The Spirit of a Man, The Soul of a River

Me at Freight Train, Cal-Salmon, CA Photo: Jared Sandeen

Over the last month I have pushed myself, helped push my friends and have been pushed to paddle more than I ever have paddled before.  Today, I sit here tired, dirty, smelly, worn out and very happy.  I paddled just under six vertical miles in less than 30 days.  That is more than the height of Mt. Everest. As a team we raised $6500 for First Descents kayak camp, helping to get cancer survivors out on the water.

Me at S-Turn, Little White, Photo: Drew Austell

In the last 6 months I have had the chance to explore some of the most beautiful areas I could imagine.  From snowy days on the Upper Blackwater in West Virginia, to two days on the pristine waters of the Perth in New Zealand, back to the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia and southeastern classics.  Then back out to the Northwest for a multi-day trip on the Owyhee, some rare springtime runs on Trout Creek, high water on the Columbia Gorge classics, then down to northern California in the Salmon drainage, which boasts many beautiful granite gorges flowing of crystalline waters.  All of these places were explored and experienced from river level.  In a small, buoyant, piece a plastic which I have used to navigate the path laid before me.  These places hold a special place in my life.  I have felt the gravitational pull to deep canyons and have answered the call.

Bottom Creek, VA Photo: Curt Joyce

Me on the Upper Perth, NZ Photo: Ken Oliver

Susan, Drew and Jeff chargin' the Miracle Mile of the MF of the NF of the Willamette, OR

In life we all take risks.  Paddling whitewater is a risk that I take and have come to grips with the consequences that come along with it.  I love to paddle.  It drives me, it fullfils me and brings me closer to what I feel is real in life.  I am able to think clearly and directly when pushing myself in whitewater.  The here and now.  I cannot afford to think about anything else beyond the next few strokes.  

Camp, second night of the Owyhee, OR

Paddling whitewater is a deeply psychological endeavor.  That is why a lot of us are addictivly drawn to the sport.  The ability to maintain mental clarity in chaotic situations is paramount.  Therefore whenever paddling at or near ones personal ability, you are always walking a thin line.  Being able to successfully conquer a river physically is much different than being able to psychologically conquer a river or particular rapid.

Day 1 Eddy Flower Vertical Challenge 2010:  THE Off the Cowch Team paddles the length of the White Salmon River - Trout Lake Creek to the Columbia.  

Portaging the soon to be removed Condit Dam and dewater canyon and paddling the final gorge - "The Narrows" 

When a paddler allows him or herself to become mentally comfortable where they are on the river, a whole new world opens up.  This is where I feel like I am able to connect with the soul of a river.  My first encounter with the soul of a river was a solo evening run on the Nordheimer section of the Cal-Salmon.  I had already paddled a few laps on the South Fork of the Salmon and really wanted to try out the classic Nordheimer section.  As usual in Forks of Salmon, CA there weren't many folks around, so I went to the put in and got changed and figured something would work out.  Sure enough as I was walking to the river a friend was taking off with a few first timers and offered to drive my shuttle.  Sweet!

Mind over matter...Drew A entering Lower Zig-Zag, White Salmon River, WA Photo: Curt Joyce

I had never done the run, but got some quick info on some of the rapids and dangers and set out.  I knew the run was within my limits, a deep gorge with deep, big-water class 4+ rapids.  It was primarily read-and-run, with one big rapid I choose to take a look at.

I was feeling good.  Paddling my 12' long boat was smooth and fast.  Efficiently punching waves and holes, accelerating on every stroke.  Paddling through the beautiful granite gorge by myself, I was awestruck.  The beauty was incomprehensible, the evening light on the crystal clear water, the endless mountains of evergreens, and sheer granite walls rising from the river.  The river took on it own persona, and I could feel its soul.  I was not alone.  I wasn't trying to conquer the river, just experience its power.   In fact, I let the river guide me on its course downstream.  Following clues I could read from the surface as to what was going on deep underwater.  The run was awesome.  Finishing the 9 mile section in just over an hour I found my ride waiting for me and he had even stopped to take some pictures while I was deep in the gorge.  It was an amazing day.

Mind, body and soul connect

The river flows beneath

forever

wild, yet serene