Nov 19 2009
Free Clinic with Jackson Kayaks and Coosa Outfitters
A few months ago I called Dusty Stinson about helping him out as the new Jackson Kayaks dealer in North Alabama, which has been long overdue to our area. Coosa Outfitters is the first company with a selection of gear to get you into whitewater kayaking while having a positive motivated attitude towards our great sport. He is making it fun for everyone. This would be the first annual free pool and river clinics. With Clay Wright, Dane Jackson, Samantha Brunner, Boyd Ruppelt, Burress family, Gavin Rains, Chris Wing, Anne Connolly and Andrew Koch. With warm temperatures and great water due to the recent rains it was a great weekend to be in a pool or on a river. The pool was outside, which was great with 75 degree temperatures but the water could have been warmer. The instructors taught rolling, eskimo rescues, playboating, stokes, bow stall, stern stalls, wet exits and much more. With the help of Matthew I was able to complete the Shred Ready throw rope man. He will be used at NAWFest as well to help you with your rope throw. I am the champ Gavin. Check the video lol…
During lunch which was provided by Dusty’s family (sandwiches, drinks, fruits, cookies and drinks) we did the Shred Ready belly flop competition which was awesome. It is amazing how big someone will go for a free piece of hear. The winner was Scott, a Father of 6 children that recently had his son’s helmets chewed up by their dog. Way to go big. Some of the notable belly flops were EJ, the corkscrew guy and the ankle grabber.
That night we stayed at an apartment that Dusty’s dad owns. Dusty only had one rule and that was nooone open the back door. EJ and Clay walked in and I proceeded to share the piece of information with them. No sooner that I told EJ he went over to the door to find the bathroom and set off the alarm. Very funny. That night we walked two blocks to the local pizza joint (Maynards- AWESOME!). This place is suppose to be one of the top 100 restaurants in the country. The pizza was too good for words. Thanks Dane for not eating all of yours because I got wings.
On Sunday we split into two groups. The beginner’s group went with Dave Blanding (JK Rep) and Dusty to Terrapin Creek. Terrapin is a mild class 1 river with minimal consequences. Their trip would include all types of whitewater and sit on top kayaks. At the same time Team Jackson Kayak went down the Locust Fork of the Warrior, home of the NAWFest. Locust Fork is a class 2-3 river that is great for beginners and intermediate paddlers wanting to step their game up. You can always check the levels of Alabama rivers at AlabamaWhitewater.com. We had around 60 people in this group which was an amazing thing to see. With only one broken paddle and one lost paddle the highlight of the trip for was my first hand paddle or hand float of the entire Locust Fork River. The Locust offers up a lot of eddy line moves, rock spins, slots,surfing and Ender Hole, one of the best playspots around.
It was great weekend paddling with the Burress family and I truly enjoyed every second of this past week. I hope to see you on the river soon.
Special thanks to Kathleen Burress and Samantha Meadows who took wonderful photos. Another special thanks to Mark Armistead for making this short video of the entire day on Sunday.
Jeremy Adkins
Team Jackson Kayaks
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