I panic as my mind catches up to what my body is experiencing. Suddenly I realize I am no longer surfing a remarkable wave. I am completely upside down, my torso submerged, tossed in the throttle of the rapid. I fight the river’s current, pushing my paddle through the swirling water into the position that…
Charlie the Ducky Master
I did not particularly want to leave the game. It was halftime and the United States and Germany were tied 0-0. I had no choice though and kayakers clearly don’t brake for the World Cup. I’ve always been comfortable with sports involving balls. Leaving a soccer game for a sport relatively unknown was not the…
Sundance Story: Marion Franck
Marion Franck, columnist at The Davis Enterprise, shared her Sundance story from 20+ years ago. After recently paddling with Marion, I asked if I could share her story with the all of you. So with that… here it is! REUNION REMINDS ME HOW I BECAME A KAYAKER By Marion Franck Davis Enterprise August 7, 2011…
J.R. Explored Baldface Creek
In the far Northwest corner of California, the Smith River flows crystal clear through the heart of the Redwood country and is one of the “crown jewels” of the Wild and Scenic River system. Breathtakingly beautiful, this is California’s only undammed, free-flowing river. The river system is entirely protected in California, but some of this…
Smith River: Exploring The North Fork
Did you know the Smith River is the largest free-flowing river in California? This rare gem is a kayakers paradise with 3 runnable forks. From Class 1 to Class 5, the Smith has it all. Even though the Smith is protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, it’s headwaters in Oregon remain unprotected. Team…
Sundance Kayak School: Year In Review
2013 was an exciting year at Sundance! We had an amazing year filled with new adventures and class offerings, combined with an extended teaching season. We met many incredible people, saw some old friends and watched beginner kayakers “catch the whitewater bug”. Here are just a few of the highlights: ACA Instructor Certification Classes JR…
First Descents Kayak Camp
We LOVE First Descents! Last year Sundance Kayak School had the honor and privilege of hosting a First Descents white water kayaking camp on the Rogue River in Oregon. For those of you who don’t know about First Descents, it’s a pretty awesome organization! They are a non-profit based out of Denver, Colorado. Their goal…
The Wild and Scenic Chetco
On June 19, Team Sundance and Northwest Rafting Company launched their most ambitious commercial trip to date – an expedition into the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to float the Wild and Scenic Chetco River. Our team of 7 hiked 30 miles in 3 days, each carrying a total of about 70 pounds of food and equipment into the…
Want to Become an Instructor?
Greetings Team Sundance! Have you ever considered becoming a kayak instructor? If you love kayaking and are passionate about helping others experience the magic of this sport, then you should give it some thought. This is J.R. Weir, lead instructor for Sundance Kayak School, and this year I became an ACA certified Instructor Trainer. On…
Taylor Creek – a magical tributary to the Rogue River
Taylor Creek is an exotic tributary of the Rogue River. It flows into the recreational section of the Rogue near Morrison’s Lodge. It also happens to be the place where Sundance’s beginner schools train throughout the summer. While on a boating safari this spring, Zach Collier and I visited the Smith River in Northern California….