Charlotte Whitewater Center

[ncdavid]

I live pretty close to the Center but have been hesitant (okay, chicken) to paddle it. I paddled there yesterday with greybear showing me the lines. It is a blast.

[boatbuster]

When I ran it I was by myself and the competition channel was covered up with competitors training, so I just paddled the other side, which I found quite fun. May have to go back if this lack of rain persists!

[bearboater]

we have a slalom/DR group heading out for JR worlds, and I will be there for about a week training C1 and C2... I have been in contact with Tad, and Joel about it, all the video makes it look like a blast, I am pretty psyched about the bottom drop...
cheers
-isaac

[sbroam]

Isaac -

Come on down to the Saluda while you are in the area - they will be running the "classic" race down here. They'll be running 5,500 CFS which is pretty lively. I plan to volunteer in some capacity. And you can try out the Viper...

[billcanoes]

I just met Joel on Sunday- super nice guy- and he advised that I shouldnt drill into a foam core boat for anchor points because it will delaminate- as opposed to a solid carbon kevlar- or solid glass boat

[knu2xs]

The course requires regular deposits if you paddle here. It, on a regular basis, will collect a few layers of skin off either your knuckles or elbows...sometimes even both. Besides that, bring seam tape and putty for your stern. It has a way of grinding sterns. About once a month, I just glob a bunch of putty on the stern. By a few weeks later, it is time to reapply.

There are opportunities abound for working on skills at almost all levels from intermediate on up. Between the rec and comp channel, you can most definitely keep yourself busy for a long time.

During the time while the FRPA is out here, I will actually be in town. For those who are familiar with my schedule, this can be somewhat hit and miss. Right now I am home for the longest time in five weeks, four days.

[bearboater]

Joel
when are you coming out here? I saw one of your boats today... we gots some good water here wating for you. everyone should check out our FRPA(Front Range Paddle Association) website: www.whitewaterracing.org.
I need to get some of that putty, it's just electrical putty right, or is it the epoxy putty,

Scott,
I will definetely make it down for the classic, I am so lost as for the schedule right now, we are so busy until the 8th or 9th. whenever this event ends, and then we head out the next day. but yeah, I would love to try out the viper. are there other good runs in the area we can take a large group of slalom boats down?
cheers
-isaac

[knu2xs]

Issac, my plane lands at 2115 tonight. That is my old boat from 2005 you've seen. It needs some serious help, but it is destined for a new life once repaired in the hands of a development athlete.

The putty is West Systems 404 High-Density Filler mixed with the epoxy. For this purpose, mix it up about the consistency of peanut butter, spread it on and sand out the rough spots.

I'll see you tomorrow morning.

[Alden]

Do you guys think Charlotte is a good place to "build one's skills" by participating recreationally in the sport of "whitewater slalom racing"? I believe that the loss of skin Joel speaks of on his hand occurs after he and Cathy Hearn have minor disagreements during technique sessions.

In seriousness, and speaking of anchor points (earlier on this thread), what do you guys think about drilling into an old Phoenix boat to make anchor points? It's all glass, obviously, and seemingly durable, quite durable, glass. Was that one of the scenarios covered in your list under "do drill"? I couldn't quite tell based on the sentence in the post.

Alden

[JFD]

Alden,
I would advise drilling as many holes as possible in that boat prior to the upper yough race. Use 1" drill bits. It also helps to glue lead weights in the ends of the boat, and to leave the boat and the skirt out in the hot sun.
Just some friendly advice from a fellow competitor.
jay

[Alden]

Has anyone ever read "Now I Can Die In Peace" by Bill Simmons? It's one of my favorite books, only in part because it's about the Red Sox.

And more importantly, does anyone remember what middle name Simmons attributes to former Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent?

Let's just say that Jay's middle initial is so appetizingly displayed and so wonderfully unconfirmed as to be taken in at least one predictable direction.

I'll be mumbling this in full if I get pinned in Tommy's Hole and "Jay F. Diddy" goes past.

Alden

[billcanoes]

"In seriousness, and speaking of anchor points (earlier on this thread), what do you guys think about drilling into an old Phoenix boat to make anchor points? It's all glass, obviously, and seemingly durable, quite durable, glass. Was that one of the scenarios covered in your list under "do drill"? I couldn't quite tell based on the sentence in the post. "

What I did learn from Joel was NOT to drill into foam core and his explaination made a lot of sense- and I'm so glad I did not drill my Fantome-
where as I think lots of people would not drill under any circumstance- in this case I would

[knu2xs]

I believe that the loss of skin Joel speaks of on his hand occurs after he and Cathy Hearn have minor disagreements during technique sessions.

Alden-

I know better. Cathy would kick my butt.

Regarding participating recreationally in whitewater slalom to hone skills, there is no doubt slalom most definitely will elevate your paddling. Be careful though. I bought a slalom boat a few years ago to simply improve my recreational paddling skills. Now I moved to Charlotte to train full time. It is addictive.