In the span of one week this June, I had the opportunity to lead two annual Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers (NEWP) events that showcased opposite ends of the paddling spectrum: a four-day sea kayak camping trip to Rock Island and our annual Student Whitewater Outing on the Red River. One involved […]
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Kayakers’ First Time on Wolf River Section 4
I had the opportunity to lead two whitewater kayakers down Section 4 of the Wolf River for their first run on this challenging stretch. With technical rapids, powerful currents, and plenty of opportunities to test skills, Section 4 delivered exactly the kind of adventure they were looking for. The day […]
Between Swims and Strikeouts
Recently I had one of those conversations that sticks with you. Our son Tom helps coach youth baseball and softball teams, including the ones his son and daughter (our grandkids) play on. Earlier this month we were in Texas to watch our 10-year-old grandson play in a big tournament. After […]
Yellow Bridge Rapid on the Pike River
Just downstream of Barker Road near Amberg, WI, where a once-iconic yellow iron bridge gave this rapid its name, the Pike River gathers itself for one of its most action-packed drops. It begins with a quick rightward bend over a slanted, uneven ledge into a large eddy on river right. […]
Wolf River at 2,000 CFS!
Three of us set out to take on 10.5 miles of the Wolf River’s long Section 3 at a level that demanded respect. With flows topping out at 2,000 CFS, familiar lines turned bigger, faster, and far more consequential. What followed was a mix of controlled chaos and clean runs, […]
Season Opener on the Pesh
For my first whitewater run of the season, I paddled the Roaring Rapids section of the Peshtigo River in Wisconsin at 37°F with a strong 15″ bridge gauge level, just under 1,000 CFS. I’ve been on it at higher flows but the waves on Horserace Rapid (starting at 2:35 in […]
Leadership on the Water: Who’s Responsible?
What are your thoughts about responsibility when friends get together to paddle? Have you ever found yourself in an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation when there was no clear leader? I spend a lot of time in leadership roles on the water. I lead sea kayak trips on the Great […]
Why Whitewater Kayakers Should Try Sea Kayaking
Whitewater paddlers are a unique species: part athlete, part river wizard, part chaos enthusiast. You thrive on unpredictability, hydraulics, boofs, and the unspoken thrill of “Will I flip here?” But even the most loyal river junkie can benefit from stepping into a different world; a world with grand horizons, sea […]
Why Sea Kayakers Should Try Whitewater
If you’re a sea kayaker looking for a fun challenge, a fresh skillset, or simply something exciting to do over the winter months, this is the perfect time of year to give whitewater kayaking a try. As temperatures drop, indoor kayak pool sessions are beginning at recreation centers across Wisconsin […]
Why We Fell in Love with Colorado’s State Parks (And Why You Might Too)
When most people plan a Colorado adventure, they immediately think of Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, or Great Sand Dunes — and for good reason. The national parks are icons, celebrated for their dramatic vistas and world-class trails. But on our most recent Colorado road trip, Mary and I […]