Sep
13
2009
jeremyadkins
This past weekend was the first time the Dynamic Duo got a good workout by my wife and I on the Ocoee. With my wife wanting to go down the Upper Ocoee the weekend started out great.
If you have not paddled this boat then you need to. The Upper Ocoee begins slow and gave Shannon and I time to ferry, peel out and catch eddies. The first thing I noticed is how fast the boat is. When you are both paddling hard the boat is super fast. By generating the speed downstream you punch through the rapids. After a mile or two warm up out first rapid was Mikey’s Ledge. I could see in my wife’s face that she was nervous. The boat tracks very well making holding lines very easy. Our second rapid was Let’s Make a Deal. This rapid is on the most dangerous on the entire Ocoee because of the random rocks and Blue Hole sieves downstream. With great lines through the upper half of the river we entered the Olympic section. Shannon anxiety had reached an all time high.
This section is big and pushy but really quick. I gave Shannon easy instructions “Paddle Hard” until I say stop. For Shannon the hardest part was being able to see due to her contacts and massive waves hitting her in the face.
After hitting Humongous staight one I can tell you that this boat has incredible stability. You can lean all the way over and still the boat bounces back to an upright position. With comfort, stability and speed the boat can go through almost any hole or wave you encounter. With Roach Motel to come we learned how stable the boat was. As we hit the top we spun around our of control, eddied out on the left and ferried back into the current without flipping.
The last rapid is Edge of the World which lands right again Thunder Rock Campground. Shannon truly got to appreciate the entire Upper Ocoee for the first time.
I cannot wait to get this boat out on something harder like maybe Gauley…I Look forward to seeing you there with more smiles on our faces.
Jeremy Adkins
Team Jackson Kayaks
Tags: dynamic duo, flyinskeleton, godzilla, jackson kayaks, jeremy adkins, ocoee river, olympic section, upper ocoee
Jul
27
2009
jeremyadkins
This year marks the 20th anniversary of when my father introduced me to the sport. The last 2 decades have taken me through many journeys to many places in the world. Along the way I have had many experiences, most of which shaped the course of my life and who I have become. The goals I set for myself along the way have started to become a reality while growing closer to accomplishing new ones every day. However, nothing could top the relationships I have gained on the river. Those who share the common bond of whitewater kayaking have truly proven themselves some of the best people I’ve had the pleasure to know.
While words will not do justice the talent of those I have learned from nor would a paragraph be able to sum up the experiences I have been so blessed to have in the past 20 years, I will attempt to show you all what this sport has brought to my life.
As my website continues to grow I will be updating material and photos to the following montage- one will depict me, my adventures, journeys and new discoveries. The other will contain memories of the above-mentioned friends whose talents continue to amaze and inspire me daily.
I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoy the memories. Please feel free to ask questions or request information, as it is my dream to introduce this wonderful sport to anyone and everyone interested.
I hope to see you all on the river soon because for me, the journey is constantly changing, but for you it could be just the beginning.
Jeremy Adkins
flyinskeleton@cs.com
Edited by Shannon McCrory Adkins
My first run on Second Ledge, Section 3, Chattooga River.
My first swim because they were trying to deck dance.
My first canoe surf.
My Dad at Slam Dunk before the Olympics.
First run on Nantahala Falls.
Picture that appeared in Paddler Magazine.
60 pounds and doing huge enders at Hell Hole, Ocoee River.
First Back Ender at Ender Hole, Locust Fork of the Warrior.
Surfing with Dad at Surfing Rapid, Nantahala River.
Ender at Nantahala Falls, and Ender at Coosa River.
Old School Pirouette at Coosa River.
Surfing on top wave of Hell Hole, Ocoee River.
Pirouette on top wave of Hell Hole, Ocoee River.
Pirouette at Ender Hole, Locust Fork River, and Cartwheeling at Grumpy’s, Ocoee River.
My first run on Gorilla, Green River.
Pirouette at bottom of Lost Paddle, Gauley River.
Big Right Blunt Maryland Chute, Potomac River.
Cartwheel below Great Falls of the Potomac River.
Big right Blunt on top wave of Hell Hole, Ocoee River.
Right after I cut my head at Gorilla, Green River.
Air Screw, Garb, Ottawa River.
Top wave, Big Side of Moccasin Gap, Coosa River, the learning of the McNasty.
Left Space Godzilla, Ender Hole, Locust Fork River, Photo by David Haynes.
Another Pic of Hell Hole, Ocoee River, Photo by Toni Martin.
Space Godzilla at Slice n Dice, Ocoee River, Photo by Toni Martin.
Top wave, Big Side of Moccasin Gap, Coosa River, Alabama. Photo by BJ Adkins.
Little Side of Moccasin Gap, Coosa River Nationals.
Little Side of Moccasin Gap, Coosa River, Photo by Toni Martin.
Photos by Bryan Kirk of me at Cable Falls, LRC
Big left Air Blunt at Garb on Ottawa River, Canada.
Another Hell Hole, Ocoee River. Always liked the spray off the boat.
One of my favorite creeks, Tampax, Bailey’s Creek, Colorado.
Clean Pan Am, Garb, Ottawa River.
Reverse Freewheel, Short Creek Falls, NAWF, Photo by Samantha Brunner.
Push Button, Ottawa River.
Party Surfing on Blackwater.
Blue angel on first drop of Talullah River.
Another party surf in Hell Hole, Ocoee River.
Right Air Blunt, Garb, Ottawa River.
Oceana, Tallulah River, Photo by Adam Goshorn.
Tampax, Bailey’s Creek, Colorado.
Ottawa River, Canada.
Avalanche, Oh Be Joyful, Colorado.
Tags: Triktionary, flyinskeleton, freestyle, holes, jeremy adkins, kayaking, nawf, whitewater
