Chain Of Rocks 6/23/2012

CHAIN OF ROCKS

It’s been a hot and dry summer so far. With little rain the Mississippi has dropped to below 8ft at the USGS gauge in St. Louis, So last weekend the crew assembled and we headed out to the Chain. This was my first time putting on the Illinois side.

The Crew in the eddy at Rookies

 At the Chain bridge, the Mississippi is 3/4 mile wide, with all on the surf sports on the Missouri side. The Reason you don’t park on the Missouri side is because your car will get broken into. At the put in and take out, it is not uncommon to find broken glass, used needles used condoms, and the random street walker willing to offer services.  

taking a break in the river

 Therefore we choose to make the long fairy across. Once on the Missouri side, my arms already felt spent, but the surf was too good to sit back and rest. Here is a little video, enjoy until the next time.

St. Louis skyline from the chain

 WARNING: The CHAIN IS FUN BUT HAS DANGOUS SPOTS ON IT. THIS IS NO PLACE FOR A FIRST TIMER BY THEMSELF. USE YOUR HEAD AND PADDLE WITH SOMEONE FAMILIAR WITH THE RIVER TO AVOID THE DEADLY POUR-OVER.

Memorial Day 2012

Southeast

As the truck came to a stop and I stepped out on to the gravel parking lot, the fresh cool mountain air sent a chill through my body. As I looked down on the river it was low but run-able. As Rick and I geared up, I had to borrow Nicky’s drytop, pfd and skirt. Mine fell out of the back of the truck earlier in the morning and as far as I knew all of it was gone. As I put on the purple neon drytop, looking straight out of the 70’s, and the white with pink strap helmet nothing at the moment bothered me. Sure I looked ridiculous, even lost some points on my man card, but for me, being able to run the Tellico in June was all that mattered.

Running Baby Falls

I’ve been going through a strange time in my life, trying to figure out who I really am, what I’m really doing and if I’m really happy doing it. This trip was exactly what I needed to get my head on straight. When you come to the lip of a water fall, nothing in life really matters except for that moment. You’re either going to hit your line and run it clean or miss and hope for the best. I think that is one of reasons I like to kayak so much. It doesn’t matter your age or who you are, the river gives the same beating or reward to everyone. There is no judgment out there.

Weekend Cabin

Another question I had answered on the river this last week was why I do like kayaking. I use to think it was the adrenaline rush you would get running a new or big river. But I think its more complex, and in the end, I think it has to do with the people you’re with. The pros call it their tribe; instead, I like to call it my crew. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not out there running 100 footers and saying “Brown” or “Church”. But we do have a connection just like the pros, and that is, we love to kayak. While on the Pigeon river, my first time down, its only a class II-III, I found myself multiple times having to stop smiling, mainly because I figured Amanda would make fun of me for it. The river had tons of play spots, to the point where I would be ferrying from one side to the other, trying not to miss a single one. This river made me realize that I truly enjoy kayaking, no matter what type of river it is.

Rick boofing Bear Creek Falls

We spent 9 days on the road kayaking this Memorial Day. We started off with a 5 man crew which grew to 9 and then slowly drifted off to 3.We got to run a total of 7 different rivers during the 9 days, and spent many hours drive from here to there. But that is the lifestyle we choose, and will continue to live. I have included the rivers and dates we paddled, and made a short video for you to enjoy. Until the next adventure...

Written By : Curtis
Edited By: Tyler Surman 

Nicky looking good in the new boat

5/26 Cheoah 1000cfs
5/27 Ocoee
5/28 Ocoee
5/29 Pigeon
5/30 Pigeon
5/31 Nolichucky 1700cfs
6/1 big laurel creek, tellico 1.6ft
6/2 Ocoee
6/3 Ocoee