the pictures courtesy of Nicky – with help from a few of the fellows at Alien. The video is courtesy of Matt’s and Curtis’ GoPros.  Jenny shot some video that’ll certainly be featured in the next Nomadic Adventure Films production.  To steal a line from C-Money (Curtis asked to be referred to as that): until next time, enjoy.

- Chris “I Can Use Spell Check” Polley

Ocoee Trip from Curtis Ahlers on Vimeo.