C-Forum

Ok, not quite your typical Armada...it's the 50th annual Hudson River whitewater derby!

http://www.whitewaterderby.com

I can provide a place with water and an outhouse if folks need a place to camp. I'll be racing both days.

One BIG update to the races- PRIZES! In the past there have always been trophies...this year we have those, AND each entry gets a raffle ticket (enter 3 races, get three tickets). Prices include $100 off an Echo Paddle, Helmet donated by Millbrook Boats, T-shirts, Hats, even a NEW Fox Kayak (ok it's a kayak, but still, not a bad prize!).

It would be GREAT to have a strong CBoat and OC Boat presence this year for the 50th. If you're thinking of coming, please let me know (post here, PM or e-mail me).

Hey Adam

I plan on making this one, racing both days. To reduce the driving around, if your camping is local to the race yes please, I've also some favorite spots up there. I've also got a special delivery for you from Scott.

Maybe we can drag StingRay and the Spawn out of them Vermont woods.

I don't know if this is cool to ask, strategy wise, but hey it's the derby; what's your race boat of choice?

Strategy! ha! I either go for one of my pretty boats, or whatever one I think will be fastest (mostly for the slalom).

For the 50th I may drag out an old Hahn just for historys sake, but probably not (I'll be in 3 races on Sat...I need all the speed help I can get!), so probably the Fanatic II for CC1, Tomahawk for C2 with Marko, and Ace III (provided I get around to fixing it from last years derby...) for the Downriver Sprint, then also racing it on Sunday in the Downriver.

Hopefully the water will be at a nice level this year (5' +)...it makes it a more exciting slalom, faster downriver, and more open boat (particularly aluminum) carnage in Staircase for the spectators:)

I'll e-mail you directions to the camping spot when we're closer to the derby - anyone else just post here or PM me, and I'll add you to the list!

Thanks for thinking of me!
I might be able to make it.
I definitely need to find a way to paddle.

Congratulations to Adam for winning the C1 class in the downriver race on Sunday. I would post a photo if I could figure out how to do it.

It was a beautiful day and the Hudson was at a great level.

I was in a group of paddlers watching the race from the river. We practiced our rescue skills quite a few times.

Maybe next year I'll have to enter. I could have won women's OC1 no matter how slow I paddle in a Zoom.

Did you say you paddled C2 with Marko!?!?

I assume this isn't the same Marko from Drakkar but I figured I would ask.

For the past few years I've paddled OC2 or C2 with Marko...Schmale.

Yes, there is more than one Marko who CBoats (though Marko S. doesn't often...we DID convince him to take a Cascade down the Hudson Gorge a few years ago, though. A good day for all:)

Marko is the manager of the Hudson Base of Whitewater Challengers, and has been there for over 20 years...he's a great fellow all around.


As usually, our paddling was in a class by itself...literally.

At least Jim Underwood appeared for the C1 slalom portion (yes, he beat me, as usual).

Downriver I ended up paddling my Fanatic II. was a nice work out.

Lots of open boat carnage this year in Staircase (last rapid).

Overall a great derby...I think there were over 200 participants (just over 100 each day), weather was perfect, and we gave out trophies to MANY MANY people...as well as almost 100 prizes that had been donated by Gore Mountain, Echo Paddles (Thanks again Andy!), Millbrook Boats (you too, Kaz!), Whitewater Challengers, Beaverbrook Outfitters, Old Town, Garnet Hill Cross Country Ski Center, Cafe Sarah, Upper Hudson Bluegrass Festival, and CBoats.net

It looks like there will be a 51st, and I suspect attendance may be even higher next year - the prizes (other than trophies) were a big hit:)

It was nice running in to lots of folks I know as well, from LEW and Li'l D to Chuck W and many Derby regulars.

It was also nice seeing the Kayaks out numbered by so many canoes (even if I was practically the only decked one...).