In this episode Charlie Walbridge joins us to discuss the now protected corridor along the Cheat River in West Virginia. From there Charlie takes us through his career in paddling and gives us some behind the scenes details about his accident reporting.

And just like that we’re back. In this episode Scott Shipley joins us to discuss the merits and feasibility of modifying rivers to make them less dangerous. From there we bring in Evan Dyer, Pete Frazer, Lou Kronzer and Robbie Gilson to discuss a nearly fatal pin at Go Left on the Green River. Enjoy and we’ll see you on the river!

See all the highlights from NFC HERE! https://hammerfactor.com/nfc-live-2022/

This is a good one! We bring on Freestyle World Champion, Landon Miller, to give us all the highlights from the World Championship in Britain. Joining the discussion is previous World Champion and faather of the current World Champion, Brian Miller. This segment can’t be missed. From there we get the inside scoop on Jen Chrimes winning performance at the NFC. Rants and Raves, Listener Mail, it’s all here! As always thanks for listening. Enjoy!

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Take action on the Montgomery County boating ban HERE!

Are carbon kayaks the future of whitewater? We bring on composites expert Ryan Bahn to tell us. As well Ed Gertler gives us the inside details on one of the most ridiculous paddling bans we’ve ever heard of. Enjoy!

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A lot has happened since our last show. Weld went kayaking for 90 seconds in Chile, Louis came in with a top-ten result at the Little White Race, and Grace had a midlife crisis. #86 is gonna be a hell-of-a show! We have longtime and soon-to-be retiring Executive Director of American Whitewater, Mark Singleton on the show. Green Race and Little White Race Recaps. South American Trip Report from John Weld. Grand Canyon Trip Report from John Grace. Policy updates, rants and raves and more!

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Learn more about and watch ‘Godspeed Los Polacos’ here: https://sourlandstudios.com/

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In the episode of the whitewater podcast, Eric Giddens joins us to discuss covering paddling in the Tokyo Olympics. From there we apologize for not checking our voicemail and cover a wide range of listener mail. Enjoy and as always thank you for listening.

Access to the Ottawa story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/whitewater-residents-fight-for-river-access-1.6069505

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In this episode, we are joined by Scott Lindgren and Rush Sturges who give us all the inside beta on the release of their new film, ‘The River Runner’. Alongside learning about the film’s creation we take a deep dive into the storied career of Scott Lindgren, one of the most influential paddlers of all time. From pioneering whitewater films, tackling some of the most savage missions ever attempted, and battling a cancerous brain tumor this episode leaves no stone uncovered. Sit back, relax and enjoy. This is a good one! Learn more about the film by following Scott here: https://www.instagram.com/scottlindgren_/?hl=en

Rush here: https://www.instagram.com/rushsturges/?hl=en

Check out some of Scott’s early work on his Vimeo channel here: https://vimeo.com/user36653280

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This show is stacked! First, we have some big Hammer Factor Announcements with Live Coverage coming to the North Fork Championship. See some of the world’s best paddlers battle it out on the infamous North Fork of the Payette River. From there we announce the sale of the NFT for Episode 1 of the Hammer Factor. Next Matt Porter, Product Manager for Kokatat comes on to share some inside baseball. Grand finally, Sage Donnelly joins us to share her experiences running some of the world’s hardest whitewater while managing type 1 diabetes. Enjoy!

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Eugene Buchanan has been traveling the world exploring rivers for nearly 40 years. Along with being an accomplished expeditionst he is an award winning author and publisher. Enjoy this episode and learn more about Eugene at: https://www.eugenebuchanan.com/

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Get your Whitewater Journal HERE

Benny Marr has a long list of whitewater accomplishments ranging from mind-blowing first descents to freestyle innovations on some of the world’s biggest waves. This two-time Rider of the Year who has bested Dane Jackson more than once shares compelling stories about not only the river but the mindset involved with running the hardest whitewater on the planet. Enjoy this episode and learn more about Benny at: https://www.bennyfcknmarr.com/

From American Whitewater…will it ever be safe to paddle the Tallulah? Overreach or common sense. https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/article_id/8cfCnFBZjZCt5nA7cXogN/?fbclid=IwAR2Icvh56HU9gnssAgu0nVG6WmFqRZaLhoJG3l9fu0npornsxDXHGIcUt3U

How close are we to going insane. Was it the years of life on the edge, one too many bumps to the head, just too much weed or genetics that sent Dean over the edge? https://www.outsideonline.com/2421062/dean-cummings#close

The disappearing waterfall. How does the tallest waterfall in Ecuador just vanish? https://dialogochino.net/en/infrastructure/33765-san-rafael-ecuadors-tallest-waterfall-disappeared-coca-codo-sinclair/

Get your Whitewater Journal HERE

In our last episode of 2020, we are joined by Antoinette Lee Toscano to discuss Whitewater TV and her ‘clapback’ of a previous episode of The Hammer Factor. From there we bring on Chris Hipgrave to get the scoop on whitewater boat designs past and future. Next Grace gets roasted for being nervous about the Coronavirus Vaccine and of course we shut down with rants and raves. Thank you for listening and enjoy.

Toscano Clapback on Whitewater TV: https://xotv.me/channels/359-whitewatertv/vod_videos/5891-bonus-episode-hammer-factor-plus-meme-boof-clapback

Email From Allen Roberts:

‘Hey Hammer Factor,
I’m an infectious disease epidemiologist and long time paddler. I heard some misconceptions about the Covid mRNA vaccines during your last episode. I want to help clear some of these up. This isn’t “hate mail” and I’m not calling anyone stupid or ignorant. Skepticism is healthy when it comes to any medical interventions that haven’t been rigorously tested. And our current administration’s attacks on health experts at the FDA, CDC, and NIH have only increased public mistrust. It’s completely understandable to be concerned.
However, the evidence thus far for both efficacy and safety is looking really good for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are the two mRNA vaccines that have results from rigorous testing. Here are a few common questions and misconceptions, many of which I heard on the podcast. I hope some of this information will be useful if you decide to keep talking about the Covid vaccine on the podcast or just in conversations with friends and family.
Also, the CDC has a nice summary about mRNA vaccines here:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/mrna-vaccine-basics.html
Thanks for making the Hammer Factor happen – it’s great company when I’m driving to the river solo in these quarantine days.
Allen RobertsSeattle, WA
PS: I don’t work for any pharma company in case you think Pfizer executives are paying me to write into Hammer Factor (although that sounds like the start of a good conspiracy theory!). My only interest is to avert deaths and get through this pandemic as quickly as possible. Those of us who work in a hospital setting see how bad this disease can be, both for those who are sick and for the families who aren’t allowed to visit them as they die alone in the hospital. And even though most paddlers may be at low risk for severe illness from Covid, vaccination is the fastest way for us to get back to huge crowds at the Green Race and cramped van shuttles without worrying about spreading the infection.
Are the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines “self-replicating”?Is this “gene therapy in a needle”? Not at all. This vaccine is NOT modifying your genes, which would require changing your cells’ DNA. mRNA is the transcript that all of your cells use to make proteins. In this case, your cells are being provided a transcript to make a specific protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein. This is the protein that your immune system mounts a response to. The mRNA in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is not “self-replicating”. Your cells take up the mRNA transcript, make the spike protein, and the mRNA gets degraded. The coronavirus itself is self-replicating – so if you are worried about self-replicating genetic material infecting your cells, you’re describing a virus, not a vaccine, and you should be worrying about getting Covid, not about getting vaccinated.
There are self-amplifying mRNA vaccines (called sa-mRNA) that are in development, which is maybe where you heard this. This type of vaccine also includes mRNA to produce the viral polymerase, which can replicate the mRNA transcript for the spike protein.There is good reason to try this, since you could give much lower initial doses of the mRNA, but even this isn’t “gene therapy”. But these vaccines will have to go through rigorous testing before they could be approved.
Have mRNA vaccines been tried before? Yes – mRNA vaccines have been developed for influenza, Zika, HIV, and others, and they have been tested in early stage clinical trials in humans. So far, none of these have been approved because they haven’t worked,but the technology has improved over decades of research. The notion that mRNA vaccines have never been tested in humans is not true.
Why have we been able to develop and test the vaccines so quickly? Some people are understandably nervous about how quickly the vaccines have been developed. There are a few reasons that we’ve been able to test vaccines so quickly. First, a pandemic is bad for population health but good for statistics. It’s far easier to compare risk of infection in placebo vs. vaccinated groups when lots of people in the placebo group are getting infected. In fact, the surge in cases this fall meant that we got readouts on vaccine efficacy from these trials far faster than initially expected. Second, the amount of funding and potential market size for Covid vaccines has sped everything up. In normal times, vaccine development is much slower because vaccines, while great for public health, just aren’t as lucrative for pharma companies (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but  selling a pound of cure makes more money!) Finally, for mRNA vaccines specifically, they are far easier to produce than other types of vaccines like inactivated viruses.
Do the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines work? Yes – in fact, they work really well. Placebo-controlled randomized trials are the most rigorous method for evaluating whether vaccines work. It’s incredibly affirming that two large (30,000 and 43,000 participants) and independent randomized trials of different mRNA vaccines both worked really well (about 95% reduced risk of symptomatic infection). Usually we don’t get to see the results of multiple independent trials at the same time, since trials are really expensive to conduct. The consistency between the two trials shows that the results aren’t a fluke. There are still some questions about how long the protection lasts, etc, that we’ll get answers to with longer follow-up, but these results are about as convincing as we can hope for.
Are the mRNA vaccines safe? Yes, based on what we’ve seen from the tens of thousands of people vaccinated so far. The primary safety concerns with mRNA vaccines are that the body’s immune system would overreact to the vaccine. The goal of any vaccine is to elicit an immune response, but if the immune response is too strong, then it can do more harm than good. One of the goals of early clinical testing is to find the dose that strikes the right balance. This overreaction occurs shortly after the injection is given (within hours to a few days), and this is the reason that some people can get a low grade fever after getting vaccinated. Since the side effects tend to occur quickly, we already have solid evidence from the trials that vaccine reactions for the mRNA vaccines are mild, similar to other vaccines that are in use today. For example, the Moderna vaccine had about 10% of participants feeling under the weather for a day or so. For me, that’s an easy tradeoff to make. I will take a chance of short-term flu-like symptoms over the risk of getting Covid any day. And as a young and healthy person, the scariest thing about Covid is that I could pass it along to others who may be at higher risk of dying. 
As with any medical intervention, it is important to continue monitoring for rare events that may not have been detected initially with smaller sample sizes. But those events, if they occur, are rare – if they were common, we would have seen them earlier. Unlike live virus vaccines, there is no chance that the mRNA vaccine can cause an infection. Furthermore, since the mRNA vaccine is NOT gene therapy, it’s not like the vaccine is sticking around to cause some sort of unexpected harm way down the line.
Finally, while this is my reading of the evidence based on my epidemiology training, I encourage you to trust the decisions of the FDA. They have a rigorous process for approving vaccines that takes into account input from advisory panels of independent experts who aren’t paid by pharmaceutical companies or appointed by the president.’

Get your Whitewater Journal HERE

LISTEN TO 78 HERE

In the second part of the series, Evan kicks us off with his Southeast Paddling experience. From there, our hosts talk about everything from boat design to the new Covid-19 vaccine. Of course, we shut this two-part series down with some epic rants and raves! Thank you for listening and enjoy.

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In part one of this two-part series Louis kicks os off with some important policy announcements. From there, our hosts dig into some disgruntled listener mail taking aim at Louis. From there we move into a Green Race recap with insider details on the live stream. Finally, we bring Evan Garcia on to discuss all things nerdy to whitewater. Thank you for listening and enjoy!

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In part two of this series, we hear about the huge turnout at the Upper Yough Race.  From there we bring on the shadowy Instagram figure Meme Boof to discuss his page and somewhat genius sense of humor.  From there we dig into listener mail, rants and raves and more!

LISTEN HERE

Check out the complete LVM set here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lvm

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In part one of this two-part series, we get a first-hand account of what may be the greatest whitewater rescue story ever told! Sam Davis describes how a small bobble at Kanawha Falls led to a nearly seven-hour struggle to survive while at the same time Corey Lilly and an incredible crew of paddlers worked relentlessly to rescue him.  There are many takeaways from this experience and something every whitewater kayaker should take the time to listen to.  In a year when positive outcomes are hard to come by this is right on time!

Check out the complete LVM set here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lvm

Click HERE to listen.

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In this episode, we bring Eric Jackson, founder of Apex Kayaks on the show to discuss his new business and Kickstarter campaign.  As well we discuss upcoming Upper Yough race, boat materials, listener mail and much more.  Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Check out the complete LVM set here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lvm

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NRS Just Add Water:  https://www.nrs.com/project/just-add-water/

Carbon Creek Boat:  https://www.guigui-prod.eu/uk/Blog/Entrees/2017/12/30_The_Shinobi.html

Carbon Fiber In Bikes: https://ridegg.com/blogs/dispatch/revved-carbon

Atlas Design House:  https://atlasdesignhouse.com/

In this episode, Ben Luck shares his recent FKT of 15 hours and 2 minutes on the Middle Kings River.  Your hosts discuss the launch of Eric Jackson’s new carbon fiber kayak and learn about a massive foamie boat river under construction.  Enjoy and thanks for listening.

Check out the complete LVM set here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lvm

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Outside Magazine article on Flush Drowning:  https://www.outsideonline.com/2411473/flush-drowning-whitewater-deaths-study

Apex Watercraft Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ericjackson/apex-watercraft?ref=discovery&term=apex%20watercraft

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And just like that Covid is over! The crew is back with a jam-packed show discussing everything 2020: coronavirus, social unrest, the Great American Outdoors Act, Gauley Fest, North Fork Championship and more. As always thanks for listening and stay well.

Darcy Gaechter, the first and only woman to run the Amazon River source to sea, owner of Small World Adventures, and published author, joins us for this episode of the Hot Seat. Darcy talks about the planning, dynamics, and struggles of a 148-day expedition, coming face to face with yourself while writing a book, and the struggle of being accepted for making a life outside the box. With over 20 years old expeditions under her belt, Darcy has a great insight of living the life that makes you happy.

Follow Darcy on Instagram
Website: darcygaechter.com
Small World Adventures

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For a limited time, use discount code ‘GTFOutside’ for 10% off your entire cart. (get the fuck outside!). https://coloradokayak.com/

Races, freestyle comps, free camping and more in New Mexico! MothersDayWhitewater.com

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Welcome to Hammer Factor Episode 72, ‘Paddling Through A Pandemic”.  I want to start off by saying we are living through unprecedented times.  Everyone listening to this show has seen their schedule, job and life in general drastically change in just a few days.  The situation in this country and around the world for that matter is evolving daily.  While no one can predict the future, the next few months will be something tomorrow’s generation will study in their history books.  To say we’re going to face adversity is a colossal understatement.  Having said that there will be another side to this. We will move through this cloud and that is what we want to discuss on this show.  Primarily can we or even should we keep kayaking through this era of social distancing and if should what is the best practice.

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Hipgrave Magic:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM551Exbsqo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3xYpjqgcKz97Wzg_phZYx4za3mNOZ2BYi-3UGv3QqsnB_eIuFRlExDbc0

Jet-Powered Kayak:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1SVStFWg-g&fbclid=IwAR2LwQbB8bohX8nnJp6Au6QTUVkr6TEHpVv0VKoR-WubQAyBEdskEv5c1rA

Ladies and gentlemen, we are back!  70 freaking 1…how did this happen.

Anyway, we have an obnoxiously packed show lined up:

–  Things are looking grim for clean water.  The Trump administration has ‘clarified’ the Clean Water Act.  Louis explains.  

– Eric Jackson’s new company Apex Watercraft.  A conspiracy theory that turned out true!

–  John Mark Seelig, captain of the US Rafting Team comes on to describe their recent attempt at the Grand Canyon Speed record.  What’s next and will they try it again?

–  Bobby Kuepper, member/manager at CKS comes on to give us all the paddlesport retailer insider beta. What’s up with the split? Why doesn’t Hala make packrafts. Manufacturers selling direct are crushing retail, how can you compete?

Of course, we have some incredible listener mail and everyone is wondering what Louis will rant about this week.  Here we go!

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Hipgrave Magic:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM551Exbsqo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3xYpjqgcKz97Wzg_phZYx4za3mNOZ2BYi-3UGv3QqsnB_eIuFRlExDbc0

Jet-Powered Kayak:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1SVStFWg-g&fbclid=IwAR2LwQbB8bohX8nnJp6Au6QTUVkr6TEHpVv0VKoR-WubQAyBEdskEv5c1rA

We start this week’s show with a lashing from Kayak Pucon Hostile. Next, we discuss what Eric Jackson’s next moves may be. From there we get into listener mail and of course rants and raves! Thank you for listening, enjoy!

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Chris Hipgrave Email

What’s up gentlemen?

While we all throughly enjoy Weld’s passionate assessments of the whitewater industry, I feel strongly that his doom and gloom / glass half empty summary of current industry events, might only be telling one narrative of a much more complex situation.

First off let’s talk about overall participation in whitewater. The latest Outdoor Industry Association / American Canoe Association paddlesports report shows some really promising stats …
– Whitewater participation rates among those 35 to 44 is increasing, but the biggest year-over-year growth is with youth ages six to 12.
– In fact, participation among children ages six to 12 has increased by 126% since 2013.
– The growth of whitewater kayaking looks promising. At 56 percent, whitewater kayaking had the highest first-time participation of any paddle-sport in 2018.
– Female participation has consistently grown since 2013
– 44% of whitewater participants have taken whitewater skills courses. These participants are 10 percent more likely than the average paddler to receive training from a certified instructor.

Anecdotically, I would also argue that whitewater kayaking is stronger than we give it credit. Just go paddle during Yough week, Gauley season, a solid Colorado season, etc. and the numbers of folks enjoying the river is astonishing compared to even just 10 years ago. In these regional whitewater strongholds, the only thing lacking feels like space in the eddy on some weekends.

So here at Pyranha we strongly disagree with the concept that whitewater kayaking is an endangered activity and we’re likely to end up making our own kayaks in our garages, as some have suggested (Corran). Could it be better? Absolutely, and there are great examples of clubs and individuals that should be applauded for acting locally to make huge difference.

Turning our attention to the recent spate of industry acquisitions, mergers and departures, again I would argue that these are inevitable in a young industry like ours that only started rotomolding whitewater kayaks 40 years ago. Folks probably don’t understand just how small the whitewater industry is, so when big things happen like these industry shake ups, we all probably feel somewhat threatened. However, we can choose to engage the reality that our young industry is realigning to a new retail reality, and adjust our own course, or we can choose to point out everything that’s flawed about it and yet out of our control. I hear many folks, including the Hammer Factor, comparing whitewater kayaking to the biking industry but even there we are seeing mergers and acquisitions as they grabble with the same changing retail landscape.

Here at Pyranha, we have zero plans to slow down our innovation of new and exciting boats just because of these industry changes and challenges. If one of our peers stopped manufacturing whitewater kayaks tomorrow, the industry would adjust, small manufacturers (Waka, Exo, etc), would step up to join the mainstream and once the dust settled, we’d all be back on the river doing what we love. The draw of the river will always be stronger than what manufacturers name is on the side of your kayak. Additionally, we strongly disagree with the assertion that fewer manufacturers means less innovation. To use your own example, the bike industry is dominated by Trek and Specialized and yet they have some of the most interesting and innovative bikes out there. iOS and Android, are another example. Innovation will only stop if we choose to make it stop and the paddlers out there demand that we don’t, so at Pyranha, we won’t.

Lastly, let’s address the Big Gear Show … on second thoughts let’s not. That whole thing just pissed me off!

Cheers

Chris Hipgrave – Director of Sales
Pyranha US, 2000 Jonesborough Road, Erwin TN 37650

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SLALOM HERE

http://www.nwwhitewater.org/

http://www.penncup.org/

https://nantahalaracingclub.com/

http://www.potomacwhitewater.org/

http://www.durangowhitewater.org/about/

Weeks of pent up energy and the news that caused it can’t be contained for another second.  Let us begin.  We have a great interview with 15-year-old slalom phenom, Evy Leibfarth.   Next, it seems The Hammer Factor was correct in reporting on the financial struggles of the company formerly known as Confluence Outdoors.  Anonymous Boat Review Guy gives us the inner workings of the recent mergers and acquisitions.  This takes us to the news Jackson Kayak founder, Eric Jackson, has left the company…what on Earth?  Finally, the Paddlesport Retailer show has collapsed like a neutron star under its own weight.  This begs the question, is whitewater in an inescapable black hole and will anyone escape?  Thank you for listening, enjoy!

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Corran’s Industry Margins Seminar

Bren Orton in China

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Hardline Mountain Bike Race

Here is a look at the Paddlesport Retailer lanyard.

Beater Article

Great Opportunities for Instruction
Do a search for kayaking schools near you to find the closest options. Below are a list of some great schools we have direct connections with.

Calleva
H20 Dreams
Nantahala Outdoor Center
eNRG
Otter Bar

Colorado Water Rights and History Segment

Colorado Stream Flows: https://dwr.state.co.us/surfacewater/default.aspx
Great overviews of Colorado water rights administration, history, etc: https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/publications-and-radio/citizen-guides/
Colorado River Wild and Scenic: https://www.upcowildandscenic.com/
BBA Water: https://www.bbawater.com/
Good River Beer; 2% of gross revenue goes to protecting and preserving rivers, including AW and Colorado Water Trust. Good suds too: https://goodriverbeer.com/

Pyranha Carbon Ozone

***Dagger Outburst Auction***: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hammer-Factor-Dagger-Outburst-Strategic-Reserve-Release/264421585415

Biblical Warfare
https://politicalwire.com/2019/08/19/gop-lawmaker-preparing-for-biblical-warfare/

Bundyville Podcast
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/606441988/bundyville

Dane’s rescue on Raven Fork:
https://youtu.be/T9J1sPWI05w @ 1:32

Creature Craft Logic?
https://youtu.be/woT6gjL0dQQ

Meme Boof

***Dagger Outburst Auction***: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hammer-Factor-Dagger-Outburst-Strategic-Reserve-Release/264421585415

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

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Brian Knights Squirt Boating Vimeo Channel:  Videos

Paddle Boarding Your Way To Better Kayaking:

Well the cat’s out of the bag now thanks to Grace. We had hoped to share this exciting news with the whitewater kayaking world when the results of our multi-year study were published in a peer reviewed journal, but I guess the time is now. The results are in and its definitive…if you want to be a better kayaker, go paddleboarding.

It all started about 10 years ago when we noticed a phenomenon. Here in Colorado washed up kayakers in their 40’s with a puzzling affinity for wearing visors, were flocking to paddleboarding like Phish had announced a four night stand at Red Rocks. If a paddler well past their prime could learn to successfully execute an eddy turn in class II after only 3 months of daily practice…what could this remarkable training tool do in the hands of an athlete in their prime?

So we set about a black box research project with two of the sports premier athletes: Dane Jackson and Gerd Serrasolses. While they took to the paddling very quickly getting their cargo shorts and shaka game dialed took some work. I don’t want to bore you with the science, so I’ll let the results of the Little White Race speak for themselves. The bottom line is simple… If you want to be a better class V kayaker, go paddleboarding in class II.

For those of you interested in learning more about how SUP can make you a better kayaker my Ebook “SUP-PRIZE! Paddleboarding Your Way to Better Kayaking” will be available later this summer. Grace thanks for shining a light on this important breakthrough in training and thanks as always for the work you do. -Mike Harvey, Salida, CO

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In this episode, we bring Tom Sherburne from Shred Ready Helmets on the show to discuss helmet technology.  In particular to answer why MIPS technology is not used in whitewater helmets?  From there we, unfortunately, had to dig into a little paddle offset and feather talk.  Finally we expose IR as the manufacturer of High N Dry.  Enjoy and thanks for listening!

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Dane Cobra Flip off Spirit Falls: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdrenalineRush/videos/2364806570236092/

Email On Lymes Disease:

From: Amos Ludwig
Subject: Lyme and Dr. Rocco

Message Body:
Dear John,

I listened to the Lyme Disease episode that you did last year with Dr.
Rocco and was just going to keep my thoughts to myself, until Dr. Rocco
responded to the dissenting email by hiding behind the title of scientist
to support his position. I am by trade a scientist and have performed and
published research. The research that has been performed that suggests that
Lyme cannot persist long term is very limited in scope, and his argument
about symptoms being general and vague is the epitome of anecdotal and
hardly scientific. I’m going to provide you my personal experience with
Lyme not because you asked for it, but because I’m grumpy about the whole
thing. My experience is also anecdotal, but I’m not ruining people’s lives
with my anecdotal experience. Refusing to perform proper scientific
research on lyme persistence is leaving a lot of people suffering and in
some cases ruining their lives. It also dawned on me that Weld may have
even been referring to me as the paddler he knew that had a long battle
with Lyme. So maybe I am also defending myself and experiences. I could
write a book from my experience, but I’ll do my best to be as succinct as
possible. Here goes…

I picked up Lyme disease backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and at the
time knew little to nothing about it. I was diagnosed with several other
ailments before a doctor finally tested me for Lyme Disease. I tested
positive and was given two weeks of doxycycline. I initially felt better
but after the treatment course concluded my symptoms came roaring back. I
returned to the same dr. who prescribed the same dose and duration of
antibiotics. This time my symptoms resolved enough that I was able to
finish the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately after I returned home the
symptoms returned. This time oral doxycycline was not effective and I was
referred by a friend to a Dr. that treats persistent lyme with prolonged
antibiotic therapy and I was given an IV Rocephin. Improvement was slow but
I could tell over time that it was making a difference. I was then taken
off of the IV and returned to oral treatment with antibiotics. My
improvements were slow but marked and I remained on antibiotics for the
next year and a half. I was feeling well enough that my dr. and I agreed to
end antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, after a couple weeks without
antibiotics my symptoms came back stronger than ever. Each of these
relapses proved to be more and more difficult to recover from. So here I am
now 7 years later and have been on some form and dose of antibiotics ever
since. I take an incredibly small “maintenance” dose at this point which
seems to be enough to keep the Lyme from thriving in my blood stream.

So here are some of the things that I’ve learned from this terrible
experience:

1. The Infectious Disease Society of America has claimed that Lyme
   infection cannot become chronic and that long term antibiotic use is
   ineffective and dangerous.
2. The research that they have cited has been conducted over a short time
   span and with a very small sample size.
3. More complete research is being conducted through the International
   Lyme and Associated Disease Society
   https://www.ilads.org/research-literature/leading-research/, as well as
   https://www.lymedisease.org/. This research is being conducted with data
   from thousands of patients over a period of years instead of days or
   months.
4. Research from these organizations and others indicates that where
   treatment failures exist, bacteria have migrated out of the bloodstream and
   deep into tissues, muscles, joints, and even the brain and spinal fluid.
   Areas that most antibiotics cannot reach.
5. Research also indicates that when Lyme is exposed to a short and
   insufficient dose of antibiotics that the bacteria are able to form
   colonies which are fully encased in a protective biofilm which antibiotics
   cannot penetrate.
6. For my personal experience with Lyme, long term antibiotics were the
   only significant factor in my recovery.
7. There are countless people who have shared my same experience of early
   treatment failures from short and/or delayed initial antibiotic therapy.
8. The earlier the treatment and the longer the dose, the higher the
   treatment success. All of the people that I know with chronic symptoms
   including myself either did not receive treatment right away or were given
   3 weeks or less of doxycycline after symptoms occurred. In my case I
   experienced the double whammy.
9. It takes a while for Lyme to show up on a blood test. If you’ve been
   bitten by a tick and have flu like symptoms don’t wait for a positive test
   result before you seek treatment.

I would like to note that I do not take discounting Dr. Rocco lightly. As
a conservation biologist I take science and research very seriously. My
stance on this matter has come not only from my own experiences and others
that I have met, but by hundreds of hours of reading and compiling as many
research studies as I could find.

From this experience I have come up with a Lyme plan for my family,
friends and anyone else who cares to listen.

1. First line of defense is prevention. Deet will melt the paint off of
   your windowsill but it will also keep the ticks off of you. You can also
   buy permethrin treated clothing. When you are done recreating it’s time for
   a good old fashioned tick check, which can also make for a fun co-ed
   activity. Remember, ticks seek out warm/moist places. Sounds like Grace
   found that out the hard way.
2. Secondly if you have an embedded tick, remove it carefully with
   tweezers by the head and put it in a sealed zip-lock baggy. At this point,
   to be thorough and have piece of mind, mail the tick to a lab to be tested
   for Lyme. We use a lab in PA through https://www.tickcheck.com/. Once
   they receive the tick they will provide email results within 48 hours. For
   my two small children we send off every single tick to be tested. The test
   is a PCR DNA test which is 99.9% accurate. This test is far more accurate
   than waiting to test for your own immune response after symptoms have
   already presented. (This lab will also test the tick for a wide array of
   other vector borne diseases but you pay extra).
3. If the tick results come back negative, go have a beer, or eight and
   celebrate. If the tick test results are positive, our plan is to treat
   prophylactically. This is where your dr. comes in. I’m lucky enough to have
   found a doctor who will treat aggressively with prophylaxis. Everyone
   around the Yough knows Dr. Nori Onishi. His approach to Lyme is spot on and
   he is a way better dr. than a paddler. At this point the treatment is
   typically 3 weeks of doxycycline for adults and 3 weeks amoxicillin for
   small children. We would treat 4-6 weeks if symptoms began before treatment
   starts, but this has yet to happen.

Well that’s my extensive unsolicited story and I’m sticking to it. But
since I’m here I’d like to say how much I appreciate the contributions from
Geltman on this show. It’s frustrating to hear people complain about having
to listen to the conservation and land policy issues that ultimately
determine how and where they get to recreate. I’m assuming that they want
other people to do the dirty work for them so that they can get back to
life in their bubble.

I’d also like to rave about IR’s No Rubbie’s Boxer Briefs. I don’t always
wear underwear, but when I do, they’re John Weld’s.

IR Exposed as High N Dry Manufacturer

Enjoy Part 2 of this show!

The Hi-N-Dry

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In this episode, we discuss the historic public lands package that just passed through Congress.  American Whitewater, Outdoor Alliance and a host of other agencies along with millions of Americans are responsible for protecting hundreds of miles of river and millions of acres.  Congrats to all involved.  From there we get on the phone with Hunter Cooper and Ben Drew of the Long Creek Gangster Paddling Club to discuss their opposition to logging in the headwaters of the Chattooga.  Finally, we have an incredibly interesting interview with under the radar explorer, Rocky Contos.  Enjoy!

LISTEN HERE

Public Lands Package

More Info On Rocky Contos

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In this first episode of the New Year, we bring editor of Banks Mag, Ryan Bailey on to discuss the Midas Gold Stibnite site in the headwaters of the South Salmon and the origins of Banks Mag. From there we make our New Year’s resolution of no more paddle feather talk. Shane Benedict comes on to answer the question of why boats break more than they used. Of course, we cover listener mail and everyone’s favorite rants and raves!  As always thank you for listening.

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For some videos relating to welding and plastic testing in general:

How to weld a crack in a kayak.

Security Bar Pull inserts come out of the Plastic.

Water-filled kayak drop test, not scientific, but a lot of fun.

Dart Test
The plastic is frozen to negative 40 degrees and tested for failure.
This test determines foot-pounds of impact force to create failure and style of failure brittle or ductile.

In this episode, we bring J.T. Hartman on the show to discuss his advanced biomechanics research on the “Differences in Core Rotation and Maximum Forward Reach between Whitewater Kayakers using Feathered and Unfeathered Paddle Blades”.  See the results of the study below!  As well we have American Meteorological Society Award winner and very special guest, Dr. J. Tom Farrar, on to discuss the effects of man-made climate change on whitewater kayaking.  Finally, we cover listener mail and of course rants and raves!  As always thank you for listening.

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Differences in Core Rotation and Maximum Forward Reach between Whitewater Kayakers using Feathered and Unfeathered Paddle Blades

by: Elizabeth Prewitt, Jamie Lange, and J.T. Hartman

EXSC 436: Advanced Biomechanics

11 December, 2018

Abstract:

Introduction: The growth in popularity of whitewater kayaking has warranted an expansion of scientific research surrounding the sport. To date, much of the research pertaining to the sport has been centered around Olympic-style flatwater sprint kayaking. Significant research has been done on kayaking-specific kinetic variables, but very little has looked at kinematic variables of kayakers themselves. Whitewater paddlers often utilize feathered paddle blades as a way to maximize power output resulting from increasing core rotation and forward reach.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine the differences in trunk range of motion and maximum forward reach between kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades. Hypothesis: The researchers in this study hypothesized that there would be no difference in trunk range of motion or maximum forward reach between kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades.

Methods: Six active participants from the University of Puget Sound Kayak Club with at least one year of kayak experience volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects came into the lab on two separate occasions consisting of a familiarization trial and experimental trial. In the experimental trial, participants paddled for multiple stroke cycles while being recorded from the transverse plane, using both paddle conditions. Statistical analysis including descriptive means and inferential statistics (t-tests) were performed.

Results: After a paired-samples t-test, a significant difference was found between core rotation and reach, when performed in different paddle conditions — feathered and unfeathered (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The researchers conclude that the use of unfeathered paddle blades leads to improved trunk ROM and maximum forward reach when compared to the use of feathered paddle blades in whitewater kayakers.

Keywords: whitewater kayaking, core rotation, reach, feathered and unfeathered paddle

Introduction:

        Whitewater kayaking is gaining popularity in the realm of extreme outdoor-based sports. Participation in the sport includes outdoor enthusiasts, professional athletes, and even active military personnel and veterans. Since 2004, nine military-affiliated medical centers have adopted some form of kayaking into their rehabilitation programs with an additional nine Veterans Affairs centers expressing interest as well (5). The biomechanical study of whitewater kayakers is a starkly undeveloped area of research. The vast majority of current research pertaining to kayaking has been done on Olympic flatwater sprint kayakers, with much of the data coming from a few sporadic studies performed since the 1980’s (7). Much of this research has looked to improve the power output of kayakers by altering paddle blade shape and stroke technique (4). It is generally agreed upon that kayaking in all forms utilizes power produced largely from transverse rotation of the trunk and upper body, leading to multi-segmental movements which have been shown to improve range of motion in physical therapy patients (3, 6, 2). When looking at kayaking performance, then, it is reasonable to conclude that a person’s ability to rotate their core will positively correlate to overall power production during a stroke cycle (for the purposes of the present study, a stroke cycle was defined as the time from the beginning of a right-hand paddle stroke to the beginning of the next right-hand paddle stroke). As a result of increased core rotation, there is also the possibility of increased forward reach during each stroke cycle. Increased forward reach leads to a lengthening of the power phase of each stroke, ultimately resulting in greater potential for power production during each stroke (2). It has been suggested that maintaining a neutral body position is crucial to the stroke efficiency of kayakers (3). This notion has been suggested as an important factor in stroke efficiency for both male and female kayakers as paddling-specific kinematic differences between them are negligible (1). Increasing the engagement of core rotator muscles has also been linked to increases in trunk stability and performance as well as decreases in rate of injury among kayakers (3).

        Real world (on-water) biomechanical analyses of whitewater kayakers are extremely difficult to conduct as a result of harsh conditions, exposure of expensive video analysis equipment to water, and obstruction of anatomical landmarks by necessary safety equipment. As a result, many studies have performed these analyses with the use of kayak ergometers. The use of kayak ergometers in biomechanical analyses has been justified by research which shows that differences in physiological and biomechanical processes between ergometer use and on-water paddling are negligible (8).

Much of the current research evaluating the biomechanics of kayakers has sought to identify the most beneficial magnitude of various kinetic variables, not necessarily the kinematic variables that lead to them. As a result, extremely little research has been done on how the use of feathered (offset) and unfeathered (no offset) paddle blades affects the performance of whitewater kayakers. The researchers therefore believe the present study to be the first to look at how paddle blade offset affects trunk range of motion (ROM) and maximum forward reach. The use of a feathered blade (assuming right-hand dominance) requires a kayaker to hyperextend their right wrist, leading to variance in their ability to fully extend their elbow, flex their shoulder, and rotate their core when compared to use of an unfeathered blade. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate total trunk ROM and maximum forward reach of whitewater kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades in a lab setting. The researchers hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in trunk ROM or maximum forward reach between subjects using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades.

Methods:

Subjects: In this study, a total of six active participants, three male and three female, were recruited via voluntary sampling from the University of Puget Sound Kayak Club. All subjects reported whitewater kayaking one to three times a week and had at least one year of kayaking experience at the collegiate level. The physical characteristics of the participants can be found in Table 1. All subjects completed a Kayak Questionnaire, gave verbal consent to participate in the study and didn’t have any injuries preventing them from participating.

Instrumentation: A Dansprint Kayak Ergometer was used to perform all kayak exercises at a standard resistance determined by the machine. A GoPro Hero 5 Black recording in 1080p at 60 frames per second with a linear field of view set 2.70 m away directly above from the ergometer was used to collect data in the transverse plane. An online metronome provided by a Google search for “metronome” set at 70 beats per minute was played during kayaking. A biomechanical data analysis kit including reflective markers and measuring devices were utilized throughout the experiment.

Familiarization: Subjects were asked to come into lab one week prior to data collection. This time was during Kayak Club hours (between the hours of 8pm and 10pm), when they would usually be kayaking. Each participant’s shoulder width was measured from acromion process to acromion process. This data was used to calculate the grip width for each participant on the ergometer paddle (grip width=130% of participant shoulder width). Tape was placed on the paddle to mark grip width and participants were instructed to keep their index fingers on it while paddling to maintain the same grip throughout the trial. Once seated on the ergometer, the seat was adjusted so the participant’s knees were at 55° of flexion according to medical convention. Across the length of the paddle, 1/8-inch p-cord was taped (representing the un-feathered trial). On the left hand side of the paddle, p-cord was taped also taped at 45° to facilitate the feathered condition. For the unfeathered condition, participants were instructed to keep the second metacarpal knuckle of their index finger of both hands on the p-cord that ran across the entire paddle (0°). This served as the neutral position. For the feathered condition, participants were instructed to rotate the second metacarpal knuckle of their left index finger off of the neutral p-cord to the 45° p-cord every time they performed a left-hand stroke. When they transitioned to the left stroke, they would hyperextend their right wrist, resulting in their left hand moving from the neutral p-cord to the 45° p-cord. Each participant paddled in each condition for a total of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Strokes were regulated to a rate of 70 strokes/minute. Tester provided verbal feedback to participant to ensure they were paddling at the correct rate and to encourage them through the time.

Experimental: Participants came in during Kayak Club hours for data collection. Upon arrival, participants filled out the questionnaire and anthropometric data was collected. Participants then had reflective markers placed on the left and right acromion processes, the left medial epicondyle of the knee, and the left metacarpophalangeal joint. Based off of participant feedback from the familiarization trial, the grip width was too narrow for natural paddling. To adjust for this, researchers added 30% of the participants shoulder width to the grip width. For each condition, participants paddled with the same procedures used in the familiarization. The tester began recording video after they had begun paddling for multiple stroke cycles. Participants were not  aware when filming started or stopped. Filming was concluded after three stroke cycles were completed.

Statistical Analysis: MAXTRAQ, a motion capture system that operates in two-dimensional data analysis was utilized for the digitizing and synthesizing of raw video captured. An example of a digitized subject can be found in the appendix of this study. After digitizing all markers for different condition trials, the shoulder angles and values for reach were exported into Excel. The angles generated from MaxTRAQ were adjusted to fit medical convention using the following formula: Medical Convention=Shoulder Angle-90°. Following that calculation, trunk ROM was computed for each subject in each condition using the following formula: Trunk ROM=Maximum shoulder angle-Minimum shoulder angle.  The computer program, “IBM SPSS Statistics Data Editor” was used to perform a variety of statistical tests. Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants. A paired-samples t-test was completed between paddle condition (feathered and unfeathered) and core rotation. Another paired samples t-test was computed to compare maximum reach across the different paddle settings. Confidence level was set at 95% (alpha level = 0.05).

Results:

Descriptive statistics for age, height, and weight were collected (Table 1). A significant difference for core rotation was found between the un-feathered and feathered conditions (p<0.05) (Table 2). A significant difference for maximum forward reach was found between the un-feathered and feathered conditions (p<0.05) (Table 3). Figure 1 shows a time series graph demonstrating the core rotation of both paddle conditions for one full stroke cycle of one subject.

Table 1. Descriptive statistics of subjects.

Table 2. Differences of trunk ROM between unfeathered and feathered conditions.

*significant difference between conditions (p<0.05)

Table 3. Differences in maximum reach between unfeathered and feathered conditions.

*significant difference between conditions (p<0.05)

Figure 1. Time series graph showing amount of trunk rotation compared to time for both unfeathered and feathered paddle conditions. Data is shown for one full stroke cycle for one subject.

Discussion:

Contrary to the researchers’ hypothesis, the results of the present study showed a significant difference in both trunk ROM and maximum forward reach between kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades. When it comes to trunk ROM, the unfeathered condition (45.8083±10.66643 degrees) resulted in a significant increase in trunk rotation as compared to the feathered condition (42.2032±9.69120 degrees) (p=.041). Similarly, the unfeathered condition (22.5389±4.04205cm) resulted in a significant increase in maximum forward reach of the left hand when compared to the feathered condition (20.5274±4.63471cm) (p=0.003). As this was the first study to look at these kinematic variables in whitewater kayakers, there is little existing research to support these findings. However, these results are consistent with the notion that maintaining a neutral body position is a key factor in efficient paddling (3). In the feathered condition, hyperextension of the right wrist during a left paddle stroke likely led to increased flexion of the right elbow and extension of the right shoulder, thereby limiting the subjects’ ability to maximize core rotation and stroke length. Trunk ROM is crucial to power production during a stroke cycle as trunk rotator muscles can work over larger distances and for slightly longer periods of time as ROM increases. As maximum forward reach increases, so does the length of each stroke, especially the length of each power phase. This increase in power phase length means that each stroke is able to produce power for a longer period of time, leading to an increase in forward propulsion of the kayaker.  This evidence suggests that use of un-feathered paddle blades while kayaking has the potential to maximize stroke efficiency.

The present study was not without its shortcomings. One shortcoming of the present study was the small sample size of only 6 subjects. It is possible that differences in average trunk ROM and maximum forward reach would be diminished for a larger sample size. Further research is needed in this field to determine whether there are correlations between ideal blade offset and variables such as age, height, and paddling experience. The present study also opens the door for further research to explore differences in kinetic physiological variables between kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades.

The researchers conclude that the use of un-feathered paddle blades leads to improved trunk ROM and maximum forward reach when compared to the use of feathered paddle blades in whitewater kayakers.

References:

1.  Baker J, Rath D, Sanders R, Kelly B. A three-dimensional analysis of male and female elite sprint kayak paddlers. ISBS [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2018 December 3];17(1).     Available from: https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/cpa/article/view/4050
2.  Mann RV, Kearney JT. A biomechanical analysis of the Olympic-style flatwater kayak stroke. Med Sci Sports Exerc [Internet]. 1980 [cited 2018 December 2];12(3). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7402054
3.  Mckean MR, Burkett B. The relationship between joint range of motion, muscular         strength, and race time for sub-elite flat water kayakers. J Sci Med Sport [Internet]. 2010 [cited 2018 December 2];13(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19897416
4.  Michael JS, Smith R, Rooney KB. Determinants of kayak paddling performance. Sports    Biomech [Internet]. 2009 [cited 2018 December 3];8(2). Available from:          https://doi.org/10.1080/14763140902745019
5. O&P News [Internet]. San Diego (CA): O&P News; [cited 2018 December 6]. Available from: http://oandpnews.org/2008/04/15/rebuilding-livesorthotics- prosthetics-10/
6.  Shujaat F, Soomro N, Khan M. The effectiveness of Kayaking exercises as compared to    general mobility exercises in reducing axial rigidity and improve bed mobility in early to mid stage of Parkinson’s disease. Pak J Med Sci [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2018 December 1];30(5). Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.305.523
7.  Sperlich J, Baker J. Biomechanical testing in elite canoeing. ISBS [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2018 December 1];20(1). Available from: https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/cpa/article/viewFile/617/542
8.  VanSomeren KA, Phillips GR, Palmer GS. Comparison of physiological responses to    open water kayaking and kayak ergometry. Int J Sports Med [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2018 December 10];21(3). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10834353

Appendix:

Screenshot of MaxTraq analysis of core rotation and maximum forward reach:

So many rivers, so many places, such good people!  Our experiences on the river are so treasured, but all too often some of the most precious details slip away from our memories.  Give yourself or that special paddler in your life The Whitewater Journal to act as a keep safe for all those incredible days being out amongst it!  Record flows, crew, number of river days and all the other important notes from your trip.  The Whitewater Journal has a special glossary at the end for quick reference of the years summary.  This 200-page hardcover journal is designed specifically for paddlers, so start your collection today!

EPISODE 59

In this episode, we discuss Grace’s trip to D.C., the election, Zinke, LWCF and of course paddle offset.  As always we have rants and raves, listener mail and more!  Thank you for listening.

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American Whitewater Navigability Toolkit

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/access:start

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Check out the wonderful library of content from Dr. Liz Koch here!
Blue Ridge Bio Mechanics

In this episode, we bring Bren Orton back on the show to discuss his epic at Alexandria Falls. Joining this discussion is world record waterfall holder, Tyler Bradt. We dig deep into whether running waterfalls is an act of skill or simply a stunt, and what kinds of gear or techniques could reduce injuries in the future. As always we have rants and raves, listener mail and more!

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Links to topics discussed on the show.

Study about water impacts:
http://www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc1973/pdf_files/1973_10.pdf

Hammer Factor Fest (not official)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-D_KoO2rSWIBISiEETX6ykkWi77BBFdL

Tdub4eva promo code at Shredready.com!

In this episode we dig deep into the Nouria Newman story and discuss her recent 400km solo trip ending in the Indus River. From there we discuss epic crashes on Alexandria Falls, policy updates, listener mail and epic rants and raves!

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Links from the show:

GOP chairman: Chinese may use US environmental laws to undermine military
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) said Monday that China’s government may be using United States environmental laws
Is Lewis a Chinese Agent?
http://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/393916-gop-chairman-chinese-may-use-us-environmental-laws-to-undermine-military?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Rising2thehill.com

Bren Orten Breaks Face

Get in touch with Dr Hetzler at: 831 458 6272

In this episode we discuss exostosis or abnormal bone growth within the ear canal. This is a common problem many kayakers face due to the exposure of cold water getting in the ear. Our celebrity guest, Dr. Douglas Hetzler, often referred to as ‘the Michelangelo of the ear canal’ fills us in on all the details about preventing and treating this sometimes serious condition.

See what your ears look like with the ear scope below!

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The band is back together in this episode as we catch up with Kevin Colburn from American Whitewater after the recent success passing Wild and Scenic Designation for East Rosebud Creek. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed into law a bill protecting 20 miles of East Rosebud Creek as part of the Wild and Scenic River System, making it the first waterway in Montana since 1976 to receive the classification!

As well we discover there is a new kayak company out there and catch up on a host of other topics ranging from naming rapids to progression at the Mystery World Championships. We cover some great listener mail and of course rants and raves. Enjoy!

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Article on East Rosebud Wild and Scenic: https://mtstandard.com/lifestyles/recreation/east-rosebud-creek-becomes-part-of-wild-and-scenic-river/article_1403b92e-8e62-5941-9379-ab9d2712f3b5.html

Heres a link for instructions on filing a mining claim:
https://www.blm.gov/or/programs/minerals/files/how-stake-claim.pdf

New Kayak Company: http://vagabondkayaks.com/kayaks/

Erik Boomer takes us on a wild ride during this hour long, in-depth ‘Hot Seat’ interview! From eating wild rabbits for survival to first descents in the Arctic we dig deep with one of the world’s truly great explorers. You can follow Erik on Instgram: @eboomer and as always thanks for listening!

More Info on: Into Twin Galaxies

More Info on: Ellesmere Island Expedition

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In this second episode of a two part series Aniol Serrasolses takes us through his winning run at The North Fork Championship held on the iconic North Fork of the Payette River. Enjoy and thank you for listening.

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Firm Prepares To Mine Land Previously Protected As A National Monument:
https://www.npr.org/2018/06/21/622128554/firm-prepares-to-mine-land-previously-protected-as-a-national-monument?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social

In this episode we discuss two of the ‘toughest’ races in kayaking with the winners of each race. Aniol Serrasolses takes us through his winning run at The North Fork Championship held on the iconic North Fork of the Payette River. As well Andrew McEwan fills us in on what it took to win the 260 mile long Texas Water Safari on the San Marcos River. Enjoy and thank you for listening.

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Firm Prepares To Mine Land Previously Protected As A National Monument:
https://www.npr.org/2018/06/21/622128554/firm-prepares-to-mine-land-previously-protected-as-a-national-monument?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social

In this episode:

– Weld has a big anouncement
– ABRG fills us in on the new Cocaine
– Kevin Colburn sets us straight on packrafts
– Viewer Mail
– Rants and Raves and so much more…

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High Country News article on stoke: https://www.hcn.org/issues/50.8/recreation-your-stoke-wont-save-us

Nicole Mansfield comes on the show and fills us in on her recent multi-sport trip in the Frank Church Wilderness, Ben Kinsella shares a sincere letter about finding your stoke after tradgedy and of course rants and raves. As always thanks for listening.

Old School Boat Review

I know what you and most or the Hammer Factor audience are thinking…”Who/what the fuck is Hydra?” “They had a Dragonfly II?…Was there a Dragonfly I?”

Well, Hydra was a player in the 1980s-early 1990s plastic boat industry. (We had so many choices in plastic boats from Perception, Prijon, Noah, Hydra, and a few from Seda and Wavesport in 1988ish!) They were based in Tennessee and went through several different ownerships, before ceasing production. But a few things of note about Hydra:

-They were manufactured for a while by plastics manufacturers that molded all sorts of other plastic equipment/products. First, Plastics Industries in Athens TN, later Rotocast Plastics in Knoxville TN produced Hydra boats. They also made sea kayaks and rec boats, in addition to whitewater designs. 30+ years ago, it seems like kayak companies had the same challenges as companies today in regards to manufacturing costs/facilities and the viability of standalone kayak production.

-Hydra was one of the first kayak companies to use linear polyethylene (market as Tuf-lite), while most everyone else at the time used cross-link.

-They manufactured many of Tom Johnson’s (of Hollowform) designs, such as the Taurus, Swift, Centaur and Duet, as well as western designs such as the Mustang/Matador.

-Hydra made the only plastic whitewater C2, the Duet.

I remember seeing ads for Hydra in old AW Journal magazines and Canoe magazine. I even saw one or two on the river, when I was learning the sport on the Lower Yough. At the time, I thought that the name “Dragonfly” sounded way cooler than “Dancer” or “T-Slalom”. Lately, I’ve seen more Tauruses on Craigslist than Dragonflies. So, I don’t think that they sold too many.

The Dragonfly was one of their later designs (late 80s) and marketed at the time as a lower volume, high performance playboat.

(Above info gathered from memory and Sue Taft’s book The River Chasers.)

Specs:

Length: 11’ 10’’
Width: 24”
Volume: 75 gal
Weight: 35 lbs

*I’m not sure what changes/improvements from the original Dragonfly constituted the name change to the Dragonfly II. It was the 1980s. Sequels were “the new big thing” in 80’s culture.

I found a Hydra Dragonfly one day in Steamboat at a used outdoor/sporting equipment store. They were asking $40. I walked out the door with it in exchange for $20 of hard cold cash.

Initial Impression:

Looks like a cross between a Dagger Response and Crossfire, stretched out to 12’ in length. The plastic is really soft and pliable. Amazing that it doesn’t show any brittleness or cracks. (Yay for linear polyethylene!) It’s really lightweight for a long, high volume kayak. The original stickers/graphics have fallen off, but I’m pretty sure it’s a Dragonfly II, may be a I, but I think it’s a II. *It’s really hard to find any info or images of these boats online.

Outfitting:

The seat is lightweight thermoformed plastic that needs to have foam hip pads glued in. The footbraces are sturdy sliding aluminum, with a trigger on the back for adjustment. The thigh hooks look funky. They are positioned closer to the center pillar than most other boats. But, once sitting in it, I realize that they are really comfortable with the ability to lock your knees out or relax them towards the center. There’s just an old foam sleeping pad block bungeed to the rear pillar for a backbrace. The ethafoam walls are a bid crushed/shrunken from age (and probably laden with spider eggs).

I’ve paddled it a couple of times on Gore Creek in Vail (class III-IV, 800-1000 cfs, extremely cold water) and the Eagle River below Dowd Chute (continuous class III+ at 2500 cfs).

On river performance:

Speedy! One of the faster 12’ boats that I have paddled. The length and flat deck shed water better than expected. The wide flat section under and behind the seat offer great stability. Carving into eddies is not terrible. It doesn’t spin on a dime, but it’s no battle ship either. A good balance between length/speed and maneuverability. You can get it to where you want in the river. If not, the length and pointy ends keep you from getting caught in holes. Also, it’s still a relatively dry boat, only a few sponges worth of water at the end of the day. It front surfs bigger flatter waves fairly well. Didn’t get a chance to try some enders, but I bet they are stratospheric in this thing. *A constant thought during my run was that some of the current designers of modern longboats should take a look at the hull of this and see what makes it work.

Overall impression:

Fun boat! The Hydra Dragonfly is/was seriously underrated, as a fast stable 12’er. In class III-IV downriver races, I think it would be just as fast as a Green Boat, Stinger, or Karma UL, faster than a Dancer, Vortex, or Crossfire, and more stable than a Lazer, Excel, or Spirit. I would add 1 or 2 inches of foam to the pillars to increase its water shedding abilities. If you come across one for free to $60, It may make sense to add it to your quiver. But, it fits in a weird middle space. It’s long, too high volume to squirt, but not big enough for steeper stuff/self support. It’s impressive, but there are other old school boats out there that have better features/capabilities and are more plentiful. It currently sits at the bottom of my pile of boats…literally.

Modern Day Boat Comparison

Production C2

In this episode we discuss Whitewater SUP with paddling legend Dan Gavere! But first #everythingisfucked…

Hat tip to Jake Risch, did you get an invite to be on the panel Louis?

Zinke seems to be at it again:
https://medium.com/westwise/zinke-stacks-the-deck-on-outdoor-recreation-committee-8b4adf298175

But last time zinke tried his tricks he got slapped down:

https://medium.com/westwise/congress-rebukes-the-trump-zinke-proposal-to-disembowel-park-and-conservation-budgets-a3e2cb5c0989

Is Zinke being muted after the bears ears shrinking? Has the hammer factor nation constant show of support for public lands had an affect. Even if the zinkster isn’t listening seems congress is.

Listener Mail:

From Michael Gallimore

Thank you all for addressing the fact that sometimes you really do have to “eat your vegetables.” The only people who can afford to not be political are the ones whose rights are not being threatened. If you like kayaking and recreating on public lands, this is an issue that will never go away. West Virginia is a microcosm for the rest of the country, where pristine environments and beautiful rivers are always at the risk of the extractive resource industry. Thank you Louis and Hammer Factor for always keeping us in the know.

From Covey Baack
It was good to hear the Cannabis talk! I will be representing a Cannabis Company this year as well!!

From Rico 420
Dear Hammer Factor, 

I really enjoyed listening to episode 46 and getting all of the gang’s take on the issues presented by pot in kayaking.  It was interesting to hear how some on the panel viewed the “devil’s lettuce” as a performance enhancer while others saw it as a performance inhibitor.  I feel like this disconnect is reflected across the broader community of kayakers, and that we as the Hammer Factor community have the perfect platform to solve this problem once and for all. 

I think that everyone who listens to the show should be challenged to kayak their favorite river and SUP 5 miles of flatwater into a headwind back to back two times; once sober and once balls-to-the-wall stoned. After each attempt, they will fill out a detailed questionnaire rating aspects of their experience and how the “jazz cabbage” affected them. (I’m currently speaking with several M.D.’s to gain insight for the questionnaire)  This will give us more data regarding the effects of marijuana than any other study to date and help the Hammer Factor gain traction in the medical news community (Which I’m sure will help out Grace’s pocketbook).   

Anywho, I’ve got the brilliant idea, you guys have the means to make it happen.  Lets make some magic boys. We owe it to ourselves and to the whitewater community at large.  

Sincerely,

From Anonymous
To start I’d like to remain anonymous if this is used on the air. I’ll also do my best to keep this brief. 

Thanks for the recent episode regarding the most recent river deaths, as a Seattle boater the loss of Sam hit us all very hard.  With that said I’d like to address something in regards to how we deal with river accidents.

As a culture/community/sport when these accidents happen we don’t do a good job of analyzing the accident.  If you look to the Mountaineering, rock climbing, backcountry ski world when there is death or even a accident that leads to injury they do a much better job of doing a forensic analysis of what happened that lead to the accident (links below). They look at the Environmental factors, decisions made, and Heuristic traps that leads to the incidents. 

I’ve noticed that when something like a death happens on the river people don’t want to talk about these kinds of details, it’s almost as if by talking about the details we’ll be speaking poorly of the dead.  That if we say out loud (for example) that the water was High, they put on at 1:00pm in December, and that they were only a group of 2 is to admit that they might have made poor decisions that lead to the incident. After Sam’s death the only time someone would mention that the water was very high (900 cfs or so) is in hushed tones and in private company.  In whitewater we learn by doing, but there is a place for thoughtful reflection in regards to decision making.

Additionally, in this age of pushing the water level up on familiar runs by admitting that it’s possible that something like high water is a risk factor it would force us to look at our own decisions. 

Not to put you all on blast, but this was even apparent in the episode.  Lot’s of talk about risk, personal choices, and the like, but not really asking the hard questions about “what are the events that lead to these things”.  If the climbing and backcountry world can do this why can’t we?

I could expand on this but for the sake of brevity I’ll stop here.

Thanks for providing quality entertainment to the whitewater world and keep up the good work, may you be blessed with many sponsors. Also I recognize my hypocrisy in wishing to remain anonymous in light of my statements.

https://avalanche.org/avalanche-accidents/

https://www.nwac.us/accidents/accident-reports/

http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/about_accidents

Anonymous

From Simon Wyndham

Okay, so weed aside, you wanted to know if there were any companies that make predominantly just WW boats without having to make cooler boxes etc. Okay, Pyranha, Bliss Stick (though God knows how they are still going!), Waka, Zet, Spade.

The bigger question is WHY boaters are so tight when it comes to buying a boat? The same people who grumble about the price of boats even though they should be higher than they are, are often the same guys who will drop $3K on a mountain or road bike without a second thought!

Tim Kennedy Corsica Review

Yet another Perception whitewater kayak review…

The Corsica!  This is the original, the big one.  The “head of the household” that included the Corsica, Corsica S, Corsica Matrix, Corsica Overflow, and Overflow X.  

The Corsica was Perception’s first true entry into the creek boat category.  At the time, it incorporated creeking specific design features such as a short length of 10’ 9”, blunt ends, and a “keyhole” cockpit.  For the first couple of years it still used plastic foot pegs on rails.  Later, the cockpit and thigh brace area was enlarged, a bulk head footbrace was added, and it was offered in the Proline version with stiffened pillars.  Many Ohiopyle area creek boaters either paddled Corsica’s, Corsica S’s, or T-Canyons as their first plastic creek boat purchase. In the early ‘90s, it was a significant shift (and risk of ridicule) for many paddlers who had always paddled fiberglass to be seen on the river in one of these tupperware “geek” boats.  But, as we explored the steeper low volume runs of the area, many came to embrace the advantages of these new plastic creek boats.

As a skinny twenty year old, I originally owned a Corsica S from 1992 to 1994.  But, this past summer, I had the chance to pick up a big Corsica.  

Perception Corsica specs (from the 1993 catalog)

Length: a nimble 10’ 9”
Width: a stable 25.5”
Volume: a roomy 79 gallons
Weight: light as a feather at 41 lbs

I’ve paddled mine a few times now.  But for this review, I’ll talk about my run down Gore Canyon at 1300 cfs last September.  (I do paddle other places.  But, Gore is practically my “backyard run”.)

Visual impression to me:

Looks longer and skinnier than modern creek boats (because it is), but not as long as a Green Boat or Stinger (because it isn’t).  Looks fast with an ever so slight keel on the stern (to help track).  Hardly any rocker whatsoever (it better be fast, otherwise it may boof like a torpedo).  A big flat bow deck that you could land aircraft (or your drone) on.

Visual impression to 20 year olds that I paddled with that day:

“Whoa…Who brought that?  Are you gonna paddle that today?  Looks huge!”  Whispers aside, “What a kook!”  “And you have a wood paddle?  How long is that?”  Thinks, “Yep, a complete kook!”

Comfort and outfitting:

Surprisingly comfortable and secure with such small thigh hooks.  Seat needed to have some foam glued in for hip pads, and I added an IR backband.  The footbraces in mine are the easily adjustable and replaceable (more on that later) Keepers style plastic foot pegs/pedals.  A standard/small (depending on brand) sprayskirt fits fine on the cockpit, but needs to be worked into the shallow rim.

On river performance:

– Super stable.  The narrow width is not noticeable, due to the big flat area under the seat.
– Pretty fast for a short boat.  Almost as fast as a Green Boat or Stinger.  Probably due to the lack of rocker giving it a long “effective edge” (ski/snowboard term).
– Boofs are 50/50. The speed helped with the boof on the left-left line in Gore rapid.  I aired it out with a few wide-eyed “Holy shit!”s from the kids in the eddy.
– However, the length and lack of rocker didn’t promote a flat landing at Tunnel Falls.  I resurfaced like a nuclear submarine in an 1990’s political thriller.  Bow high, but still hull side down. So, it resurfaces well.
– Catches eddies fine.  If you’ve got the room, it carves into eddies really well for having such soft edges.
– All day comfort.  Even with the narrow knee position and low deck, I was able to sit in the boat all day, without having to get out until…
– Age/durability of plastic outfitting is suspect.  One of the original Keepers foot pegs shattered, when I applied a bit of pressure to it while peeling out at the bottom of Kirschbaum (thankfully not earlier in the day).  I paddled out with a light pressure on the remnants ziptied in place.  But, a new set was easily purchased online for under $20.  Good to go for next time!

Summary:

The Corsica is a fun old school boat that fits in between the modern creeker and modern long boats in performance.  Very versatile.  However, it’s too long for the short boat class and too slow/too flat of a deck for the podium in the long boat class.  But, as training run boat, or a boat to help make the step up to paddling a Stinger or Green Boat, it’s a good option.  It may be good for shorter multi-day trips as well.  I have a friend who is planning on paddling one on a Middle Fork self-support this summer.  He’s been paddling the Corsica forever.  He likes them so much, he has a barn full of them.  If you are on the smaller side, I recommend the Corsica S.  The Matrix is a slug (albeit a stable slug).  The Overflow is a completely different boat.

*sorry no action shots (again)

Crushing it in the Corsica!

Now for our special guest: Dan Gavere!

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Tim Kennedy and The Cascade Review!

Grace, Weld, Geltman and crew,

Thanks for the shout out in episode #44! And thanks to John Weld for not divulging that old nickname…Those who were there back then and know it, have earned the right to use it (in private)

Great episode with some interesting topics. I think we are just “scraping the surface” in regards to risk in whitewater kayaking, and the dichotomy of how it’s an individual sport that often depends on a team. The slalom and Olympics discussion with Ashley Nee was enlightening, as well. Although I never officially trained or competed in slalom, it has had a huge influence on my paddling technique.

Louis…Point well taken on how my reviews are bit too lengthy to read on the show. So, starting with this one, I’ll provided the same in depth review for context (and for your amusement), followed by a list of bullet points that may (or may not) be read on the podcast. *Maybe someone should post the show notes on your Facebook page? I don’t know how many folks are willing to navigate to your website to find the notes. We’ve become a fairly social media dependent society lately.

So…the 1978 Phoenix Cascade (*not to be confused with the Dagger Cascade C1 from the 1990s)

Background info: I’m a huge fan of Phoenix boats. My first brand new kayak was a Phoenix Slipper in 1989 ($380 plus shipping, factory direct). Phoenix (based in Kentucky) used to be a big player in the kayak manufacturing scene. They attempted to compete with the plastic kayak market during the 1980’s, offering similar priced composite boats, with materials such as “Fiberlastic” (and Nylon resins?) and “breakaway” cockpit designs that they marketed as being as tough, light, and as safe (safer?) than the small cockpit 30 lb plastic boats of that time. It didn’t work out too well for them…Other than the Arc (designed by Jim Snyder), most of their designs were from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. They couldn’t keep up with the design, marketing, and production juggernauts of the ‘80s: Perception, Hydra, and Prijon in plastic, and New Wave, Watauga Laminates, Valley Mill and others in composite. They ended up selling to someone else and now primarily produce a hunting and fishing boat called the Poke Boat. (You can still get some of their whitewater designs for about $2300 per boat). I have managed to pick up quite a few used Phoenix boats over the years, mostly in the $60 to $200 range.

Back to the Cascade:

Initial impressions: Long, light, and fast. It’s 13’ 2” long (standard for most kayaks in the 1970s, based upon the 4 meter slalom length rule). It’s fiberglass and weighs about 25 lbs. 90 to 100 gallons in volume. The Cascade has a peaked deck and a slight keel in the bow and stern, and has a flatter hull under the seat. And it seems to have a manageable and stable hull design in comparison to wildwater boats. Just looking at it, this boat oozes speed!

Outfitting/fit: It has a deep bucket seat, but no factory backband. I installed an old Dagger back band with a camstrap. No hip pads. You gotta glue or tape some foam in there. While you are at it, put a foam wedge under the seat to keep it from swaying. Thigh hooks?…Forget about it. There’s some old sleeping pad foam glued to the underside of the deck, to keep your knees from bruising. However, the knee position is a lot higher than most fiberglass boats of that period. Foot pegs? Actually, it’s got some sturdy adjustable aluminum ones, glassed into the boat, with 6 or 7 different positions in 3” increments. No foam walls or pillars. Mine came with 30 year old vinyl full floatation bags, one for the entire 6 feet of stern and one for the front beyond the foot pegs. This boat doesn’t even have outside seams, just inside seams and some black electrical tape wrapped around the outside edges. You gotta be careful getting in and out so that you don’t crack the deck/cockpit rim with your ass while wiggling in and out of the tiny cockpit. One other point to note…Phoenix boats seem to have a very narrow cockpit/seat. I think that people that paddled in the 70’s and 80’s may have been generally a skinnier segment of the population.

Handling/Performance in whitewater: Most people see these boats and right away say, “Great lake boat!” or “Beautiful wall hanger.” Well, these boats were actually designed for whitewater paddling! Recently, they are coveted by many older paddlers for their prowess in attaining. But, since the attainment opportunities in Colorado are fairly limited, I primarily choose to paddle my Cascade in a downstream direction. I have paddled it about a half dozen times in class III whitewater. But, most recently I paddled it down Westwater Canyon of the Colorado River in Utah, 17 miles of flatwater and class III (III+?) at about 2800 cfs. (after biking the 15 mile shuttle, a good multi-sport workout). It’s really fast! My paddling partner (in my Liquidlogic Stinger XP) was left in the dust in most rapids, and certainly smoked in the flatwater. Combined with a longer paddle, there is near effortless forward progression (I have a 203cm Powerhouse, a 204cm Snyder RivrStyx, and 203 cm Odachi). As the keel pierces through the chop, the peaked deck sheds most waves that happen to make it over the immense bow. Turning is easily accomplished on the tops of waves, when the ends are free from the water. It carves a decent arcing turn in smaller water. But, trying to turn it in the trough or on the face of a wave is near impossible. Being fiberglass, huge, and having no pillars, the boat makes a pleasing echoing thud as you land on the backside of bigger waves. It’s surprisingly dry for a 30-40 year old boat. I only had about 2 sponges worth of water in it at the end of the day. Also, the high deck makes it comfortable for extended periods of paddling. I could shift my 36” inseam legs to the center of the cockpit rim for flatwater sections.

Overall impression: The Phoenix Cascade is a gem! It’s speed and ease of paddling are lauded by those that are “in the know”. I’m gonna use mine more often for workouts/speed runs and longer races on up to class III to easy class IV water (Fibark). You are going to leave any paddling partners in modern “long boats” far behind you, gasping for air, with cramped forearms. (That’s why I now have TWO Cascades and a Phoenix Savage. Come paddle with me.). I recently got some huge sheets of mini cell foam and am going to cut some pillars for added security/durability. *Why do we have to call Green Boats, Stingers, and Karma ULs “long boats” anyway? We just used to call boats that are 12’-13’ in length “kayaks”. Why are creek boats called “short boats” only during races? Aren’t they “medium” boats?

*Bullet point review:

Pros:
– It’s fiberglass: lightweight on and off the river
– It’s long: really fast in the flatwater and rapids, but more stable than a wildwater boat.
– It’s high volume: comfortable and sheds water, more room for beer storage (Take a few, you earned it!), and plenty of room for a roll of duct tape.
– Did I say it’s fast?: You are gonna beat everyone else to the takeout. (More beer for you!), Also a plus if you run out of duct tape.
– If you can find one, they are relatively cheap. *Except for that guy in NJ trying to sell a 40 yr old Phoenix Appalachian for $2500!? Don’t pay over $300 for old one (and that one had better have been stored in a climate controlled dark room in a silk sock for the last 30+ years.)

Cons:
– It’s fiberglass: You have to paddle around rocks (More difficult to accomplish for many modern paddlers, than you’d think.) Also…itchy legs. Bring plenty of duct tape. Add piping foam to your roof racks.
– It’s long: You have to find the best time and place in a rapid for where and when to turn it. (Also, difficult for many modern paddlers).
– It’s high volume: No (intentional) splats and stern squirts in this behemoth.
– It’s fast: Unless your paddling partners are in 30 year old glass boats, they are going to be asking you to slow down…Frustrating!
– They’re hard to find (in still paddleable condition). Get good with your Craigslist search techniques, or be comfortable with fiberglass repair work and have a wholesale hook up on duct tape.

Summary:
– Phoenix Cascades are for more than just lake paddling and wall hangings. They run class III and class IV whitewater (upstream and downstream) incredibly quickly in relative comfort. *Get a long paddle.

**Not the best boat to paddle while your girlfriend SUPs, as you’ll have to spend most of your time sitting in eddies and waiting for her.

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Good day everybody we have a packed show lined up for you today. We get to the bottom of the ‘instafire’ post from Pat Keller calling out Corey Sheehan for pulling the foam out of his life jacket. From there we have a great interview with US Olympian, Ashley Nee, giving us the inside scoop on the USOC. Of course we have some great listener mail, rants and raves and an outstanding review of the Perception Slasher. Enjoy and have a great day!

Slasher Review:

On river performance

Well, instead of easing into C1ing on a class II stretch, I decided to hop in it on Brown’s Canyon, a class III stretch on the Arkansas River, at about 700cfs.

Fit – The outfitting and saddle were very comfortable (at first) and easily adjusted for a secure fit in the boat. The sprayskirt was a bit of a struggle to get on the cockpit due to it’s small size and the neoprene drying out and degrading over the years. But, with some effort and stretching (tearing?) of the fabric, I got it on the rim. I grabbed my short (58”) Carlisle raft paddle and hit the water.

Flat water performance – Really stable, considering the edges and high seating position inherent in this slalom inspired C1. I was able to get amazing power out of a forward stroke (J stroke), and the boat glided quite swiftly down the river. After about a mile on the water, I was getting the hang of controlling the boat with an onside bow draw/forward stroke combo, and some J stroking, and sweeps. My knees and ankles were getting a bit uncomfortable, but I hear that’s common with C1ers.

Class I – II performance – With my confidence building, I was able to paddle efficiently through small wave trains, with stability afforded by solid forward leaning powerful strokes. I soon looked proficient eddying out and peeling out from river right eddies. Cross bow eddying out was a bit more difficult, probably due to the length of the crappy paddle that I had, and me being used to paddling with two blades. I even pulled off a few flat water rolls in a big deep eddy, under the watchful eye of a friend “spotting” me, incase I got into trouble. However, after a few miles paddling and some rolls, there was about 5-10 gallons of water in the boat. The hull looked to be in immaculate condition, maybe I missed a fine crack somewhere. Anyways, I got out and dumped/sponged the boat, which was a welcome relief to my numbed knees and ankles.

Class III performance – As the rapids picked up in Brown’s Canyon at Canyon Doors/Pinball, I was able to get a feel for performance characteristics of the edges on this slalom inspired design. A seasoned (capable) C1er would love how the edges help the boat carve across the current and hook in to eddies when entering from swift water. For me, it was frightening! Every eddy line now became a horrible monster reaching out to grab that edge and flip me over. I frantically avoided eddies, rocks, and small pillows at all costs. Just get me into the safety and serenity of the pool at the bottom! We soon came to Zoom Flume, the biggest class III rapid on the run. It’s a relatively steep drop with some medium sized curlers and waves and a big rock at the bottom. Earlier, I had a feeling that if I was going go upside down on Brown’s, it would be Zoom Flume. Now, after feeling I may go upside down in any rapid with rocks and eddies, I knew I was going to flip in Zoom Flume. Sure enough, I did. I flipped on my offside (how do you brace on the offside?), carped three rolls, and swam. Rolling in shallow rapids with your ass and entire upper body hanging four feet out of the cockpit is difficult! I swam to shore, allowed the blood flow and feeling to get back to my feet and got back in the boat (on the saddle?). I continued on downstream. Every rapid (class III) seemed like a fight for survival. But, now I had the confidence knowing how quickly you can exit a C1, when your legs are underneath you and not encapsulated in the bow of the boat. I was actually grateful that the boat kept taking on water. This allowed me to stop, get out, dump water, and get feeling back into the lower half of my legs. They were no longer numb…my knees and ankles were now aching with searing pain! I finally made it to the takeout without any further mishaps. After sitting at the water’s edge for 20 minutes to allow life and feeling to return to my feet, I limped to the cooler and drank my bootie beer…Do C1ers only have to drink 1/2 a bootie beer, because of the “1/2 a paddle…” thing?

Overall impression

In the hands of a more skilled (capable) canoeist, the Perception Slasher would be a joy to paddle. It’s C1 slalom boat-like design elements would make it incredibly fast and responsive compared to today’s C1s (which to my knowledge are now just kayaks with different seats, paddled by a kneeling guy with one blade). I’d bet that you could even stern squirt/pivot turn the slicey demon. For me, it was an edgy, uncomfortable nightmare, akin to trying to paddle the river while kneeling on top of one of those plastic cafeteria tables, with a raft paddle.

All in all, it was a challenging and painful, but enjoyable learning experience. I’ll keep the boat, so that I have something to do while my girlfriend paddles her SUP on the Upper Colorado.

Dane Jackson surfs behind ski boats: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120559614677761/permalink/1717771914956515/

Article on the USOC that Ashley Nee discusses: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/the-olympic-flame-has-been-extinguished-the-usoc-should-be-next/2018/02/26/a00648ca-1b05-11e8-9de1-147dd2df3829_story.html?utm_term=.8d5154c3107c

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Good DAY EVERAH BODDDAY and what a show we have for you this fine February in the year 2. Today we pull back the curtain on the deep state of whitewater paddling to talk with the OG whitewater industry, Joe Pulliam.
Joe, for those of you who don’t know, has been building boats since the 70s and could be considered the father of whitewater kayaking in the US. He began his career as the marketing manager for Perception eventually co-founding Dagger Kayaks. From there he began working with Jackson Kayaks eventually heading up that brand until his recent retirement.

Now, as is our want, it is time for Louis “Ask your doctor if Zoloft right for you” Geltman to take it away with a segment we call “#everything is fucked”.
Possible topics: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/01/22/zinke-to-sign-land-swap-deal-allowing-road-through-alaskas-izembek-wilderness/?utm_term=.fafee3be28e6

close to home: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=SB270%20INTR.htm&yr=2018&sesstype=RS&i=270

or this- https://bea.gov/newsreleases/industry/orsa/orsanewsrelease.htm

Motorized vehicles as (the largest) outdoor recreation? whats that all about, braj? Do these kinds of studies hurt, help or do nothing for us?

Holy crap, are we getting viewer mail. So here’s the thing. We get a lot of questions, and in an effort to fulfill our role as arbiters of all things whitewater we feel a responsibility to take the listeners under our wings and protect them from trolls and fake news. In pursuit of this, we’re introducing a new segment- 5 questions in 30 seconds. This where- on a rotating basis- one of us will ask another 5 listener questions, which will be answered as succinctly as possible. While this may seem glib and dismissive, nothing could be farther from the truth. You can rest assured that the answers we give WILL BE THE VERY BEST POSSIBLE, AND THE FINAL WORD ON THIS SUBJECT.

OK, to start off, Grace will read the questions, and weld will answer:
1. Fernando Palacios: Bow lines or now bow lines?
2. Robert Fleishel: should I buy $75 sweat pants from IR?
3. Ramone: does weld laugh like beavis (or butthead)?
4. Bernie: is Boone a good place to live for whitewater?
5. Chico: It seems like the U.S. is the only place that names rivers with the whole “fork” thing. 
Are Americans just too lazy to come up with different names for rivers?

Fernando Palacios also wrote us and asked about the possible dangers of the bootie beer- ie getting sick. I actually called Hammer Factor’s own in-house medical expert Doc Rocco on this issue, and have the full story. In short, no it will not make you sick.

On to other viewer mail that requires our full attention:
Billy Hearn (yes that billy hearn) writes to catch us up to speed on the blade design convo:
FYI: To the best of my knowledge Keith Backlund was the first paddle maker to produce an asymmetrical blade for whitewater that wasn’t specifically for wildwater or flatwater racing.
Backlund’s were the pinnacle of wood paddle craft and many are still being paddled on whitewater 30+ years after they were built.
All slalom kayak blades prior to the Backlund Slasher were symmetrical.
The Backlund Slasher was licensed to Schlegel, a German synthetic paddle maker sometime around 1985.
I believe the profusion of asymmetrical whitewater blade shapes that began in the 1990’s are inspired by the Backlund Slasher.

Tim Kennedy wrote a great boat review on the Sabre. One of the better features of the review was that he compared what he recalled about the boat to how he found it today.
How he remembered it:
• Stern squirtable/blastable/splatable
• Stable, fast and responsive in technical water
• Boofable, due to the ability to sink the outside rear edges with a sweep
• Comfortable, way more so than a glass squirt boat
• A bit heavy, but durable. It’s plastic.
• Couldn’t get a Tight Skirt brand sprayskirt to stay on the rim after any sizable hit or drop.
And his most recent impressions:
• Much harder to get the stern down than I remember. Most stern squirt attempts resulted in an immediate upstream power flip. I did get the bow belly/chest high a few times, but far from the overhead and near vertical squirts that teenage me could do.
• Incredibly tippy in the slightest current/feature. Barely able to sit still without having to engage my deeply buried abdomen muscles.
• I could maybe boof it, if I ran the bow up over the sloping edge of the rock making the drop. But, I surmise it boofs like a lawn dart.
• Fitting my 40+ year old ass and ankles into the boat was a struggle, best accomplished on dry land (never with the boat afloat in an eddy). Wiggling out of the small cockpit and thigh braces was an equally embarrassing struggle, resulting in a fall towards shore with my numbed legs still halfway in the boat. This wasn’t aided at all by the situation of my hip bones sitting a good four inches above the cockpit rim when fully in the seat.
• Surprisingly light! A joy to carry from the car to the river. Also, the 25+ year old plastic was still strong and somewhat flexible.
• Modern skirts are much easier to afix to the rim, and stayed in place during all my upside down time (as long as you have one with a small enough deck size) 
Final thoughts: 
In one word, I would describe the Perception Sabre as TERRIFYING! It was like I would imagine trying to ride a unicycle with a twelve foot long 2×4 tied to the seat post (6’ sticking out front and back) down a rocky hiking trail with a paddle in your hands. Or as anxiety ridden as trying to carry a brimful cup of scalding hot tea on a saucer through a crowded restaurant without spilling a drop. Maybe with some reduction in my current waist/thigh size and a some improvement in my core strength, I may come to embrace the uniqueness of the Sabre design once again. But, until then, it’s gonna take a warm day with some mellow water levels to encourage me to hop back in that tippy, pointy mess. 
On a final note before we bring on our guests, Anna Wagner from the HERMIT KINGDOM wrote and asked about Nikki Kelly. Grace- what gives? What was paddling with Nikki like? Did you learn anything from paddling with her in CA? Have you paddled with her since then? Whats she up to now?

annnnnd JOE PULLIAM
RANTS AND RAVES!!

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Good day everyone, it’s another hammer factor!

Welcome to Hammer Factor 42, in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything”, calculated by an enormous supercomputer named Deep Thought over a period of 7.5 million years. Unfortunately, no one knows what the question is.

Let us begin.

Intros: Louis, John and John

Louis time:- how was the new OR? Weed and women or more of the same?

I saw these two articles related to OR. Care to comment on these?
–
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/public-land-politics-mark-denver-debut-of-outdoor-trade-show/2018/01/25/6b172406-0230-11e8-86b9-8908743c79dd_story.html?utm_term=.c465577749e0
– https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2018/01/26/u-s-sales-outdoor-equipment-slump-consumer-habits-shift/1068537001/

Viewer Mail:
Greg Schwendinger
Hi guys, I enjoy the Pods and appreciate your efforts to bring in a wide variety of topics. I’ve got a question that I think is above the pay grade of pretty much any other kayaking panel: How do you keep your tubes of Aquaseal from drying up? thanks from Greg at Mayan Whitewater in Guatemala.

Lydia Wing
Hey squad! Thanks for putting out great content and thoughtful conversation. I’m curious if you’ve discussed looping in a regular female co-host to join every episode. I like the ‘take-over’ episodes and all, but I feel like the conversation can be more dynamic and organic by having a diverse group of co-hosts regularly. I like that the current hosts have been in the industry for a long time- retail, design, competition, expedition- and surely there are some females that can add to that conversation. I think it would be cool to seek out an OG female boater who could regular join the podcast with the current crew.

Thanks for all that you do! I enjoy tuning in for each episode. Salud!

Michael Gallimore
Hey guys! It was great to learn about river systems and whitewater from Dr. Phillip Prince. Thank you for share such scientific expertise that explains whitewater and how it exists in different ways. I am wondering if you all have seen the new bill introduced by the Governor of West Virginia to allow logging in West Virginia State Parks? It would be great if you all could bring it up on the show to spread awareness and could potentially inspire listeners to contact representatives concerning the issue. It would be great to hear Louis’ expertise on the issue. Thank you very much, Michael Gallimore
25498064_10214253888197032_7660020779481099016_n.jpg

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/conservation-groups-oppose-bill-to-allow-logging-in-wv-state/article_6632305a-bff5-5631-a836-e517b0acbe17.html

Andrew Palin
Hey y’all, I was just wondering what you all think the best place to go kayaking and get a college education is. I heard Louis throwing around Bellingham (Western Washington) but also places like Cullowhee (WCU) and Clemson sound sick. Maybe it’ll just be a rehash of last weeks discussion but I’d be interested as a high school student to hear your opinions.

Mike Goglin
hey fellas, i love the show. i have a few things i would like to hear about and some guests i want to hear from. 1) i live in southern oregon and the klamath dam removal is “kind of a big deal” i don’t believe you guys have even mentioned this monumental event. 2) i remember when google earth came out and how it blew my mind as far as exploring rivers. how do you think it has changed the sport? 3) Exostosis or surfers ear is a real problem among boaters. lets here from an expert. 4) Chris Korbulic is a southern oregon local and one of the most prolific paddlers in the world but is less visible than others. get him on! 5) Also HEE HAW Jones. are you still pro? whats it like to be pro? 6) and this….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQR1651I1g8

Tim Kennedy:
Message Body:
First off, I really enjoy the podcast. It’s provided an incredibly entertaining (and educating) echo chamber for my views on boat length, paddle length/offset, (questionable) validity of whitewater SUP, environmental concerns, and many other topics. As a sales rep, listening to show really helps with the windshield time. Keep fighting the good fight!

I was delighted to hear you guys discuss the pros and cons (mostly cons) of paddling in Colorado. I started paddling in the Southwest PA/Northern WV area, but relocated to Colorado about 25 years ago. I concur that the rivers here are mostly “manky”. Compared to many other regions, CO does not offer the most attractive location for residence for a diehard paddler. The season is short and concentrated. The water is cold. The stand alone features, eddies, and pools are few and far between on most rivers here. However, the flows are relatively predictable (compared to the SE) due to being snowmelt or dam fed, and most runs are easily accessible (compared to the Sierras). Furthermore, the best thing of note about CO rivers is the lack of crowds. There just aren’t a whole lot of boaters out here, compared to the Eastern US, and the continuous nature/lack of pools tends to keep the groups on the water spread out. Having spent Gauley Fest weekend on the Upper Gauley some years, and stayed in CO and paddled Gore Canyon on other years, the difference between the two is (literally and figuretively) miles apart. It’s the difference between paddling a run with thousands of people and having to find a gap in traffic, or having an entire run to you and your crew without seeing another soul. (Depending on your mood and/or social inclinations, you may prefer one over the other.) *And, the Big South is one of the best runs in the state. Because it is the closest we have to drop/pool, I can see why it appeals to eastern boaters. Vallecito is arguably the best mile of whitewater in Colorado.

On an unrelated note, I have assembled quite a quiver (collection?) of vintage boats. Let me know if you want me to do a boat review or comparison of some outdated long boats or play boats to modern designs. Here’s the list of what I have:

Perception: Sabre, Eclipse, Dancer XT, Corsica, Wavehopper, 3D, Slasher C1
Phoenix: Slipper, Cascade (two of ’em), Savage, Wildfire
Dagger Outburst
New Wave Sleek
Savage Scorpion
Hydra Dragonfly II
Prijon Loisach WW boat

Also, with all of the past discussion about “extreme” racing, how about we talk about the WKF. Was it good or bad for that segment of the sport?

Thanks for all you do.
Sincerely,
Tim Kennedy

Corey Spoores

Message Body:
Hey First time Caller Long Time Listener……
For Weld,
Im New to the art of slalom, talk to me about the pros and cons of a slalom specif paddle for like g-power or some that werner makes, and what make a good slalom blade and why.

thanks guys keep it up

Corey, NM

Jake Cooper

Message Body:
Hey fellas,
‘Twas a few episodes ago that you guys were discussing paddling crew names and the formula for creating such titles.

Louis shit all over Dem Boyz Media Cartel.

While we certainly respect the opinions of elderly persons living on the other side of the country, it didn’t sit particularly well with us. It did get us thinking, though. What would Geltman suggest we be called? We want to know. In fact, we demand to know, and if we like it, we might use it.

Cheers,
Jake

Chris Danielson

Message Body:
Love the Hammer Factor. Listening makes me want to buy IR gear and run the Green or Upper Yough in a party Braaap with a 200cm paddle of some experimental offset. Don’t even want to hear what you guys think of our local New Mexico rivers and creeks though. It’s already hard enough to get people on the river without listening to whining about flat-water, cold or mank, especially with BV and the and the Ark gleaming like Eldorado a few hours north. People up there paddle every day, even during the week!

On another note, where can we find the boat reviews that went out via the newsletter? I’m having trouble getting the links in old emails to work. Can you guys repost them somewhere accessible?

Love it, keep it going,

Chris

John Harding

Message Body:
I want to thank you guys for hitting offset and length so hard again and again. It finally beat some sense into me! Just got my new 202 cm 45 degree shogun and am loving it. It’s perfect for laying treats!

Now to Celebrity Guest Olaf Obsommer

Great CandK article on Olaf!
https://www.canoekayak.com/photos/into-the-tian-shan/

This is the heavyweight battle we have been waiting for. Louis vs. Olaf. It doesn’t get any better than this on the HF. Olaf is a highly decorated expeditionary kayaker, filmmaker and event producer. Below is a short list:
Surviving all my big adventures since 1988,
1988 first road trip in the Alps
1989 first time Corsica
1994 Réunion Island
1995 FD Shire River in Malawi, lots of Hippo and Croc attack´s
1997 3 month Norway with an old 7,5t fire service truck
2001 first time The Grand Canyon of the Stikine at 500 cumecs, we called it surviving paddling
2005 Slave River Northwest Territories
2007 Pakistan Indus the Rondu Gorge + Gabun the Ogooue Ivindo river
2008 Greenland
2009 Siberia, 2 weeks self support in the Sayan Mountains
2012 BIKE2BOAT Norway
2013 BIKE2BOAT Alps
2013 again the Grand Canyon of the Stikine with 44 years age

Rants Raves

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Good friday afternoon everyone, it’s another episode of hammer factor.

INTROS and an opening prayer. Along with the hosts, we also have a special guest this week- Kenny Unser, who is going to explain to us how to game the river lottery system. We are also expecting a call from Woody Calloway, who just took off the grand canyon, after his second back to back trip.

Geltman- time to deliver. We have a government shutdown-what does this mean to us?

Also- do we have Zinke shirts and stickers coming? AW wants them for “Tabling”- which is awesome industry speak.

Breaking News
This just in:
Dear adidas Sickline competitors,
We hope you all had a good start into the New Year. Since most of you are busy planning your season these days, we’d like to inform you in good time that there will
be no adidas Sickline WCH in 2018. Due to a current process of strategic realignment, adidas has decided to adjourn the Extreme Kayak World Championship in order to reflect on the even concept and its further development.
We wish you all a memorable and injury-free season.
Warm Regards
Your adidas Sickline Team

Viewer mail
Michael Van Ruler writes: Hey Guys,
Love the show! Keep up the good work, or at least keep making fun of each other and letting us get in a good laugh. I really like the clear insight Lewis provides on the policy perspectives, it is my favorite part of the show, no better way to stay informed for me.
So I’m pretty new to kayaking, and I live in Omaha…. and I’m planning on moving from here in 3.5 years when my daughter graduates high school. If you could pick any place to live in the US for WW kayaking, and all around best place to live, where would it be and why? I would love you guys input.

Sam Haywood also writes in with a good question: Hey guys,
I’m writing in again to rehash the rapid classification discussion. I just recently did my personal first descent of tallulah gorge. It went great, good lines both weekends that I went, and it was an awesome time!
Where my issue lies is that I’m trying to now decide what is next. The tallulah was fun and I didn’t feel pushed beyond my limits, so I’m trying to decide what is next on my run list. I’ve read AW page after page and own Kirk Eddlemons southeastern paddling books.
I’ve got a few runs in mind such as the west fork of the tuck, green lite, Gauley, and perhaps overflow Creek. It’s still hard to know what level I’m on, and AW and Eddlemon make some of these rivers seem super gnarly. I tend to be a cautious paddler who knows his pay grade, but I wanna step it up incrementally. What resources or decision making process can I use that you guys know of?
POV YouTube videos rarely do these rivers justice, so I’m at a bit of a loss.
Let me know what you guys think about how people can step up their game without getting killed/maimed.

And it’s time to talk about the unavoidable. Colorado.

First, there is this from Andifer F:
ls anyone else starting to think it’s John
Weld’s dream to move to CO to become a
spandex wearing dentist who SUPS at the BV playpark after work?

And then there is this:
Dear Hammer Factor,
In regards to your comments on the river quality of Colorado and Buena Vista. We understand that we do not have the quality year round paddling of places like the Columbia River Gorge, and unlike southeast boaters we do not kneel towards Asheville three times daily.
However, We do find our rivers to be quite fun. They lack things like sieves every 20 ft. They don’t have a lot of pool drop rapids, so we actually have to learn how to chase gear if one of our buddies messes up. When the paddling is good here, it’s so damn good. Even Geltman should find it hard to be upset about “Manky” conditions doing sunny laps of pine creek numbers in June at 3,000 CFS and slicey high water laps on Browns Canyon. Also having a myriad of different sections on the ark really allows beginning boaters to develop well.
Colorado has a lovely arid climate, so our gear actually dries and doesn’t slowly grow into a moldy mess. On the other side of that, it is cold here so the water is never really skin to wind weather. So a drysuit is necessary, good thing right Weld? On top of all of this the central location of BV allows you to get to all the goods in CO within 3-4 hours of driving. And yes, the Embudo is truly worthy. Come down anytime and we will be happy to take y’all down.

We may not be the whitewater capital of the world, yet somehow we have plenty of Southeast transplants. Probably because our summer season is quality. A lot of Colorado boaters love being here for the amount of year round activity. We get some amazing skiing and the mountain biking is rad too. Weld knows that since the last 3 times he was out here he only went Mt. Biking and didn’t kayak. However his Rep and now famous HF Guest Max Blackburn has boated with us plenty on his last two visits.
So, sorry we’re not sorry. We love BV and we love travelling to awesome places like White Salmon, Summersville, Asheville, Erwin, and beyond. Plus we’ve never hanged an elephant.
Sincerely,
Fred Morrison and Nelson Jones

And now on to our special guest- the King of New York, Kenny Unser.

Rants and Raves.

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Show notes Jan 10 2018

We’re back- or shall we say recovering- from our last
shameful podcast of 2017. But there are no lessons learned here at the hammer factor, and to
prove it, we’re going to offer up the same re-heated useless topics we served you last year. On
this show, Louis will make an excellent case for you to ask your doctor if Zoloft is right for you,
Grace will, well, you know, loot the show, Weld will apologize, and the usual ridiculous
questions and emails from the Teaming Millions. And we also have a guest- A ‘whitewater
canoe-er’ who got dumped for a mountain biker. Surprise.
Lets do the introductions.
OK Louis, Make our day.
If you have nothing else, Grace sent this in:

https://medium.com/westwise/trump-administration-gives-presents-to-oil-and-gas-companies-e899b4ad42e3

But to be honest, this comes from “westwise” which looks and sounds a lot like a liberal
version of the ‘Daily Caller’. But the zinke holiday greeting video is interesting. It starts out OK,
and then after a few minutes the douche chills start to settle in.

Now that we’re past that formality, the hate mail.
Here’s this little bon mot from Brian Richard:
Love the show.
Will Weld please stop cutting speakers off and talking over them? Weld is a valuable
part of the show, yes, but would love to hear other’s comments. Perhaps he would
listen to the shows to hear what I’m speaking of.

And Mike Flynn took time from his busy legal schedule to write us:
Was this last show BS? You guys can’t be serious, right?

Kirk Eddlemon (correctly) casts everything Louis has ever said or done into question:
I’ve got a message for Mr. Weld. First of all, he shouldn’t listen to Louis about the
Middle Kings. And I do think that Mr. Geltman’s opinion of the Kings seriously stains
any credibility he has on other topics of discussion on the Hammer Factor. His
explanation of the facts surrounding the fragmentation of our national monuments was
so spot on, but his confusion about the quality of the Middle Kings is puzzling indeed.
So Weld, we are going to the Kings this summer and you are welcome to join us. It’s a
manky, low-quality run, but consider yourself invited. Secondly, I’ve been hearing about
a kids camp that John’s been involved in up in the Yough area, and would love to know
more about it. Can Weld explain how we can get our kids involved? My son is totally
Lower Yough ready, and I’d love to get him hooked up with the program up there.

Despite the haters, we did get some love:
Jared Bean wrote in:
Love the podcast. I much enjoy the personalities, information, and opinions. Thank you
for taking the time to put this on. I hope you continue into 2018.

And Owen Callahan wrote:
I’d listen to you guys reading old copies of AW that you pick up off your bathroom floor.
We even got some emails worth discussing:

Todd Boyter writes:
On the last show , Grace and Weld disagreed on the idea of a single roto-molding
company molding different brands of kayaks and being profitable. I agree with you
Grace , as I own a custom injection molding company ( NC) that mold for
numerous different companies – including all the major kayak brands

And Atom Crawford throws a soft pitch to geltman:
What is the general consensus on modern day kayak outfitting?
I tend to take it all out and then make my own. Shaping up foam hip pads and just a
thin foam pad on the seat. Maybe a pleasure pod.
I could just be reliving the old days when that was the norm, but I Really don’t like most
manufacturers outfitting.
Daggers is about the only one that I’ll keep in the boat…
How about everyone else?

And Lee Doherty Writes from Ireland:
Love the show guys, wondering have yous the balls to discuss why there are no black
professional kayakers sponsored by any of the major kayak brands.
love listening from here in Ireland, some European segments to and the rest world
would be great to add to,

And onto the guest. Dr. Phil Prince gives us some incredible insight into whitewater geology.

OK. The show end is near, and the horses are starting to smell the barn. What else do we
have?
Geltman had some interesting ideas:
-Fantasy kayaker draft. You are starting a boat company. All things equal, who do you
want to sponsor? We draft names fantasy football style (and argue). Or maybe we pick
a list of races (LW, NF, Green?), make up a point system, draft ourselves teams, and
then follow for the season.
-What rivers/trips are at the top of your to-do list? Maybe 3-5 each…

And the shirt contest…. is that dead?
Coming up soon is another ABRG, version 2.0. And of course, the ladies edition.
And of course, Rants and Raves.

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…and here we are hammer factor 39 ‘Last Show, Tao Berman and Giant Cats’. introductions.
– louis: You are losing soo hard, you have not slowed down zinke one bit, how do we get our money back?
weld: Peru?!?!? do tell
grace: starts show and get into sponsor. TOP OF THE SHOW SPONSOR

“Now a huge shout out to our top of the show sponsor, Canoe and Kayak. C and K has been leading the paddlesports media hustle for 45 years, reaching an unprecedented audience of nearly a half million people. With in-depth articles like the one discussing Pushing the Limits of the 9-foot Kayak, which I will link to in the show notes, there is no more compelling way to get your paddlesports beta than C and K. Check em out at canoekayak.com”
. Read more at https://www.canoekayak.com/whitewater-kayak/need-for-speed/ #bMSHwTH3I8skK4gt.99
I’m just gonna put this out there. The 9 foot race rule is dumb. Every justification for it can easily be proven wrong. It’s good to milk speed out of a hull, but I created the 9 foot rule and I can get rid of it.

#EVERYTHINGISFUCKED
Please set the record straight here. A great email from: Fred Morrison & Nelson Jones
Gentlemen and Weld,
After listening to yesterday’s episode of HF I really wanted to hear Louis do a myth busters on this whole land deal in the west. I really appreciated Louis’ honesty in calling out the hyperbole with Patagonia’s message on their web page. Living in rural Colorado our local friends have shared a variety of views, from siding wholly with Patagonia as well as some sharing this lovely feature from the illustrious Glenn Beck This may hurt your head .
We feel like a comprehensive shake down of: 1) what this act will and will not do, 2) what it could become and evolve into years down the road, and 3) The likelihood of this litigation going through and doing what Trump is expecting this to do. Would be an excellent listen for Hammer Factor community.
Thank you for all that you guys do in spreading information for Outdoor Alliance and spreading the stoke of kayaking. Looking forward to the next episode, and we still hope you all might come to Paddlefest in Buena Vista . Grace we have T shirts ready to ship.
Sincerely two concerned Coloradans Fred Morrison & Nelson Jones Clean Teeth, Clean Lines

NEW YEAR COMING – Let’s do some predictions and look backs.
What is going to happen to the hammer factor? Could this be the final episode?
What will happen with WW SUP next year?
Will paddle length and offset finally balance itself out amongst the market or will people still use 194s
Who will win Smalls To The Walls, NF Championship, Sickline, Attainment World Championships and Green Race?
What was the biggest trend you saw in 2017?
What are your predictions for next year?
Finally what are our hosts new years resolutions?

Viewer Mail

From Evan Shaw
If you put up the Zinke Supps T-shirts I’ll order 2. Current boring T-shirt does not live up to the great pod. Also why the hashtag on the front of that no hashtag on the next shirt please people know how to prefix a hashtag in the off chance that they ever need to.

From Robert Fleishel
A few things: 1) tell Shane to rant on himself for not even having a production playboat. 2) Louis is sponsoring electrical tape on paddles, but condeming duct tape? Let him know his double speak has been noticed. 3) Episode 38 returned the Hamer factor to its old glory. Honestly, the high fi, slugishness, and sponsors kind of take away from it. Maybe it’s been something else on the past few episodes, but they didn’t resonate with me as much as the others. But 38 is good, thank you.

From Jordan Yaruss
So, a topic suggestion then: clarify their thoughts on playboating. Is it that they’re not into the modern holebait boats, just generally not into playboating etc
Love the show by the way. Thanks for making it.

From Rahul Subramanian
Questions for HF specifically Mr. Grace
1. How can a east coast whitewater kayaker prepare for running big water rivers on the west coast, i.e. NF Payette, Little White Salmon, Lochsa?
2. Can you talk about how you prepared for the Stikine?
2a. If possible talk about the 1 day descent that you did. (cause that blew my mind)

From Simon Wyndham
Close grip… Too wide is just as bad. Let’s take one aspect such as reach. You can actually get the paddle blade much further forward using body rotation alone to the front of the boat ready for the catch with a closer grip. Too wide a grip and I think people can be forced to lean rather than using body rotation. It’s a simple thing to measure, but if you stay upright and use only your torso rotation, you can get that paddle reached forward much further for the same paddle length than with a wide grip.
So, okay, that will then lead on to paddle length. however a difference of a few cm of paddle length doesn’t make up for the vastly increased reach you get from a slightly narrower grip.
I’ve actually found I can use my body rotation more and put less strain on my shoulders using a ‘natural’ grip width rather than forcing myself to go wider to the point that a lot of people ‘think’ is the right width. Make no mistake, I don’t paddle as narrow as, say, Evan Garcia used to, but I don’t hold it as wide as many others do either. I just hold the paddle where it feels ‘right’ for the body mechanics I want to use.
A slightly closer grip allows more reach using rotation for the same paddle length, lets you keep the arms safer, and I have found actually forces you to use body rotation much more than a wider grip, which disconnects your arm alignment from the body rotation ‘vector’. As soon as your hands go wider than your shoulders you are progressively making yourself more reliant on local arm muscle, and hence contrary what was said on the show makes for less fatigue not more
Try this in a push-up/press-up position. Make your arms as wide as possible and see how long you can support yourself for compared to having your arms closer together. Another thing to try is to attempt to push a heavy object using wide arms compared to narrower.
Also, compare a wild haymaker punch thrown by an amateur compared to a tight hook delivered by a pro boxer. The boxer keeps things tight, not just not to telegraph, but because having the punch closer and tighter to the body allows them to use everything from their feet, through the hips and waist, to the shoulders all to add power, explosiveness and power to the punch in a chain. This is also the same as Wing Chun, where it’s the body being used to reinforce what the arms are doing. Operating a paddle is no different. But then having done Wing Chun for the last 23 odd years, I’m used to using the body to help delivery power and speed through the arms being closer to the body.
So when you guys are discussing this stuff, the conversation doesn’t hold much meaning unless you define what a narrow grip actually is (at which point does it get classed as a narrow grip, and case you explain in scientific terms why having a wider grip is better given the info above?), or by addressing the body mechanics mentioned above. One persons narrow is another persons wide, and vice versa. But body mechanics are pure physics.

From Sam Bernstein
This is a somewhat embarrassing question for me to be asking but the curiosity is killing me. I and a couple of my other kayaking-social-media-addicted boater friends have noticed that Ben Marr tags Lululemon Men in a bunch of his Instagram posts. Do they actually sponsor him? Is he trying to get sponsored by them? If he is–have they used his media in any of their campaigns ? Cause that would be pretty funny/awesome to see one of our own break out so to speak.

BOOOM SHAKE THE ROOM – we got a mid show sponsor. Calleva.
“Join Calleva in Mexico for week long whitewater kayaking trips.
· Awesome trips for all levels of boaters
· Come down and see whats beyond the imaginary “big beautiful wall”
· Lead by Tom McEwan whom has been exploring Mexico for 30 years. He is supported by one of our other instructors like Dagger Team member Bobby Miller, Liquidlogic team member Steve-O, and Tom’s nephew, ladies man, and Waka bro Eric Hanson.
· Explore jungles, deep canyons, legendary waterfalls
· Trips on class II to IV+ rivers
· Most trips are based at the Mexican run eco-resort Aventurec know for it’s great food, orange groves, and proximity to the best whitewater in Mexico.
· Come for the waterfalls, stay for the tacos
· Check out the website at Calleva (C-A-L-L-E-V-A) dot Org”

Athlete/Celebrity Interview TAO BERMAN

Rants and Raves

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…and here we are hammer factor # 38 ‘Zinke Wins, Real Paddling Porn And Verus Kayaks’.

Sho notez Dec 15th 2017

INTROS:

Well, in the halcyon days before the allegations of impropriety and sexual misconduct cascade in from a dozen ex LVM and amongstit interns (#NoTouchies), we celebrate yet another episode of The Hammer Factor- episode 34 (?) “We’re Huge In Japan”.

Weld is back from overseas, and finds that the boys left the place in a mess. The carpet is covered in smashed cheetohs and empty beer cans, and it looks like Shane Benedict has crashed on the sofa with no signs of leaving. Some smartass has made a crude crayon drawing on the wall of two male stick-figures “in flagrante” on an SUP.

Nonetheless, we push forward. On today’s show we’re going to talk with Josh Pecaric from Verus Kayaks, which if you are not aware, is a whitewater kayak startup based in Richmond VA. From the looks of things, Verus makes just about everything that Jackson does, and a couple things they don’t, without the fun of actually having a Jackson involved. We’ll get to the bottom of how he got started, where he thinks the industry is going, and most importantly, why on earth he decided this was a good idea.

But first, we must catch up a little.

Cue Chopins Funeral March, its time for Louis “Low Point” Geltman to get us up to speed on the state of affairs on the political front. I suppose the big news is the developments on bears ears/ staircase-escallante. A good starting point on this is WAPO’s article on Patagonia suing the Trump admin:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/12/12/patagonia-is-suing-the- president-and-drawing-ire-from-republicans-in-congress/?utm_term=.15e8075d04e6

The HNRC, to their credit, issued a zinger, tho, claiming that Patagonia is attempting to “sell more products to wealthy elitist urban dwellers from New York to San Francisco”. Later, Zinke himself said on Fox News that Patagonia is a “ ‘special interest’ that makes its products in China” and that the company “should focus on how to bring manufacturing back into the country instead of lying to the public about losing federal land.” Burn on you, Yvonne.

Anything else this week?

On a lighter note, here’s some viewer mail, or, more accurately, Topics that Will Not Die

We understand that coming to grips with the truth- despite years of misinformation from Big Paddle- wont be easy, so I suppose we’re shouldn’t be surprised that many listeners are struggling with the 60 degree offset. Max Posner and Tyler Houck in particular wrote in and mentioned Jim Snyder’s article on a 40 offset, and that perhaps we should have him on. First of all, if you need to transition to a real paddle with a 40 offest first, thats fine. Second, Weld has talked with Jim about this and asked him if he wanted to come on the show, so that is a possibility.

Bobby ‘Zone Dogg” Miller also wrote in, mentioning that he is a “close gripper”, and has had “success” with it. Well, I think its a triumph that Bobby has done what he has in paddlesports despite what many would consider to be a crippling, hideous handicap. #RealHeros.

page1image26728
Andrew Palim wrote in this question for Louis:

Previously Louis mentioned his disdain for sickline’s self-appointed moniker of “World Championships”. I was wondering what Louis thinks the world championships of extreme racing should look like. Should it be a series, a rotating course, a whole new event, or does race have the gravitas to permanently be the stage for world championships? Or is a worlds for creek racing even possible to do right, or even a good idea?

This subject was also raised by Andifer F:

You guys have ranted a few times about how the Sickline cannot be considered a ‘World Championship’ because it’s the same class IV rapid every year the same time of year. Since kayaking is a seasonal sport, would you guys think for something to be the world kayak championship should it be the same time of year and different sections of Whitewater or varying times of year at different sections of Whitewater? And if this were hypothetically a fiver year rotation, what five sections should be raced on and what time of year would each race occur whether it be the same time or different seasons.

Jon Crain pointed out an article by Men’s Health that PornHub is now sponsoring an “Extreme sports team”:

https://www.menshealth.com/guy-wisdom/pornhub-sponsored-extreme-sports-pro-team

He writes:

Will BDP be the first whitewater team sponsed by pornhub? Seems that Asheville and Hood River would be buzzing about this opportunity.

I’ll point out that right off the bat, Men’s Health refers to this kind of activity as the “wide, wild, whacky world of extreme sports sponsorship”, which kinda says it all. Is this really the kind of branding “opportunities” our sport needs? But the article does make some points about the financial wasteland of extreme sports when compared to other team sports.

We also heard from George Younger at Dope Kayaks. Me mentioned them (him) 2 shows ago, and he wrote us to fill us in a little bit:

So I’ll try to give you a little background of who we are… DOPE Kayaks are an online kayak shop. I got the idea for the business whilst safety kayaking in Ladakh. Things are pretty tough at 4000m altitude so when we are not on the river we spend most of the days sleeping, eating rice or watching movies. So my body’s pretty broken, super tired and I’m thinking I want to be on the river but I can’t keep going like this. The last few days I’m watching the gangsta rap trilogy, Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, N.W.A., and that’s when the idea hits me. I can’t sell dope, but maybe I can sell kayaks… DOPE Kayaks. Emails start pinging out, the process gets going, I quit safety kayaking at the rafting company and catch the bus to Nepal for some feel good boating again. The bus from Ladakh to Nepal is long, 3 and a half days and I share the journey with a Nepali trekking group heading home. I make friends with the guy I’m sat next to for 3 days and we meet again a few weeks later in Kathmandu. He’s a Buddhist monk right, and very highly regarded. The better I get to know him and see the work he’s doing, the more I think I’ve

page2image27896 page2image28056
got to do something to help also. I’ve started this business so I can help myself and I’m seeing all these people that need way more help than I ever need…Inspired by the likes of ‘Patagonia’ and ‘1% for the Planet’, DOPE Kayaks pledges to give to people in need 10% from all sales with our ‘10% for the People’ initiative

Hey Hammer Factor,

Finally done with finals, so I have a chance to ask this question (which may have been covered in previous shows, but I have not had the chance to listen to every episode).

I recently got into an interesting discussion with a much better paddler than myself who has been kayaking for probably close to 20 years. Both of us are from Idaho originally, but now living in Oregon/Washington. What that means is that we’ve both made the transition from “Idaho big water” to “PNW creeking”. Well, he has at least. I’m still working on it — basically re-learning how to kayak on this completely different style of whitewater. While running shuttle, we talked about how paddlers from Idaho routinely come out to the Gorge and get humbled by the demanding creeking conditions. On the other hand, paddlers from the Gorge come out to Idaho and just absolutely crush it on big water, and particularly, the North Fork. Simply put, their skills easily transfer to our environment, while our skills do not.

With all that said, I have two questions for you guys:

1) Why is it that creeking skills transfer to big-water, but not vice-versa?

2) Is the style of paddling found in the Gorge the best place to hone your paddling skills for all styles of whitewater? Is there anywhere (i.e. Norway?) that might mold even better paddlers?

Thanks for putting on a great show! I really liked the discussion on “style” in episode 19, and the roundtable discussion on environmental impacts of gear somewhere around episode 23.

Cheers,
Matthias Fostvedt

Lastly, our “design a Hammer Factor t-shirt’ contest is going along as expected. We have 1 (One) entry from Eliza Carver. To repeat, IR will give away a free dry top to anyone who can design us a good shirt design.

We had some other VW that we didn’t have time for, but I think we’ll keep on the docket- for one Corey Lilly wrote in asking about the “Kayaking Films Era VS Kayaking Social Media Era”, which given our connection to LVM is interesting. LVM in and of itself is interesting..perhaps grace and weld could have a 30 minute argument on this subject. Also- we’re still sitting on Kevin Kennedy’s Yellowstone email. Thoughts?

OK. On to the special guest.

Some background- Ben Szurek wrote us a couple of weeks ago, mentioning that we should get Verus kayaks on the show, which to be honest, I had not heard of. Which is kinda sad and surprising, but also made it a great topic for the program. It got us thinking about the fact that there are people out there, for better or worse, still starting new kayak companies.

[Interview]

Lets start wrapping things up

Coming Soon- the Ladies Show! ha ha. Also more from the ABRG. We know you loved him, but we also know that he represented a new low for audio quality on the HF. I’m pushing for a “best and worst” of 2017. We also have some exciting guests lining up.

And then RANTS AND RAVES bitches….

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…and here we are hammer factor 37 ‘The Freestyle Edition’.

Introductions.

Weld is still overseas, Geltman and Grace are pulling in Shane Benedict as a guest host for the ‘freestyle episode’. Geltman have you ever entered a freestyle comp? Grace? Exactly this is why Shane Benedict is here to lead us through the history of freestyle as he has witnessed as a competitor and judge. Shane will set the record straight on everything from the first ‘rodeo’ world championship on the Ocoee in 1993 all they way through to the 2017 World Championship in Argentina.

1993 world championship on ocoee: https://vimeo.com/246255317

2017 world championship in argentina: https://www.facebook.com/zenitpat/videos/1812215765464856/

Sponsor
But first top of the show sponsor ‘Canoe and Kayak’.

Louis Segment
Grace comes out of top of the show sponsor with a mention of a recent opinion article (link below) from canoekayak.com. This leads us into the new chipper and more positive #everythingisfucked segment with Louis.

OPINION: Trump’s Attack on Public Lands Just Got Personal
https://www.canoekayak.com/news/environment/op-ed-trumps-attack-on-public-lands-just-got-personal/#F5A1zrcUZIzLvCZM.99

Viewer Mail
Shall we take on a couple viewer mails before we get dig into freestyle banter?

——Andrew Palim from facebook- Previously Louis mentioned his disdain for sickline’s self-appointed moniker of “World Championships”. I was wondering what Louis thinks the world championships of extreme racing should look like. Should it be a series, a rotating course, a whole new event, or does race have the gravitas to permanently be the stage for world championships? Or is a worlds for creek racing even possible to do right, or even a good idea? Thanks in an advance for your answer.
As well after listening to Ep 36 I am now convinced: a Tom McEwan interview must be done!

——Nick M – from email – Hi Hammer Factor! I am an avid ww paddler hailing from the Cheat, Tygurt, and Yough areas. I am currently working a soul crushing job as an engineer (although my family approval rate is much higher then when I was a dirtbag paddler haha) and I really have a passion for paddling and for above all attempting to create media of still photography and videography. I would really like to make a move into working in the outdoor industry creating films. My passion lies with creating a film of kayaking akin to “A view from a blue moon”, “thats is thats all”, or “The art of Flight”. My question to you all, especially John Grace as I have heard on the podcast that you run a media company, is how is the best way to go about this? I dont have any formal training in this relm as I spent my college days studying about circuits and how magic electrons flow through differnt material. Is going to a film school worth my time? Do I need formal training to land one of these jobs? I would really prefer to land a job and learn on the job as I am great hands learner, motivated adventurer and there is no challenge I have found yet I was not willing to undertake.

Shout out to John Weld for the amazing gear you and Kara make and to the fact that while I was in Morgantown I could pick up gear from your front porch!

Also I greatly enjoy the podcast and all of the knowledge I am learning from it about the paddling industry and all of the outdoor preservation info that Lewis dispenses at the biginning of each podcast.

Thanks for your time and as always peace and good lines,

Nick

——Jason Jacoby – via youtube. Yo fellas. Great show, even with the interference. Bought a shirt and stoked to see it’s a collectors item. In Chile they throw the Brown Claw on the Maipo for years and it’s called the upside down brown claw for years, because of the equator crossing. It sort of like the description of cupping the balls. Well with all that ramble, will there ever be a brown claw incorporated in the Hammer Factor logo on the next collectors edition shirt?

Let’s Talk Freestyle

Before we patch the world champion in we’d like to set the story straight on freestyle competitions, there history and place in the sport. Shane competed in the ’93, ’97, 2001, worlds and was head judge for 1999, and 2003. Shane do tell. Who was hooking up with who and did you ever get lucky at one of these comps?????

Athlete/Celebrity Interview (questions below feel free to add or subtract due to time, flow etc)

– Introduce Quim

– What did I not mention in your intro that we may not know about you, anything to add?
– Congrats on the big win! Walk us through your experience through the comp
– Obviously freestyle is your expertise in the sport, what is something our listeners may not know about freestyle comps and the discipline in general
– What other styles of paddling do you enjoy? Where do you do them?
– Was everyone in composite boats?
– Through your journey to world champion what is the lowest point you’ve had?
– How about that ahaha moment?
– What is the best advice you have ever received when it comes to paddling? Freestyle in particular?
– What has you most fired up these days, in freestyle and sport in general?
– What advice do you have for all the people trying to up their game in freestyle?
– Thanks for coming on anything departing thoughts?

Rants and Raves

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…and here we are hammer factor 36 ‘live from china’. introductions.

– louis: how are you? louis is on the mend? how long until you’re back on the water?

weld: how are you, in Taiwan ehh? how does it work over there?? lets get into it after the top of show sponsor.

first things first, we gotta pay homage to the corporate overlords, Grace messed this up on round 1. our top of the show sponsor.

“Now a huge shout out to our top of the show sponsor, Canoe and Kayak. C and K has been leading the paddlesports media hustle for 45 years, reaching an unprecedented audience of nearly a half million people. With in-depth articles like the one detailing the fall of the Grand Canyon Escalade project, which I will link to in the show notes, there is no more compelling way to get your paddlesports beta than C and K. Check em out at canoekayak.com”

https://www.canoekayak.com/news/the-fall-of-the-grand-canyon-escalade/

personally it would be cool, to on day 3 of your trip head up the tram, play some poker, stumble back to the boat and head on down river, but hey to each his own.

weld fill us in on how it works over there at the IR factory.

past guest, chris gragletsmans writes in: “Hi Gents,
Thanks for having me on a few weeks back, and I loved the most recent episode. Fusilli and AGRG were both extremely funny.

I wanted to write in about one thing today- I totally understand the environmental despair of the current administration, but had an idea for Louis. I thought it might be powerful to provide one specific and actionable environmental advocacy task per week/episode.

For example- Hammer Factor listeners are charged to write this specific representative at this specific email address/physical address regarding this specific issue.

I think that might spin things more towards the positive and allow me and other listeners to feel like we are making a small difference.

Just an idea but figured I would pass it on. Congrats on the first sponsor and keep killing it with the show! Chris”

Louis You’re Up #eif

BOOOM SHAKE THE ROOM – we got a mid show sponsor. https://calleva.org/

“Join Calleva in Mexico for week long whitewater kayaking trips.
· Awesome trips for all levels of boaters

· Come down and see whats beyond the imaginary “big beautiful wall”

· Lead by Tom McEwan whom has been exploring Mexico for 30 years. He is supported by one of our other instructors like Dagger Team member Bobby Miller, Liquidlogic team member Steve-O, and Tom’s nephew, ladies man, and Waka bro Eric Hanson.

· Explore jungles, deep canyons, legendary waterfalls

· Trips on class II to IV+ rivers

· Most trips are based at the Mexican run eco-resort Aventurec know for it’s great food, orange groves, and proximity to the best whitewater in Mexico.

· Come for the waterfalls, stay for the tacos

· Check out the website at Calleva (C-A-L-L-E-V-A) dot Org”

weld you used to do some trips down in mexico with tom mcewan? gentle camping type trips?

Viewer mail before we get into our celebrity guest, Brendan Wells, fresh off the mighty Indus River.

——coming at us from his iPhone: Josh Helton writes in: I heard the discussion on the latest episode, with Dave Fusilli, about whether or not demshitz and the brown claw are still popular or relevant and I just wanted to let you guys and Dave Fusilli know that the brown claw is still inspiring us Intermediate paddlers. My group, inspired by the brown claw, has recently started doing an inverted brown claw which we call “the ball grab”.

Josh Helton

wtf is he talking about, weld these are your people, what say you?

——coming in from Colorado: Hey,
Was listening to the Green Race recap this morning and figured I need to finally send you this emailing I’ve been meaning to. I’ve been organizing the Gore Canyon Race and festival the past 3 years (taking it over because no one else wanted to basically). On the paddle in to the start line this year Tommy Hilleke and I were chatting about things you all have done with the Green Race and giving me some tips and suggested I get in touch with you as well. The big thing on my mind lately is the idea of a series. I’ve been throwing it around with some other race organizers in CO about doing something local, but the conversation always turns into doing something nationwide and the Green Race being the final blowout event. As of now it’s all just shit shooting and big ideas. Anyway, just wanted to drop you a line and see if you had a chance to talk about it a bit more.

Thanks!

Hattie Johnson, PLA

racer series thoughts anyone? i like the idea of it but struggle with the reality of it

——coming in from the Pacific North west: Paul Heffernan I recently starting listening to the podcast, I love it. In one of the recent episodes you mentioned you had sent out an example of Grace’s (?) 8 week race training program. Has that already been sent out? If so can you make it accessible to someone like me who was a little late in the game to getting on the newsletter?

i can work on this now that it is the off season

——paddle offset!!!!! 0 degree or 30 degree???? Nathan Woodward shares a link from professor paddle. “http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15879

It has more to do with body mechanics… Hold a paddle (or broom) like you are taking a forward stroke on your right side (with the shaft close to vertical). Hold the shaft tightly with your right hand and switch to a forward stroke on your left side (with paddle close to vertical). Notice the angle of your top blade in relation to your boat. It will be about 30-35 degrees away from being perpendicular to the boat… That’s your paddle offset. It’s a side effect of having a control hand.

You can also use a zero degree offset and just not use a control hand, switching your grasp between hands on each stroke. Zero degree has some advantages in playboating, where your boat is tumbling in all directions, and it’s easier for the off-side roll, but 30 is preferable for most river running and creeking. There are lots of variables including arm length, shoulder width, posture, how vertical your paddle is in the water, etc, but it usually comes out to about 30-35 degrees, give or take. A few degrees off one way or another is not going to make a difference.

They used to do 90 degrees for racing because the top blade cuts through the wind as you move it forward for the next stroke, but it’s hell on your wrist. 45 degrees was just less offset than 90, so better, but not ideal. Some people still use 45 because that was the standard for a long time and people got used to it. If you are used to one offset and pick up a different one, it’s going to feel weird, but give it a few days and it will feel completely normal.

Short answer: for playboating, get a zero or 30 offset depending on your preference; for creeking and river running, get a 30.

Hope that helps clear things up a bit for you.

this is the last time we are going to discuss paddle off set…until next episode. will it ever end is my question?

Now Special Guest Brendan Wells!!!

Rants and Raves

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Show notes for nov. 14 2017
Ok then. Welcome back to the hammer factor. It’s been way too long my lovelies, and absence has certainly made the heart grow fonder.

Today, we have a wonderful show, including, but not limited to, a green race wrap up, A sharp rebuke from Dave Fusilli and the demshitz crew, Louis Geltman will do his very best to ruin your week, viewer mail, and a brand new Hammer Factor featured segment- “anonymous boat reviews”- more on this a little later.
But first lets catch up, shall we?
Grace put on quite a show this past week with the so-called ‘Green Race’ or as its called in some circles “the world championships of Southeast rednecks”.
• The usual suspects won again, and yet 4 minutes remains un broken.
• Several people were seen unwrapping brand new thermoformed boats and greasing them
with Rain-X. Does this matter?
• IR’s own Ian Van Stoutmeister takes 5th, proving that living in Asheville and paddling the
green everyday actually makes you a shittier paddler over time. Dagger follows up by
declaring Ian (no joke) “America’s heart throb”. Indeed.
• The clowning around at go left once again proved to be the highlight of the race. • Grace- what are we missing?
Here’s some viewer mail regarding the green race: Marc Hunt writes:
I was a collegiate swimmer in 1975. The best of us had been training and competing year- round since before high-school. With 2-a-days, periodization, weights, diet, and other strategies, athletes and coaches all believed we were nearing the limit on fastest possible race times.
Indeed, equipment and technique in swimming have not evolved all that much since then. But speed has, and it mostly relates to a greatly expanded talent pool as a result of youth programs, more years of intensive training, and better training technique. Check out the progression of world records in the 400-meter freestyle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_record_progression_400_metres_freestyle
As for the evolution of top Green Race times, I’d say we are comparatively where they were in swimming the 1960’s and maybe the 1970’s. I mean in the late 60’s Don Schollander and Mark Spitz were guys that famously swam their asses off through high school and college and got on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Their times were in the 4:10 range. Today’s horses are
going 3:40….

Sure, it’s about the lines , the water levels, the boats, etc. But it is also about the motors and they are gonna get better.
The woman’s show was a fail. What happened? Will it happen? Grace and Weld had their own woman’s show in one of their extremely gossipy daily phone calls. Perhaps we should re-cap that?
Weld is preparing to go to Asia to make kayaking gear in the end of Nov. Perhaps its time to do another ‘How is it made’ segment?
Geltman also underwent surgery- how’d that go? Did Zinke send flowers?
Cue the Debbie Downer theme, cause its time for #everythingisfucked.
And what a tremendous couple of weeks it’s been. The republicans have effectively lain waste to all of the low hanging fruit for the past 8 months, and now they have trained the Death Star on the environment.
• Some hydroelectric Tom foolery that will negate recreational releases
• The house is up to vote on the “resilient federal forests act’. You can place your own air
quotes on ‘resilient’
• Thought that americans are getting fatter and not getting outside enough? The NPS has an
answer. How does a $70 fee to enter a national park sound? I have a better idea. How about “charter parks”? I think its time to hand over all federal lands to private contractors. Pay to play, baby.
• His Whiteness Rob Bishop is introducing a bill to ‘eviscerate’ the Antiquities act using colorful and family-friendly replacement legislation like the ‘National Monument Creation and Protection Act’. Its every bit as good as it sounds.
•
But on to the real issues. Demshitz.
Some horrible, disrespectful and untrue statements were made last week by Rush regarding the origin of many aspects of paddling crews, and it did not go un-noticed. Dave Fusilli is calling in to set the record straight.
[call to dave]
In other Crew news, we have had several other submissions to the crews contest after BDP was elected the “world’s best kayaking crew’ in a lopsided, unfair election:
• Dem Boys Media Cartel https://www.facebook.com/demboysmediahut/
• Yockness Mon-stars https://vimeo.com/162504790 • Boone Crew https://vimeo.com/209675167
and last but not least:
• The Mid level Boating Crew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRlLdt6Mvw0
Dave- care to comment on these guys?
Enough waiting. the suspense is killing us. It’s time for…..drum roll… the “anonymous boat review”

Since everyone is too chicken shit to talk truthfully about boats and gear unless they love it, we thought this might help ‘drain the swamp’ a bit.
[Call to ABR guy]
And some viewer mail:
John Pruitt writes:
Given 2 options for a dam. Removal or regular, consistent, scheduled releases….what is AWs preferred path?
From a strictly boating stand point, dams serve a great purpose to have consistent releases when otherwise it would be dry.
From an environmental standpoint dams are extremely damaging to the river eco system. Might boil down to AWs primary mission. Boating advocacy or environment advocacy
I think i Heard an even mix of both in the pod cast.
How about you guys. Would you want to remove the dam from the Green, Gauley, Ocoee, nanty?
And Scott Anderson begs us to set his ass straight:
I’d like to hear your arguments for a 45 or 60 degree paddle feather because I’m not convinced. I’ve read Jim Snyder’s article twice, and while I respect his opinion, I don’t think it’s the last word on the subject. The main takeaway I got from the article is that Jim Snyder thinks a 40 degree paddle feather is best because that’s what feels the most comfortable to him. That’s hardly a definitive statement. I mean, Weld called it “case closed” but it clearly isn’t because he still swears by a 60.
And then on to our favorite segment- rants and raves.

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Holy Moly, its time to waste another hour and 15 minutes with the hammer factor crew.

Introductions, and lets catch up!

First, HF growth is exploding. Thank you everyone for listening. Grace is now being stopped in grocery stores and the kids clothing section of Goodwill. Are autographs next? Groupies? Are Graces kids going to get chiggers from the used pajamas? Are we ready for a live Hammer Factor? If you have a great kayaking event and want the hammer factor crew to show up and broadcast live, let us know, along with the airline and hotel you will be booking for us.

On to, as Cecil Addams calls them, “the Teaming Millions”. Opinions are like assholes- and kayakers have 3 of them.

About 50 people were chomping at the bit to let us know that AW has already created a ‘infinite’ rating system like the one we described. But you’d only know this if you were a complete nerd that actually read the AW web page past the river gauges. And isn’t this typical liberal government overreach? AW rating rapids?! rapid ratings- LIKE GAUGES- should be left up to the states. If California wants to have “trigger alerts” on their gauge page and measure rapids in number of species endangered, then so be it, but don’t hoist that pansy ass shit on the authentic patriots of west virginia. We gauge river levels on the number of toxic containment tanks that were breached during the storm. MAGA.
as a follow up question/comment, Nathan Woodward wrote us this:
So the whole once you get into class V there is a big range thing. My question is how do you guys differentiate what makes a class IV rapid and a class V rapid. 

Personally my threshold is consequences for a swim. Class IV = banged up swim. Class V = banged up from a swim, potential for getting really beat up or killed if it’s bad.

Samuel Haywood also wrote us an email about river ratings:

Weld is considering starting a kickstarter to get “yeasted” beyond the prototype stage. If it funds, he will bring the term yeasted to every paddler in the country, except Evan Garcia, who will be deported.
Several Euros wrote in to express disgust in Geltman’s POO POOing of the sickliness race. Writes Jan Choutka on youtube:

I think organizers of the sickline has done quite impressive job and impact of the whitewater paddling on a global/commercial scale is bigger than any other event in the world. Quality of atheletes highest too. I dont like the rules, I dont like restrictions on boat lenghts, and composite/plastic, I dont like banning the braap etc… But it is Olafs race. If you dont like it, dont do it. Or even better. Please make better event and I will race there.

Geltman- how do respond to this? Or are you just going to roll over and take it like a puddle of bitch? Weld is delighted that he had nothing to do with this, for once.
Quint Doan (really?) wrote in about the “candy darter” on the gauley. Mr. Doan uses terms like “stakeholders” and “impact” so he must be the real deal.
My question is most relevant to Louis Geltman, but I think all boaters should be interested in wildlife and fisheries. The US Fish and Wildlife service has petitioned the listing of the candy darter, a small fish native and still present in the Upper Gauley, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. What are the hosts thoughts on endangered fish species on whitewater rivers?
Finally, Chris Gragtmans writes in with some spurious horse shit that if I didn’t know any better sounded a lot like a defense of SUP. None of which is worth repeating here.

NEXT UP: LOUIS GELTMAN STARTS TO POLISH UP THE RESUME

Baring that scenario, we could discuss HR 3990. SNORE.

ON TO THE GUEST PARADE.

First up, the Green River Race Round Table, with the usual cast of clowns.

Geltman and Weld patiently bite their tongue jealous because neither of them can be at this year’s Green Race. Since this is a somewhat family-friendly show, and the legal dept is constantly warning us about slander suits, 40% of the commentary will be bleeped out.

The Guest List will include the likes of:
Issac Levinson
Jason Hale
Colin Hunt
Chris Gragtmans?
At the end of the nonsense, there is a toss to Hunt who will be coming back in a later episode to talk about Vertical Miles, and what that means to you, average boater from Ohio.

Next, We have MR. Sturges back for a recap of the CREWZ contest,

Which, by every measure, was a complete flop. We received ONE (1) submission from the Quebec crew, which by default should make them the best crew in the world. Nonetheless, If Rush would entertain this sillyness, he can also take a quick look at these other “crewz” to make it a real contest:
Grace’s beloved Long Creek “Gangstas”.
BDP- evidently, according to Grace, “they’re back”. Thank god.
Torryd or whatever the fuck that is. They should also get a mention for leaving IR for SWEET and COMING BACK, begging Max for a second chance after a year. #burnbridges
Jed Hawkes suggested via email that we look at the “freestyle river boarding canadians”as a Crew. Which made me wonder if Jed has actually ever listened to our podcast. He managed 4 strikes in 4 words- a perfect score. “Freestyle” “river boarding” and “Canadians”.
$porty Ripper Jam Squad. This is a real thing.
Any other currently active Crew that I am forgetting.

Wrapping up with a few odds and ends:

Ladies episode recording next week. Gonna be stellar.
The next show after the ladies show will be after the green race, so ease up on the hate mail if we’re a little late.
anything else?

AND OF COURSE, R and R!!!

see ya after the green race

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GOOD AFTEAHNOON EVRAHBAHDDDY
Welcome to hammer factor S2 E1!
Today’s show is indeed star-studded, with special guests Evan Garcia and Rush Sturgis. More on that very soon.
We’re also recording late- 6pm EST which means that weld is half in the bag and working on his 4th Rob Roy, Geltman has had several hours to focus on “Zinke!” his new men’s body spray and Grace is just settling into the recliner with a 6 pack while Chelsea prepares the hungry man dinners for the oven (Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and cherry cobbler). By “prepare” I mean she’s peeling back the desert foil while pulling a fouled spark plug out of the mouth of one of the twins.

Lets catch up, shall we?
Jessica Fox lays down what might be considered to be the “perfect run” in the w’s k1 worlds, rebounding from a less-than-perfect w’s C1 run the day before. Ian Van Stoutmeister is now so deeply in love with Ms. Fox he can barley stand up. The run is very much worth the watch if US whitewater paddlers want to see exactly how not to catch an eddy like “an American”
Speaking of non-american eddy turns, Noria “the French BroadTM” Neuman continues her tear on the whitewater circuit by clenching the womens sickline title. And some dudes did some paddling too. Thoughts on this? Looks like no US women made the top 5 and only 2 men made the top 16. Is this because it’s in Europe or are Europeans just better at racing, period?
Speaking of the US and racing, Geoff Calhoun is quietly building a pipe bomb to mail to each of the 3 Hammer Factor hosts if we snub his beloved great falls race one more time. So lets just get this over with.
There is a race on Great Falls every year. It’s not a bad race. Jason Beaks might be the most interesting thing about that race, and not necessarily in a good way.
OK. Done.
Weld went to the Gauley for the 4th weekend in a row, and witnessed some very un-inspiring surfboard surfing at Diagonal Ledges. Question: would they be there doing that if there was nobody watching them? Answer: come on a Friday and see for yourself. Can we just agree that if it’s not in a 9ft kayak and it’s not class V, it should be forcibly removed from the river?
What have Mr. Geltman and Grace been up to?
THE GELTMAN NO-SPIN ZONE
Louis is very close to releasing his “love note in a spray bottle” to Ry-Ry (The smell of entering a freshly-cleaned private jet with hints of saddle leather and patriotism), but like most spurned lovers, he also is working to tear him apart. Geltman- what we gots?
We’re already behind schedule. Can we please bring on the first guest?
Introducing the esteemed Mr. Evan Garcia who will now take a few minutes to set the paddling world straight on a few things. First, lets clear up the close handed “razor scooter” grip thing. Max Blackburn claims you are the start of this technique in the pursuit of “laying treats”. The paddling world deserves…no…Demands a response. Say it aint so! Speaking of “laying treats”. As the chief lexicographer of paddling terms, we’d like to have you weigh in on a few terms, and deem them dead or alive:
• Double Church • Brown Claw
• Laying treats
• Stout
• anything else we’re missing?
Also a few months ago, you mentioned ‘getting yeasted’ in a hole.. or at least thats what I heard. Did you say that or did I hear it wrong? If I heard it wrong, certainly couldn’t we make that a term? I mean seriously… getting ‘yeasted’??!!
And you can plug anything else you have going on.
OH SHIT. We’re already at 45 minutes. Get Rush on pronto.
Moving right along, we have none other than Rush Sturges, here to talk about what we all know exists but are afraid to talk about. Paddling “crews” or is it “crewz”. Grace has been gushing over some privileged white boys from suburban atlanta that call themselves the Longcreek (ahem) “Gangstas” like he’s a 12 year old girl at a One Direction concert. Which got me thinking… what, exactly, is a paddling crew? I mean they exist- T-Dub, Balls Deep, Tits Deep, Young Guns, etc, etc, but what makes up a crew? White kids combining urban culture and wavewheels? A devil-may-care attitude? A good name? what ultimately kills the crew? Being 40 in a crew called the “Young Guns’? It also got me thinking about what these kids must have given Grace to plug them as hard as he is. I’m picturing a signed poster for Grace’s room. Well, in any case, Rush is here to straighten it out.
Since we have to mention the Longcreek (jesus) “Gangstas” or grace is going to burst a blood vessel, lets use them as an example about what constitutes a crew. Rush- what do you think they are doing wrong or right? Here’s a sample:

With all that in mind, could we please figure out who the best crew in the world is? Open call for submissions to the Crew contest. Send Videos and Social Media to: crewz@immersionresearch.com and if we get any submissions, we’ll have Rush on next week to judge. If we don’t, then, well, we’ll get back to busting on 30 degree offsets and SUP.
Rush is also off to paddle in some place and make some video. Rush?
Rush stays on for rants and raves?
Wow. OK. Lets take a breather and prepare people for upcoming shows.
Coming soon, another “women’s takeover”. Maybe 2 weeks? Also, our new segment “Anonymous boat reviews”. Also, a discussion on the ‘vertical mile’ phenomena. How can everyday paddlers address this challenge? And much, much more…

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Creature Craft Shenanigans = https://www.instagram.com/p/BZR6SP_FClH/

SHOW NOTES for Oct 5, 2017 good mornahhhn evrahbadddy Hello and welcome back.
And we’re back to another brilliant episode of the Hammer Factor. It’s been a long while, mostly because Grace’s so-called wife took off for an extended instagram opportunity in the Mediterranean, leaving John and Caleb to pick up the pieces with very little time to spare.
Since we’ve been gone, we have had gauley fest, GAF, Mr. Geltman has gone to washington, Grace has done whatever he does and the world continues it’s downward spiral. We.ve also had tons of people writing in which we will get to, and we’ve lined up at least one special guest- Mark Singleton of American Whitewater, who is going to give us the top 5 things that we should be concerned about as paddlers.
But first, lets catch up:
GAF and Gauley- Gauley was an extended love fest for Hammer Factor, ending in the usual british football club-style fist fight in the wee hours. GAF was, well GAF, but Weld got to run the cascades for the first time, which made him consider the whole rapid classification thing.
Grace- what where you up to?
Geltman went to DC to fight the good fight- so lets get right into that. Geltman? what is up? Here are some of the topics we were emailing back and forth:
• Zinke Chartered Oil Exec’s plane- as reported from thehill.com
• Zinke says 1/3 of interior employees “not loyal” as reported by the AP
• Zinke’s report to Trump loaded with falsehoods, according to Outside MAg • EPA requires political sign-off for Agency grants from WAPO
And of course anything else we’re missing.
OK On to some house cleaning. A few topics that require some follow up and closure:
Playboating comments resonate with some paddlers. Long time contributor Simon Windam offering some long winded discussion about pro boaters loving playboating, and some other brit (Grace- name?) says that it got his girlfriend into paddling. Weld can dismiss these comments easily.
Paddle blade offset. Numerous people wrote in to mention that Jim Snyder has actually published an article on this at his website rivrstyx.com regarding this issue. Not to be confused with rivErstyx.com, which is a little window into the Flash Heyday of 15 years ago. His conclusion; 40 to 45.
And the river classification system. Lots of feedback, but we had 3 noteworthy contributions from Greg Lee, Koby from Revelstoke and josh “jason” MacNaughton. [ I printed these out and can offer a synopsis] We also received what I can only call a monograph from Thomas Rogenmoser, aka “toro”. Looks like he is from Switzerland. From what I can tell, Toro is leading a subversive effort to destroy kayaking by creating some kind of lethal paddlesports bureaucracy the likes of which this world has never seen.

And then there’s the great falls race. I’m not sure what is more interesting- the race, or Calhoun’s level of commitment to this race. Interesting fact: Weld and Andy Bridge organized the first falls race in 88 or 89, and john hand screened the shirts- and spelled ‘invitational’ wrong on the shirt. Talk about a collector’s item
On to the Special Guest: Mark Singleton.
Geltman- why don’t you give us a little intro.
Random loveliness from our listeners:
• Jeremy Sells approves of Rush’s album
• Casey Tango offers the “best cult kayaking movie ever”- Men in skirts. Louis did you look at
this? I’m absolutely sure I did not suck this bad in the 90’s
• Caleb Roberts sends us a video of peddleboating on the Ottawa
Viewer Mail
Grace- what we got?
AND RANTS AND RAVES
Closings-
Another Women’s episode is gearing up
Next week, the Honorable Evan Garcia is called before the committee on paddling ethics and colloquialisms regarding some of his expressions. The country deserves… no demands answers to some very pressing questions.
Bam. LINKS:
Zinke charters plane: http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/353036-zinke-chartered-
flight-in-oil-executives-plane-for-12000-report
Interior employees “not loyal”: https://politicalwire.com/2017/09/25/zinke-says-one-third- interior-employees-not-loyal/
Zinke Report full of falsehoods: https://www.outsideonline.com/2242486/zinke-leaked- monuments-memo?
Political ‘sign off’ for grants: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/epa-now-requires- political-aides-sign-off-for-agency-awards-grant-applications/ 2017/09/04/2fd707a0-88fd-11e7-a94f-3139abce39f5_story.html?utm_term=.9ea67d8c51fa

Jim Snyder on blade offset: http://rivrstyx.com/the-feather-rap/
Men In Skirts on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/182922562 Peddleboating on the ottowa: https://vimeo.com/231992719

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Welcome back to the hammerfactor
– Greetings, and catching up

• Louis was on a bit of a vacation in Alaska, and narrowly missed getting shit- canned. How was the trip?

• Weld was at paddlesports retailer, and sees the writing on the wall. Basically, it’s the enterprise equivalent of those weird Japanese fetish sex houses where there are bottomless toilets and business men pay money to get shit on. But seriously, paddlesports retail has some real problems that this show is not really addressing. Louis points out the irony of moving the show to Oklahoma City after OR left SLC over conservative governing.

– Turns out LOTS of people in the industry listen to the show. Shout outs to some peeps. Namely Cruz at confluence kayaks, and Noah at CKS online. I consider them to be our foot soldiers in the fight against non traditional paddlesports and for American values. Perhaps we should form an “American Paddlesports Values Council”. This would basically condemn anything that is not class V river running in a boat under 9 feet. I consider SUP to be basically ANTIFA at this point.

– Weld also had an interesting discussion with an un-named industry person who said that playboats very well might be going all composite. Finally, it looks like playboating is getting marginalized out of the sport.

Turns out Wade Blackwood at the ACA not too psyched with Weld’s “rant”… we reached out to the director, and it looks like he couldn’t make it this week, but working on next week.

AAAND Louis is back. Cue the Debbie Downer theme song. #everythingisfucked
The WAPO reports that EPA now has a ‘political operative’ vetting grants, including but not limited to eliminating all mention of ‘climate change’
And of course Zinke recommends scaling back national monuments. Anything else to add to the shit show?

And finally to our celebrity guest, Mark ‘Snowy Robertson, designer at Dagger Kayaks who explains how a kayak is born. From concept to your local paddling shop it’s all here.  As well we here the scoop on Dagger’s new hot looking kayak, The Phantom.

Viewer Mail

Jonathan Rugh of shade tree paddles writes in on his iPhone touching on many subjects, including paddle length and offset:

We also hear from Josh “not Jason” MacNaughton, who gets the second call out on the hammer factor:
Love the boat reviews as many do- how about Louis NOT rip all the outfitting out and test the Nirvana & Gangsta? Lord knows he can borrow both in Hood River and if he doesn’t want to run L Dub without his trick outfitting he can take a couple farmland laps or something. I’m interested to know how he feels about both boats, especially how the Gangsta handles Vs the Tuna 2. And how about the Dagger Fantom? Any of you guys seen these around yet?

And then…. Rants And Raves!

SHOW LINKS:
WAPO article on EPA: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/epa-now-requires-political-aides-sign-off-for-agency-awards-grant-applications/2017/09/04/2fd707a0-88fd-11e7-a94f-3139abce39f5_story.html?utm_term=.5b152d868451

Reuters on ZInke: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-interior-monuments/u-s-
agency-to-recommend-scaling-back-some-national-monuments-idUSKCN1B41YA? utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social

Peddleboat on the Ottawa: vimeo.com/231992719

And the river ski: https://youtu.be/ltTVGb9dkms
And last but not least, Smalls to the Wall, circa 1983 https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=cduRkMCS6zA

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Intro:

Geltman is paddling the Susitna. Grace is back from Telluride. Weld has been waiting patiently to rant for two weeks. Welcome Eric Giddens, Guest host.

Policy:

Louis is gone paddlin, so we’ll have to fill in.

Grace finds some Antifa rabble rousing from a site called “westwise”. Evidently Zinke went on Vaca in the final week of park review. West wise also published a list of all the parks Zinke didn’t see. I’m guessing that Zinke has his mind made up?

Celebrity Guest:

Benny Marr. After successfully running the Stikine River twice in one day, Ben Marr gives us insight into that expedition as well as their current mission in Northwest Territories of Canada.

Moving on to other news:

Jacobi tried selling all of his Olympic memorabilia on EBay. The auction is now closed with zero bids… he was asking $877 as a starter. This included his previously worn spandex.

Grace digs up a video of Spencer lacy running pretty big rapids on a SUP- even Louis was “mildly impressed” with the wonder falls descent. Are we missing the boat here? Maybe there is something to this whitewater SUP stuff….it’s all Grace saw in Telluride.

Weld wants to discuss Kavu day, and the epiphany he had after watching it… This will bleed into the boat review segment. Also-Dan Gavere wants to come on the show at some point- what do we think.

And to boat reviews:

Grace and Weld paddle the Delta V and the results were a boat that behaves well.

Weld paddles the yet to be named Pyranha river runner/ Braap boat and really likes it. But later talks with Shimrock, who dismisses it, and the Braap, as “pigs”. Boat design is thankless. But Weld’s takeaway is that there is no reason any longer to paddle a creek boat on your local/regular class IV run, or even your easier class V runs. These playful river runners offer so much more.

Viewer mail:

-Kevin Cripps who asked if go-pros were safe on helmets:

Recently discovered your podcast and thoroughly enjoying it. Here’s a topic I’d love to hear discussed by some expert: Does mounting a GoPro on a helmet decrease helmet safety?

-And the low hanging fruit- Kyle Kraft-Culkin is worried that “grab that bitch” isn’t safe.

Hey y’all! Just listening to episode 28 and there was an extended discussion about the viability of the ‘grab that bitch’ technique. I completely agree when boating with friends, my primary mindset for rescue is to grab that bitch quick. However, as an instructor and instructor trainer I feel that an organization has a responsibility to their instructors to limit the amount of risk their employees take in a work environment. What do you all think about that distinction? Especially when it comes to training the community vs staff.

Rants and Raves.

Washington post on bottles:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/17/national-parks-banned-bottled-water-to-ease-pollution-trump-just-sided-with-the-lobby-that-fought-it/

Westwise on Zinke:

https://medium.com/westwise/ryan-zinke-goes-on-mediterranean-vacation-with-only-one-week-left-on-monuments-review-52874fcd60ec

Jacobis’s EBay listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/232444106704

SPencer Lacy SUPing:

https://www.facebook.com/peopleareawesome/videos/1411355542246953/?autoplay_reason=gatekeeper&video_container_type=0&video_creator_product_type=2&app_id=2392950137&live_video_guests=0

Kavu Day:

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GOOD MORNING EVERAHBAHDDDY

Intros and light banter.

• Weld and Geltman attend OR, where nothing really happened, which is kind of bad news in and of itself. We also attended a march, which beyond our expectations, turned out to be well attended. 
• Grace discusses the  newsletter.  Weld and Geltman make fun of Grace over said newsletter. 
• Erwin, disastrously, is trying to shake the stigma of murderous Mary. Another great marketing opportunity lost? 

• Larry Boothby- a true american hero. Larry asks, we respond. Turns out a design change for the loathed neck logo is in the works.

Louis jumps on the mic. Outdoor Alliance wrote about the pursuit of energy independence at the expense of public lands…is that meaty enough?  Louis also gives us some good news seeing the initial advancement through congress regarding a piece of legislation he worked on.

The Revenge of the Killer Amoeba

• Family decides to sue over death at charleston
• Whitewater center won’t test
• Doc Rocco says “its OK. Chlorine should kill it.”
• Weld wonders if warning customers about a “deadly brain eating amoeba” in the water would be good for business. 

Viewer mail.

• Dan Hruska requests boat reviews. We promise to try to do review more boats.  Weld wants to review super old boats to see how they hold up.
• Kevin Cripps wonders about the safety of gopros on helmets. We wonder why people are even talking about gopros anymore.  This is hard to speculate on. 
• Weld can’t believe that he is not inundated with hate mail for his C-1 poopy. He thinks this properly demonstrates that he won and is 100% correct. 

On to the special guest to address the article(s) in “notes from the north country” Eric Giddens will shed light on this issue, and many others.   If he starts singing we will need to just cut him off and say we lost his Skype connection. 

On to the heady insider talk. What is the value of a sponsored athlete? Is this just manufacturers trying to be cool or a thing that really works and resonates with customers? What do the listeners think? 

Oh, and there’s rants and raves. Weld is tired of carrying this segment and expects more out of his co-hosts.

Neck Blaster:

http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/everything-need-know-fugitive-situation-pisgah-national-forest/

Erwin/ Mary:

http://www.wcyb.com/news/tennessee/unicoi-county/rise-erwin-group-trying-to-shed-stigma-of-murderous-mary/589484626

Louis:

http://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2017/7/27/new-orders-on-energy-independence-threaten-to-cut-the-public-out-of-public-lands

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865685704/Rep-Bishop-supports-bill-for-more-recreation-on-public-lands.html

NYT on OR protest:

 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/27/fashion/bears-ears-patagonia-rei-adidas-activism.html?_r=0

and

http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5555037&itype=CMSID

Killer amoeba:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/06/20/family-sues-water-park-after-teens-brain-eating-amoeba-death.html

and

http://wfae.org/post/why-whitewater-center-doesnt-plan-test-amoeba

North country:

http://notesfromthenorthcountry.com/2017/08/why-whitewater-kayaking-isnt-a-family-sport-and-how-slalom-can-help/

and

http://notesfromthenorthcountry.com/2017/07/the-two-jacksons/

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We start off by getting straight into the most important question in whitewater today. Where where do you stand on whitewater SUP, honestly? From here we dive into Ashley Nee and her gofundme drive. From here we talk about why Americans have poor eddy turns, paddling clubs and gear for girls. Enjoy!

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New Nirvana from Jackson Kayak: http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/nirvana/

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Brett Mayer: https://www.facebook.com/mayer.brett

New Delta V kayak from Liquidlogic: https://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/product/DELTAV88.html

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Cuyahoga Falls Kayak Race
http://www.cfkayakrace.com/

Unleashed Quebec Kayak Competition.
https://www.facebook.com/wearesend/

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Paddle Length Discussion
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PDXKayaker1/permalink/642806335908408/

Instagram ruining outdoors?
article: https://www.outsideonline.com/2160416/instagram-ruining-great-outdoors

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Link to Nolifest Video.

Link to sitezed article about not being a beater.

Style

Link To Chris Korbulic statement about having a woman on his kayaking trip.

Link To Party Braap and Antix:
https://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/product/LRPB6916.html?gclid=CLzgocHJnNMCFQ4waQodFlgOEg

AntiX

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It’s all about Dan this week. Enjoy.

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It’s all about Corran this week. Enjoy.

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We get straight into some viewer mail regarding care of neck gaskets.

News about Outdoor Retailer Show and them moving away from the state of Utah.

John Weld plans his trip to California, Geltman claims Fantasy Falls is better than Middle Kings.

Celebrity Guest, Erin Savage, shares her work with Appalachian Voices fighting for clean water/

Rants and Raves!

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Louis Geltman and John Weld dissect a response email from Senator Capito regarding a piece of legislation.

John Grace interviews Dave Steindorf on the Oroville Spillway situation.

Kara Weld joins the show to discuss the misconception that women can’t hold their own on the river.

Rants and Raves!

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Louis Geltman digs into the new frontier of unregulated drilling in National Parks.

John Grace shows us some very interesting ‘forearm’ paddles. Is this invention going to make it to the mainstream?

Evan Garcia shares stories of Waka Kayaks, injuries at Chuck Kern Falls on the Royal Gorge and his upcoming Nexen tire sponsored trip to Chile.

Rants and Raves!

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Louis Geltman explains the organizational focus of Outdoor Alliance.

From here the crew answers some great viewer mail about getting policy makers on the water.  Just as Jimmy Carter was introduced to whitewater and became a huge advocate for the sport could this model be replicated?  American Whitewater once again takes the lead.

Next we bring in our celebrity guest, Philip Curry.  Philip is the founder of Astral Designs and previous owner of Lotus.  He shares his experience from being inspired by a PFD made by HF all the way up to his vision of Astral Farms.

Curry Raves on the email dialogue with Weld and Grace leading up to the show.

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Our celebrity guest had to make a last minute cancellation so the crew had to sort of wing it this week.

Louis Geltman shares his experience in Washington D.C. at the confirmation hearings of Ryan Zinke. Louis feels like we have a descent pick to lead the Department of the Interior who is against the concept of turning federal land over to the states. Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list.

From here the crew touches on winter paddling going from fringe to mainstream. A viewer puts John Weld in the hot-seat in regards to why they should purchase an IR drysuit vs the tried and true Gore-Tex Kokatat.

Next we touch on the new Pyranha Machno. Is it the next big thing or a Wavesport Descente with a flatter hull?

Geltman and Grace tear into Weld for using a bent shaft paddle, Weld defends their attacks.

Grace raves on the Big South Fork while Weld raves on his youngest son rolling a kayak. Geltman has traded his gambling habit for Kayak Polo???

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Louis Geltman provides us with some insight into Utah and the selling off of public lands to the highest bidder. As well we dive into The Outdoor Retailer Show and the possibility of moving away from an environmentally hostile stats. Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list

Celebrity Guests: Luke Hopkins shares his experience at the Consumer Electronics show and discusses the new One-Wheel. As well Weld grills Luke on the sustainability of the SUP board industry.
Rants and Raves: Geltman, Weld and Luke all rant on stinky gear and Grace raves on IR’s Royal Flush Sprayskirt.

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Louis Geltman provides us with some insight as to the news the Outdoor Industry is now being figured into the US Gross Domestic Product.  Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list

Celebrity Guests: Tyler Bradt shares his experience and battle with leishmaniasis.  A rare parasite he came into contact with deep in The Amazonian Jungle.  

Viewer Mail: How to run a waterfall over 30 feet!

Rants and Raves:  Tyler rants on people who aren’t members of AW.  Weld raves on Taiwan.

]]> Subscribe on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/amongstit-inc/id1095013227?mt=2 Subscribe on Stitcher here: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-grace/the-hammer-factor?refid=stpr RSS Direct Feed: http://feeds.feedburner. Subscribe on iTunes here:<br /> https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/amongstit-inc/id1095013227?mt=2<br /> Subscribe on Stitcher here:<br /> http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-grace/the-hammer-factor?refid=stpr<br /> RSS Direct Feed:<br /> http://feeds.feedburner.com/HammerFactor<br /> Subscribe on Youtube Here <br /> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNW1jev8xx84dc05QZGqKA<br /> Subscribe on Facebook here:<br /> https://www.facebook.com/hammerfactor/?<br /> Louis Geltman provides us with some insight as to the news the Outdoor Industry is now being figured into the US Gross Domestic Product.  Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list<br /> Celebrity Guests: Tyler Bradt shares his experience and battle with leishmaniasis.  A rare parasite he came into contact with deep in The Amazonian Jungle.  <br /> Viewer Mail: How to run a waterfall over 30 feet!<br /> Rants and Raves:  Tyler rants on people who aren't members of AW.  Weld raves on Taiwan. Whitewater – The Hammer Factor full false 1:02:23 Whitewater https://hammerfactor.com/hammer_whitewater/hammer-factor-episode-9-story-time-with-aniol-serrasolses/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hammer-factor-episode-9-story-time-with-aniol-serrasolses Mon, 16 Jan 2017 20:01:43 +0000 https://www.hammerfactor.com/?p=36 With Louis Geltman and John Weld playing hooky this week John Grace patches in arguably the most hard charging whitewater athlete in the world, Aniol Serrasolses.  From one day trips down the Stikine to expeditions in Pakistan at only 25 years old Aniol continues to add to his impressive resume.  Enjoy this story time edition with one of the sports best!

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]]> With Louis Geltman and John Weld playing hooky this week John Grace patches in arguably the most hard charging whitewater athlete in the world, Aniol Serrasolses.  From one day trips down the Stikine to expeditions in Pakistan at only 25 years old Anio... With Louis Geltman and John Weld playing hooky this week John Grace patches in arguably the most hard charging whitewater athlete in the world, Aniol Serrasolses.  From one day trips down the Stikine to expeditions in Pakistan at only 25 years old Aniol continues to add to his impressive resume.  Enjoy this story time edition with one of the sports best!<br /> Subscribe on iTunes here:<br /> https://itunes.apple.com/…/podc…/amongstit-inc/id1095013227…<br /> Subscribe on Stitcher here:<br /> http://www.stitcher.com/podca…/john-grace/the-hammer-factor…<br /> RSS Direct Feed:<br /> http://feeds.feedburner.com/HammerFactor<br /> Subscribe on Youtube Here <br /> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNW1jev8xx84dc05QZGqKA<br /> Subscribe on Facebook here:<br /> https://www.facebook.com/hammerfactor/? Whitewater – The Hammer Factor full false 26:30 Whitewater https://hammerfactor.com/hammer_whitewater/hammer-factor-episode-8-scott-shipley-and-whitewater-parks-a-fad-or-here-to-stay/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hammer-factor-episode-8-scott-shipley-and-whitewater-parks-a-fad-or-here-to-stay Mon, 16 Jan 2017 20:01:03 +0000 https://www.hammerfactor.com/?p=34 Subscribe on iTunes here:

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Louis Geltman is kayaking so John Grace provides us with some insight on the recently passed National Forest Service Trail Stewardship Act and how it will affect trail building in National Forests! (1:30)

Viewer Mail:  Why won’t Immersion Research make gear that fits short fat people? (6:20)

Celebrity Guests:  Scott Shipley shares an incredible story of the flooding in Boulder Colorado a few years back and offers us some insight into the business of whitewater parks. . (10:50)

Rants and Raves: Grace raves on global warming and Weld raves on double tunnel spray skirts.(49:00)

]]> Subscribe on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/…/podc…/amongstit-inc/id1095013227… Subscribe on Stitcher here: http://www.stitcher.com/podca…/john-grace/the-hammer-factor… RSS Direct Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/HammerFactor Subscribe on iTunes here:<br /> https://itunes.apple.com/…/podc…/amongstit-inc/id1095013227…<br /> Subscribe on Stitcher here:<br /> http://www.stitcher.com/podca…/john-grace/the-hammer-factor…<br /> RSS Direct Feed:<br /> http://feeds.feedburner.com/HammerFactor<br /> Subscribe on Youtube Here <br /> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNW1jev8xx84dc05QZGqKA<br /> Subscribe on Facebook here:<br /> https://www.facebook.com/hammerfactor/?<br /> Louis Geltman is kayaking so John Grace provides us with some insight on the recently passed National Forest Service Trail Stewardship Act and how it will affect trail building in National Forests! (1:30)<br /> Viewer Mail:  Why won’t Immersion Research make gear that fits short fat people? (6:20)<br /> Celebrity Guests:  Scott Shipley shares an incredible story of the flooding in Boulder Colorado a few years back and offers us some insight into the business of whitewater parks. . (10:50)<br /> Rants and Raves: Grace raves on global warming and Weld raves on double tunnel spray skirts.(49:00) Whitewater – The Hammer Factor full false 59:20 Whitewater https://hammerfactor.com/hammer_whitewater/hammer-factor-episode-7-eric-jackson-and-the-business-of-whitewater-kayaks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hammer-factor-episode-7-eric-jackson-and-the-business-of-whitewater-kayaks Mon, 16 Jan 2017 20:00:33 +0000 https://www.hammerfactor.com/?p=32 Subscribe on Stitcher here:

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Louis Geltman provides us with some insight as to how the recent election will affect his work in Washington D.C. Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list! (4:17)

Celebrity Guests: Eric Jackson begins by explaining how he got into making kayaks.  From there we dive into his business plan of attack and talk about the whitewater industry as a whole. (8:30)

Rants and Raves:  EJ Rants or Raves on the lack of rain in the southeast, we couldn’t really tell.  Weld continues his assault on the The Green Race this time backed up by Geltman.  Grace defends their attacks.(58:15) 

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Coming next week The Hammer Factor will be released in video format on Youtube and Facebook and audio on itunes, stitcher and our RSS feed.  Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Louis Geltman gives us a civics lesson in regards to his current trip to Washington D.C. and efforts to pass legislation. Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list! (4:17)

Celebrity Guests: Adriene Levcknecht, Isaac Levinson, Andrew Holcombe and Rush Sturges share advice on racing the Green as well as other banter. (14:15)

Rants and Raves:  Geltman rants on the jury acquitting the armed men who took over the bird sanctuary in Oregon earlier this year.  Grace raves on The Green River Narrows! (37:25) 

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Louis Geltman fills us in on the efforts of Outdoor Alliance to help pass the ‘Recreation Not Redtape’ bill.   This bill would outline uses of recreational areas in the front country and prioritize recreation access. Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list! (1:50)

Celebrity Guest, Shane Benedict, shares Liquidlogic’s latest project using a totally new thermoform plastic. Could this new material/process be what whitewater has been waiting for? (6:20)

Viewer questions.  Michael Gallimore asks, Is climate change a real thing and is it affecting boat sells? (31:50)

Rants and Raves:  Weld rants on people bringing paddlers from Baltimore on a class 5 trip.  Louis raves on the book ‘Barbarian Days’.  Bonus Rave from Shane Benedict on an article by Doug Ammons focusing on anyone who holds a paddle is a paddler, doesn’t matter how hard of rivers you paddle.  

https://www.rapidmedia.com/rapid/categories/departments/5380-why-going-bigger-makes-our-world-smaller.html

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Louis Geltman fills us in on the efforts of Outdoor Alliance and it’s partners in shaping the forest planning of the U.S. National Forest System. Giving recreational users a voice. Go to outdooralliance.org and get on the email list! (1:30)

Celebrity Guest, Rush Sturges, shares his latest rap. This track calls out John Grace for being old, calls out the east coast in general, and many more. (15:30)

What does it mean to be a pro-kayaker? Rush shares his insight into what it means and what it takes to be a pro paddler. (32:00)

Viewer questions. How to keep the stoke on your local run. Are multi-sport linkups the way to keep the fire going? (50:00)

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Kayaking and the lessons of life.  Shane Benedict shares with us a dialogue he had with a fellow kayaker taking the lessons he learned from kayaking and putting them to use in his fight with cancer.

Sickline, $1000+ kayak seats, Extreme Kayaking World Championship…what?????

Are the 9R and Tuna leaps forward in design or just basic progression.

The Green River Narrows Race!

John Weld warms back up to Danny Mongno.

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This week we welcome Louis Geltman, out of Hood River, Oregon, North Fork Race Champion, professional poker player and policy council for Outdoor Alliance. (:30)

Louis takes us through some of the work Outdoor Alliance is involved in as well as how we can become involved. (3:55) http://www.protectourpublicland.org/

Next we recap some of the topics from last week and Louis takes a shot at John Weld for being so behind the times in regards to paddle length.  We once again touch on boat design as well. (7:58)

Did the olympics kill slalom?  We touch on how influences from outside the sport can hinder its evolution. (12:30)

Why don’t families go outside and play together anymore.  Are we left with outdoor sports being nothing more than an extreme sport? (16:30)

The Summer of The Stikine.  The level of audacity  with paddlers doing day runs on iconic rivers such as the Stikine is raising eyebrows.  What does it mean and where are we going? (20:05)

We recap the Cane Creek Dual Slalom at Reeb Ranch.  What an incredible event. (25:30)

Weld raves on Cheat Canyon.  Geltman rants on kayak outfitting. (28:30)

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Well we got it done, the first episode is live.  It can only get better from here! In this inaugural episode of The Hammer Factor, Weld and Grace dive into the controversy surrounding boat restrictions at the Adidas Sickline Race.  From there we pose the question, “Did the Party Braaap save whitewater kayaking?”.  Next the we touch on the Cane Creek Dual Slalom bike race at Oskar Blues Reeb Ranch.  Is dual slalom back?  Finally your favorite section where we rant on short paddles and rave on American Whitewater.  Feel free to comment about this show, tell us what you would like to see covered next episode or send an email to info@amongstit.com.  Enjoy.

Sickline Topic (1:50) <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/obsommer/posts/10154484091063745″>Adidas Sickline</a> 

The Party Braap (10:54) <a href=”https://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/product/LRPB6916.html”>The Party Braaap</a>

The Cane Creek Dual Slalom (21:00) <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/events/1392125550801761/”>Cane Creek Dual Slalom</a> 

Rants and Raves (25:30) <a href=”https://www.americanwhitewater.org/”>American Whitewater</a>