My Top Five Days of Paddling in 2009

Happy Holidays everyone!

Seeing that 2009 is coming to a close, it's a great time to think back and remember your top paddling trips of the year.

Here's my top five days of paddling in 2009!

1. SF Feather, California

This summer I was fortunate enough to paddle a few runs in California, the SF Feather included. It was a nice sunny day and a crew of four: Taylor Cavin, Justin Patt, Jesse Becker and I. The day before, we all had gotten out our playboating jitters surfing First Threat during the American River Festival, and decided we couldn't go home without creeking in cali. So we did.

And then we drank some Pink Lemonade at the takeout and took the coolest photo in the world.

2. Fern Ridge Wave, Eugene Oregon

Living in Eugene, Oregon for school during the rainy season is awesome. The play is epic (when it rains), and the creeking isn't too bad either (when it rains). The Fern Ridge Wave, is located about 15 minutes outside of town, and in my opinion, is one of the best playspots in Oregon.

3. Halloween Truss Paddle

What better way is there to celebrate the Holidays, than in costume. There is no better way. So we donned our tiaras, face masks, wings, and elvis pants, and took off paddling down the Green Truss at 3 feet. Awesome.

Here's Boomer as a Powerpuff Girl firing off Big Brother

Christie Glissmeyer with her wings

And Jason Schroeder as the Grim Reaper firing off Little Brother

How often is it that you can get 14 people on the river in costume? Awesome.

4. Rock Creek, Washington

Three Cheers for new creeks! After a huge dump of rain, a few of us jumped at the opportunity to paddle a less often paddled creek in the Hood River area. Rock Creek near Stevenson, Washington is a class IV creek with a couple stout drops intermixed. In the "in-between" it's got a little bit of everything: wood, ledge drops, boogie water, slides, and some big holes.

Not to mention this drop: Heaven and Hell. If you don't run the drop, there is a pretty tall seal launch/ramp into the pool below. We chose to go to Heaven and stuck with the seal launch.

Three Swims Falls, portage. Water drops over the edge and into three potholes/sieves. Ouch.

5. Last but not least, paddling the Mckenzie River with my family

Mom and Dad Russell manning the inflatable

Since the day I was born, my sister and parents have been the most loving, caring and supportive people on the planet. I could never ask for better parents or for that matter, sister. I love my family very much and treasure every moment I get to spend with them. Paddling, just the four of us, was a real treat!

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Feel free to post your most memorable days on the water! It's always great to hear about other people's paddling adventures!



Happy Holidays everyone!

Kim Russell