Tour de Narrows

By Eric Stalowy

The Narrows is probably most notorious for its ease of access, reliable year round flow, quality of rapids (especially the Big Three), and as a training ground for some of the best paddlers history has yet to produce. For many paddlers it is a milestone in their paddling career that either satisfies ones adrenaline needs or sends them off in search for more. For me the Green is all of these things, however, there is one other aspect about the Narrows that keeps me coming back again and again. One of my greatest pleasures about kayaking is seeing the expression on peoples faces when they accomplish something for the first time, and I love to see the smile on peoples faces when they reach the take out for the Green after their inaugural run.
This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking down a good friend of mine for his second time down the Narrows. Now I know it wasn’t Charles’s first time down, but those new to the river seldom lose their expression of pure elation so quickly…if they lose it at all. Charles did great and is a really good paddler. His cautious approach to the rapids was a refreshing reminder that any of the rapids on that river have the potential to make a good day… a real bad one.
Charles was also kind enough to set aside his excitement and snap what I thought was going to be, "just a few photos". As it turns out, Charles and I shot just about every rapid. It turned out really well because Charles had the opportunity to scout every rapid and watch my lines as I went through, seeing where to go and in some cases seeing where not to go :). Luckily Charles is great at taking photos and I think we ended up with some good shots. My wife Lindsay also hiked in and was able to get some great shots of her own. It’s pretty nice having a partner who doesn’t mind hiking through the mud to take a few photos.
Needless to say, Charles and I had a great day on the river. It probably took us three hours to get down, which for some is enough time to get three to four runs in. At the end of the day though, Charles and I were all smiles. Hope you enjoy the photos and the slide show. Peace
Eric Stalowy

Green River Slideshow