Time on the Water

Time on the water is something all paddlers yearn for. I am no exception. On the water I can think, yet not think at all. It allows me to clear my head and concentrate only on the water and the paddle. I can see things I won't see anywhere else, like a Great Blue Heron feeding on the bank, a doe leading her fawn to the water for the first time, or a small mouth making it's first jump of the season. Being on the water is not only relaxing, but it is therapeutic. It gives us the re-creation that we all need as people who are pulled in numerous different directions.
Don't believe me, or think I am being "hokey", you should give it a try. Let it be flat water, or whitewater, let it be a lake or a river, let it be by yourself or with a group, let it be a four hour tour or let it be just a fifteen minute jaunt; get out and give yourself a good paddling. You'll thank yourself.

TRR: Lex Volunteer named AW Volunteer of the Month! Way to go, Allen!

March Volunteer of the Month Presented by Kokatat
posted March 2, 2009
by Jeffrey Paine

American Whitewater would like to recognize Allen Kirkwood as our March volunteer of the month.

As a river steward and whitewater community member, Allen sets a great example. He was the Silent Auction Coordinator for the National Paddling Film Festival this year in addition to his role as the Vice President and former Conservation Officer for the Bluegrass Wildwater Association. Allen has also been responsible for organizing one of the biggest cleanups on Elkhorn Creek in Kentucky, removing over 2000 pounds of scrap metal from a hillside dump site, and is involved in the Team River Runner program, which teaches kayaking to disabled veterans. Furthermore, Allen was a very active volunteer helping American Whitewater put on Gauley Fest in 2008.

In recognition of his efforts Allen will be receiving an OuterCore Long-Sleeve Shirt from Kokatat! Thanks Allen!