Spring Armada Date Poll 2005

[sbroam]

I need a general purpose clinic - tune up my strokes, critique of skills, suggestions on training/ drills, etc... A slalom clinic wouldn't be bad, since I enjoy that; while I rarely compete, it does relate to river running. I'm game for whatever- I'd learn something from whatever kind of clinic we picked.

Scott

[Sir Adam]

A general clinic would be great! Even if it was on Friday vs. Sat....

There seems to be a consensus for the May 14-15th date. Is there anyone who really, really wants to come and CAN NOT make the May 14-15th date??

[Mike W.]

Just to clarify, I was busting the FOUR Richmonders who paddled Friday last year, but not Saturday

On the clinic, I think Kaz nailed it when he wrote "A slalom course forces me to do moves that I might not normally do on the river. Then while river running, If I find myself in a sticky situation, I say to myself "where have I seen this before?", because it's a move similar to what I had done at a previous race. When I think in those terms I can usually get through the current situation comfortably." So I think general slalom type stuff would be helpful. Although I really like learning new tricks & want to learn more.

I plan to paddle my Acrobat, so squirt stuff would be awesome Since wildwater boats/boaters are probably the rarest group out there, I think leaning towards slalom/river running & neat tricks would be excellent topics to focus on.

Location? Could it be somewhere with a good, beginer level seam?

[Mike W.]

Where did the poll go?

At what point do we confirm the official date?

Last I recall the votes were:
3 - April 16 - 17
3 - April 30 - May 1
6 - May 14 - 15
1 - May 28 - 29

[PAC]

Well the May 14/15 date is sort of confirmed - at least to me! Penciled in on the family calendar that I will be MIA that weekend!
If it's to change I'd like some heads up time so I can get the ducklets in a row! CU There!

[KNeal]

I'm gonna go ahead and put the mid-May NBP weekend in my day planner and lock it in. With luck, Ellen will be able to come up and we'll c-2 the NBP. Unless there is someone else with the gumption to head up this armada weekend, I'll pretty much plan on organizing the thing, again (like there's a lot to do, now ).

Next step is for me to contact Davey Hearn and let him know of our intentions for that weekend and about hosting a c-boat clinic (river running, slalom, technical skills). Can people make it up to D.C. on Friday, May 13? Since Davey is coaching, he may not be able to travel, so we may have to come to him. I'll let him say what location will work best for the clinic. We may need to consider financially making his time worthwhile, either as a donation, camp fund raiser, or a straight up fee. Just to let you know ahead of time.

The next thing is to decide where to paddle Sunday. Cheat (narrows/canyon), Lower Yough, North Branch Potomac (Kitzmiller section), etc. Go ahead and voice your opinions for a Sunday paddle.

Let me know 2 things:

1). Can you come to Washington D.C. on Friday, May 13 for a clinic?

2). Where to boat on Sunday, May 15.

Your vote COUNTS !

KNeal

P.S. For anyone traveling through the Richmond area the week of the NBP Armada, you are welcome to "pm" me about staying overnight and possibly boating the James River.

[Sir Adam]

Thanks for taking the lead on this one as always! You may want to coordinate with SBroam a bit on this one two, as I think he was working on some stuff as well.

I'll be there the 14th and 15th, and if there's a clinic (regardless of what it's on-I need all the help I can get ) I'd be there the 13th. Regarding the Sunday paddle I vote we figure that out Sat. night

[sbroam]

Workin' on it? The only work I've been doing on this is here - posting ideas and managing to make the poll disappear...

Same here on those dates - I've got them on the calendar.

sCott

[Mike W.]

I'm taking off Thursday to travel so I can be wherever the clinic will be on Friday. I would expect to get off of some cash for a clinic.

Sunday paddle? Just let me know 2 things:

1 - will it be deep enough for glass?

2 - if it's much more difficult than the NBP I'll want to bring an additional boat.

Camping. We've been camping at the Savage. They want $10. I've been told of the Corps of Engineers campground up on the lake. They have facilities for only $8 more. What do y'all think? http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commo ... index.html

[PAC]

If the interest is in paddling the Lower Yough on Sunday there will be a need for launch times - unless folks are willing to put on prior to 8AM.
I'm sure there are a number of attendees that will be willing to lead groups down either the entire Lower Yough 4-6+ hours, or just the Loop (1 to 2+ hours depending on the amount of boater playing).

Right now there the hard boat times avialable are as follows:
8 - 9 time slot: 30
9 - 10 time slot: 30
10 11 time slot: 24

There is camping near by both in the State Park (no adult beverages) and at private sites. I can check on costs if there is interest! Let me know!

Also please just remember that the LY is a step up from the NBofP. Other local runs that might be available would be close to the LY would be the Cassleman, Indian Creek, Meadow Run, etc. If willing to dirve a bit further - Cheat Narrows, Cheat, Sandys (Big and Little), etc.
All will be dependent on flow and weather. Again most of these would be higher in difficulty and you should check the AWA page for each section's details to determine your interest.

And now back to KNeal to Koordinate!