Hello IR,
I would like to thank you for the support you gave to the 10th annual Millrace Massacre and Iceman Championships. This grassroots kayaking event would not be possible without your contribution. All of the racers truly appreciate the contributions that you have made to make this event possible.
This years race saw racers from all over the Southeast who were in hopes of being crowned the Iceman for 2010. Three new records were set this year as well. We had a record number of participants (42 racers) in the Millrace Massacre, coldest race day on record (mid 30’s was the high for the day), and the highest water level on record. The top ten competitors from the Millrace Massacre once again took to the tubes for some high action head-to-head tubing. This style of head-to-head racing seems to please the crowd every year. In the Iceman Championship race there were 26 racers who decided to take on the challenge of becoming the Iceman for 2010. After some close racing throughout the course Andrew Holcombe finished out in front despite abandoning ship a little early. Even though Andrew finished out front, everyone who competes in the iceman goes home a winner.
Cody recently wrapped up shooting some first descents for a TV series in Hawaii and is likely not so happy to be back to reality in good ‘ol AZ after soaking up the sun in paradise for a few weeks! Here are some shots-
Stephen Forster and Jake Greenbaum sent this footage from Chile. Currently there is a record number of whitewater kayakers in the Pucon area. Some first descents and a lot of young kayakers really pushing the envelope. In this video there is some great footage of various rivers and waterfalls along with some split screen footage of Salto Palguin. A massive waterfall run for the first time this year. For more information on the rivers in Chile visit http://kayakpucon.net/.
Last weekend we were fortunate to have warm temperatures and good water. With that combination I headed to the Lower Big Sandy both Saturday and Sunday for couple memorable runs. The level held all weekend around 6.4* and there were a few first time Big Splat runners.
Big Splat is a class 5 rapid approximately half way down the run. It is unique compared to the rest of the run due to a consequential approach and massive house size boulders. This rapid is probable the most documented on the run. Above is the shot of the weekend. The picture is of Jesse Wilson a kayak instructor with Riversport School of Paddling running the final drop of Big Splat.
Monday January 18th Dirt (see previous post) and I paddled the Upper Youghioghany River. With Dirt motivating from DC I skipped out of work early for a dusk patrol. 3.3 feet on the gauge* allowed for less slot lines and more of a river feel. Try to enjoy the scenic river views with the bouncy footage. I was hard pressed to keep the camera still.
This week IR was glad to have Micheal Shields (aka: Dirt) drop in. With good water ultimately motivating his travels we put him to work. Recycling was taking over the loading dock so we put Dirt in charge. Dirt is by far the best candidate for the job as he is never scared to talk dirty, get dirty and run the brown. Stay tuned for some head cam footage of our dawn and dusk paddling adventures.
