Welcome to Summer Paddling! I just got back from co-hosting with Toni a Beginner/ Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking Workshop in Southeastern Tennessee, and it was amazing weekend for both the weather and seeing newer paddlers enjoying the sport we all love! I was showing the lines on the Hiwassee and after I would run the rapid, I would turn around and see the faces of the paddlers with huge smiles and cheers of enjoyment. It was an amazing feeling for them to conquer something that just a few moments before had been an OMG moment that they thought they couldn’t do before. It was also amazing watching some experience paddlers who I lead down the Ocoee breakdown a rapid and figure out exactly what angle to hit a certain wave and what speed and power was needed to help them get to where they want to go. But the bottom line to all this we were out paddling in a beautiful place and had amazing weather over our heads! I hope everyone get out on one of our club’s trips and recharges your soul with a paddle in your hands.
Your Skipper, John Gates
