Team Sundance

Upper Trout Creek, Washington

Kim — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:29:07 +0000

We are lucky as paddlers to live in the Columbia River Gorge. During the rainy season, within a half hour drive it is possible to be at over a dozen different rivers. Each and every one, unique, and awe-inspiring. The author boofing on Upper Trout Creek (Photo: Bryon Dorr) One of my favorite rivers in [...]

A Fluid Metaphor

Natalie — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:19:53 +0000

For me, kayaking is the best of all possible metaphors for understanding and guiding my approach to life. For a long time I have been contemplating a big change in my life. But I haven’t been able to clearly see my goal, so I have been unclear about how to start. As in so many [...]

Condit Dam Update

Kim — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:00:56 +0000

October 26, 2011 is a day that will go down in history as the first time in over 100 years the White Salmon River has been set free. As groups gathered watching the action on a nearby TV, a hole was blown in the 125′ tall dam, and in less than two hours, the [...]

Kayaking is a Mental Sport: The Power of Positive Thinking

Kim — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:04:07 +0000

Whitewater kayaking is a mental sport — plain and simple. Whether you’re scouting a rapid, or committing to a line, it is your mind that can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. In order to give yourself a mental boost when paddling, it’s important to first consider what exactly your thoughts are [...]

The Countdown Begins for the 2012 Northwest Creeking Competition

Kim — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:58:58 +0000

Countdown has begun for the 2012 Northwest Creeking Competition on April 21, 22, 2012! With 8 days and counting, paddlers are getting in their practice laps and dialing in their lines! We’re hoping for good water levels, and some nice weather for this year’s event, allowing two days of some solid creek races in nearby [...]

West Fork of the Hood River

Kim — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:14:16 +0000

The West Fork of the Hood River, located near the town of Dee is a fun Class IV run perfect for those with an after work time-crunch, or those looking for a fun day on the river. Jesse in his firecracker Diesel 80 One Sunday afternoon Team Sundance decided to mosey over to the [...]

Little Klickitat Trip Report

JR — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:21:19 +0000

The Little Klickitat River flows out of the desert about 30 miles east of White Salmon in the Columbia River Gorge. It is one of those special runs that only comes in maybe one day a year during extreme high water, and when it’s in, it’s on! Zach Collier and I, from Team Sundance, met [...]

Recap: 2012 Upper Wind River Festival

Kim — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:35:18 +0000

With the fifth annual Upper Wind River Festival postponed 1 week due to high flows, tension was building as race day grew near. Come race day, the level was a good medium flow of 5.8 feet, and racers were ready to rock and roll! Over 50 paddlers showed up, under clear blue skies, to race [...]

Stretches for Paddlers

Kim — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:29:36 +0000

While we prepare for kayaking with all sorts of bright and colorful gear, we should never forget to prepare our bodies! Our muscles and tendons may be tight from being cooped up behind a desk all day, or are perhaps stiff and tired from yesterday’s paddle. Stretching these muscles will not only help prevent injury, [...]

Team Sundance: Jim’s First Kayaking Experience!

Team Sundance — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:14:13 +0000

My first, and so far only, experience with kayaking took place in June 2011 with Sundance Kayak School on the Rogue River. In the past, I have taken many canoe camping trips with my son, and other members of my family. As a result I expected that although kayaking would be challenging I would pick [...]