C-Forum

I was pondering what makes us think of someone as at the pinnacle of CBoating, and thought it might be interesting to compare the "who" and the why.

Here's a start... DEFINITELY not a complete list:

Who:
Davey Hearn

Why:
Olympic medalist, very down to earth approachable guy, still coaching / instructing / giving back to the sport

Eli:
Phenemenal paddler, competes at the international level, great instructor, comes across as a real nice guy

Dooley:
You've seen the videos. Wow. He can really style it up. But he's also happy to hop on class II and help get some new folks in the sport. I haven't had the privilege to meet him yet, but seemed very passionate about canoeing in The Canoe Movie

Kaz:
Numerous slalom OC champion, boat designer, and super laid back about it all

John Sweet:
Numerous first descents, got lots of folks in to boating / racing in State College, helped out with the history section in this site quite a bit. A real wealth of knowledge that he's willing to share, and correct, in a kind, but firm manner

Jamie McEwan:
Olympic medalist, expedition boater, coach, writer, he's done a tremendous amount for the sport. I'd say he's down to earth, but he flatwater tours in a CASCADE at times. That's one way to keep in shape!


So, who do you think of as one of the "greats", and why?

Hey Adam - Didja forget about Lugbill?

I had to leave someone for others to add:)

I consider him a racing great for sure (look at his record!)

But since he stopped racing, what has he been up to (I honestly don't know).

To me, as you may have noticed, what makes folks "great" is:
1) Great accomplishments (and therefore paddling:) )
2) Helping to grow the sport through helping others / being approachable by newbies / etc...

Others I'm sure have different definitions.

Someone posted a link to a podcast with Lugbill's speech at his Whitewater Hall of Fame induction - "In Between Swims"? if you haven't heard it, it's great.

Wayne Dickert! Olympian, great boater, great teacher, and a model of humility. No better whitewater ambassador (canoe OR kayak!) than Wayner, in my book.

I was hoping someone would add Wayner:)

Like I said, I didn't post my full list:)

Frank Bell

Common themes of the 'great ones' - personable, gives back to the sport, encourages others, talented but humble. Arrogance doesn't look good on anyone, no matter how accomplished a boater they are (or think they are), and it's definitely no fun to be around. Gets old VERY quickly.

Keep them coming... don't forget - names, and WHY (not not why )

Frankie Hubbard

All the great boat designs we hold so dear and are still using. When you would see him a river or at a put in he was always just another paddler. Very humble.

Wayner for sure. Unbelievable paddler. A gentleman. A gentle man. Always positive. Head of instruction at NOC. As badass a shuttle road driver as you'll ever find. Good enough to paddle with anyone. Not too good to paddle with first-timers. Has encouraged and coached hundreds (thousands?) of boaters.

Kent Ford

C1 olympic champion and has done a lot for visibility of the sport, and brought a lot of interest around C1ing in particular.

How about Kent Ford?

His videos have taught many a paddler across multiple disciplines of paddle sport. He has a long list of accomplishments promoting this sport He's been a world class competitor and is in the International Whitewater Hall of Fame. Best of all he is also one the most likable people you will ever meet.

Nolan Whitesell
http://kurtmullen.com/PDFs/Canoe&Kayak_Innovators.pdf

Harold Deal

Designed some great whitewater boats, and won the open boat class at the nationals an ungodly number of times, like 24 or more. Plus he's a real nice guy.

And gotta give props to the Godfather, Bill Mason.