Cheat Fest by Will Richardson | May 9, 2005 | Whitewater | 0 comments May 9, 2005 Hey Guys: All the way up to West Virginia I watched as time rolled back to when the leaves were just coming out on the trees – redbuds and dogwoods the only thing out. The weather was cool, and the kayakers were just getting out and fired up for the first warm runs of the season. is a gathering to support the cleanup and preservation of the Cheat River Canyon and it’s tributaries through ‘Friends of the Cheat’ and AW. The mining damage of the past is plainly visible in the bright orange rocks that line every tributary creek, but the river itself is improving. This was the first time I’ve ever seen fish jumping in the pools and fishermen on the banks – so recovery is happening. An estimated 3000 people gathered along the banks of the put-in to listen to bluegrass, check out the new kayaking products, peruse the craft fair, and see old friends. An of course, every WV kayaker from the history of the sport showed up too. There were the Snyder brothers, Dave Bassage, Keith Backlund, Puff, Stroh, John Mason, Mary Kaye and Paul from PS composites, Tom Love and numerous other plus Risa Shimoda, Charlie Walbridge, and other hard-core activists who also paddle. It was a serious social fest and Maker’s Mark helped keep the conversations going late into the night. The river was running around 2.5 and the Cheat is one great play run. So many playspots and so long a day, most everyone was pooped and partying anyway at the fest. The All-star was perfect: short enough to loop up the shallow slopers and slicey enough to flop all over the eddylines, holes, and the abundant flatwater in between. And good thing it is comfortable – we spent 4.5 hours on the water the first day and I didn’t even get out of my boat! Highlights: Right blunts at Big Nasty, lunar orbits, felix’s and tricky-woo’s and at Cue-ball, huge loops on the right above Coleseum (sp), and all the little slots and breaking waves along the way. Another highlight – Christie D’s Lotus booth raised $400 (which I heard will get matched!) for the preservation of the Jenkensberg Bridge take out area (which use to be a real dump). Protecting paddler access to this river access is neccessary to paddling Cheat Canyon or the Big Sandy River – and it’s and amazing place to just swim, fish, and camp when the water is low. This was the first time I’ve seen it without tires, cars, and appliances scattered down the bank – so Friends of the Cheat has been an amazing success here as well. Great event and one seriously playable run. Hope all’s well where you are – Clay Submit a Comment Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ