C-Forum

OK.... i've been considering going south for some winter paddling for about a year or so... and have just been told to take my holidays... "use-em or loose-em" so to speak.

I have spoken with the folks at Esprit (Sarah in Canada and Jim in Mexico), both were very helpful, and have decided to give their trip a try.

As I can take my holiday anytime I want, my question is, should I book the week with Mark Scriver, Dooley Tombras or Eli Helbert. I know of them but never met any of them.... I am open to some pointers but really just want to paddle and have a good time. Jim had said "they are all great" ... but that hasn't really helped me decide.

Any experience or suggestions?

Thanks

Jeff

Hey,

I am good friends with Mark and Eli and can honestly tell you that you will have fun and learn a lot from either of them. Eli and Mark are the two best open boaters I know. I have learned a lot from both of them over the years. They are both former world champions in freestyle/rodeo. They are also both great creekers. They have both taught me some really cool techniques for creeking in an open canoe that aren't common knowledge.

Glad to hear you're planning to come down!

Dooley

You couldn't go wrong with any of the three... I know all of these guys personally and they are top notch single bladers in every possible way.

I'd go with Eli. Only because his beard cracks me up!

Actually, I'd probably go with Mark only because of his candian fame for co-writing Thrill of the Paddle.

Or maybe I'd go with Dooley because he posts here.

Glad I could help.

Pat.

Jeff, As stared earlier you can't go wrong.

I've been lucky enough to paddle with all 3 and many times with Mark.

Mark and Eli are former wold champions and will totally amazy you with their skill. Dooley will also amazy you as well and he is one of the strongest paddlers you will meet. And all 3 are totally entertaining to have a conversation.

Having had more opportunity to paddle with Mark, I can say that I have never paddled with him where he didn't do something that I couldn't believe. He also is a great coach on the river. I'm sure Eli and Dooley are equally as strong but I've not personally witnessed them in that situation.

I expect you will get many other replys from the multitude of people they both have helped in the south.

Have fun in Mexico. I wish I could be there as well.

I'm looking for a 4th to get in on a PI clinic with Eli. If you want to try it out & meet him before you go south, let me know!

shannon23mc@yahoo.com

All are too close to chose by who is best. Pick you date by the water. If you are in to big water go early, if you like creekin go later. Even the big water rivers will have water late in the season, it just that more runs will doable the later you wait. You don't want to get on the Alsecan or Rio de Oro with too much water. The Filo Bobo is the only one I found to get too low.

I would first ask myself
- What am I trying to accomplish? Improve freestyle, Steep Creeking, Punch huge holes on big water?
Knowing Mark only by reputation I cannot attest to his teaching abilities. Same applies to my limited encounters with Dooley (knowing only of his incredible creeking skills). I do, however, know Eli quite well. He is arguably the most well rounded open-boater on the planet, having excelled at freestyle as well as steep creeking and slalom. He is also one of the safest guys with whom one could boat. He is a certified wilderness EMT as well as an instructor for WFR WFA swift water rescue...
However, all these skills are far overshadowed by his personality. He is one of the most down-to-earth, even-keel, friendliest, and knowledgeable people I have ever the privilege to meet. He is a lot of fun to be around and makes you feel comfortable at all times.

If I were lucky enough to have the opportunity that you have, I would choose to spend my time with Eli. Good luck with your decision. I am sure you will be more than satisfied no matter what your choice.

-Jake

canoekayakwhitewater.blogspot.com

Eli has the best beard of the three

He is obviously the most flexible as well. How the hades does he get this feet to do that.

Is that a toe ring?

Wow.... it sounds like I cant loose. I really just want to have a fun time boating, happy to get some pointers, eat drink and have a good time.

Another question... Has anyone heard much about Esprit before. I have been to their website (impressive), seen some videos, and they seem to be pretty together. Any thoughts.... anyone know these guys?

Leaning towards Jan or Feb,

Jeff

They have to be good people. They stock and paddle OC1s. What more do you need to know?

I was down at Gauleyfest and open boated the lower (not quite ready for the upper!), and met Eli and Dooley. Both were really nice people, and, while they were doing the more advanced stuff, certainly didn't discriminate against someone who was still learning.

I was pretty impressed, and am actually heading down to Mexico with Esprit in January to paddle with Dooley. I would have loved to have been able to take more time off and stay down there to have the chance to paddle with more than one of them!

I guess my message is:
1) I'm excited to paddle in the winter where it's warm
2) I don't think it really matters who you pick. They all seem great.

Maybe see you down there?

Hi Jeff,

As we spoke on the phone, recommending one of Mark, Dooley or Eli over another is pretty much impossible. We are really looking forward to having all three come down and join us this winter in Mexico.

Just one week until Mark's trip starts... and there is still space available for any last minute additions!

jim