Lost tribe of open boaters discovered

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:15 pm

On yesterdays family trip ( two kids solo for first time and Mexican wife in hard boat for first time). OC1King, Pinchalocogringo, and Mexican family and I were takin a break below stairstep rapids when a large group of open boater began to congragate and surf. Despite the three or so Ocoees, one Skeeter, one well outfitted Probe, and one Phantom:the collection of Mad Rivers and Old Towns lead me to belive it had to be a TSRA trip, so I ask "TSRA ?" BSA was the reply I thought must be Eagle scouts, OC1 King says "kinda old ain't un?" to which the rather skargly leader replied Baby Sitter of American and we are the counsler. He reconinized us from the Mexican videos and struck up a conversation. We ended up runnin the rest of the river more or less in proximity of each others group and as I observed the equipment ( good but well used) and the skill level displayed by eight or nine out of the group of fifteen I felt for sure this group had to have had many class three and four trip under there belt. At the take out during conversation I found out that most had not done the Ocoee or Tellico and while they knew of Clear Creek and the Obed their exsperances were mainly on the upper Clear Creek and other class II run from the system. They knew of ALF and their groups guru, Steve had attended, but they were hesitant to come and join in. This group is from the Cookville area and have appear to have an average age of late thirties to mid forties. I know that gettin aine or so middle age open boater on more III and IV runs will help but not really tip the scales in our favor over the butt boaters. I think perhaps the thing we should look at is the BSA angle. If we could move this and other groups like these who only skin pop the whitewater drug into full blow mainlineing, we can have our addiction move down hill to what could be an untapped source of new and young recruits to help replinish our ranks. I truely feel many in that group are ready to move up. Two weekend from now I will be goin to the Ocoee with some of this group and even a few of their more advanaced scouts, I have agggread to show them the sneak routes for those who showed tripidation. I have also agread to return with the family the following day to the Hiawussie and boat with some of the new and younger members who aren't ready for the Ocoee. If PLG and myself would be an influence on theis group as the consulers suggested, can you picture the effect good boaters like Dooley and Chad would have on them. Charlie ( dooley dad ), Dick, and Doopey could even help influnence the older and in less than perfect physical shape group. Dooley if you have some split tail you need to take down an easy run, I can get Chad to go. Here is a chance to give back to the sport and help recruit fresh meat into our ranks.

ezwater · Post by **ezwater** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:22 pm

I might go as hole bait on the Hiawussie, but I may never be up for the Slocoee in an open boat.

Post by **PAC** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:23 pm

Go for Louie! A great way to capture heart and minds early on for keeping the C alive!!! Keep us posted on how it goes!

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:37 pm

EZ would love to have you, Family will be there and you can see PLG in the Flesh. You can report back to the Kiddy pool that he is real.

Mr.DeadLegs · Post by **Mr.DeadLegs** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:56 pm

Will PLG be in a boat or that rubber thing? Keep us posted as to day and time. We could possibly have a C-Armada down the river.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:27 pm

Oh no, no more raftin for PLG, he will hardboat the Ocoee the Saturday before he returns to the Hiawussie on Sunday the 26th.

horizongfx · Post by **horizongfx** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:06 pm

We could possibly have a C-Armada down the river.

Count me in; OC1 King is my Hero!!
http://horizongraphics.biz/zenpaddler/photopage.html

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:12 pm

PLG YOU WANT TO FIELD THIS ONE?

ckingoc1 · Post by **ckingoc1** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:13 pm

Back at ya Bob

Dooleyoc-1 · Post by **Dooleyoc-1** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:14 pm

Leave it up to Louie. If they're out there he'll find them.

Let me know when you're hitting the Ocoee. I'll come for sure.

PS- I do need to take a girl down the Nantahala in a couple of weeks. I need to borrow Jim's caption that is set up for tandem.

PPS- I hung out with Jim last night. I'm going to get a L'Edge for him. He wants it fully open with wood gunnels like mine will be.

Mr.DeadLegs · Post by **Mr.DeadLegs** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:22 pm

I have an ME set up tandem with Kneeling Thwarts you could try if you want.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:44 pm

What is he going to do with two? That is what he told me to get for him. Yes I did a lot of work to the Caption and Lucero and I used it yesterday.

karstmaninaboat · Post by **karstmaninaboat** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:05 pm

I don't think I am ready for the Ocoee, but I would like to join on the Hiwassee, if it's ok. I only live 2 miles from it...

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:15 pm

Ocoee is a long river with many parts to it, I can't believe that you could not do from say right below Hollywood hole to above table saw, but reguardless yes the more the better on the Hiwassee, if these scouts were to see a large group they might just realize that they don't have to spend their boatin life sittin on their asses wearing womens clothing, and of course we will explaine the difference a skirt and a kilt

D-Caption · Post by **D-Caption** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:45 pm

hey Louie me and some friends are headed to the chatooga this weekend of 17th through the 19th. We plan to paddle Friday morning on the Chatooga, Nantahala or Hiwassie on Sat and short section of Slocoee on Sunday. Anyone going to be in the Area this weekend. Need more single stickers to paddle with us someone who knows the lines. We will be paddeling Ocoee, Caption and a Rival and one Yacker. thanks D-Caption

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