I've been incredibly bored at work and got to thinking about how passionate canoers are about their sport. I dare say canoers, as a group, are more committed to their masochistic ways and ignorant to the error of them than about any other group of people I've ever met. I'm not knockin' it, I'm just sayin.' I mean, I've tried for over a year to become a better kayaker, but when it comes down to it, I still prefer my C1 and still feel more comfortable in it (mentally, not physically of course). So in my attempt to deepen my daydreamstate at work, I'm trying to pin down some of the events and people throughout the history of whitewater canoeing that really represent this passion. I think this could be an interesting thread, especially with the depth of knowledge (read: all the old farts ) available on this forum. So... What have been some of the major milestones of whitewater canoeing (and I mean OC and C, squirt, freestyle, fringe, monumental undertakings, etc...)?
What have been some design/materials changes that have shaped the future of the sport?
Who are the people that have driven this innovation/passion/craziness and deserve to be recognized for their hard work? Paddlers, Designers, Advocates, Activists, etc...
Also, what are people's thoughts on what drives this passion and keeps people climbing back in the saddle decades after decades. What drives people like Adam and Kenneth and Sara to build and maintain this archive of history and know-how for the thankless price of nothing? What drives people like Jeremy to be unhappy with the other boats they see out there and build their own? See what I'm getting at? I can't wait to hear the responses. Is there a Louie translator on hand that can help moderate this post?
Paul Mason & Mark Scriver publishing "Thrill of the Paddle" helped inspire my paddling.
Right... Awesome pictures in this book too.
Bill mason, Paul's father was a canadian canoeist, naturalist and film producer that has also inspired generations of paddlers. Thanks to the NFB most of its productions are now available for free online viewing. Like waterwalker:
I didn't get to go to Frankie's funeral but my friend El Diablo did. He told me that Frankie's family had no idea what an impact he had on the paddling world. His boats paved the way for what we paddle now, both in boats and runs.
Had one of Frankie's designs (Viper 12) and met him once. Posted to the thread on BT about his passing. Got an email from the family thanking me for acknowledging his life. Said it all about Frankie and his family.
- All the Massive C1 and OC1's by Ian Thompson (Air, Departure and Groove). Some serious outside of the box thinking there. Definitely pushed the design envelope.
- The Ceemweaver by Jim Snyder. Brought Cquirt design to a new level.
TGG!
Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing - Henry David Thoreau
) available on this forum. So...
