1st Time on the Deerfield

Follow the planning and aftermath of WT trips.

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lora925
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1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

Ok so a few of you have expressed interest in hearing how my first trip on the Deerfield went so I thought I would post a brief follow-up here.

My trip can be summed up in one word; WOW.

I signed up with the AMC CT Whitewater club for their On River K1 instructional which was held on Sun June 13th. They brought all kinds of extra boats and gear for us newbs to use for the day (pre-registration definitely required). There were twenty paddlers participating on this day, a couple of them were children.

After a pre-launch safety/intro meeting, we were split up into 4 smaller groups of 5. Three newbs/less experienced kayakers to two experienced paddler/instructor level types. We were on the river by 11 am. We launched after the Fife Brook, just below the first rapid called Hangover Helper where we all had to demonstrate our wet exists and/or our combat rolls before starting our big adventures. I was in a Perception 3D, and a bit nervous. The wet exit went fine though so I calmed down and was set to go. I decided I would not try to roll today, though I was tempted.

We practiced some basic strokes (forward/reverse, forward sweep/revers sweeps) and then quickly began learning how to peel in/peel out of eddies and how to find eddies behind rocks. It was not long before I got to attempt my first unassisted self rescue on the river ;) Which was promptly followed by my first assisted rescue on a river. I was like a rider who fell off her horse; I got right back on and tried again but was quickly denied.

This time, I didn't wet exit properly and got one of my legs stuck in the boat for a brief moment and took on a bit of water into my lungs. Where I was on the strong side of the river and coughing up some h2o, my leaders advised me to let go of my gear, grab a loop, and kick ;) After emptying out this time, my confidence level was shot and so I decided not to try another peel in for a while.

So with my confident level at zero, I revised my expectations for the day and planned on taking the easiest route I could find for the remainder of trip. I let my leader know of my plans and she confidently told me that she knows that route (I believe she refers to it as the "sneak route") very well and so I should follow her. I believe we were heading into a place known as Ping Pong Alley (or something like that) by this point in the trip.

In the mean time, the confidence levels of the others in my group was increasing and so I got to watch them attempt to master their boat handling skills. One of them soon found herself going for a swim and so my leader had to leave me to go assist her. I quickly looked around for the nearest rock to duck behind and sat there to relax for a while. My fellow paddler had some difficulties re-entering and so we had an extended break.

When all was well, we were off again, but I had lost my escort. I sat there holding on to the rock for a bit contemplating my route and watching (wishing?) to see if maybe someone was going to come back for me (lol)?

There was another nice big rock coming up on river left so I thought I would duck in again behind that. My fellow paddler took another swim (those back to backs are killers) and so others from my group, who were not involved with the rescue, were already having a break behind my destination rock by the time I inched my way to it.

I thought I had chosen the easiest line but was soon surprised by a couple rocks just below the surface that I had not seen earlier causing the water to go all squirrelly on me. I made it through though and got to breath/relax again while we waited for our friend to recover. She clearly was going to need assistance the rest of the way; on top of her confidence level now being shot, she was cold and bruised up a bit. So at this point I knew I was just going to have to suck it up and get myself to the takeout.

There were points in the remaining legs of the trip where we could simply relax and drift down the river but then it was soon time to go back to work again :) With great determination, I managed to stay in my boat for the rest of the way. There were times I was both scared and excited at the same time. I dropped a "f" bomb or two as well as a few other choice words as I made my way through the rough stuff.

I was completely spent by the time we reached the take-out on river right before what is known as the Zoar Gap. In hind sight, I was thankful that I had been forced into fending for myself as had that not happened, I might not have wanted to give it another try.

The drive home was another challenge. I was forced to take a break to get some caffeine (and some pizza and a scoop of ice cream ;) at one point just to keep my eyes open. I made it home shortly before dark and couldn't wait for bed.

I'll be going again in a couple weeks for the Zoar demo weekend :mrgreen:
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

Good job Lora!

It's a big challenge to immerse someone directly in class 2 water. Boston AMC structures their classes differently. You spend two nights on the pond working on basic strokes and learning how to paddle while edging the boat.

On the river trip the 1st morning we try to be on the water before the release bubble so that students can learn how to peel out, eddy turn; and ferry in mild current. After we break for lunch the water from the dam will have reached our location, and we spend the afternoon working a short section of class 2 water.

On the 2nd day students run the section you ran, but they have had about 12 hours of instruction & practice. The difference in students capabilities & confidence between Saturday morning & Sunday afternoon is huge. I helped out with an instructional last month that omitted the 2 pond sessions, and we had many more swimmers than in sessions with pond practice. Swimming is part of learning. That said it is much less work to stay in your boat.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect the next time you will be more comfortable and enjoy yourself more.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by kayakerjnj »

Kudos to you Lora!!!!

You did great!

Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by NorwayLady »

You are awesome Lora. You got right back on that horse! Good for you.

White water stuff sounds like so much fun, but I have never tried it. It is on my "bucket list" though.....so one of these days...
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by norm »

Lora - thanks for sharing your experience. I'm surprised they started you up the river that far.

I wanted to try the classes Chris mentioned, but couldn't fit it into my summer schedule.

At least you can now give truthful answers when you fill out the paperwork to use demo boats with Zoar. I had to lie about my abilities and whitewater experience last year. We just tried a one mile section below the bridge where Zoar sets up the demo area. From the sound of your description, the area we did was much tamer, but my son and I both swam while trying to do eddy turns.

I'm definitely going to sign up for some of the free clinics at Zoar on Friday the 25th if my son is not with me. Or maybe you can show me what you learned...if you can watch that foul language! :shock:
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

norm wrote:Lora - thanks for sharing your experience. I'm surprised they started you up the river that far.

I wanted to try the classes Chris mentioned, but couldn't fit it into my summer schedule.

At least you can now give truthful answers when you fill out the paperwork to use demo boats with Zoar. I had to lie about my abilities and whitewater experience last year. We just tried a one mile section below the bridge where Zoar sets up the demo area. From the sound of your description, the area we did was much tamer, but my son and I both swam while trying to do eddy turns.

I'm definitely going to sign up for some of the free clinics at Zoar on Friday the 25th if my son is not with me. Or maybe you can show me what you learned...if you can watch that foul language! :shock:


Norm - in my opinion the section that you ran is not any easier than the upper sections above zoar gap. The current can be just as strong and there are rocks. The additional thing that you see on the section that Lora ran is places where the river splits around islands; and when they meet up there can be strong eddy lines which can upset a boater who isn't prepared to deal with them. Running the upper section just gives you the opportunity to run more class 2 rapids.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by Chip »

Way to go Lora. You are an inspiration.
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lora925
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

Norm, I'll be arriving Thursday night so I can get an early start on Friday. I'll be staying right there at Zoar's lodge. I'm more than happy to join you on any clinic. We will have to talk before hand though as my cell phone doesn't get a signal in that area. I'm staying through Saturday night so we have both Friday and Saturday. I need to leave Sunday morning, probably before any clinics, as I have a 1pm call time for outdoor concert that afternoon. Maybe with some luck, we can find a group to do that stretch of the river again on Saturday? I don't know if that is something we can arrange to do a head of time or not - or if you're interested in giving that a go or not. We will figure out when we get closer to departure time.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by Todd »

Way to go Lora, you are an inspiration.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by noseykate »

Like Chris, I'm surprised they started you right in on that section of river. Good that you had some paddling time under your belt already, even if not whitewater. Sounds like you'd be more comfortable if you KNEW you could wet exit without a problem. You might want to practice that with someone standing by to help if needed, until you are confident that you can do it. Could be that a different boat would make that easier for you too.

I'll add my kudos to the general shout! Way to go get it! It will be easier every time, and more fun. As you found out, there's not a lot of down time on the river - always those barely submerged rocks or those eddy lines or or or. And like you, I refresh my stock of swear words on whitewater trips, as unexpected near-calamities happen. Time-honored tradition.

I look forward to running rivers with you (and Chris, if I can keep up).

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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

I'm good with planned wet exits, but apparently I need to work on those unplanned ones that happen in the heat of the moment. Guess I'll just have to get back out there and try again :)

Seriously though, the thy braces were different enough to warrant doing them a bit more, which I will do at every available opportunity.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by NorwayLady »

Lora. When are you going out there again??? My bonus-niece Emma just signed up for a two day intro course through Zoar. When I heard that, I begged her to ask me to join her. So I am going too!!! We arrive late Tuesday night and have classes on Wednesday and Thursday. We are returning to Boston late Thursday night. What's your schedule?
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

We are just going to miss each other, I won't get up there until 8 or 9 pm Thursday night:( Glad you're getting to go though. Can't wait to hear all about it.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

Have fun Bea!

If you are looking for places to eat dinner the Biker Bar @ Mohawk Park Campground is the best place in Charlemont. Very good food. It is on the right just past where rt 2 crosses over the Deerfield. The charlemont inn is good but service can be s l o w.

The water temp isn't too bad (then again you are in a bathing suit when everyone else is still in drysuits).
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by norm »

Bea - it seems you've done a 180 degree turnaround in your thoughts on whitewater! You didn't seem very interested last week. You're really turning this into your summer of adventure! I hope you have a good time and enjoy it. I'm sure the Zoar people will do a good job of teaching you proper whitewater safety.

I'll be arriving out there Thursday evening also and staying at the Country Aire campground. Keep your eyes open on your way home and maybe we'll cross paths and wave on the highway. I'll have a 30 foot long white trailer with blue stripes behind my truck which I'm sure you recognize.

If you really fall in love with the whitewater, bring your tent, stay over Thursday night at Country Aire and join Lora and I at the free Zoar clinics Friday.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by NorwayLady »

Hi guys.

Chris: thank you for the dining suggestion. My 20 year old bonus niece will probably love the idea of the Biker Bar!! We are planning on a big dinner, since we will probably burn a few days worth of calories while on the river.

Sorry to miss you, Lora. Looking forward to exchanges experiences next time I see you on the water. This is my first intro to white water. I tried Jordan's white boat at Hanson last year, and I was spinning like a tea cup. That's all I know about those boats.

I'll look for you on the road, Norm. If you hear some enthusiastic honks from a Silver Honda Accord 2009, then that is me. That's the car I drive when I don't carry long boats.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by KAYAK KEN »

Lora,
when I was in my early teens I had my first intro to white water from a friend who was pretty good.I lived in CT. so T-Ville was the place to go. I got into the boat paddle back and forth though a forgiving eddy line, then went over to another eddy line that wasn't as forgiving. I edged the boat the wrong way and SPLOOSH! When I exited the boat I was in a set of rapids head first down stream , separated from the boat, and a bit scared sh-tless. I got out in an eddy after bouncing of a couple rocks. Once I collected myself and all the gear I said to myself,"that will be the first and last time I do that. It was the last time I did that. I am only now thinking of giving it another try. I have allot of respect for people that are avid W.W paddlers . I have a ton of respect for you for "getting back on the horse". Thanks for you trip report and please continue to tell us about your learning process.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by NorwayLady »

Hi guys.

Thanks Chris for suggesting the Biker Bar at the Mohawk Trail. Awesome food. The second evening we drove down
to Shelburn Falls (15 minutes away), and did a walking tour of the "Bridge of Flowers" and ate in the center of the village. Beautiful place.

Thanks Lora for posting some place about zero cell reseption. I had told my husband and also Emma's mom before we left. They knew "no news was good news".

Emma and I had signed up for the two day novice white water clinic through Zora and loved it. We were 8 students and 2 instructors. Both morning were spent on the pond working on all sorts of basic skills. The water release of the dam is not until after 11:00 am (not every day). The first morning we did many wet exits to get comfortable doing them. We did all sorts of strokes and played some fun games. The next morning we did more of the same, plus adding on new skills.

The first afternoon we launced below the Zoar gap and practiced basic white water skills, such as finding the eddies and the eddylines, how to approach them, how to ferry across from one side of the river to the other. We played "follow the leader" and they would make it as challenging as they thought we could handle. Some of us went for a swim, and when that happened everyone was asking to paddle to safety so the instructors could both help. I managed to stay in my boat the whole time (except for the mandatory wet exits the first day) Maybe I did not push myself too hard, but I played it safe. I really tried to stay in complete control. I am not a good paddler, but just a chicken when it comes to flipping over (I avoid it at all cost)

The second day we put in way above the Zoar gap, and took out just above the gap. All of us did so much better the second day, and we were able to look at the river and pick a route. We were watching out for the strainers (dead trees in the river....stay away from those), and we were looking at the rocks and how the water flows around and over them. Toward the end of the day we got caught in a severe storm system that came through. High winds, hard rain, a few rumbles etc. That was the coolest thing. Sur-real to be on a moving river when so much was happening up above. Loved it! (That's the weather system that hit Wayland later in the day)

We took out right above Zoar gap, and the instructors were going to paddle the gap (class 3). First we all walked down the road to a good view point of the gap. Instructor Aaaron was explaining to us all the features and possible route to take. One of the students who had lots of white water practice said he was willing to try (he had done it before), and the rest of us sat on the guard rail waiting for them to come down. Instructor Jan made it down the gap doing all sorts of cool stuff; spinning, rolling, riding the standing waves. Then came student Dan. He did awesome the first 1/2, and then all of a sudden he flipped. He tried to roll back up in the rushing water, but no luck. It was the scariest thing to watch. His 13 year old son seemed cool with it. "I know what my dad is trying to do".........By then instructor Aaron was by Dan's side, and helped him exit and bring him to safeety. Those were the longest seconds of my life...it felt like minutes. I asked Dan if he hit anything, and he said he heard a few dinging sounds against his helmet. The rest was a blur!

Would I do white water again. Of course. When can we go?? I learned so much in the two days. The Zoar instructors broke the process into baby steps, and I really feel I have a pretty good grip. Now I am just dying to practice my skilles. I can look at a river, and know where the safe spots are and what to stay away from. We mostly did class 1 with some class 2 mixed it. Zoar Gap is a classic 3, which I know I will probably never do, but Emma might.

I am thinking of all the Wild Turkeys who are out there this weekend for demo day. Can't wait to exchange notes. Also looking forward to look at the Cohasset rip and Little Harbor. Now I have a better understading of how the water runs, and might consider coming out to play!
Last edited by NorwayLady on Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:15 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by noseykate »

Sounds like a fantastic 2 days, Bea!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Zoar does a good job adding challenge incrementally. Don't discount class 3 right away... you'd be amazed how quickly skills increase and what looked impossible becomes reasonable. I'm sure your classmate who ran the gap was never in grave danger. I've seen people run that stretch in every conceivable way and in all manner of floating conveyances. They all come through fine.

Yes, come to Cohasset!! It's excellent training, right in our backyard. Safe too, and you'll have the support of friends. Don't expect to always be upright though. None of us manage that.

Congratulations on your successful 2 days.

NK
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by norm »

Bea - glad to hear you enjoyed the whitewater! Lora and I were both saying how curious we were about whether you'd like it or not. We did a clinic together Friday morning below the gap and then did a section above the gap in the afternoon. I wasn't so lucky about staying in the boat. Went over and thought about trying to roll until I got a glimpse of the rocks whipping past my head and decided to get out quick and hit them with my feet instead of my helmet. Lora missed my flip but was there to assist downstream when she noticed I was swimming. We walked around the gap and watched the pros and wanna-be pros go through the gap. Jan was one of our guides and we watched him make the gap look easy, but there were a couple sales rep pros that really made the gap look like a playground. We saw many people flip over in the gap and 4 or 5 that had to swim when they missed their roll a few times in the roughest section.

I went to dinner with Lora and Alice at the "Biker Bar". Great food! We ran into Chris there. I think we missed some of the true experience of the place by going to the dining room instead of the bar area where the bikers are. So, I ended up going back there today for lunch with my son. We got there just before a couple biker gangs rolled in. We were going to sit outside in our wet clothes but the bartender said don't worry about it, kayakers come in and sit with wet clothes all the time. The place really filled up while we were there. Mostly with bikers that time of day, but we did see a foursome of guys that were obviouly golfers roll into the parking lot as we headed back to the river.

Today I paddled below the gap with my son - no swimming today. Crossed paths with Lora doing clinics, BeanBoy racing in his Manitou 13, and KayakWidow at the picnic area. I think Chris might be in this campground so I'll have to take a walk and see if I can find him after dinner...he's probably at the biker bar again. :D
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

Bea - I am glad that you and your niece had such a great time!

If you want to paddle more, you can paddle with the AMC(even if you aren't a member). If you paddle with the boston amc you can rent a boat/paddle/pfd/helmet/skirt for around $15(might be a bit more if you aren't a member) from the boathouse in Lincoln, Ma.

There are a couple of class 2 trips from July - Sept that would be appropriate for you. They are back on the Fife, Pemi Bristol, and Tville section of Farmington. Check out http://trips.outdoors.org (select boston chapter and then paddling)

You should also be able to rent/demo boats from Zoar - especially since you have taken clinics with them.(it may be easier if you say that you are demoing when calling) They also sell off some of their rental fleet each fall in sept/oct.

I did see Norm & Lora at the Gap yesterday after we finished our run of the Dryway. This morning one of my friends was demoing a boat on the Dryway, so I did see Lora & KayakWidow hobnobbing with a world champion and his mom as Lora was getting fitted to a boat.

Great weekend, and managed to camp without being rained on for the first time in years!
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by Todd »

Good to hear the trip went well for you Bea. I'll see you soon to hear in person what it was like.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

I'm back from my excellent weekend adventure now too :) Kayak Widow and I both had a great weekend, and I still have perma grin, though I can barely keep my eyes open. I did two clinics on Friday (with Norm) and another two on Saturday but with a different boat and paddle on most of them which made things even more interesting. I had a concert on Sunday so we had to leave before the clinics began. Too bad to as from what I saw, the crowd was the smallest on Sunday.

Norm and I began with a clinic on Friday called "Balanced Paddler and Edge Control" where we were taught varying positions of edging as well as indicators as to when your not using enough edge (twitchy boat). I kept wanting to use the wrong edge when entering or exiting an eddy for some reason too and so I got to really work on correcting that. This clinic was two hours long and took place at a section of the river just below the mini gap. I used a Wave Sport Diesel 70 for this clinic and a stock Werner paddle. This boat was so big (8' long, 40lbs) that I had to let it slide down the trail in front of me all the way to the water. I felt very safe and comfortable in it though and I think I finally got to pay Norm back by having the heavier of the two boats for a change too -LOL

After lunch, Norm and I did the "Open Paddling with Team Z, Pro Paddlers, and You" where we got to put our new skills to good use on a section of the Fife Brook known as the Christmas Tree area to the take out just before the gap. This clinic went from 1 to 4. I used a Wave Sport Fuse 64 and a bent shaft demo Werner paddle that was specially designed for river running for this clinic (I don't recall the name of the paddle). Unfortunately, I was not educated about boats enough at this point to realize that using a boat that is too big for you is neither fun nor practical. Someone else had checked out the Fuse 56 that morning and she wasn't willing to turn it back in for anyone else to try that afternoon. I let the rep talk me into going with the bigger boat. Looking back now I guess that was a good learning experience as well. I was barely able to get even the second position edge going with this boat. But with low water levels, the river was very newbie friendly today so I managed to stay in my boat and enjoy the afternoon. I would have liked to have worked more on improving my skills (play) along the way down the river as there was a lot of waiting around but without having much control I decided to play it safe.

On Saturday, I took the "Improve Your Roll" clinic in the morning and the “Paddle Like a Girl with Grace and Finesse” clinic in the afternoon. I used a 2010 Jackson Fun boat with the happy feet and happy seat outfitting installed and a Werner Twist straight shaft paddle. I fell in love with this setup and nearly came home with them both. I didn't plan on switching boats today as I really wanted to see how I would handle this boat out on the river too (especially where I was beginning to entertain the idea of purchasing one). I was not as stable as I was with the Diesel but it fit me like a glove and it was much more manageable to move around with as it is only 6'5" long and weighs only 31 lbs.

I would definitely have a steeper learning curve with a boat like this. Anyway long story shorter, Kayak Widow helped bring me to my senses and I didn't buy one - LOL I did find the boat easy to roll and easy to edge but my lack of skills is greatly magnified in this boat. It was like starting all over again. I was very skiddish at the beginning of the clinic and just when I thought I was starting to get the hang of things again, my instructor went off to get the van and left me in the hands of another who decided it was time for me to practice with my eyes closed and... well lets just say I ended the day with a nice refreshing swim :)

Anyway, I've gone on too long now and have much more to say but my pillow is calling me so that's all for now, though I do want to give a shout out to Chris for all of his helpful suggestions both on and off the boards, thanks Chris :)
Last edited by lora925 on Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by kayakerjnj »

Congratulations Lora!

You certainly jumped in with both feet! :D

Glad you had such a good experience!
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by noseykate »

lora925 wrote:I used a 2010 Jackson Fun boat with the happy feet and happy seat outfitting installed and a Werner Twist straight shaft paddle. I fell in love with this setup and nearly came home with them both.


Lora, A few years ago when I went to the demo days, I too fell in love with the Jackson Fun boat with the happy feet (and with Eric Jackson, the designer, who outfitted me in it) and would gladly have come home with them both!

Yes, the Jackson kayak is more tippy, but I'm guessing you'd soon grow out of an easier boat. And this boat is so much easier to roll that it's not a problem if it's edgier. I say go for it.

And yes, Chris should be the official American Whitewater spokesperson and poster boy!

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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by Kayak widow »

I had a great time exploring the Deerfield River area, where the world champ Jackson rep's mom joined me on some of my adventures. On Friday we went just a few minutes away to The Farmstead at Mine Brook, where they make outstanding goat cheese under the name of Goat Rising (we met the goats up close and personally, and I didn't have to twist Lora's arm very hard to go back and get some maple ice cream after she came off the river). The next day, we travelled about 1/2 hour up/down a beautiful mountain road to Tregellys Fiber Farm where we met an emu, alpacas, llamas, sheep, interesting ducks, a peacock, a camel...not sure we ever found the yak(s), as I shopped too long in their shop and we had to get going to meet the paddlers back at lunchtime.

I bought my lunch both days at Curtis Country Store, which is owned by the same people as The Farmstead at Mine Brook, so their OUTSTANDING Goat Rising horseradish/chive chevre was spread on Friday's Boar's Head roast beef sandwich, which was served on a mini-baguette so fresh that it was still warm! Lora and I had the best breakfast sandwiches ever (so she said) on our way out Sunday. I think their panini press (and a weekend of white water kayaking) did make them taste extra good to her, so I won't dispute for now that mine are equally good :) Goat Rising's cheeses are available online, but they were less expensive in person if you're in the area, and you get to go through a covered bridge on the way to the farm. I highly recommend the horseradish and chive chevre, but we sampled 3 spreadables and they were all yummy.

Each afternoon, I had a nice swim at the Shunpike area, where there is a nice parking lot, a path to the water that is not very steep and only about 20 feet long, sometimes a lot to watch/sometimes quiet moments by the water. There were families there with children (and adults) having fun swimming, rocks to hang out on for those of us who had no chairs, shady areas and sunny areas, sometimes rafts/canoes/racers/tubers/kayakers going by or landing among us, and sometimes just we few swimmers. My favorite sight was a deer casually walking across the river about 90 yards upsteam at about 2:30 pm on Saturday - surely not something that most of us see every day!

Plenty to do for kayak widows who like unusual things like a fiber farm, and plenty more to explore another time, like yard sales/antique shops, Native American shops, and all of Shelburne Falls, which I hear has quite a lot to offer (including a more extensive shop of items from Tregellys Fiber Farm - a lot more yarns, I'd guess).

I give this weekend my seal of approval from a non-paddler's perspective, especially since I happen to enjoy hearing train horns in the middle of the night.
Like a "football widow", I lose my spouse to kayaking for some part of pretty much every weekend :-)
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by Kayak widow »

lora925 wrote:Anyway long story shorter, Kayak Widow helped bring me to my senses and I didn't buy one - LOL


Ahem...Kayak widow, the eternal shopper, has worked out a suitable arrangement while returning a follow-up call from the manager of the Zoar Outdoor store, and Lora's new boat/equipment will be arriving shortly. The Zoar manager displayed outstanding customer service, and Kayak widow is now a fully happy customer. Watch for Lora to look like this ----> :P in the near future :wink:
Last edited by Kayak widow on Tue Jun 29, 2010 11:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
Like a "football widow", I lose my spouse to kayaking for some part of pretty much every weekend :-)
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norm
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by norm »

Kayak widow wrote:Ahem...Kayak widow, the eternal shopper, has worked out a suitable arrangement while returning a follow-up call from the owner of Zoar Outdoor, and Lora's new boat/equipment will be arriving shortly.

The bad news is there are fewer dam releases at the Deerfield on her vacation week. :(
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by noseykate »

Kayak widow wrote:
lora925 wrote:Anyway long story shorter, Kayak Widow helped bring me to my senses and I didn't buy one - LOL


Ahem...Kayak widow, the eternal shopper, has worked out a suitable arrangement while returning a follow-up call from the owner of Zoar Outdoor, and Lora's new boat/equipment will be arriving shortly. The Zoar owner displayed outstanding customer service, and Kayak widow is now a fully happy customer. Watch for Lora to look like this ----> :P in the near future :wink:


You set a fine example for kayaker spouses everywhere.....

NK
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by norm »

Lora's response:
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(Not the boat she chose, but probably the smile on her face)
(Not the boat she chose, but probably the smile on her face)
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by NorwayLady »

Congratulations, Lora. What kind of boat did you get??? I used a Dagger Nomad 8.1 for the two day class. I don't know anything about white water boats, but that boat was a good fit for me (my first time white water)

Thanks, Chris, for all the helpful info. I will check out the AMC white water trip. I guess they recommend a few hours on the river (12-15) before taking an intermediate class. Chris, did you know there is a photo of you on the Zoar website?
http://www.kayaklesson.com/novicekayaking.htm

Norm, sounds like you had a lot of fun. I will definately mark demo weekend on my calendar for next year. The river is calling me. Looking forward to exchange notes with you.

Kate, looking forward to coming out to play. I don't have a white boat. Is there a rental place anywhere??

Lora, funny you should mention kayaking with your eyes closed. They did the same drill with us at the end of the first day. One instructor on each side of the river, fast moving water and a big rock in the middle. Then they told us to ferry across with our eyes closed. My initial reaction was "That's crazY". My second reaction was "I am going to cheat". But then I said the hell with it, and just went for it. It was interesting to see all the other senses that kicked in once I closed my eyes. Great drill.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

norm wrote:
Kayak widow wrote:Ahem...Kayak widow, the eternal shopper, has worked out a suitable arrangement while returning a follow-up call from the owner of Zoar Outdoor, and Lora's new boat/equipment will be arriving shortly.

The bad news is there are fewer dam releases at the Deerfield on her vacation week. :(


Norm - if it is hot in Boston like today they almost always will be releasing water all day(rather than the 3 hr minimum for a WW release).
On the Fife: releasing water = making electricity.

Waterline is your friend
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

NorwayLady wrote:Congratulations, Lora. What kind of boat did you get??? I used a Dagger Nomad 8.1 for the two day class. I don't know anything about white water boats, but that boat was a good fit for me (my first time white water)

Thanks, Chris, for all the helpful info. I will check out the AMC white water trip. I guess they recommend a few hours on the river (12-15) before taking an intermediate class. Chris, did you know there is a photo of you on the Zoar website?
http://www.kayaklesson.com/novicekayaking.htm

Norm, sounds like you had a lot of fun. I will definately mark demo weekend on my calendar for next year. The river is calling me. Looking forward to exchange notes with you.

Kate, looking forward to coming out to play. I don't have a white boat. Is there a rental place anywhere??

Lora, funny you should mention kayaking with your eyes closed. They did the same drill with us at the end of the first day. One instructor on each side of the river, fast moving water and a big rock in the middle. Then they told us to ferry across with our eyes closed. My initial reaction was "That's crazY". My second reaction was "I am going to cheat". But then I said the hell with it, and just went for it. It was interesting to see all the other senses that kicked in once I closed my eyes. Great drill.


Bea - I am still waiting for my first royalty check from that. That was from a class a couple of years ago - and Janet had us peel out with our eyes closed. It's a really effective drill and I have passed it along to others.

Definitely more time on the river will make a huge difference in your confidence. Zoar will let you demo boats & gear, just don't call it a rental.

I have an extra boat - but I have already lent it out to someone until they get a new boat.

At riverfest (7/31) they usually have a place where people come to sell used boats. There are also vendors who have great deals. Suncook Canoe & Kayak in Centre Barnstead NH is another great shop. Last year Kerry was selling leftover new boats for $500 at riverfest and west fest.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by Kayak widow »

Norm, you have pre-captured Lora's response very well. Her perma-grin rivals Jordan's typical on-water expression :lol:
Like a "football widow", I lose my spouse to kayaking for some part of pretty much every weekend :-)
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by kayakerjnj »

Faster the boat the wider the Grin! :lol:

Nice to see another PG!
Paddle with a big smile, its contagious 8)


Jordan
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by norm »

cgr wrote:Norm - if it is hot in Boston like today they almost always will be releasing water all day(rather than the 3 hr minimum for a WW release).
On the Fife: releasing water = making electricity.

Waterline is your friend
http://www.h2oline.com/255123.asp

Chris - you are the resident information expert! Excellent information. I learned the hard way Sunday that you need to pay attention to the release time and plan your put-in location accordingly. The release was at 11:00 and we put in too far downstream (above pinball?) at about 11:30 and were ahead of the bubble, finding it very scratchy and little fun. We should have put in at the dam with all the Crab Apple rafts.

It's nice that the Country Aire campground has free Wi-FI and you can check the release level without trying to get a cell-phone signal or stopping in at the Zoar shop. My cell (Verizon) worked at the campground ok, but would not work as soon as I headed up the road toward the gap. No service at the Zoar shop.
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lora925
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

Bea, I'm getting a Jackson Fun boat. I'm also taking advantage of next week's AMC Boston's Intro class to reinforce my new skills and give me a really strong foundation to build on. If all goes well I will be using the new boat during the weekend sessions on the river (or maybe sooner). I'm either going to arrive very early to get fitted in the boat before the class begins on Saturday or I may end up driving out to pick up the boat this weekend so I can play with it all next week during my vacation.

Speaking of which, is there most likely always someone at the Cohassete Wave or should I try to line up some paddling buddies ahead of time? lol:
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by noseykate »

lora925 wrote:Speaking of which, is there most likely always someone at the Cohassete Wave or should I try to line up some paddling buddies ahead of time? lol:


I generally check around to see if anyone else will be there. Mark sometimes goes by himself. It's not guaranteed that there will always be someone there.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by cgr »

lora925 wrote:Speaking of which, is there most likely always someone at the Cohassete Wave or should I try to line up some paddling buddies ahead of time? lol:


I have to admit that I have also gone by myself, but I will usually email a few suspects first. If it is a spring tide with a big interval that people with jobs can hit someone has probably started emailing people a week before.
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Re: 1st Time on the Deerfield

Post by lora925 »

I'm looking at Monday July 5th, high tide is at 6:34pm with only a 8.61 ft tide. That means I should be there by 3:30 pm correct? I'm also looking at Wed July 7th, when high tide will be at 8:15 pm with a 9.06 ft tide.

Is it appropriate to post something like this in the upcoming trips section?

(first I have to make arrangements to pick up my boat etc so this may all be a bit premature ;)
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