Snap Dragon

WCKA: Conner Jackson

snapdragon — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:50:31 +0000

This winter I was able to raise enough money with much support to attend World Class Kayak Academy for their spring semester in Chile and West Coast. So far, it has been everything a young kayaker could dream for. Academics are a priority, and as such we are all required to do our homework before we are allowed to get on the river, which is quite a motivator when we are right next to kayaking. We started off northeast of Santiago, Chile on the muddy Rio Maipo, at a small village. It was a very fun stretch of river that offered tons of big water play and we were treated to very awesome hospitality thanks to the generous help of our cooks Israel and Estrellia. After the Rio Maipo we headed to the picture-perfect Siete Tazas section on the Rio Claro, and despite low water levels we were all stoked to get in some waterfalls. After a few short days we then headed south to the whitewater capital of Chile, Pucon. It was sweet to have so much kayaking so close, and we took advantage of this by getting on the river as much as we possibly could. The Upper Palguin became our bread and butter run for a two weeks. The 4 waterfalls on that stretch gave students a lot of time to practice their waterfall running skills. It was awesome. There are many students here that use Snapdragon skirts, including some fellow Snapdragon team members such as Todd Wells and Brian Jamieson. We are now headed south to the raging blue waters of the Rio Futalefu for some big water play and river running. It is sure to be a blast.

Paul Kuthe

snapdragon — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:15:31 +0000

Paul is featured in Outside Magazine Online. A very nice seven minute video capturing the story of how Paul got into Kayaking.

http://outside.away.com/index.html

Choose video #3, right after Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso

Marcus Demuth – STRANDED

snapdragon — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:20:38 +0000

On January 30th, we stopped our Tierra del Fuego Sea Kayak Expedition. For the past 11 days we were weatherbound in Caleta Falsa, a small bay at the far South Eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego. We made countless break out attempts, but had to return every time back into the shelter of the bay due to the dangerous sea state we encountered every time we stuck our nose out of the shelter of Caleta Falsa. Despite receiving favorable weather forecasts indicating possible paddling days, after rounding Cape San Diego, we only experienced NW winds (headwinds) between 20 and 60 Miles/hr. (measured with our anenometer). Nautical guides and information obtained prior to the trip indicated winds on the East Coast of Tierra del Fuego would be West or South West, which would have resulted in offshore and beam winds, suitable for paddling. However the winds we were encountering in the past 11 days were not only strong headwinds, but also created 15 to 20 foot breaking waves on this very exposed coast, making paddling Northwards difficult to dangerous from our point of view. Because non-paddling days outnumbered paddling days by almost 7 to 1 in the past almost 2 weeks, it became apparent that We would not be able to complete the trip in a reasonable amount of time We would soon run out of food due to the increased number of days spent on land Our safety margin was dwindling, due to increasing numbers of separately small issues that as a whole, resulted in significant safety concerns. These included a broken paddle, dwindling fuel, water and food supplies, lack of weather forecasts (due to low sat phone battery) etc. In addition to the above safety issues, we learned from the Prefectura Naval (Argentinian Coast Guard) that they would not be able to rescue us (by either land or sea) at the highly inaccessible Caleta Falsa, should the need arise to activate our EPIRBs. Landings were too sparse and far apart to accommodate the fast-changing weather Due to the 39ft tidal range, the difficulty and time needed to get onto the water (dragging kayaks and gear for 1/2 Mile) often exceeded the windows of calm weather (we tried this several times but were always forced to turn around). After jointly arriving at the decision to end the trip, we were extremely fortunate to be visited at Caleta Falsa by two (extremely rich) Irish fly fishermen in a privately charted helicopter. After discussions with the pilot we were able to come to terms for a ride to the closest road (100 Miles away) with most of our gear. Our beloved kayaks, unfortunately, were left behind. From our experience, we now believe that for the best chance of making a successful circumnavigation of Tierra del Fuego, that the attempt should be made in a clockwise direction. This said, no one has ever clockwise paddled from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and the difficulty of doing this against the prevailing winds and against the local knowledge should not be underestimated. This was the trip of our lifetime, just a little different than we imagined, but still worth every minute and paddle stroke … www.marcusdemuth.com

Emily Jackson

snapdragon — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:20:23 +0000

I just got back from an amazing trip to Uganda! Most of the time I was working for Soft Power Health and got tons of work done! Made a children’s coloring book on malaria, visted HIV Orphanages, sold nets, family planning, you name it! Read the current article from Planet Green http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/champion-kayaker-donates.html The kayaking was amazing like usual and the skirts held up amazingly, (like usual!) took some huge hits from waves etc and was super stoked on how well the bungee stayed on. Most people say they don’t like using bungee because the potential of implosions, but I still have yet to ever have any problems, and I have been using your skirts for 7 years!

Back in Pucon for the stouts-Jakub Sedivy

snapdragon — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:04:44 +0000

Pucon is like a an immensive eddy. Once you enter, it’s just way to hard to get out . It started raining again and I found myself in Puerto Varas, chilling in my friends Pepe’s casa, drinking beers and preventing some chileand drunk fighting.

http://jakubsedivy.blogspot.com/

Greg Stamer’s Iceland Trip

snapdragon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:27:25 +0000

Lost in Iceland was meant to be different — I forced myself to be uncomfortably honest and open, but I think that made it more human and hopefully, more interesting. I have received more comments on “Lost in Iceland” than all of my other articles combined and its been translated into three additional languages for printing in various magazines and digests. The version presented here is longer than the printed version and includes some text that had to to removed due to space considerations. I hope that you enjoy it. http://www.gregstamer.com/2010/02/04/lost-in-iceland-article-online

Epicocity goes to Southeast Asia

snapdragon — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:32:30 +0000

Friends and supporters of Epicocity,
Trip, Kyle and I are on our way to Bangkok right now for our next National Geographic expedition. For the next 3 weeks we’ll be filming a 1-hour episode of Monster Fish for the National Geographic Channel and beginning our field work for the Elephant Ivory Project.

With Zeb Hogan, we’ll be creating 3D maps of the Khone Falls region of the Mekong River with a custom sonar-equipped Wavesport Habitat. A dam project threatens to disrupt this valuable ecosystem (the world’s largest inland fishery) so we will survey the area and work with local fishermen, scientists and conservationists.

Before we head to the Mekong, we’ll travel to northern Thailand to learn how Asia is working to cut down on elephant poaching. We’ll travel to an elephant reserve and meet anti poaching squads working to stem the flow of illegal ivory.

We’re continuing to develop our real-time social media coverage plan for these expeditions, and part of that plan is working with social media marketing gurus Under Solen Media. With Under Solen, we’ll actively be blogging, tweeting and live tracking via SPOT Satellite Messenger. Our blog is the hub (link below), but we encourage you to work directly with Emily Nuchols to customize content for your social media streams. Expect to hear directly from her in the next few days.

More to come soon…I’ve got a plane to board right now!

Cheers and thanks for all of your support,

Andy Maser

The NEW EP blog: http://epicocity.wordpress.com
Twitter: @epicocity (and @amaser)

snapdragon — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:19:29 +0000

HELP OK folks. If you hadn’t heard, there is another big lawsuit over river access going down on the Taylor River by Gunnison. This one looks more devastating to boaters than the past access lawsuits and has huge ramifications if this bill on Monday doesn’t pass. If you ever want to go boating again down a river other than the Arkansas, copy and paste this email to the Colorado House Judiciary Committee (or make your own). The Committee reviews the bill this Monday February 8th, 2010. Please email your support of Bill 1188 today.

http://m.denverpost.com/denverpost/db_21623/contentdetail.htm;jsessionid=F31A9D500518C1BB3BF2EB5160B59EB6?contentguid=TOTq6cGT&detailindex=0&pn=0&ps=4&full=true ———————————————— Dear Honorable Member of the Colorado House Judiciary Committee: I am writing to state my support for House Bill 1188 that Rep. Kathleen Curry will be presenting to you on Monday February 8, 2010. I ask for your support on this critical issue. A defeat of HB 1188 could have long-lasting, negative effects on the citizens and visitors of our fine state. A defeat of HB 1188 would begin a snowballing effect that could potentially end rafting and kayaking, commercially and privately, on dozens of creeks and rivers across Colorado. Allowing such action to take place would compromise a way of life in Colorado and eliminate millions of tax dollars to state and local governments for decades. Please consider my support for HB 1188 when you make your decision on this important issue and thank you for your time. Sincerely, Chris Baer kathleen.curry.house@state.co.us claire.levy.house@state.co.us beth.mccann.house@state.co.us lois.court.house@state.co.us bob.gardner.house@state.co.us repkagan@gmail.com steve.king.house@state.co.us joe@joemiklosi.com; rep.nikkel@gmail.com; sal.pace.house@state.co.us; su.ryden.house@state.co.us;mark.waller.house@state.co.us

Interview with Seth Warren

snapdragon — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:28:13 +0000

Recently Seth was interviewed by Planet Green (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/seth-warren-nature-propelled.html) regarding his latest endeavor.

Also visit http://www.naturepropelled.com/elements.html

Award-Winning Filmmaker Seth Warren to Screen Latest Film,

Nature Propelled

, at Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT (January 21, 2010)

documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Seth Warren, will take place on Saturday, January

23

show. The film is narrated by acclaimed actor Patrick Stewart.

Following the historic petroleum-free journey captured in his previous documentary,

Warren embarked on another adventure in 2008 in his nature powered fire truck named Baby,

this time tracking the life cycle of water through the seasons for an entire year. Featuring stunning

and often daring footage,

renewable energy, adventure sports, and practical ways that individuals can use these elements

to power their lifestyles. Through its themes of adventure, education, and conservation,

Propelled

stewards.

The film’s world premiere took place at the 8

in Nevada City, CA on January 16

Warren’s previous film,

Picture at the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival, the People’s Choice award at the Wild &

Scenic Environmental Film Festival, and Best Environmental Film at the Taos Mountain Film

Festival.

– A screening of Nature Propelled, the newrd at 7:00 p.m. at Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake City during the Outdoor Retailer tradeOil + Water,Nature Propelled demonstrates the connection between the elements,Natureaims to motivate and inspire the next generation of environmental activists andth Annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festivalth, 2010.Oil + Water, has won more than 35 film festival awards, including Best

Elements Tour 2010

In addition to producing films, Warren also created the Elements Tour in 2006, which adopts a

new theme for each tour. The next tour will travel to 10 western U.S. cities during the summer of

2010 to inspire and support wilderness conservation efforts and to address the important

connection between conservation and outdoor recreation. The tour will work with grassroots

environmental organizations, educators, and athletes to spread this message through events

centered on the themes of environmental education, adventure, outdoor recreation, science, film,

art, music, and local food.

For more information

:

Visit www.naturepropelled.com, www.oilandwaterproject.org,

www.twitter.com/elementstour

www.facebook.com/elementstour,

The Elements Tour is sponsored by the following socially responsible companies: KAVU, KEEN,

and Clif Bar.

Media Contact

:

Shawn Carkonen

Elements Tour Manager

elementstourpr@gmail.com

206.718.7539

Nature Propelled

, at Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT (January 21, 2010)

documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Seth Warren, will take place on Saturday, January

23

show. The film is narrated by acclaimed actor Patrick Stewart.

Following the historic petroleum-free journey captured in his previous documentary,

Warren embarked on another adventure in 2008 in his nature powered fire truck named Baby,

this time tracking the life cycle of water through the seasons for an entire year. Featuring stunning

and often daring footage,

renewable energy, adventure sports, and practical ways that individuals can use these elements

to power their lifestyles. Through its themes of adventure, education, and conservation,

Propelled

stewards.

The film’s world premiere took place at the 8

in Nevada City, CA on January 16

Warren’s previous film,

Picture at the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival, the People’s Choice award at the Wild &

Scenic Environmental Film Festival, and Best Environmental Film at the Taos Mountain Film

Festival.

– A screening of Nature Propelled, the newrd at 7:00 p.m. at Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake City during the Outdoor Retailer tradeOil + Water,Nature Propelled demonstrates the connection between the elements,Natureaims to motivate and inspire the next generation of environmental activists andth Annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festivalth, 2010.Oil + Water, has won more than 35 film festival awards, including Best

Elements Tour 2010

In addition to producing films, Warren also created the Elements Tour in 2006, which adopts a

new theme for each tour. The next tour will travel to 10 western U.S. cities during the summer of

2010 to inspire and support wilderness conservation efforts and to address the important

connection between conservation and outdoor recreation. The tour will work with grassroots

environmental organizations, educators, and athletes to spread this message through events

centered on the themes of environmental education, adventure, outdoor recreation, science, film,

art, music, and local food.

For more information

:

Visit www.naturepropelled.com, www.oilandwaterproject.org,

www.twitter.com/elementstour

www.facebook.com/elementstour,

The Elements Tour is sponsored by the following socially responsible companies: KAVU, KEEN,

and Clif Bar.

Media Contact

:

Shawn Carkonen

Elements Tour Manager

elementstourpr@gmail.com

206.718.7539

Nature Propelled

, at Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT (January 21, 2010)

documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Seth Warren, will take place on Saturday, January

23

show. The film is narrated by acclaimed actor Patrick Stewart.

Following the historic petroleum-free journey captured in his previous documentary,

Warren embarked on another adventure in 2008 in his nature powered fire truck named Baby,

this time tracking the life cycle of water through the seasons for an entire year. Featuring stunning

and often daring footage,

renewable energy, adventure sports, and practical ways that individuals can use these elements

to power their lifestyles. Through its themes of adventure, education, and conservation,

Propelled

stewards.

The film’s world premiere took place at the 8

in Nevada City, CA on January 16

Warren’s previous film,

Picture at the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival, the People’s Choice award at the Wild &

Scenic Environmental Film Festival, and Best Environmental Film at the Taos Mountain Film

Festival.

– A screening of Nature Propelled, the newrd at 7:00 p.m. at Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake City during the Outdoor Retailer tradeOil + Water,Nature Propelled demonstrates the connection between the elements,Natureaims to motivate and inspire the next generation of environmental activists andth Annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festivalth, 2010.Oil + Water, has won more than 35 film festival awards, including Best

Elements Tour 2010

In addition to producing films, Warren also created the Elements Tour in 2006, which adopts a

new theme for each tour. The next tour will travel to 10 western U.S. cities during the summer of

2010 to inspire and support wilderness conservation efforts and to address the important

connection between conservation and outdoor recreation. The tour will work with grassroots

environmental organizations, educators, and athletes to spread this message through events

centered on the themes of environmental education, adventure, outdoor recreation, science, film,

art, music, and local food.

For more information

:

Visit www.naturepropelled.com, www.oilandwaterproject.org,

www.twitter.com/elementstour

www.facebook.com/elementstour,

The Elements Tour is sponsored by the following socially responsible companies: KAVU, KEEN,

and Clif Bar.

Media Contact

:

Shawn Carkonen

Elements Tour Manager

elementstourpr@gmail.com

206.718.7539

Misha Hoichman in 2009

snapdragon — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:28:02 +0000

Here is a link to Misha Hoichman’s slide show of his 2009 trips to Alaska (Whittier to Valdez) and to the Faroe Islands.

Good photography of some really great scenery!