Go ahead and take a close look. All to often this is what we see from recreational canoeists. It's not their fault really. Why not make their lives easier and give them a more enjoyable experience by politely correcting their error? They'll probably thank you for it.

If you aren't sure what I'm referring to, be sure to check out the article How To Hold a Canoe Paddle.

Photo © by George E. Sayour, Licensed to About.com

It's a real shame that it takes a natural disaster for most of us to learn about different peoples and societies not our own. How many of you have thought about Myanmar before the recent cyclone disaster? Don't feel bad, neither have I. I was also amazed to learn that this cyclone is only the latest in a string of hardships brought to this country. Less than a year ago there was a massive flood in the Myanmar Ayeyawaddy River delta that caused tens of thousands to lose their homes and left thousands of kids without schools.

Another interesting thing I uncovered in my brief research is that canoeing, and boating in general, is quite a common activity in Myanmar. Of course, these people don't necessarily canoe for enjoyment. To them paddling from place to place is a mode of transportation, a means of fishing, and most recently a requirement of survival.

The next time you remove your canoe from the roof of your SUV and place it in a nice pristine lake for a day of fishing, bird watching, exercise, or relaxation be sure to count your blessings and think of the people of Myanmar who don't canoe for recreation or fitness but rather out of necessity.

I would ask you to consider saying a prayer for this disaster torn people and to show some generosity once the relief and aid efforts are approved by the Myanmar governing officials.

Yippee!! In just under 3 months we will get to watch athletes from around the world compete at their passions. It seems like just yesterday that I was watching the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Well it's that time again and of course, this site will be highly focused on synchronized swimming...um...I mean basket weaving...no that's not it...how about crochet? Alright, I better cut it out before I insult some people. You know what we will be focusing on: Olympic Canoe / Kayak and Rowing.

If you are new to the Olympic Paddling or just aren't too familiar with the events, I have good news for you. I am here to help bring you up to speed. Come to this site to learn the basics as well as to get the play-by-play as the games progress. Why not begin getting acquainted with the events and paddlers by learning about the past men's C-1 & C-2 500m and 1000m Flatwater races?

There was definitely reason to celebrate in West Virginia this past weekend. Of course I'm referring specifically to the 14th Annual Cheat River Festival that was put on by the Friends of the Cheat (FOC). I'm also speaking in the more general sense that it is shaping up to be a fantastic paddling season on the east coast.

One could hardly fail to notice the plethora of kayaks, rafts, and canoes on the roads along the southeast corridor of this country. And I would know as it took me 19 hours to make the trek from South Florida to my destination at the festival grounds in West Virginia. The anticipation built heavily as I passed cars donning a variety of different boats that were headed in no one particular direction. You see, everything is running right now and since the weather continues to improve there are endless options out there for every kind of boater.

On another note, I’m still sifting through the over 200 pictures that I took of the rivers, boaters, campgrounds, and bands during Cheat Fest this past weekend. I hope to get organized in the next day or so and get them on the site. So be sure to check out the Photos and Videos page on this site in the near future.

Alright, it's been a few months since I suggested you guys plan a rafting trip for April or May. Well, April is officially over and May is underway. I'm in West Virginia for the Cheat River Festival and the rafts are everywhere. Wait! Is that you right there? Or did you fail to plan and you now realize you're missing out on some great water, views, thrills, and memories?

Well, I'm here to tell you it's not too late to book a rafting trip. There's plenty of water and more on the way. What are you waiting for?

Photo © 2006 by nukeit

To the uninitiated, that means the water is a-flowin'! It seems like West Virginia is getting it's share of rain which has brought the rivers up. Perfect Timing for the Cheat River Festival which begins this Friday. The New River Gorge is posting a reading of over 9 feet and the Cheat looks to be up over 3! The rain could make for an interesting festival but I'm sure it won't deter anyone as this is one of those events you wait all year for. So grab your wet weather gear and head to good ole West Virginia this weekend.

I hope to see you there.

Ohhhh Boy! Cheat Fest is this weekend! The Cheat River Festival, put on by "The Friends of The Cheat," is the model for what river festivals should be. The whole event goes to benefit conservation efforts on the Cheat River in West Virginia. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the Cheat River Race. Saturday morning features a 5K run and the festival music begins at 1 PM on Saturday and goes into the night. Cheat Fest is one of the best venues to buy new and used gear from individuals and vendors alike.

The Cheat used to be the premier rafting location in West Virginia and possibly the #1 destination on the whole east coast. The rise in popularity of rafting, kayaking, and canoeing over the last few decades has caused the Cheat to take a back seat to the plethora of other options in the area. Of course, this weekend The Cheat will take center stage. And oh yeah, be sure to look for the pros surfing "Big Nasty" in the early part of the day. You won't forget it!

See you in West Virginia!

It always amazes me how families spend beautiful Saturdays and Sundays indoors. Take your typical family and ask them what they did last weekend. More often than not you'll hear the same old story time and again..... "Nothing." And what is meant by "nothing?" In today's day and age "nothing" is our way of saying that everyone in the house spent time in their own rooms on their own computers or TVs doing their own thing. What has happened to the American family?

Alright, so maybe I'm laying it on a bit thick. But who doesn't live near a park with a body of water? I've been all over this country for both work and pleasure and I have yet to find a place that doesn't have canoe rentals nearby. True, the average person probably doesn't notice what's in their own backyard. I, on the other hand, take notice of every lake, river, stream, and drainage ditch that I pass. It's hard not to notice how blessed this country is with fresh water abounding in almost every geographic location under the red, white, and blue.

From all of this flows the obvious suggestion. Why not take the family canoeing? It doesn't need to be a big deal requiring loads of pre-work and preparation. Just pick a day, pack some lunches and rent some canoes. Canoe rentals are relatively inexpensive and generally structured by the hour, half-day, or day. A day on the water (especially for those not used to it) provides for some great life lessons as well as some much needed quality time with your loved ones. Let's face it, in this digital age, how often do you actually spend doing or discussing things with those you love?

And if you're already an avid canoeist, this is your chance to share your passion and introduce your kids and spouse to the sport you cherish so much. So why not break the routine of staying indoors on the weekends and take the family on a canoeing adventure? I can guarantee you'll create a memory (good or bad...) you won't soon forget.

Photo © by George E. Sayour, licensed to About.com

Colorado whitewater boaters will know what I'm talking about when i say "The Bailey Section." Actually, they often just call it "Bailey's" as in "hey, you wanna run Bailey's today?" The real name of this river is North Fork of the South Platte River at Bailey(town in Colorado). At any rate, this is one river you'll have to check out. That is, as long as it's running of course. Optimal conditions for this one occur anywhere from 160 - 600 cfs. It's currently running at a less than impressive 60 cfs. But keep your eye out because when this one gets going, you won't want to miss it.

Highlights include drops, boofs, waterfalls, and over a mile of "boogie water." If you don't know what "boogie water" is you will after you kayak this nonstop continuous stretch of endless boulders and holes that'll keep you be-boppin' all the way down. I recently wrote a full Bailey's Section Scouting Report and published a Photo Gallery for some of the class v rapids. Be sure to check them out!

Photo © by George E. Sayour, licensed to About.com

As you are undoubtedly beginning to fill up your 2008 paddling calendar, be sure to include the Moose River in your plans. The Bottom Moose is one of the most spectacular whitewater runs in the entire Northeast. Currently running at a whopping 7.18 feet, this section has been steadily increasing with the spring runoff. But keep an eye on it as it starts to near 5.5 feet, which is the upper limit for paddling this one.

If you've never been to the Moose River, know that it is an experience you won't soon forget. The scenery is amazing and the paddling will keep you coming back for more. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this river is the ease of access for spectators and scouting alike. In anticipation of the season, I recently wrote a full Bottom Moose River Scouting Report and published a Photo Gallery for most of the rapids. Be sure to check them out!

Photo © by George E. Sayour, licensed to About.com